Progress 2022 by The Farmville Herald

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S S E N R

2 2 0 2 S S E R G O PR

A special supplement of The Farmville Herald, The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch and The Charlotte Gazette

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Touching lives of all ages BY CRYSTAL VANDEGRIFT

“A

ll of us in this community are interconnected, and we can, should and must help neighbors in need,” said Sharon Harrup, President and CEO of STEPS. For 46 years, the community action organization has been working to make the community and the individuals that live there a better place. STEPS was founded in 1976 by a core group of dedicated parents and volunteers interested in providing job training/jobs for individuals with disabilities. Initially, STEPS served the Farmville area but expanded services in 1982 to include Amelia, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Nottoway, Prince Edward and the eastern part of Appomattox County. According to Harrup, STEPS was designated as the Community Action Agency for Amelia, Buckingham, Cumberland, Nottoway, Lunenburg and Prince Edward County in 2014 and now provides services in 11 counties. “STEPS is a hub of community partners that plays a vital role in pulling together available resources,” Harrup said. “Every program aims at helping the vulnerable and/ STEPS President and CEO Sharon Harrup talks with employees at the organization’s recycling and or impoverished overcome personal barriers. We see the secure document destruction operation.

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value of our services on a personal level and know that we are making a difference. Last year, STEPS touched 2,747 lives in the region. From employing individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, operating a recycling program, a head start program, to housing programs, STEPS has grown and evolved over the years. “What once was a tiny manufacturing operation providing job training and work experiences for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities now does so much more,” Harrup said. “We still employ folks with disabilities in our recycling and secure document destruction operations, but we now help children get the educational foundation they need through Head Start and Early Head Start, provide homelessness prevention services through the Virginia Homeless Solutions Program, offer job training for out of school youth ages 16-24 through our Workforce Innovation

Opportunity Act (WIOA) program and seniors through the Senior Community Service Employment Program, energy assistance for those who have fallen behind on their power bills, and work with individuals and families to break generational poverty barriers in our innovative Whole Family project.” Harrup shared that even though change is the one constant in life and business that can bring uncertainties, the organization does not want to become stagnant. “We strive to understand the complexity of issues confronting our communities and to be proactive,” she said. “We are constantly evaluating the needs of our community, planning and exploring resources to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.” One way STEPS confronts issues in the region is by recently establishing a Homeless Housing Task Force after learning of many needs in the community where emergency shelter for individuals and families

This six-man recycling crew helps turn mountains of cardboard and plastics discarded from local households into items that can be reused thereby helping the environment. From left, are James Hatcher, Troy Winn, Crew Leader Jarvis Mason, David Buchanan, Graham Lawrence and Reggie Shaw.

experiencing homelessness is greatly needed. According to Harrup, the task force is working to build a Tiny Home Village in Farmville that will help address the need. “We are meeting a great need,” Harrup said. “Our tagline is “Moving Lives Forward,” and our mission is

to “lead, coordinate, create and deliver quality opportunities to impact self-sufficiency and reduce poverty throughout our region.” We are doing this to the best of our abilities; STEPS helps people because it is the right thing to do, but also because, if we fail, many will fall through the cracks and lose hope.”

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50 years of real estate BY ALEXA MASSEY

FARMVILLE

he family members and employees of State Wide Realty Co., a veteran-owned business located in Farmville, have been providing top-quality real estate services in Southside Virginia since 1972. Together, team members work each day to find customers the perfect property to fit each and every need. According to Farmville native and Company President/Principal Broker Larry Atkins, the company was founded 50 years ago when Atkins and his father, Basil Atkins, decided to go into business together. “We opened on my birthday, Aug. 1, 1972,” he recalled. Atkins, who served for four years in the U.S. Air Force, was the youngest person in Virginia to obtain a real estate license at just 15 years old. When the duo started the firm together, the goal was simple: to provide real estate services to people in the area from someone they could truly trust.

Dealing in residential properties, land and commercial development, State Wide Realty Co. has built a reputation of honesty and trustworthiness. Atkins says the business is also known for being the top selling real estate office in South Central Virginia year after year. And, as the name implies, State Wide Realty Co. is more than just a local real estate agency. Atkins and his agents do business across the commonwealth, connecting countless Virginians with the perfect piece of property. And with two full-time staff members and 14 agents, including Atkins’ children, Sheri and Bryan, the business has become a family with members who work together to make things run smoothly. “We all treat each other like family, even if we are not technically,” Atkins said. “We can rely on each other for advice, help and not to do something that would hurt another one of us.” As someone who was born and raised in the town of Farmville, Atkins said there’s a lot that makes this community the perfect place for the

State Wide Realty Co. President and Principal Broker Larry Atkins started the business together with his father in 1972. Atkins was the youngest person in Virginia to obtain a real estate license at 15.

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State Wide Realty Co.’s agents possess over 400 years of combined real estate experience.

business. “Knowing the community so well allows me a unique advantage when helping others choose where to plant their roots here,” he said. And if 50 years in the business

wasn’t proof enough that State Wide Realty Co. belongs in Farmville, the business brought home numerous titles from The Farmville Herald’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards, including awards for best real estate agency,

best broker and best commercial realtor as well as a finalist award for best realtor. With local roots and a statewide impact, plus agents who possess over 400 years of combined real

estate experience, State Wide Realty Co. serves as a prime example of a local business that has thrived for decades thanks to family members and employees who work together to make great things happen.

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Keeping it in the family BY CRYSTAL VANDEGRIFT

harlotte County is not home to many businesses, but for one family-owned business, they have made serving the citizens of the county a way of life. Tri-County Ford Inc., located in Keysville, is locally owned and operated by the Harding family. The dealership was founded 38 years ago by Charles and Betty Harding in 1984 to sell and service automobiles in Southside, CHARLOTTE Virginia. “We are the only new vehicle franchised dealer in Charlotte County,” said President and General Manager Mark Harding. “We are able to take care of our customers and provide local, quality vehicles and service right here in the county, and our No. 1 goal is customer satisfaction.” Though Tri-County Ford has grown over the years and today the dealership is located in a state of the art building, that was not always the case. “We started in the town of Keysville in a very old, small building,” Harding said. “We have been able to grow and expand into our current location where Tri-County Ford Inc. located in Keysville has been in business for 38 years.

we are able to service all types of vehicles.” Harding said the new location offers customers a much better experience with state-of-the-art diagnostic and repair solutions.” As with most businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused some challenges for the dealership. “Currently, the biggest challenge we face is a supply shortage of both new and used vehicles, as well as part delays that are interrupting our ability to make timely repairs to vehicles,” Harding said. With the pandemic, Harding said the dealership has been able to put in place a new service that makes buying a vehicle a little easier. “We now offer remote sales that allow our customers to sign paperwork remotely,” Harding said. “We continue to offer free vehicle pick-up for service, and we will bring cars to your home or work to look at for your purchase consideration, and our website is more interactive to allow for credit applications, service schedule and purchase inquiry. All of the services, new and old, offered by Tri-County Ford is what has made them a customer favorite. According to Harding, Tri-County Ford is the proud recipient of Ford’s

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Charles and Betty Harding who founded Tri-County Ford Inc. in 1984.

prestigious President’s Award for customer satisfaction three separate times. Awards for customer service are something the dealership is proud of, but Harding said having a family-owned business is very special. “Having a family-owned business allows us to support local charities and give back to our community,” Harding said. “It allows us to support those who support us.”

Carl Lee Robbins works on a Ford Flex in the new service department that offers state of the art diagnostic and repair solutions.

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Tri-County Ford’s staff is ready to help you with all of your automotive needs. Pictured are, from left, Carl Lee Robbins, Meade Woosley, Billy Gibbs, Art Muniz, Tremaine Pugh, Sandra Duffey, Jerry Wade, Mark Harding, Lynn Williams, Herby Bolick, Brenda Lawson, Ethan Miller, Wayne Seamster and Jay Willis. Not pictured: Aaron White, Justin Stanifer, and Dianne Hearn.

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A brotherhood working together BY ALEXA MASSEY

brotherhood of local boys is learning each day what it means to work together in order to better the community and grow into exemplary young men through the local Fresh Boyz Club and Fresh Boyz Junior organization. Founded in 2008 and 2017, FARMVILLE respectively, the clubs are a lifelong brotherhood dedicated to the betterment of local youth by giving their members opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in service to others, achieve academic excellence and practice personal integrity. According to Club President/ Founder Louis C. Gould III, the objectives of the groups are to stimulate the ambition of their members

Gould says the goal of the group has always been to create and mold young leaders who will be able to adopt and conquer any challenge in life.

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science. He said he was inspired to create a group that could impact the local youth in a positive manner, focusing on pushing its members to excel academically and be active in the community. “The goal has always been to create and mold young leaders who will be able to adopt and conquer any challenge in Fresh Boyz Junior club members Logan and Dashar life,” he said. “The tools take part in an event at the FACES Food Pantry. and the lessons that we provide to each member and prepare them for middle school, will assist with accomplishing that high school and life after high goal.” school, all while pushing the boys The Fresh Boyz Club recruits memto be successful and help others to bers starting in the eighth grade, achieve a higher social and intellecwhile Fresh Boyz Junior recruits tual status. members starting at the age of 8. CurGould, a Prince Edward County rently, the Fresh Boyz Club includes Public Schools grad and Longwood 12 active members, and the Fresh University alumnus, currently works Boyz Junior group has approximately at Prince Edward Middle School 30 members. where he teaches U.S. history and Together, these young men par-

ticipate in a variety of enriching grow into exemplary citizens. activities such as volunteering at the Tylic Vaughan, Gould’s brother, local FACES Food Pantry and putbecame a member in 2008 and ting on the group’s annual Feed the currently serves as vice president Community of the Fresh Thanksgiving Boyz Club. event where Resident the brotherCamden hood serves Libby serves and delivers as chapter food to those president in need. for the Fresh The “freshBoyz Club’s boyz,” as they Prince Edare called, ward Chapter. also work Elijah Taylor together each serves as vice year to put president of on a special the chapter. Mother’s Day The club Week event also has a where the Cumberland boys give Chapter led away gifts all Fresh Boyz Club Vice President Tylic by President week to their Vaughan, left, and President Louis C. Gould Calvin Foster moms and III pose for a photo. The pair of brothers work and Vice Presdistribute 100 together to help lead the group. ident Jahiem roses to 100 Mays. mothers each Mother’s Day weekend. Gould noted it is important that Gould noted the group’s favorite the freshboyz demonstrate good event is “FRESHWEEK,” an annual communication skills, responsibility celebration of the Fresh Boyz Club’s and maturity. They must be able anniversary which the freshboyz to balance school, extracurricular spend giving back to the communiactivities and friendship and pledge ty. to always be hardworking, better “The boys love giving back and than average and held accountable seeing people smile,” Gould said. for their actions. “They enjoy supporting their com“Further, we will affirm and upmunity they live in.” hold the universal values of honesTo help support the freshboyz in ty, loyalty and compassion, which their endeavors, Gould has amassed are key values of our brotherhood,” a team of local men to help lead the he said. groups and inspire the members to Gould added no freshboy is

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perfect, and each member is a work in progress. “The boys do make mistakes; however, they have a great support system to teach them how to overcome their obstacles and become the best version of themselves possible. These boys love their community, and their hearts are pure.” When asked what it means to be a freshboy, leaders and members spoke to the impact the club has had on them. “Being a freshboy means being dedicated to what you do, giving back and making sure you are doing right at all times,” Taylor said. Members of the Fresh Boyz Club and Fresh Boyz Junior participate in the “Being a freshboy means serving your community, giving back and having fun just have to make sure you do well in school. They while doing so,” Libby added. don’t play about that. It’s fun to be around your “I enjoy being a freshboy,” said member Melbrothers and help the community.” vin Wright III. “We do a lot for the community. I “It’s been an eye-opening experience and will be encourage other boys to join. They make sure you an everlasting journey,” Vaughan commented. “I are always good.” can say that being a part of this brotherhood/or“To be a part of the Fresh Boyz has been excitganization has taught me how to be a team player ing and fun,” member Malik Jones added. “You and the importance of giving back to my commu-

Farmville Jaycees Christmas Parade of 2021.

nity. This experience also helped me come to the realization of something that was scarce within my community, and that was having a positive influence on the youth from every aspect.” Gould said anyone who wishes to donate to the organization can make checks payable to FreshBoyzClub or send a payment through Cash App to $freshboyzclub.

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A trucking legacy, 50 years in the making BY ALEXA MASSEY

s you drive down Highway 460 in Rice, it is easy to spot J.R. Tharpe Trucking Co.’s large American flag waving proudly over the business’ location on Pisgah Church Road. An American-made and American-proud company PRINCE EDWARD that is known for giving back to its community, J.R. Tharpe Trucking is also well known for its huge fleet of brightly colored and unique trucks. But this local business, 50 years in the making, is perhaps best known for its dedicated work and the smiling faces and loving family behind that dedication. When the business was originally founded back in 1971 by James

Tharpe, J.R. Tharpe Trucking was a small trucking operation that mainly provided hauling services for Luck Stone at the company’s Burkeville plant. Today, after five decades in the business, J.R. Tharpe Trucking is owned by James’ son, Tim Tharpe, who also serves as the company’s president. The bulk of Tharpe’s operations include transporting stone, sand, lime, dirt and landscaping products. Although the business started off small, today, J.R. Tharpe Trucking services a large coverage area across Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, D.C. and West Virginia. Business is booming, and to top off its 50th anniversary, the company recently hit 100 trucks in its fleet, a personal goal of Tim’s for years. The company, Tim noted, keeps its fleet up to date, running newer

model trucks and keeping them as clean as possible. Tharpe’s trucks are easily recognizable as they traverse the highway. The fleet is filled with brightly colored vehicles, many of which have their own fun theme to set them apart and make them unique. The business has a Longwood University-themed truck as well as a truck for the Hampden-Sydney Tigers. There’s even a Virginia Tech Hokie-themed truck What started out as a small trucking operation has expandand a bright ed over 50 years into a successful trucking company with orange Universi100 trucks and a coverage area stretching across Virginia, ty of Tennessee North Carolina, Maryland, D.C. and West Virginia. truck to honor Tharpe’s two children who are curlar sight in the area and has been rently attending university. used at countless events to spread According to Tim, attaching support for cancer victims. themes to the trucks began decades Since then, J.R. Tharpe Trucking ago when the company purchased has had numerous trucks decoa bright pink dump truck. Tim and rated to spread cancer awareness. his wife, Lisa, designed the truck There’s also trucks in the fleet to honor breast cancer awareness. that promote local high schools, The truck quickly became a poputhe Wounded Warrior Project, ALS

awareness and more. great trucking legacy.” J.R. Tharpe Trucking is one of While the business was originally Prince Edward County’s largest located in Burkeville, operations businesses. The company currently moved to Pisgah Church Road in employees 120 people, from CDL Rice in 2014. truck drivers and equipment operaTim says J.R. Tharpe Trucking tors to dispatchers, is fortunate to be mechanics and located in Prince office staff. Edward for multiple For Tim, it’s those reasons. hundreds of ded“This Rice locaicated employees tion is central to which have helped our hauling area to make the compaand target market. ny what it is today. It is also locat“We have been ed strategically blessed to have between the Luck so many valuable Stone Burkeville employees who and Prince Edward remain dedicated Quarry plants. Luck to our company for Stone is one of our years, helping to biggest customers build the business, and has been for and make it the our past 50 years in success it is today,” business,” he nothe said. “Our main ed. “I have always goal is not only had a good working to deliver quality relationship with products, but also J.R. Tharpe Trucking Co. Owner the counties in our to deliver reliable and President Tim Tharpe loves operating zone. I customer service. to give back to his community. am optimistic and Working togethHe recently received the top look forward to the er as a team, on honor of the Melvin Jones Award potential growth every level, is what from the Lions Club for his outthat is forthcoming sets us apart and standing philanthropic support of in these areas.” keeps our compathe local Lions. Tim is passionate ny growing and about giving back prospering.” to his community. He serves on A long-time local raised in Drakes several organizations as a member Branch, Tim graduated from of the board of directors, includRandolph-Henry High and studied ing Centra Southside Community business at Longwood University. Hospital, Citizens Bank & Trust, the He attributes much of his trucking Prince Edward IDA Board and the knowledge to hands-on learning local YMCA. while working alongside his father, The business itself has been givstarting from a very young age. ing back to its community since its “The foundation this company existence, supporting numerous lowas built on is directly driven from cal organizations, non-profits, civic my father’s determination, values, groups and several area volunteer integrity, unbelievable work ethic, fire departments. and the dedicated support of my “We are also proud to be one of mother Ann, who is a true angel the founding fathers of a new local walking this Earth. I have also had law enforcement foundation that the good fortune to work closely for supports families of fallen officers,” many years with my sister Donna, he added. “It is very important to niece Danielle, and other family support the area in which you live members in continuing my father’s and do business.”

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A green thumb getaway BY ALEXA MASSEY

hether you’re looking for help with a new project in the garden, landscaping services or an adorable gift for someone special, The Farmer’s Daughters is Prince Edward is a onestop shop for creating an indoor or outdoor oasis. PRINCE EDWARD Located at 24120 Prince Edward Highway in Rice, The Farmer’s Daughters was founded in 2000 by Owner/Operator Carolyn Bowman who previously worked selling ads for a local radio station. Carolyn and her sisters used their father, Corbett Lee Bowman, as inspiration for the store and its namesake. “Our dad taught us a good work ethic, and he was our biggest champion. He was right in here working with us and cheering us on,” Carolyn said of her father, who passed away nine years ago. “He taught us to work as a team and have our spats and get over it.” The Farmer’s Daughters started out as a 20

It’s impossible not to stop by The Farmer’s Daughters when passing by on Prince Edward Highway. The business has a wide variety of flowers, shrubs and trees, landscaping supplies and even a gift shop.

ft. x 20 ft. storage shed and a 50 ft. greenhouse located out of Burkeville. After seven years, the business was moved to its current Rice location, and the store has become a local favorite. Those familiar with The Farmer’s Daughters know the shop is a family business through and through. Of Carolyn’s five sisters, three work

alongside her, including Penny Osborne, Janet Elliott and Sherry Bowman. The sisters aren’t the only team members who make the business a success. Carolyn’s son, Corbett Wade Bowman, also works at the shop, as does Penny’s daughter, Emily, and Janet’s children, Emma, Zeb and Sierra. Cousin Nikki

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Family is a huge part of the inspiration behind The Farmer’s Daughters in Rice. Above, from left, are family members Sherry Bowman, Penny Osborne, Carolyn Bowman, Lottie Bowman, Janet Elliott and Rosa Osborne.

Nunnally can be found at the store on weekends. “You’ll also see Caitlyn if you come by,” Carolyn noted. “We have seasonal help that works during our busy season.” If you’ve never been lucky enough to stop by The Farmer’s Daughters, you’re likely wondering about their inventory, which may be best described as heaven for any Southerner with a green thumb. Inside the gift shop, folks can find just about everything, from decorative flags to windchimes, pictures, signs, SimplySouthern clothing and other great gifts. For those looking to spruce up the front or backyard, The Farmer’s Daughters sells annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees from the business’ greenhouses. The daughters also sell mulches and soils that can be loaded onto trucks and trailers with the store’s front end loader tractors. In addition

to delivering mulch, The Farmer’s Daughters offers a variety of landscaping services. “Our landscaping crew handles residential and commercial homes. We do mulching, cleanup, and install. We also can handle stone work,” Carolyn noted. According to Carolyn, at The Farmer’s Daughters, customer service is always the main focus, and employees always strive to provide a great shopping experience for customers. “We love our customers, and we love what we do,” she said. “We hope to continue providing a great shopping experience for years to come.” With more than two decades of serving the community under the business’ belt, Carolyn attributes those years of success to the Lord. “We rely on our faith to make it,” she said. “God has provided for all our needs for years.”

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Making a successful business, together BY ALEXA MASSEY

CUMBERLAND

family business generawhere he met his future wife, Betty tions in the making has Scott Jacobs. been supplying CumberAfter graduating high school, W.C. land and its surroundwent on to attend Hampden-Sydney ing communities with some of the College where he majored in polithighest quality construction and ical science and joined Sigma Nu renovation products for more than Fraternity. 45 years. After college, W.C. found he was Cumberland Building Supply, unsure about what career choice located at 2038 Anderson Hwy. in would be best. He worked many Cumberland County, is a prime different jobs before he and Betexample of a ty married local business in 1979 and filled with emmoved back ployees who to Farmville work together where they into keep stantended to raise dards high and children. prices competFor a period itive, but many of time, W.C. may not be faworked with miliar with the his in-laws at story behind Cedarbrook the business’ Cumberland Building Supply President Restaurant. success. William Carrington Sprouse Jr., right, He also spent Company joined the business when his son, Scott time working President Sprouse, left, was just 3. Today, Scott with his father William works with his father as the business’ vice at Sprouse’s Carrington president and a salesman. Corner selling Sprouse Jr. real estate. But “W.C.” grew up on Sprouse’s Corner it would be another family business in Buckingham County surroundwhich opened the door to a compaed by beautiful land and plenty of ny which has since become a county family businesses lining the streets. staple. In the eighth grade, W.C., a lover According to W.C, Cumberland of sports and outdoor activities, Building Supply began in 1974 as attended Prince Edward Academy Yoder Building Supply. The business

Cumberland Building Supply was founded in 1974 as Yoder Building Supply before later being purchased by the Sprouse family.

was started by a group of Mennonites that had moved to the area a few years prior. It was a rough time for the industry due to high interest, and by ‘79, the group decided to sell the business and move. It was W.C.’s father and another business partner who purchased the company which was then renamed to Cumberland Building Supply, but neither individual had enough time to help run the business. At age 30, W.C. began working at Cumberland Building Supply. Later, with some borrowed money from his grandmother and the bank, he bought his father’s business partner’s portion of the company. “Best move I ever made,” W.C. recalled. “It made me want to go to work every day and I put my heart and soul into it. I began to love it, and it was mine and Dad’s.” Business started getting better and better, and the family finally began to see a profit from their investment. After several years, a third generation of the Sprouse family would join the business. W.C.’s son, Scott Carrington Sprouse, was just 3 when his father joined the business. An athlete like his father, Scott attended Fuqua School in Farmville and went on to James Madison University where he studied accounting and met his wife, Erin.

The couple worked in Manassas for some time before moving back to the area in 2006. It was at that time that W.C. asked his son to join the company. “I said to Scott, ‘Scott, have you ever considered going to work for me?’ His response was, ‘I thought you would never ask!’” Today, Cumberland Building Supply is one of the county’s bestknown businesses, and there’s a whole team of people behind the company’s success. The shop currently has 17 different employees including W.C., company president; Scott, vice president and salesman; and W.C.’s wife, Betty, who serves as secretary and treasurer. From salespeople to lumber purchasers, bookkeepers, drivers, assistants and more, W.C.’s team works hard, and the company’s sales volume is at an all-time high. Some workers, such as employees Omar and Charlene Stoltzfus, have been with the business since the days of Yoder Building Supply. For W.C., there’s a lot of factors that make the area the perfect spot for the shop. “The best part of working in Cumberland, Buckingham, Prince Edward, Powhatan, Amelia, etc. is that it is rural,” he noted. “Everybody knows everybody. Our base is contractors. If you are a contractor

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Family friends and Cumberland Building Supply employees Charlene and Omar Stoltzfus pose for a picture.

The company provides high-quality construction and renovation products at competitive prices.

and don’t treat your customer right, pretty soon, everyone will know. So, our customer base is quality contractors that pay their bills. We deal with the same people day in and day out. We become friends with most of them,” he continued. “I think smalltime contractors that do quality

work are some of the best people on earth.” And of course, a prime location doesn’t hurt. Located right on Rt. 60, Cumberland Building Supply is easily visible to passersby, and with approximately 75% of sales needing to be delivered to the customer, Rt.

60 makes it easy for the employees to get from point A to point B quickly and efficiently. “The main thing I want people to know about Cumberland Building Supply is that we have quality employees who care about getting it right,” W.C. said. “They go out of

their way to sell you exactly what you want or need.” It is that family of employees to whom W.C. attributes the business’ success and the pleasant working environment. “Working at CBS has been a real joy,” he said.

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More than filling empty bellies

BY CRYSTAL VANDEGRIFT

LUNENBURG

ust because someone is in need you may not always know or see their need — but the need is there. For 23 years the The Peoples Community Center Food Pantry (TPCC) has been feeding people in Lunenburg County who would otherwise go hungry. With the help of her mom, Donna Dagner opened the TPCC Food Pantry 23 years ago with the support of The Peoples Community Center Board of Directors. “During our initial training, we learned that many people go to bed hungry,” Dagner said. “I remember asking my mom if she thought there were citizens in Lunenburg County who went to bed hungry. Her response to me was, ‘We may not see it in our social circles, but there are many out there that could benefit

from TPCC Food Pantry.’” Dagner said three months after opening, a lady with young children came in and shared that the only thing she had in her refrigerator for the past three days was water. “At that point, I was convinced that this program was a necessity,” she said. The vast majority of individuals and families accessing food pantries and other charitable food programs are food insecure, meaning that there is a limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate foods. According to Dagner, 20% of the households within the region are in what’s considered a “food desert.” This is described as an area where there is minimal access to healthy foods. Additionally, 20% of the households they serve describe

Volunteers Lefone Stokes, Pamela Johnson and Mary Owens, spend their morning each Thursday checking in individuals at the food pantry.

their situation as “food insecure.” This means they do not have access to food that supports a healthy lifestyle and may not always feel adequate supply due to financial limitations. With the COVID-19 pandemic, Dagner said she has seen the need for food increase. Over the two years, TPCC has had an influx of new clients. “For every 10 clients served, three were new or first-time applicants,” Dagner said. “The economic impact of the pandemic has meant longterm financial hardship for many.” Dagner said currently TPCC is serving an average of 1,400 people per month. “Looking at our numbers, the sta-

tistics show our Pre-Covid number has increased 100%.” Dagner said. Food pantries are often the only source of free healthy and nutritious food in a neighborhood, and they often provide other critical resources such as nutrition education, health screenings, seasonal food baskets and back to school supplies. Each Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Peoples Community Center, a host of volunteers come in early and begin unpacking food items, lining table after table with bread, produce, canned goods and more for those who are waiting for their weekly “shopping trip.” Dagner said the organization’s success is due to partnerships with local civic organizations, social

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Those who visit the food pantry can “shop” each week for a variety of food items that they may not otherwise have access to.

clubs, the local court system, businesses and churches in the community and the Lunenburg County School System. “We get food donations from Publix, Walmart, Food Lion, Richlands Creamery and FeedMore,” Dagner said. In addition to the weekly distributions Feedmore delivers 30,000 pounds of non perishables and perishables that are distributed Wednesday, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; and Friday 9 a.m.-noon. “We pack and distribute 250 pre-packed boxes of non perishables and perishables,” Dagner said. “This box contains canned fruits and vegetables, breakfast cereal; lean protein items and two to three meats.” The organization also distributes 190 Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) boxes. This food assistance program focuses on low income seniors 60+, who are at risk of malnutrition. “This program provides wholesome food while helping them stretch their food budget,” Dagner added. “Included in this box are food items that are high in protein such as canned salmon, tuna, peanut butter, breakEach Thursday, volunteers meet at The Peoples Community Center fast cereal, boxed cheese, canned vegetables to help individuals pick fresh produce and other items that have and fruits.” been donated to the food pantry.

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Girl Scouts make change together

BY ALEXA MASSEY

CUMBERLAND

troop of young ladies in Cumberland County has worked together to earn badges, awards and friendship through the Girl Scouts, all while giving back to the community. Led by lifelong Cumberland resident Jennifer Turner, Cumberland Troop 5201 is composed of local seventh grade girls in their Cadette level of scouting. Since its founding in 2015, the group has committed itself to a mission of community service while adhering to the tenets of the Girl Scout Law: to strive to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong and responsible for what they say and do, to respect themselves and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place and — of course — to be sisters to every Girl Scout. While the young ladies of Troop 5201 work closely with other troops throughout their council, this year, the group decided to enroll solely seventh grade girls in order to streamline progress toward high awards and requirements for bridging to the next level of scouting come fall of 2023. When there is a project or need in the community, the girls of Troop 5201 are known to arrive ready to roll up their sleeves and put in some

work, and some of the group’s most active members include scouts Peyton Turner and Claire Tucker. Peyton, Jennifer’s daughter, has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten and attends Cumberland Middle School. Claire is currently homeschooled, and both girls are aiming to earn their Silver Award this year. Troop 5201 truly embodies the concept of “togetherness,” through its numerous projects which have given back to Cumberland residents. One of the projects the girls are most proud of is the Diversity in Children’s Literature Partnership which they recently established with the Cumberland County Public library. Through the project, the girls surveyed the community to determine interests and needs of the population in order to put together a collection of books and resources that embrace cultural and racial diversity. The scouts worked with the library director in order to utilize a grant and donations to get a collection of new books fully funded. “It was a huge undertaking, and they earned their first High Award with this effort, the Bronze Award,” Jennifer noted. The troop also enjoys participating in other traditions in its hometown, from participating in Bear Creek Lake State Park’s Lights at

the Lake to selling Girl Scout cookies and using profits to fund Citizen Science projects for local families and students. The girls also participate in “take action projects” that focus on the local population and what the scouts can do in order to make the community a better place. Of course, workPeyton, left, and Claire, right, can be seen here with ing together as a White House policy adviser and UVA Hospitalist Camteam in order to eron Webb after earning their Democracy for Cadettes accomplish goals and make changes badge. is what the Girl Scouts is all about, and it’s that same Currently, the girls of Troop 5201 togetherness that keeps the girls are working diligently on achieving connected and motivated to reach their Silver Award, a sustainable their goals. service project that requires 50 or “Togetherness, to me, means more hours of planning and execu‘teamwork’ in my troop,” Peyton tion. said. “Not only do we work togethJennifer hinted that the girls’ er with other Girl Scouts, but it’s Silver Award project will include important to us to reach out and ina partnership with the local state volve our community to improve it.” park. “I think that togetherness means “I can’t wait to see the final project that Peyton and I can work together after all of their hard work,” she to make a difference in our commusaid. “Our goal beyond the Silver nity,” Claire added. Award is to continue working toBeing a Girl Scout has provided gether and growing as a troop and the girls with a sisterhood like no for the girls to embrace and develother. op their own special talents to see “Being in my troop has taught me where they will fit in as community that it is important to treat everyone leaders and change-makers. I am so with kindness and respect, “Claire proud of them!” stated. “I feel a sense of accomplishAs a troop that grows with its ment when our projects give back to girls, next year, Cumberland Troop the community.” 5201 will move up to include solely “Being a Girl Scout has taught eighth graders. Any current seventh me to think about how I can serve grade girl who is located in Cumberothers in my community and, on a land County is welcome to join the larger scale, outside of it,” Peyton group by contacting jturner5201@ added. gmail.com or going to www.com“I agree,” Jennifer said. “We like to girlscouts.org to learn more about think globally and act locally.” what the scouts do.

Helping families say ‘goodbye’ BY ALEXA MASSEY

BUCKINGHAM

local family has been the business as Dunkum Funeral working to provide Home. Julian would go on to retire funeral services to in 1961, selling Woodrow his part of Buckingham County for the business. almost 100 years. A second chapel was constructed Today, husband and wife duo in 1968 which could comfortably Woodrow Marks “Mark” Dunkum Jr. seat 300 guests, with two stateand Karen Norman Dunkum work rooms which could open up to seat together to help families say goodan additional 75 people. bye to their loved ones at Dunkum In 1970, Woodrow incorporated Funeral Home Inc., the business, which but the history of the has since been known business goes far back as Dunkum Funeral to 1922 when brothers Home Inc. Julian C. Dunkum and In 1982, the company E.M. Dunkum began was sold to Mark, who their very own funeral joined the business home, J.C. Dunkum in 1974 and had been and Brother, General helping his father Merchants. with removal services Although the title since age 16. Mark’s may be a little miswife, Karen, serves leading, the Dunkum as a licensed funeral brothers were not only service professional general merchants but and embalmer at the also worked in underhome. The couple has taking and embalming. Woodrow Marks “Mark” been married for 41 At the time, viewing Dunkum Jr. purchased years, and together, and funeral preparaDunkum Funeral Home the two have worked tion took place at the Inc. from his father in to bring peace to those home of the deceased. 1982. Together, he and going through the In 1926, the busihis wife, Karen, run the most difficult part of a ness was moved into business person’s life — losing a the renovated Cook’s loved one. Garage located on U.S. Route 15, In April of this year, Dunkum and the business was renamed J.C. Funeral Home Inc., will celebrate its Dunkum and Brother, Funeral Direc- 100th year of business. Since 1922, tors. After the move, E.M. sold his the company has worked to carry part of the business to his brother, out its mission of offering families J. Emmett Dunkum, and in 1938, the a memorable tribute for their loved funeral home’s first chapel was built ones in a caring and compassionate and a family room and reception atmosphere. The business offers area were added. a full range of services including As time passed, more and more cremation. family members became involved in Carrying out Dunkum’s mission the business. Julian’s nephew and means family members and emMark’s father, Woodrow Marks Dunployees alike must work together kum Sr., joined the business in 1946, to make sure things run smoothly. later going on to purchase Emmett’s When it comes to the funeral home, share of the company and renaming Mark and Karen do everything

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employees — Robert Reynolds, Mark Huffines, Mark Waldrop and Paul Bolden — who help to keep the business a success. For Mark and Karen, the goal has always been to offer personalized care. The Dunkums are with the families they serve through each step of the way, acting as a guiding hand in a troubling time. The Dunkums fill an important niche within the community and feel Julian C. Dunkum, seen here, was one of the very privileged to do so. business’ original founders in 1922. The funeral And while the topic of home has been operating for almost 100 years. final arrangements can be difficult for many, Karen together, from removals to waiting and Mark noted they will always on families and conducting funerals. appreciate the faith each family puts The couple also has four part-time in them to perform these services.

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Sisters bring thriftiness to area BY ALEXA MASSEY

ocal sisters Susan and Jane Plass have discovered what it means to work together to make something wonderful happen through the success of their Farmville-based business, the Two Sisters Thrift Store. While the duo fit right in here in town, the sisters originally hail from Princeton, West Virginia. Susan previously worked in the travel industry as a call center manager for a national car rental business FARMVILLE and later went into medical billing. Jane, the eldest sister, spent much of her career as a librarian and later worked as an imager in the loan department of a local bank. The sisters, who have always enjoyed shopping for bargains, opened their first thrift store, the Happy Dog Thrift Store, together in Bluefield, West Virginia, but fate would lead them to Virginia. In fact, the Plass sisters discovered the charming town of Farmville by chance. “Our neighbors in Princeton had a daughter that lived in Farmville,” Susan said. “We decided to take a vacation to the Farmville area. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by friendly people, the town was easy to get around, and we were both ready to make a change. We located a storefront and went home to Princeton to close that thrift store and move to Farmville. It was the best decision we have made.” Susan and Jane opened the Two Sisters Thrift Store’s first location on South Main Street on May 25, 2019. The business was a success, drawing in customers from all over the area looking to score a great deal on thrifted finds. After two years of operations, the Plass sisters

The sisters’ new location at 2519 West Third St., includes 4,500 square feet of store space.

realized they needed a larger space to expand inventory and allow the business to grow. After locating the perfect piece of property at 2519 W. Third St., the sisters had a brand-new building built. The new Two Sisters Thrift Store location opened in mid-November and includes a 4,500-square-foot sales floor. Located between Merk’s Place and Miller’s Country Store, the new store features a larger selection of furniture along with items such as home decor, craft materials, children’s clothing, teaching materials and more. By February, the sisters plan on having an even larger selection of items for sale. “You can’t miss the big red metal building,” Susan noted. The Plass sisters truly exemplify what it means to work together as a team in order to build a

successful business, with each sister bringing a different set of skills to the table. Jane enjoys the organizational work associated with the store, while Susan enjoys the managerial side of the business, such as assisting customers to find the right items. “We both enjoy the buying aspect of the business,” Jane said. “Finding bargains is the reason we got into the business.” Susan said working together also means the sisters can brainstorm together to come up with solutions to problems or new ideas. “We find that each of us comes up with a different solution,” Susan commented. “We look at both solutions and come to a combined solution.” And while it’s no surprise those who enter the thrift store are likely to find a set of thrifty sisters there, another employee has become a bit of a

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From children’s clothes and home decor to books, kitchen supplies and more, there’s something for everybody at the Two Sisters Thrift Store.

local celebrity; the Plass sisters’ 10-year-old dog, Abby. According to the sisters, Abby is a Miniature Pinscher/Miniature Australian Shepherd mix and a rescue who loves to meet and greet customers of the shop. Customers love to say hello to Abby when they

visit the store, and Abby loves to do the same. With its prime location between the cities of Lynchburg and Richmond and a thrift-enjoying customer base, the sisters and their business have thrived in Farmville. Additionally, the sisters are able to

buy items from local residents to fill the store, helping citizens to give their former treasures new life. As of now, the sisters are looking forward to getting everything moved over to the new location. When asked about goals for the future, they noted they hope to con-

tinue to serve customers and bring some thriftiness to town. “We want to thank Farmville for the support that everyone has given to us in the last three years,” Susan added. “You have allowed us to grow. We hope we can continue to serve you in the coming years.”

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Husband and wife team offers southern charm BY CRYSTAL VANDEGRIFT

LUNENBURG

f you have ever traveled through Lunenburg Court House, you can’t help but notice the beautiful white house surrounded by giant trees located there, giving you a feel that you are viewing something out of Southern Living Magazine. That big white house and the land that it sits on has come a long way in just a few short years. Couples from all over the Commonwealth have found their way to Lunenburg and Waverly

Estates just to say “I do.” High School sweethearts Sarah and Collin Brown purchased the property in 2016 and left Chesterfield to make Lunenburg their home and begin their business together. “We are not from Lunenburg,” said Sarah Brown. “As the “Lunenburgers” would say, we are “come here’s.” Most people have no idea where in the world Lunenburg is, and neither did I when I first saw the house. So, I used to play around on the Realtor app all the time and

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dream about all of these beautiful homes that could easily be a wedding venue (if I could win the lottery). Then I came across what is now Waverly Estate. When she first saw the house, Brown said that her thought was, “there has to be something wrong with it, how are we able to afford this,” and her second thought was, “we have to go see this house in person.” The rest is sort of history. Brown said they closed on the house in May 2016, started advertising in August 2016, and had their first wedding in March 2017. “Now we

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CHRISTINE BELTRANE PHOTOGRAPHY

The venue’s event building offers couples something unique and versatile.

have just under 200 couples who have gotten married or are getting married at our venue.” Brown, who has worked in the hospitality and wedding industry since high school, attended Virginia Tech and majored in Hospitality and Tourism, focusing on Event Management. She said she knew soon after graduating college that she wanted to own her own business. “I wanted the flexibility to work for myself,” Brown said. “I owned my own event coordinating company for a little while and worked at a ton of different venues, which helped when opening our own venue to know the do’s and don’ts of running a wedding venue.” After Brown’s husband Collin worked an event with her, she said opening a business with him by her side was the perfect thing to do. “I remember when I had my coordinating company, I had a big wedding that was really detailed

MICHAEL AND LAURA PHOTOGRAPHY

Sarah Brown said she always wanted to own her own wedding venue and feels blessed that she and her husband took the leap of faith at a young age and went for it.

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CHRISTINE BELTRANE PHOTOGRAPHY

Waverly Estates offers couples several options for their ceremony.

that I needed extra hands for, so he came with me and he was the best assistant coordinator I had ever worked with...probably because he just knows me so well,” she added. So, needless to say, I haven’t coordinated a wedding without him since then. So, opening a business like this without him being a part of it was just not an option.” Waverly Estates sets itself apart from other wedding venues by offering one-of-a-kind ceremony options, but its event building is also unique and versatile. “I do not know another venue that offers what we do,” Brown

said. “We also offer a full weekend wedding experience to give our couples a more relaxing wedding weekend and time to enjoy everything at a slower pace.” One of Brown’s favorite things about having her wedding business is seeing how every couple puts their own personal touches on their wedding. “Every single wedding is different and being a part of our couple’s biggest day of their life is such an honor,” she said. “We absolutely love what we do, and for us, it is important that all of our couples leave their wedding weekend feeling like family.”

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A business born on the river BY ALEXA MASSEY

he Appomattox River Company located on North Main Street in Farmville is one of the largest independent paddle craft retailers in the nation. The business sports an unbelievable inventory of kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards and all the gear needed to get out and have fun on the water. And while most residents are familiar with this local paddlesport mecca, they may not be familiar with its fascinating origin story. FARMVILLE Appomattox River Company owner Bob Taylor was born in Farmville in 1948. A lover of all things outdoors, Taylor grew up on and around the river and often floated down the Appomattox in an innertube as a small boy. After graduating college, Taylor returned to Farmville to work at his father’s business, Taylor Manufacturing Company. At this time, he was in desperate search of a new hobby; he had harvested all the deer he wanted to harvest, and he didn’t play golf or softball. As a young adult, Taylor began floating the river in a canoe he had purchased used from Holiday Lake. Pretty soon, he began going to canoe races across the region where he met other people interested in paddlesports. Taylor would attend races on the Shenandoah River, the James River, the Roanoke River, and the like. At that time, plastic canoes were just coming onto the market in the mid-70s, and most folks would paddle in aluminum canoes, which Taylor remarked were a magnet to rocks. “You hit one and you stopped.” Taylor became interested in this new material and began searching for a manufacturer who would sell plastic canoes in bulk to himself and his friends. During a race on the Shenandoah near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, he saw a canoe made by a man in South Carolina. After contacting him, the gentleman said nobody in Virginia was selling his canoes. Taylor set up a relationship with a company called Perception which at the time made Royalex canoes as well as fiberglass and kevlar kayaks. As the gentleman’s business grew, Taylor was able to take 10 boats at a time and bring them back to Farmville on a trailer in order to be sold.

Bob Taylor and Eliza Vincent stop for a photo while enjoying a relaxing day on the river. As a young boy, Taylor would float down a portion of the Appomattox on his grandfather’s property in an innertube.

As time passed and word spread, Taylor’s paddle sport sales took off unexpectedly. He’d suddenly found that he’d inadvertently started his own business. It was at that time he was given an ultimatum by his father — to work for the family business or work for himself. Taylor decided to give running his own business a try, and the rest is history. “I’ve never looked back,” he said. In the wake of the hit 1972 film Deliverance, interest in paddlesports was booming. Taylor was able to make a space for himself on the market. His father had been using a large warehouse

on the Cumberland side of Farmville for Taylor Manufacturing Company, but the building supply store began to go out of business. As one part of the warehouse emptied, Taylor would rent it from his father and fill it with canoes and kayaks, and when the store closed permanently, Taylor rented the entire property from him. The unique location gave Appomattox River Company a vital edge in the industry by allowing the business to store thousands of canoes and kayaks at once. Taylor developed a business model of buying stock in the offseason when prices were good and selling those products when

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Above, Appomattox River Company employees Parker Ross, Spencer Postans and Trey Williams load a newly purchased canoe onto the back of a truck.

canoe and kayaking season returned. In the 90s, Taylor opened up a store in Roanoke which was later moved to Richmond, and another satellite location was opened in the Newport News area. And while Appomattox River Company at one point had three different stores, the Farmville location was always the biggest. When the COVID-19 pandemic occurred in early 2020, supply chain issues meant the company couldn’t get enough product in to keep the satellite stores open. As the leases went out, Taylor closed the stores and everything was pulled back into Farmville. By the time those stores closed, the company was selling approximately 50% of its product online. Later in the pandemic, point-and-click sales made up more than half of the business. However, Taylor’s business model of buying in the offseason and stockpiling items meant the Farmville location was one of the only places to keep product on the shelves during the pandemic. Of the approximately 2,5002,800 boats in the warehouse when COVID hit, all but a few were sold. “We sold all but a couple of hundred, because all over the United States, you couldn’t find anything … other stores couldn’t get product,” Taylor said. At 73 years of age, Taylor has stepped away from his business and a lifetime of work and play spent on the river, but the company has remained in the family since its founding. Taylor’s son-in-law, Brian Vincent, currently serves as the General Manager and helps keep the business riding the waves of technological change in retail. With 10 dedicated employees plus seasonal help from college students in

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the summer, Appomattox River Company’s team is also a family. “Everyone pitches in and understands that we all have roles, but sometimes those roles meld into each other, and we are called to handle a diverse workload,” Vincent commented. While Appomattox River Company may be a small family business that caters to Virginia, Vincent added the business has a large inventory and competes against big box stores online for national business. “We ship large orders out across the lower 48 states,” he said, “So we have to hustle, not just in the brick and mortar but in the digital storefront as well. Running a tight team means juggling a lot of responsibilities, from inventory management, large predictive preseason buying, managing inbound and outbound large freight and balancing that against the rapidly changing digital landscape of content and marketing. There are a lot of factors at play.” For Taylor, it’s that small-town, personalized touch that gives the business it’s edge. “I think one reason that we have been successful is that most of the staff are working there because they enjoy selling what they enjoy using; in other words, they are paddlers themselves. That gives my staff the knowledge needed to answer questions over the phone or to talk to customers face to face and try to give them the best particular boat, paddle or lifejacket that fits their particular needs, so we fit the product to the customer.” It’s a personalized touch the big box stores just can’t provide. “If you can buy a kayak in the same place you can buy toilet paper, chances are, you don’t want to buy a kayak from there,” he laughed. “Our team’s success comes from knowing our sport better than most,” Warehouse Manager Spencer Postans echoed. “We are paddlers. Therefore, it becomes easy to find success and joy in most areas of this job. Some of us are better at the physical areas such as loading and unloading boats and shipping them all over the country. Others shine in the area of sales, whether it’s on the phone or in person. Everyone has their own area of expertise, including one of the best kayak repair guys in the country. But we are all very capable of completing the job start to finish.”

Above, are family members Bob Taylor, Martha Taylor, Eliza Vincent, Harriet Taylor Vincent, Brian Vincent and Martha Lucy Vincent. Below, Appomattox River Company sports one of the state’s unique “LOVE” signs on the side of its warehouse.

Group looks to help people thrive BY CRYSTAL VANDEGRIFT

“W

e envision a region without poverty where all people live a thriving life.” That is the vision of the Tri-County Community Action Agency (TCCAA). “We are service oriented and community focused,” said President/ CEO of TCCAA Petrina Carter. TCCAA is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families who are experiencing the effects of poverty. TCCAA has administered federal, Petrina Carter state and local programs to individuals in Halifax, Mecklenburg and mobilize resources, human and Charlotte counties. financial, at the local, state and fedAccording to the organization’s eral levels to combat the causes of website TCCAA began serving poverty affecting low and moderate citizens of Halifax County in 1965 income families and individuals.” as the Halifax County Community Carter said the organization has Action Agency. done just that by providing an array Changing its name of programs, serin 1980, the agency vices and advocacy began serving memtoward the goal of bers of Mecklenburg family empowerCounty and Charment, family self-suflotte County with ficiency and commuthe goal of helping nity development. families become Recently TCCAA self-sufficient by completed its strateproviding a range of gic planning process Petrina Carter services, including and with a renewed President/CEO of TCCAA housing services, focus to eliminate child development the violence of programs, training, services for poverty through advocacy, empowindividuals experiencing homelesserment and self-sufficiency. ness, as well as youth and adult According to the Bureau of Jusprogramming. tice, persons in poor households at “TCCAA has been a staple in the or below the Federal Poverty Level community for over 47 years,” said had more than double the rate of Carter. “The mission of Tri-County violent victimization as persons in Community Action Agency is to high-income households.

‘We are service oriented and community focused’

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Community-oriented real estate BY ALEXA MASSEY

BUCKINGHAM

local Buckingham business has been providing real estate services to its community since 1983, working to match customers with the perfect property and put smiles on friends and neighbors alike. Buckingham resident Jason Meeks, Owner and Broker at Meeks Realty, has spent virtually all of his life in the Farmville/Buckingham area. Jason’s father, John Meeks, founded Meeks Realty back in 1983. The business, located at 1979 S. James Madison Highway in Buckingham, has been providing quality real estate services to Farmville and its surrounding counties for almost 40 years. “Real estate is something I grew up with and have been around all my life, so it’s sort of in my blood,” Jason said. In 2016, Jason and his wife, Cori, took over the family business. Together with the help of an assistant

and two agents, the company handles a variety of real estate sales, from residential property to land, farms and estates. And with the county’s Amish community growing in recent years, Meeks Realty has been able to offer its services to many local Amish families. When asked about his favorite part of working in real estate, Meeks emphasized the excitement of helping folks to find their ideal property. “I like matching up properties to buyers,” he commented. “I like to watch buyers get excited about the properties they’re buying, whether that’s a farm or whether that’s a first-time home buyer … watching them get the keys on closing day and watching that smile light up their face and tears roll down their cheeks, it’s kind of an emotional, moving moment.” And in such a close-knit community, those beautiful moments often involve friendly faces. “When you live out here in Buck-

ingham and in the Farmville area, you’re not just dealing with people. You’re dealing with your friends and your neighbors, so it’s nice to be able to serve people we know and welcome people as neighbors in our community.” When asked about what makes the area such a perfect location for Meeks Realty, Jason was quick to respond. “This is home,” he said. “We go other places and we look forward to coming home. …This is where we live, work and play, and this is home to us.” A family-run and community-oriented business, Meeks Realty can

often be found sponsoring county sporting events, getting involved with local churches and simply staying involved in the community. Jason said the company recently opened up an auction side of the business which has mainly focused on personal property and live real estate auctions. When asked about plans for the future, he said he is looking forward to seeing how that side of the business grows along with the rest of the company. A home-grown business centered around togetherness, Meeks Realty has established itself as a fantastic source for any local’s real estate needs, big or small.

At left, Meeks Realty has established itself as a community-oriented, family-run business which provides quality real estate services to Farmville and surrounding counties. Above, husband and wife Jason and Cori Meeks took over the family business, Meeks Realty, in 2016. The company was founded in 1983 by Jason’s father, John.

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