Cooperative Living March/April 2010 by American MainStreet Publications

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Cooperative living March/April 2010

Worth Cultivating Master Gardener Worth Hudson propagates more than plants pg. 14

Landscaping with an Eye Towards Energy-Efficiency pg. 26 Down Home in Meherrin pg. 30 For changes of address, please contact your local electric cooperative.

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THE INSIDE STORY Meherrin, subject of this issue’s DOWN HOME feature, is a tiny crossroads on Route 360, southwest of Burkeville. As the Bill Sherrod elaborate sign in front of its post office proclaims, Meherrin is the birthplace of country-music legend Roy Clark. It may be small, but Meherrin, like every community, is somebody’s home. And like every community, Meherrin is someone’s favorite place. It’s the kind of place where a stranger can stop by the post office for 30 minutes and chat with a half dozen people. And those 30 minutes can forever change your perception of the place. I stopped by the Meherrin post office in late January, before the second big snowfall of the winter. I chatted with postmaster Rick Elkins, and it turns out we have some things in common. Rick had served as postmaster at Evergreen, Va., another tiny community, where I lived years ago when I was a country newspaper editor. And Rick was friends with an old friend of mine, the late Willie Wright, former postmaster of Valentines, Va., the community featured in our February DOWN HOME story. Willie, who also served as a Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative board member, designed special Valentines, Va., pictorial postmarks that have become popular worldwide for mailed Valentine’s Day cards. Rick took a cue from Willie and designed a special Evergreen, Va., pictorial postmark for Christmastime, as well as special Roy Clark country-music postmarks used at the Meherrin post office. The visit and the conversation evoked fond memories, and made me nostalgic for life in rural Virginia. That’s probably why our DOWN HOME series is so popular. Its stories define the fabric of the communities that comprise our great state. A lot of these communities are small. But they’re all someone’s home, and there’s no place like home. — Bill Sherrod, Editor Please recycle this magazine.

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Our Mission To inform you about your cooperative and its efforts to serve your energy needs; how to use electricity safely and efficiently; and the people who define and enhance the quality of life in communities served by electric co-ops.

Contents 14

MARCH/APRIL 2010 A Conversation with Jim Webb, Virginia’s Senior Senator Little known among Virginians before his election to the U.S. Senate in 2006, Jim Webb is now the state’s senior senator, and a man of many talents.

Worth Cultivating From his efforts as a master gardener to his work as a teacher, Worth Hudson’s life is a glowing example of selfless nurturing and cultivation.

On the cover: Worth Hudson in one of the many gardens outside his home near Virgilina. Bill Sherrod photo.

Growing Energy Efficiency Whether it’s ground cover or trees, the landscaping around your living space can be more than pretty — it can improve energy efficiency.

Down Home in Meherrin Spanning two counties, the birthplace of countrymusic legend Roy Clark is today a community of warmth, fellowship and traditional hospitality.

DEPARTMENTS

Editorial Mailbag Whatzit? History Mystery Say Cheese! Happenings Co-op Currents The Green Scene

2 4 4 5 8 9 10 11

Local Co-op News Garden Muse* Dining With Dan* Kids’ Korner* Reader Recipes Perspective Classifieds Rural Living

18 20 22 24 34 36 38 40

* not in all editions

Visit us online at: www.co-opliving.com 1

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EDITORIAL Vol. 64, No. 4 ISSN 1529-4579 RICHARD G. JOHNSTONE JR. Executive Editor BILL SHERROD Editor LAURA J. EMERY Field Editor JANET ROGERS BAILEY Production Manager BECKY WISE POTTER Graphic Designer AMANDA S. CUNNINGHAM Graphic Designer/Ad Sales SUSAN C. GLISSON Advertising Assistant BEA CATLETT Secretary

To contact magazine: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F Phone: (804) 346-3344 Or at any time: Fax: (804) 346-3448 E-mail: bsherrod@odec.com Web: www.co-opliving.com Published by the VA, MD & DE Association of Electric Cooperatives JEANNETTE S. EVERETT Chairman R. WAYNE BROWNING Vice Chairman K.M. BEASLEY Secretary OLIN S. DAVIS , III Treasurer JACKSON E. REASOR President RICHARD G. JOHNSTONE JR. Executive Vice President Board of Directors: R. Wayne Browning, Vernon N. Brinkley, A&N; James C. Tennant, Bruce M. King, BARC; K.M. Beasley, Jr., Gary E. Wood, Central Virginia; Olin Davis III, Frederick L. Hubbard, Choptank; Jeannette S. Everett, James M. Reynolds, Community; James E. Huffman, Shawn C. Hildebrand, Craig-Botetourt; Patricia S. Dorey, J. William Andrew, Delaware; Robert W. Conner, John C. Lee, Jr., Mecklenburg; J. Steve Thomas, Sr., Greg W. White, Northern Neck; J. Manley Garber, Stan C. Feuerberg, Northern Virginia; Dale McNiel, Randell W. Meyers, Powell Valley; Herbert R. Patrick, M Dale Bradshaw, Prince George; Richard C. Oliver, Kent D. Farmer, Rappahannock; Larry C. Howdyshell, Myron D. Rummel, Shenandoah Valley; Daniel W. Dyer, A. Joseph Slater, Southern Maryland; Frank W. Bacon, Jeffrey S. Edwards, Southside.

To advertise in Cooperative Living, contact: Amanda Cunningham (804) 346-3344 Member of the NCM network of publications, reaching more than 8 million homes and businesses.

PRESSRUN . . . . . . 403,545 COOPERATIVE LIVING (USPS 473300) is published 10 times a year, monthly except for combined March/April and November/December issues, by the Va., Md. & Del. Association of Electric Cooperatives. POSTMASTER, address changes should be sent to: Cooperative Living, 4201 Dominion Boulevard, Suite 101, Glen Allen, VA 23060, (804) 346-3344. Periodicals Postage paid at Glen Allen, VA, and additional mailing offices. Subscription: $4.90 per year for members of subscribing co-ops; $10 per year for all others. ADVERTISING published is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and willingly sold to customers at the advertised price. Neither this magazine nor the electric cooperatives in Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware endorses any products or services advertised herein. If any readers encounter non-compliance with these standards, they are asked to inform the Editor.

ABC AUDITED

by Richard G. Johnstone Jr., Executive Editor

‘to PLANT TREES’ D uring “The Great Hunger” in Ireland in the middle of the 19th century, the Henderson family, like so many of their countrymen, left the Emerald Isle and immigrated to Canada, settling in Ontario. Many years later, lured by the prospect of inexpensive, rich farmland, young Nelson Henderson moved with two of his brothers to the Canadian heartland, settling in the Swan River Valley of Manitoba. Nelson’s life was typical of his generation, marked by service to his country in the trenches of World War I, and later by marriage, the raising of a large family, and the constant toil that comes with running a farm. Apparently he was a man of few words, too, but a few of his words have resonated over the decades, preserved and shared with the world by one of his sons, Wesley. On his graduation day, Wesley wrote that his father gave him this piece of advice: “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” Anyone who’s ever cared about a child, a community or a noble cause of any sort will appreciate this advice. Because, despite humankind’s selfishness and short-sightedness, occasional cruelty and frequent folly, most people are decent, kind, hard-working, and committed to creating a better future for subsequent generations. The many comforts and conveniences, technological wonders and medical miracles that we all enjoy are a testament to this commitment. A decade ago, several electric cooperative leaders decided to make an additional investment in the future of their communities. They did so by creating an educational scholarship foundation to provide modest but important financial aid to young people who wanted to attend college or trade school, but in many cases needed just a little bit of help to make their dreams possible. A key leader in this effort is the subject of this month’s cover story, Worth Hudson of Halifax County. Worth at that time was chairman of the board of Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative and the head of the education committee for the trade association that publishes Cooperative Living and provides training, safety and governmental affairs support to Mecklenburg and the 15 other electric cooperatives that serve more than 700,000 homes and businesses in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. Worth is a remarkable individual, a true Renaissance man, cultured yet down to earth, a ca-

reer educator and perennial community leader, an avid gardener, a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and someone who has worked tirelessly to promote educational opportunities for young people. Thanks to his devoted efforts, and those of other electric cooperative leaders, the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives’ Educational Scholarship Foundation has, since its founding in 2000, helped 262 young people pursue their desire for higher education. In the context of today’s high and higher education costs, the funds awarded have been modest: the scholarship amounts of $500 and $1,000 may not be transformational, but they have been very helpful in boosting the spirits of deserving young people, and in putting their dreams a little closer to reality. Thanks to tax-deductible contributions from generous cooperative members over the last decade, the foundation’s ability to help has grown steadily, as 2009 set a record both for total scholarships (48) and total dollars awarded ($43,500). That’s quite a move up from 2001, when the first five scholarships were given out, each for $500. There are many worthy causes out there, and many crying needs, perhaps none greater than providing relief to Haiti following the catastrophic losses inflicted on her people and her infrastructure by January’s earthquake. But whether we provide financial support for Haiti’s recovery, or volunteer our time to a worthy group in our own neighborhood, our lives are infused with glowing meaning when we follow Nelson Henderson’s encouragement “to plant trees.” And while we may never see these trees grow to maturity, surely there’s a sweet satisfaction in knowing that they will shade and shelter generations we will never know, but with whom we will forever be connected. For additional information on the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives’ Educational Scholarship Foundation, go to www.co-opliving.com or www.vmdaec.com. You may download a scholarship application form from either Web site; 2010 scholarship applications must be postmarked by April 1. If you’re interested in making a tax-deductible donation, please make your check payable to “VMD Educational Scholarship Foundation” and mail it to: The Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives, 4201 Dominion Blvd., Glen Allen, VA 23060, Attn: Debbie Swiderski. You may also call Mrs. Swiderski at 804968-4080, or e-mail her at dswiderski@odec.com. Cooperative Living/March-April 2010

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MAILBAG TIPPETT A GOOD SAMARITAN The entire Hospice of the Rapidan team was excited to see Chuck Tippett on the cover of the January issue and to read the accompanying article, “Love at First Flight.” You probably don’t know this because Chuck keeps his generosity private, but I would like your readership to know that Chuck generously shares his time and talents to fulfill the dreams of our hospice patients who desire to fly in an airplane before they die. Chuck has personally given free airplane rides to both our patients and their family members and, if only for the moment, the thrill of the experience is a joyful distraction and creates new, happy memories. In addition, Chuck has donated his time and expertise in the past to decorate our outdoor Tree of Lights that memorializes and honors our patients and friends. Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) itself for generously supporting Hospice of the Rapidan and for the $1,000 grant we

received recently from REC for our Family Grief Camp. REC and its team do, in truth, serve the community both in word and deed, and we thank them. Craig Wilt Director of Grief Care Services Hospice of the Rapidan

tilivveing a r e p Coo 0 ry 201 Janua

at Love ight Fl First pg. 12

tive. coopera electric local your contact please ress, of add nges For cha

We want to hear from you — comments, opinions, suggestions. Your letter must be signed and legible. We reserve the right to edit for grammar, style and length, with a 300-word maximum for acceptance. Write: MAILBAG, P.O. Box 2340, Glen Allen, VA 23058-2340; or e-mail to bsherrod@odec.com. Please include your name and city or town of residence, with MAILBAG in the subject line.

A FAIR AND BALANCED REBUTTAL This letter is in reference to the letter, “Glen Beck Would Be Proud,” in the February issue blasting those who don’t swallow the hype about global warming and cap and trade. Al Gore tells us the science is settled. The president wants cap and trade to control greenhouse gasses. The writer states that 99.999 percent of the world’s scientists are in agreement. Agreement about what, global warming? I disagree. I doubt that even 50 percent of scientists buy into man-caused global warming, or, since the planet has been cooling since 1999, it’s now called “climate change.” Perhaps he missed the recent revelations about the phony “sciing Pass h The rc e To of th 2 pg.

nd: Lege pg. 16 Plate Blue of Staunton use True urt Ho A s. Rowe’s a Co Mr Ameli me in wn Ho Do pg. 32

WHATZIT? Each issue, we will publish a photo of a familiar but unidentified object. You are invited to make your best guess and send it in writing with your name, address, and phone number to WHATZIT?, c/o Cooperative Living, P.O. Box 2340, Glen Allen, VA 230582340; or guess online at www.co-opliving.com under “Contests.” Deadline for entries is April 1. All correct entries will be put into a drawing and a winner announced in the June issue. The winner will receive a check for $25. ■

WRITE US!

DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS IS? The Jan. WHATZIT? photo (r) was a conch shell. Reader Amani Andrews (l) of Haymarket was our $25 winner. Congratulations, Amani!

ence,” the e-mails exposing the hoax of how the “evidence” was skewed to come up with the desired results. To call the climate-change debate settled defies belief. To even call it science is arguable; it’s more like junk-science fiction. As for cap and trade, it would cause irreparable damage to America’s economy with no improvement to the environment. So there you have it, a fair and balanced rebuttal. I own a small farm in Unionville (Orange County), and I’m a member of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative. Ralph McGehee Charleston, S.C.

LET’S CHANGE THE DIALOGUE I have been reading with frustration the back and forth of readers about climate change: Is it really true or made up, why or why not anything should be done about it, including the way we view and use carbon-based energy. No matter what is said or how much evidence is produced by the scientific community, some people will never believe that climate change is occurring and will remain convinced that it is a hoax. (If we look hard enough, we will still find individuals who believe the earth is flat and that our planet is the center of the universe.) I think we could begin to address this problem by changing the dialogue. As Americans, would we like to free ourselves from Middle East oil and the crippling hold these expenditures have on our national budget and debt? As Americans, would we like to stop sending hardearned tax money to unfriendly countries to pay for our oil addiction? As Americans, would we like to see an increase in good-paying jobs that cannot be sent overseas? As Americans, would we like to pride ourselves, once again, in Cooperative Living/March-April 2010

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great accomplishments, in things we have built and problems we have solved? I still believe that all Americans would welcome these approaches and begin to feel that America is on the move again! If we could agree to these common principles, we would be on our way to combat many national problems simultaneously. However, if we continue to sit in our little corners and argue (which unfortunately seems too common in our national discourse), I am afraid that America will go the way of the great Roman Empire. Nancy Allegretto Madison

HOW MUCH MONEY IS ENOUGH? The president of the United States gets an annual base salary of $400,000, plus a $40,000 expense account, a $100,000 travel account, and $19,000 for entertainment. Unlike the rest of us, the base salary does not get used for the usual living expenses since they also get — home with many servants, vacation place, chauffeured limousine, Boeing 747, helicopter, and security staff. After they leave office they still get paid about $190,000 per year, along with an office, $150,000 for office staff, and security staff for 10 years. Altogether Bill Clinton cost taxpayers $1.2 million his first year out of office. My best guess is that one would have to have a $10 million annual income to live the lifestyle of our country’s CEO. The concept of “comparable worth” suggests that, if fair compensation for the

HISTORY MYSTERY Each issue, we will publish a photo of some person, place or thing (or a portion thereof) of historical significance in Virginia, and readers will be invited to submit their best guess as to the identity of the photo. Send it in writing with your name, address, and phone number to HISTORY MYSTERY, c/o Cooperative Living, P.O. Box 2340, Glen Allen, VA 230582340; or guess online at www.co-opliving.com under “Contests.” Deadline for entries is April 1. All correct entries will be put into a drawing and a winner announced in the June issue. The winner will receive a check for $25. ■

DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS IS? The Jan. HISTORY MYSTERY was the old Carter home at the A.P. Carter Fold in Hiltons, Va. (Scott County). Reader Charnita Adams of Duffield was our $25 winner. Congratulations, Charnita!

FORMER STUDENT president is $10 million, greedy corporate AGREES WITH DR. B fat cats, entertainers and athletes are being I would like to comment on Dr. John paid way too much at the expense of the Bonfadini’s column in the February magapeople whose daily endeavors contribute to zine, “Education Is Failing Our Children our national economy. — Just Look at the Dropout Rate.” As a When encountering a man in the desert former student of Dr. B’s, and now a dying of thirst, one can apply the “whatevteacher in Virginia, I couldn’t agree with er the market will bear” principle to justify him more. I have seen many students fail selling him a glass of water for all courses because they were forced to he owns. take classes they felt were That may be “just good busi‘Educ ati — Ju on Is Failin totally irrelevant to their ness” to some, but to me it is st Loo g Our k at th T e Dro Children pout R future plans. immoral and contemptible. ate’ When will this country Our founders went to war (and those running it, espewith England because they cially those involved in taxed the colonies excessivemaking education policy) ly. I can imagine people sitrealize that not every student ting around a table in is college material? There have London saying how it was been many, many times when a just good business to student has asked me why he or maximize how much she has to take a certain course money they could get from the when it is completely unnecessary. colonials. After all, England was in charge Why should a student who is good with and thus deserved all they could get. his or her hands be told that they should Our founders didn’t stand for it then, take advanced-placement (AP) courses and we should not stand for it now. We because it would look on the transcript? need to heed the teachings of Mahatma These students couldn’t care less about Gandhi — “Commerce without Morality” AP, or for that matter, college. They want is #4 on his list of seven deadly sins. to go to work after high school, and Morality is the foundation of a free sociwould much prefer to take a meaningful ety. We abandon that principle at our peril. vocational course. Unfortunately, those Rex A. Hoover “in charge” have no clue that these stuSumerduck FOOD FOR THOU GHT

by Dr.

John E.

Bonfadin i, Ed.D ., Prof essor Emeritus , George

Mason Universit y

he title statemenof this colu can alwa t by a U.S. mn is from Every senator. a recent ys find elec criticism tion cycl fault with Politicia to talk ns establish . It’s fash e brings a educatio honestyabout resp n. ionable new onsi and alm ment to for the wave of students and dedicati bility, effor poin to fix ost all poli t out perc political t, team on. He shou other the prob ticia eive work, neve intellect ld all have seem lems. ns say they d failures, s that advancedr said that ual cou Our courses are goin The scho few prob Yet as the alge caused current econ rses. He’s year g lems ol drop The ultimor improvi right bra and ever get s pass, it How out of our by the mos omic prob on ng stan ate a job. t high society. is to blamcould anyo rate is one “fixed.” lems target. There goal of atten dardized in the ly were exam ne test scor e even is no financia They imp educated think for the look ple. if dignity ding colle where at lemente mem edu es. l mar ge liberal-aryou have a we city schothe demograschool drop cation alon d prac bers also con are. Our kets that doctoratin unempl is to get ts app tices brou think Seventee ols the grad phics. In out rate? Just e highly tribu roac e. The oyment, of wor the ted to educate ght us to kers school all the cou h is no long tradition graduati n of the uation rate largest 50 ing curr probably our dilemm d politicia al large significaor college. rses you tooker valid. Just had urban on rates of city schois 58 perc they too ent economi little to a. Factory ns ent. commun ntly to Which less ols do than graduati ones in high c con should you hav Scho build con ditions, with crea on rate ities have 50 percent. e alwa physica ols are dele r overall grow tributed the have significa s, but services best prod ys have the althoug tSub app even dents l educatio ting art, mus th? h ntly bett ucts fails to roximat . desi We the n, can take and prov my dad re to should and othe ic, tech best scho er receive ely one math, in five a dipl Nat at less (who wor respect thos ide the best foreign more colle r courses nical, students ols In my ked in glam fails to ionally, one oma. ge-prep so stue who As a soci orous opinion language, who a grad of coal cou , like ever meet and crea but rses program uate. min this y thre the tion for ety we mus vitally To tive writ like imp e), wor ate will goal of haviis a major ferings matic chan think that e students tributes all workers t recaptur ortant jobsk ng mor mistake. ing. that centrequire a is naiv will totally ges in the simply mak , for ever e an app . To to e stud mor edu e. solve ing reciaI kno our prog ents yon rather ers on indi e flexible requiring I do belie the drop cational can answ w that our ress and well e who con than curricul graduve ofout students college-evidual stud can con more so-c that the um as thos er a pho public scho -being. current problem ntrance ent need ne work, do drop e our edu tribute to alled acad trend s, requ foreign of foreign with the ol graduate program out and the prob emi of catio them s countrie same prof enter irements. s shou lem; c courses To corr n system con has nothcountries s. iciency tion does tinue thei ld be avai the world If identifie ect a prob is pretty but in gene ing to are providin The reason of thing ral, do with that g thes high-sch n’t begin r formal edu lable to help to do be able d. First and lem, a caus good. ool grad in kinderga cation. The curr with cost education e services just don to complet foremost, e must be EducaI just of labo and ever uati rten edu ent a e on. liste stud the ’ t have catio tren r. criticize It’s a lifelo or end with ywor own, ned to ent mus wrong. n more prepd of making they don it. Throug k. Som t could students a radio com ng proc e stud a trad beca ents goal of What if we aration for public-scho calculat itional ’t have the h no fault mentato ess. that’s of thei made academi e the use only ability ol r a necessarhaving ever were able college is r great to just schools math skill amount of 50 percent progress c environm to succeed y these quired y courses student gradachieve the stud stud , grad math should spen ents needa meal tip. cracks. ents, but in meeting ent. We’ve in es, and uate with instead have for college? If , perh d to test scor are not The studentssome still the needs the The mes of requ time teaching aps teria, select stud The colleges fall thro of es whi alike sage edu iring theo ents acco basic abilities the ones who who are would reshou tive, like ch prob really ugh the then rdin ably you are ld be send cators and retical mat negl average or are gifte have maj similar personality, would be g to other politicia h. sure you ing kids are d and talen or learn ected criThe One have is, stay in scho ns the everyon traits. As a enthusia more qua ted. Ofte ing disthe skill litasm, desi litical n, let’s hop students challenge ones who e to have society ol unti n, the lead e to that re are is we The and just a develop ers have our busi get a job. l homes. who com finding way neglecte If jobs recession college edu don’t need the d. e ment an economy skill and ness and has taug cation. aren’t nurturedUltimately, from disa s to assis opportu have t dvan ht us that prod integrity poa degr available, tant than at home. a child’s desi taged nity. man it does ee or unempl y lesso uces emp to re you teachers Parents n’t ns. of all loyare mor to learn is schools oyment has are a scho matter if the . you schools skills needThey are the e imporreflect offer a wid the same ol dropout effect. — e vari the need process. only assis ed to succ true teac dence Wh ety of hers t eed in s of program en to because If educatio in this deve life. opportu all occupatiall society, The s the pare n has faile lopment The ons. The they add that every re are at New nts tors neednities for d, creleas issue. y stud said on York City have also it’s usually view? Do you t two side 12 year to rethink ents to also offer mor failed. May succ key to Meet the Pres or Mic voke This column have a diffe s to everyon s of college-p the current eed. Edu e hael Bloo the thou is mea carent petitive United s that edu ments. ght, so mberg leaving e. Some stud rep educatiotrend. May Stat nt to catio edge kee in a glob es maintai n is the utmost Each one p sending proment; school and ents may n isn’t for be 36 al econ ning its is com be bett but read bsherro interest. com jobs and for this entering a omy. er off with He wen the parallel to happen work envi “Foo d@odec Send e-m t on .com d Edu ail to: ronther learn (please or send for Though band-ai cation need ing opp e must be t” in ortu s d app erative written resp subject enter roach major surg nities. line), Livin ons requiring ery, not Attn. Bill She g, Food es to Coo just more pfor Tho Glen tradition a Allen, rrod, P.O al VA 230 . Box ught, 234 58-2 340. 0,

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er of two children under age 2, and a wife. I work full-time as a registered nurse and my husband works full-time as a paramedic. I loved the comment, “It’s not how much money you make, but how much money you get to keep.” Amen. Over the past year and a half my husband and I have been very frugal, and loving it. It has brought us closer and made us stronger members for Team Parker. We planted a garden last year and bought a few chickens for eggs. My grandmother has taught me to can and to make my own baby food. I have learned to sew and cook cheaper and smarter. Not only does this stretch our ever-shrinking dollar, it preserves traditions I can teach my girls. It is so nice to read articles to give advice on how to be frugal and remind us to be thankful for the blessings we have. I would love any other tips or advice the author can offer, but mostly I want to thank her for her down-toearth column.

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SAY CHEESE

We welcome your wacky, endearing or unusual photos. Send to: Say Cheese!, P.O. Box 2340, Glen Allen, VA 23058-2340. Please do not send originals, as photos cannot be returned. Digital photos must be high resolution and printed on photo paper, or high-resolution .jpg files may be e-mailed to saycheese@co-opliving.com with SAY CHEESE! in the subject line. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS with information about the photo.

Little RASCALS DE-CALF-INATED Mom is liable to give junior there a good cowlicking for roaming like a buffalo! Sent in by Elaine Barnett of Greene County.

HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT Boo Bear has been a bad boy and thinks mom and dad will never find him here. From the clearly guilty pup’s parents, Teresa and Michael Mayton of Carson.

2 TRASHY DRESSER Precious gets collared by the evidence of her rubbish rummaging. Contributed by reader Teresa May of Harrisonburg.

4 DAIRY BAR Angelic little Siena is delighted to share her yogurt with saintly pal Charlotte. From Siena’s grandparents, Rick and Sue Strain of Fishersville.

WEED EATER Young Lucky is happy to help with the yard work at the home of contributor Cheryl Powell of Chesterfield.

6 THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM Her Micky Mouse show was so exciting, little Janna resorted to triple protection to contain herself! Sent in by grandparents Tommy and Betsy Glendye of Bridgewater.

HEY-HEY, BOO-BOO, WHERE IS YOUR PIC-A-NIC BASKET? This smarter-than-average little bear is decidedly unimpressed with a meal of mere birdseed! Sent in by Bradley Shaffer of Fort Valley.

PAPER TRAIL Al and Janie D’Arcangelone of Fredericksburg sent in this shot of their little stinker, grandson Alden.

Cooperative Living/March-April 2010

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HAPPENINGS

MARCH

Page 1

27-28 BUMPASS New Trails Alpaca Open House. 321 Willow Oak Ln. Noon-5 p.m. (540) 872-7037. www.newtrailsalpacas.net.

APRIL

19 STAFFORD COUNTY Reptile World. Courthouse Community Center. (540) 658-5116. www.staffordparks.com.

2-3 CHINCOTEAGUE Easter Decoy & Art Festival. Chincoteague Combined School. (757) 336-6161. www.chincoteaguechamber.com.

20 TAPPAHANNOCK 8th Annual Oyster Roast. Tappahannock Fire Dept. Grounds. (804) 445-4199.

3 & MAY 1 HANOVER Salt Fish Breakfast. Frog Level Volunteer Fire Dept. 6:30-8:30 a.m. (804) 338-8697.

20 GREENVILLE Toy Show & Sale. Rivershead High School Gym. 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (540) 377-2454.

9 ONLEY Garth Newel Piano Quartet. Nandua High School. 8 p.m. (757) 302-0366. www.acesva.org.

27 WHITE STONE Gardening in the Northern Neck Seminar. Church of the Nazarene. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (804) 580-5694. www.nnmg.org.

10 HAYMARKET Haymarket Bridal Show. Battlefield High School. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (571) 261-4400. battlefieldorchestra@gmail.com.

27 HOT SPRINGS 8th Annual Bath Bluegrass Jamboree. Bath County High School. 6-9 p.m. (877) 572-0721.

Downtown. Noon-5 p.m. (434) 374-2436. www.clarksvilleva.com

RESCHEDULED TO MARCH 6-7 Fairfax Chocolate Lovers Festival. www.chocolatefestival.net.

27 CAROLINE COUNTY Family Fair 2010. Caroline Middle School. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (804) 633-7083. www.caroline.k12.va.us/prc.

APRIL 10 CLARKSVILLE

10 MONTROSS Spring Bidding Jubilee. Woodland Academy. 5 p.m. (804) 493-8244. www.woodlandacademy.net. 16 TRIANGLE Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr., A Musical. Graham Park Middle School. 7 p.m. (703) 221-2118. engelbea@pwcs.edu.

DON’T MISS THE ...

4th Annual Lake Country Wine Festival 16-18 LOUISA KOVAR – Knights supporting people with Intellectual Disabilities. (540) 854-6130. seeheim@verizon.net. 17 CHARLOTTE COURT HOUSE Flora Fest. Charlotte County Extension Office. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (434) 542-5884. 24 DISPUTANTA Annual Lebanon Baptist Church Parade and Tailgate Events. Lebanon & Hines Rd. Noon. (804) 892-0221. lbcdisputanta@aol.com. 24 MONTPELIER 13th Annual Celebration of the Arts. The Montpelier Center for Arts & Education. 6:30 p.m. (804) 8837378. www.montpeliercenter.org. 25 WARRENTON Warrenton Chorale Presents “Celebrate Spring.” Highland Center for the Arts. www.warrentonchorale.org. 25, 30 & MAY 2 CULPEPER Blue Ridge Community Choir’s “Songs of the Sea.” (540) 937-2574. www.brcsings.com.

Great Destinations 2010 TRAVEL GUIDE

COMING IN THE MAY ISSUE OF COOPERATIVE LIVING With your chance to win a Fabulous Weekend Getaway to Smithfield Station in Historic Smithfield! March-April 2010/www.co-opliving.com

MAY 1 CULPEPER Friends of Wilderness Battlefield 8th Annual Dinner and Auction. Daniel Technology Center, Germanna Community College. 6-9 p.m. www.fowb.org. 8 CLARKSVILLE Big Lake Flea Market. Downtown. 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. (434) 374-2436. Clarksville@kerrlake.com. 8 HALIFAX COUNTY Annual Noland Country Fair Day. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (434) 454-2210. 9 FRONT ROYAL Tattered Journey Childless Mother’s Day Lunch. Virginia Hill Church. Noon. (540) 635-6480. tatteredjourney@gmail.com. To be considered for inclusion, please submit events in the format as listed. DEADLINES: March 15 for May 15-Jun. 15; April 15 for Jun. 15-Jul. 15 Preference given to events sponsored by not-for-profit entities. Events subject to change; please contact event sponsor for confirmation.

Send to: Happenings, P.O. Box 2340, Glen Allen, VA 23058-2340 E-mail: happenings@odec.com Online: www.co-opliving.com/ contact_happenings.htm Fax: (804) 346-3448 Submitting an event notice does not guarantee publication. To guarantee publication and delivery to more than 390,000 homes and businesses, place a display ad or a classified. Contact above for details.

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CO-OP CURRENTS

Rosemary Henderson, retired senior staff member at the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC), received the Distinguished Friend of Electric Cooperatives award presented by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) at a special luncheon held in her honor in Richmond on Jan. 25. Pictured above with Henderson is Jack Reasor, CEO of VMDAEC. The award publicly recognizes and honors a legislator or regulator who has strongly supported the best interests of average consumers by putting their interests above politics. Henderson was nominated for the award by Central Virginia Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Arrington. During her tenure at the Commission, Henderson was the lead staff person for matters associated with Virginia’s electric cooperatives. She retired in June 2005.

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THE GREEN SCENE LANDSCAPING TO SAVE ENERGY & CONSERVE WATER According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “a well-designed landscape not only can add beauty to your home but it also can reduce your heating and cooling costs.” Here are some tips on how you can use landscaping to make your home more energy efficient all year long:

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KEEP YOUR GREEN SPACES HEALTHY A well-maintained and healthy lawn helps keep your home cooler, too. Like trees, grasses transpire moisture to each blade surface, which evaporates and lowers the air temperature. To help conserve water, you may wish to consider limiting turf areas and replacing these with areas of mulched vegetation. For grass lawns, choose drought-resistant seed varieties that need less water during the hot summer months. The real key to having a more energy-efficient landscape is proper planning as to what you plant and where you plant it. It’s a good idea to consult with the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, a local garden-supply store or even a professional landscaper for assistance.

PLANT TREES AND SHRUBS Properly planted deciduous trees (varieties that shed their leaves in the fall) can shade your home from the summer sun while allowing the sun’s warmth through in the winter. Plus, the natural process of the trees releasing water vapor can reduce surrounding air temperatures. Shrubs and groundcovers can shade the ground, reducing radiant heat around your home and even keep air cooler around heat pumps and central air units, which helps units run more efficiently.

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PROFILES

2/15/10

1:02 PM

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by Bill Sherrod, Editor

A Conversation with Jim Webb, Virginia’s Senior Senator efore 2006, many Virginians had never heard of Jim Webb. Now Webb, 64, is Virginia’s senior senator. And he got to the U.S. Senate by defeating one of Virginia’s most popular politicians, former governor and then-Sen. George Allen, who earlier in ’06 had been considered a possible Republican presidential nominee. Who is Jim Webb? Strictly on the merits of his resume, Webb is a Marine, a teacher, a lawyer, a man of letters, and perhaps above all, a leader. He’s a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the Georgetown University Law Center, a decorated Marine and Vietnam combat veteran, and, under President Ronald Reagan, he served as Secretary of the Navy. Webb is also an accomplished, lifelong writer who has taught the craft at the college level and who has authored everything from novels to non-fiction to Hollywood screenplays. He’s worked as a broadcast journalist, and his PBS coverage of the U.S. Marines in Beirut earned an Emmy award. And he is, by his own description, a born fighter.

He’s fought for a common-sense approach to dealing with greenhouse-gas emissions. His independent thought has led him to insist that protecting consumers’ pocketbooks must be a top priority in any plan to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. And as you might guess from a devoted former Marine, he’s also fought for the rights of his fellow comrades in arms. Last June, landmark legislation introduced by Webb on his first day in office was signed into law. The legislation provides post-9/11 veterans with comprehensive educational benefits comparable to veterans from prior wars. Webb took a break from his hectic schedule last fall to speak with Cooperative Living magazine. He is affable, very well-spoken, has a quick smile and is easy to talk with. HONORED TO SERVE Asked to describe the experience of very quickly rising to the level of Virginia’s senior senator, Webb noted, “I can’t say that it feels much different being Virginia’s senior senator than it did being the junior senator. As (retired Virginia Sen.) John Warner used to say, ‘It might get you a cup of coffee.’ But I can say that it is a tremendous honor to serve the people of Virginia as senior senator.” Webb, a Democrat, has a deep respect for Warner, a Republican. “I’ve known John Warner for 25 years. I was on his staff and followed him as Secretary of the Navy. I followed him there, and then I followed him into the Senate.” The two men share a long-lasting friendship, Webb continues. “He gave me one of his SecNav cufflinks when I became Secretary of the Navy. I’ve always been very fond of John Warner, and we’ve kept up with each other over the years.” When asked what he would like to accomplish as a senator, Webb said, “I don’t look at this job in that way. When I decided to run, I laid out three major themes.”

Those themes, according to Webb, are “reorienting our national security policy around the world, which is something that I’ve been involved in since I was 18; addressing issues of economic fairness and social justice, including the criminal justice system; and restoring government accountability.” The third theme, restoring government accountability, includes restoring a balance between the executive and legislative branches of the government, Webb adds. READING, WRITING, FISHING ARE PASTIMES What does Virginia’s senior senator do to relax and unwind? “I enjoy reading and writing,” Webb says. “I still don’t have a speech writer,” he adds with a grin. “I also like to fish, and I like to hike, things I enjoy doing with my son,” Webb notes. His son, Jimmy, is, like Webb, a Marine combat veteran, having served in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In addition to son Jimmy, Webb has daughters Amy, Sarah, Julia, Georgia and step-daughter Emily. His wife, Hong Le, is of Vietnamese heritage, and Webb has done extensive pro bono work with the Vietnamese community since the late 1970s. Who has had the greatest influence on Webb’s life? “That would have to be my dad,” says Webb. “He flew B-17s and B-29s in World War II, started night school when he was 26 and graduated from college my senior year in high school. He was a pretty tough guy, and he taught me a lot about leadership. Plus, he was a pretty good fishing buddy.” And finally, what does Webb think about the cooperative business model on which Virginia’s consumer-owned electric cooperatives are based? “I think it’s a great business model. It allows people, if they so choose, to participate in their business, and to share in the benefits of its success.” For further information about Virginia’s senior senator, visit www.Webb.Senate.gov. You can contact Webb’s office at (202) 224-4024. Editor’s Note: Biographical information for this profile was taken from Sen. Jim Webb’s Web site.

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COVER STORY

WORTH

Cultivating

BILL SHERROD PHOTOS

by Paula Steers Brown, Contributing Writer

Page 1

orth Hudson has always been successful at growing things. A master gardener known for propagating heirloom boxwoods on his farm near Virgilina in Halifax County, Hudson is likewise a natural at cultivating scholarship, having spent 34 years as a teacher, principal, and director of exceptional children. Hudson served on Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative’s board of directors for 31 years, 18 as its chairman, until his retirement in 2007. He was instrumental in founding the Virginia, Maryland and Delaware electric cooperatives’ Educational Scholarship Foundation in 2000, has grown the program perennially, and continues to serve on its selection committee. In 2009 the foundation awarded $43,500 to deserving scholars from areas served by all 16 electric co-ops in the three-state area. The $1,000 scholarships bear Hudson’s name, appropriate not only because of his role in starting the program, but also because he is, himself, a perpetual student of the world. Hudson retains a youthful wonder, a Jeffersonian curiosity about all the arts and sciences, and a reverence for the environment. John Lee, president and CEO of Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative, char14

Cooperative Living/March-April 2010

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acterizes Hudson as “the epitome of a chicken brooder, a vast improvement over Vocational Agriculture. A 4-H class met after Southern Gentleman” who has committed the wood-burning furnace they had been school in Worth’s Vo-Ag room, taught by an a lifetime to community service. Lee notes using for the baby chicks. Worth won a extension agent named Shirla Griffin. that, “Together, he and his life partner, Mrs. district 4-H award for this project. Next, he Although she quips that Worth “looked marHudson, have worked diligently to advance was off to the National 4-H Congress in ried,” he wasn’t, until she became Mrs. education at every opportunity.” The softChicago when he won state honors in Hudson in 1961. spoken Hudson’s exemplary leadership, another area — vegetable gardening. Worth Shirla, who has a master’s degree from the grounded in appreciation for his rural still uses that expertise, producing an array University of Virginia, taught elementary roots, has grown into world-wise connecof vegetables and berries to be canned and school for 25 years. She started teaching the tions, good lessons for all. preserved for groaning pantry shelves. same day their youngest son, Tansel, began Hudson reminisces about growing up Worth went to Virginia Tech, or “VPI, as school. Worth got his master’s degree at the on the family farm, McLane, which has it was called then,” and went on to teach University of Virginia. While there, he says been in Hudson’s family since he “helped them prune” the his great grandfather, where Rotunda boxwood and started the family raised tobacco, catto grow cuttings from Thomas tle and poultry. He rememJefferson’s boxwoods. He also bers this area of Southside got a start of Governor James Virginia getting electricity in Barbour’s boxwood from 1947, when Mecklenburg Barboursville. Now, all of these Electric Cooperative brought patrician green descendants it in. He also remembers are planted around the having a kerosene-fueled Hudson property. Worth grows refrigerator and 12 years lush-leaved boxwoods in long, without electricity. neat lines near the shady His mother handled the fencerows after they leave his farm’s chicken business, rooting bed. He uses the fallen which took a giant leap forleaves from the yard for his ward when Mecklenburg boxwoods’ mulch. Whether he’s cultivating heirloom boxwoods (above), seasonal flowers (top), Electric engineer Elwood Worth loves Colonial food for the table (opposite page, left) or food for thought (opposite page, Blackwell and Worth figured Williamsburg and had always right), Worth Hudson has a knack for growing things. out a design for an electric wanted an 18th-century garMarch-April 2010/www.co-opliving.com

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den. Head hostess, Elizabeth Callis, referred virtue of his being a state 4-H winner. In The diary ends there with the war’s end. him to Donald Parker in charge of landscape. 1954 his family hosted an exchange stuWorth and Seppo and their wives stopped at Worth sketched out his idea, which Parker dent from Finland, Seppo Kanervisto, a fruit stand in Belgium to ask about the area. “kind of gave his stamp of approval to,” says who brought his customary heavy clothes The man selling fruit understood and led Worth, “since he could not officially sanction to Virginia, even though it was August. them to Church Syngem, the very sanctuary a design.” Flower Grower magazine sponHe kept saying, “Virginia is a sauna.” mentioned in the diary where his father had sored a contest in 1970 called Dream Garden, According to Worth, Finns should know, gone to give thanks. and Worth won the prize of $100 for plant as “Finland then had more saunas than Richard Johnstone, executive editor of material with his formal 18th-century garautomobiles.” Cooperative Living, sums up Hudson’s full den. With his winnings, he bought eight Seppo, with whom the Hudsons are life, interests, and talents: “Worth is the conanchoring fruit trees. The original formal still in touch, fashioned signs for the outsummate Renaissance man, at ease with legquadrants had roses inside, but “it got building dubbed “Little Finland” in islators and linemen.” It is not surprising shadier over the years and there has been Virginia when Worth decided to turn one that he was the 2004 Unsung Virginian some disease,” so “it has loosened up.” of the old chicken houses on the property award recipient. He has experimented with informal plantinto a sauna. The stove and the rock Bob Jones, a member of Mecklenburg ings and his goal is to have Electric Cooperative’s board “something of interest all year of directors, admires his — a succession of bloom: formentor Worth, who “leads sythia, jonquils, peonies, iris, by example with great double daylilies.” Worth referhumility. It is his specialty, ences Thomas Jefferson’s his strength. Worth’s ‘givingwords to Charles Willson back’ philosophy rubs off on Peale in 1811 regarding the all those he encounters.” ideal situation for flowers: The careers and lifestyles “some one always coming to of the Hudsons’ four sons perfection.” This is what reflect the family’s orientaWorth likes — “no big splash, tion toward service and envibut something coming along ronmental respect. Tyler, the each season.” oldest, “who always liked The Hudson farm is still building things and particidotted with log buildings pated in Jimmy Carter’s work that Worth preserves with camps,” now works for care. He is a preservationist Habitat for Humanity in always seeking new ways to Orange County, N.C. use and recycle materials. He Craven, who was a forestry was earth friendly before it major at Virginia Tech, is an was trendy. The farm’s old extension director in Moore poultry house is now Worth’s County, N.C. Brandon is a woodworking shop. The lawyer in Halifax and now Hudson met his wife, Shirla — who at the time was a county extension horse stable, built by his serves on the Mecklenburg agent — when she began teaching a 4-H class after school in his Vo-Ag father out of logs when Electric Cooperative board, classroom. The couple has been growing together for nearly 50 years. Worth was a boy, has a and Tansel is at the trough for horses and mules. He has an idea came from Finland, as did the thermomeMaryland state office of the USDA’s Natural for a future Christmas project. What could ter and the dipper, creating an authentic Resource Conservation Service. be more perfect as a backdrop for a nativity atmosphere, enjoyable in winter. Worth and Shirla have seven grandchilscene than this stable? Worth fulfilled a lifetime dream in dren who romp on the family farm in Other log outbuildings include a corn crib 2000 when he and Shirla traveled, along Halifax County, where they learn about and an ordering house for tobacco. with his friend Seppo and Seppo’s wife, nature and, at Christmastime, have develWhenever any of the old pines and oaks on Aila, through battle sites in France and oped the artful custom of fashioning their the property are damaged, Worth brings in a into Belgium, retracing the route his grandparents’ evergreens into wreaths. mobile sawmill to cut the lumber into planks father had taken during World War I. Worth creates handmade greeting cards for because he can’t stand to see any wood go to Worth’s father had kept a diary. The friends using block printing and incorporatwaste, and he has even built a shed to cover entries from Nov. 10 and 11, 1918, read: ing photos of his garden he has taken the wood. He salvaged bricks from the old throughout the year. Nov. 10, 1918 – Hanging around all kitchen chimney and has used them in his He’s a man who creates, nurtures and day waiting to get “up and at ’em.” garden walks. There is a footbridge to a grows things. The care, special detail, and spring. Worth explains that in his younger personal touch Worth Hudson puts into his Nov. 11 – At 2:15 a.m. we’re awakdays they had to carry buckets of water from every effort could well serve as life examples ened to get ready to go over. Waited there to the house and “you learned not to for the many young people who benefit from for about an hour when we were told waste water!” the scholarship program he helped create. it was all over. We celebrated the Worth became involved in the InterIndeed, Hudson’s life is a worthy example event by going to bed that night in national Farm Youth Exchange program by Church Syngem (in Belgium). for all. 16

Cooperative Living/March-April 2010

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Coming up in Cooperative Living magazine ...

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Cooperative Living/March-April 2010

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March-April 2010/www.co-opliving.com

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GARDEN MUSE

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by Paula Steers Brown, Contributing Writer

Enchanting The very name

“Foxglove” is intriguing.

What? You might ask — do foxes put these flowers on their little paws? What a funny name.

Actually, the name is a corruption of “Folks’ Gloves.” “Folks,” meaning “Little Folks,” are fairies whose lore everyone would know on the enchanted Isle of Britain, where these flowers grow wild. The delicate, elongated thimble-like corollas that encircle the tall stalks conjured thoughts of the magical touch of fairy fingers, gloved.

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oxgloves’ Latin name, Digitalis, reveals its practical, pharmacological application as a life-saving drug for heart patients where, as a stimulant, it really does work like magic. Because of the strong concentration of digitalis in the leaves, the plants can be poisonous, so do not have them around children or pets who might be tempted to chew any part of the plant. Actually, for that reason, they are a great deterrent to animals in the garden as deer and rabbits (and foxes for that matter) instinctively avoid such medicinal plants. The bell-shaped flowers are, however, very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Foxgloves are quite enchanting, still, in any garden because of the majestic presence of their tall spires and the iconic stature they command as being quintessentially English. Being English, however, does pose some problems here in the Colonies, as you know if you have tried to grow these beauties and been disappointed. Virginia does not exactly offer the ideal conditions of frequent soft rains and cool evenings in which the plants thrive. To improve your chances of success, provide more cooling conditions by planting in an area that gets some dappled shade. Also, enrich the soil with plenty of rich, organic material such as leaf mold so that it retains moisture in hot weather, but raise the soil level for good drainage (especially important in winter when excessive moisture can be harmful). Sweetening the soil’s pH is always a good idea for English cottage specimens, so add a little agricultural lime. If growing conditions are right, the plants will re-seed themselves. Most foxgloves are biennial, which means that they have a twoyear life cycle, developing vegetation the first season, producing flowers the second, then dying. Of the biennial types, D. purpurea is probably the best-known. The cultivar “Foxy” is a reliable choice and sports interesting spotted markings. The “Excelsior” hybrids are the showiest, with outward-facing flowers that encircle the entire four-foot stalk. “Pam’s Choice,” a white biennial with purple-red spots, is another traffic stopper. Since flowers are borne on these plants the second season, it takes some forethought to get them going, but the seeds they proMarch-April 2010/www.co-opliving.com

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duce are prolific and so provide a boon to the budget-conscious gardener. If you are trying to let the seeds produce new plants, you must let them lie in the soil unmulched for a while to take hold. However, in areas with wet winters, mulch is necessary to help avoid crown rot, so mulch loosely with evergreen branches. Some varieties of foxgloves are true perennials: D. mertonensis (rosy-pink with darker spots), D. grandiflora/ ambigua (creamy yellow with brown speckling), D. lutea (smallish lemon-yellow), and D. parviflora (reddish-brown whose seed stalks are great cut for arrangements). The foliage of

Foxgloves come in a variety of colors and their foliage is evergreen. these plants is evergreen, always a plus in the garden. Since foxgloves’ stately flowers are highborne and broadcast their seeds from such great heights, the resulting seedlings can appear in positions each year far-flung from the parent plant, resulting in a packed and jumbled cottage-style mix gardeners call “romantic.” If you are not the tangled-garden type and prefer to exercise control over your gentle giants, keeping them restrained to their proper and formal place in the back of a neat, graduated border, then pluck out the maverick seedlings. Foxgloves are real drama queens displayed in Colonial Williamsburg in graduated plantings in combination with other alkaline-loving traditional cottage plants,

Sweet William (also a biennial) and dianthus. The raised geometric beds there are bisected with paths of crushed oyster shells. Such old methods of making the most of natural and local materials at hand are proving to be quite the mod nod to green living; oyster shells will deliver calcium and minerals to the soil beneath them as they decay. In addition to preventing weed growth, the shells’ white color reflects the sun’s heat, cooling the soil. This bright contrast would be an especially welcome element for shady gardens. Foxgloves (especially white ones) often flanked the entrance to woodland gardens because several respected English gardening manuals implied this scheme was obligatory. They do naturalize well in rich, moist, shady areas where ferns grow in dense clumps. If they are used as specimen plants in the more formal, cultivated area of the garden, support is a key factor. Foxglove’s strength as a design element is in providing a strong vertical accent. The plant’s spindly frame could, however, be toppled by strong wind. Staking is a pain so pair the tall plants with densely-packed lower growing companions for support. In a dappled shade garden (the ideal locale), compatible plants include peonies, hardy geraniums, columbine, and biennial honesty (Lunaria annua). Foxgloves are the perfect foils to sprawling old-fashioned shrub roses in a sunny location (and D. obscura, a true perennial, can take more sun). In Virginia sun, this enchanted tableau is usually a late spring fancy to be savored and appreciated for its rather fleeting glory. When the big show is over and the flowers begin to wither in the heat, if you want to let the biennial foxgloves self-seed but still keep a tidy appearance in the garden, gently push the stalks down among their fuller-leaved companions so they can give birth to the next generation. If you are a neat freak, cut down the foxgloves and fill in the gap with a heat-loving annual that can bask in the next season’s strong sun. If you grow the perennial types, do not allow the flowers to go to seed. Cut back the stalks to the top layer of leaves and, if you carefully nurture your foxgloves, it is possible, even in the South, to get them to rebloom in the cool fall, once again to enthrall y’all. © Paula Brown is a freelance writer and lecturer on gardening topics. She lives in Richmond, Va., where she runs her design business, Imagine That. 21

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DINING WITH DAN

Story and photos by Daniel M. Walker, Contributing Columnist

The Old Buchanan Family Restaurant LOCAL RESTAURANT INSPIRES A DOWN-HOME RECIPE FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY

ric Pelton, owner and chief cook for The Old Buchanan Family Restaurant, learned about hard work and country cooking growing up on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania. In addition to his chores, Eric prepared the meals for his dad and four brothers while his mother worked second shift as a nurse. “Even though this was a demanding group, cooking just seemed to come naturally and it was something I felt I was really good at,” comments Eric. The family later moved to a dairy farm in Virginia, where Eric began his career as a truck driver. As Eric traveled a lot to Buchanan delivering food supplies, he found that he liked the people in the area, and felt this would be a good place

OOK T COOKB ESTAURAN OWE’S R R S. R M OM EPRINT FR PHOTO R

to open a family restaurant using his retirement savings. With a broad smile, Eric describes in detail the first meal he prepared in his new restaurant, five years ago. Eric says he designed his menu around what his customers like and what he felt he could prepare well. Today, that menu offers over 60 different items, covering beef, chicken, and seafood entrées. One popular selection is the vegetable plate, which he seasons the old-fashioned way. “For example,” Eric says, “green beans are seasoned with ham and cooked down to melt in your mouth!” The day I visited Buchanan, it was cold and snow covered the ground, so I was in the mood for some good ol’ country cooking. Eric’s description of his cooking style was right up my alley, so I ordered crab cakes (living in Virginia, I consider crab cakes home cooking), corn fritters and mashed potatoes with brown gravy. The crab cakes were very good — I ordered two, thinking I would eat one and carry the other one home for a late-night snack. Well, you guessed it, the second crab cake never made it home. I can also understand why the vegetables are so popular. All the vegetables were cooked and seasoned just

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Owners Kay and Eric Pelton (left) and server Frances Keith (below) were part of the “happy” ambiance at The Old Buchanan Family Restaurant.

to my taste. It was almost like Eric knew what I liked before I arrived. I particularly enjoyed the corn fritters with a hint of sweetness. Eric says the touch of sugar makes the fritters “happy.” I think “happy” is the operative word for The Old Buchanan Family Restaurant. I watched Eric having a great time greeting his customers, making them feel comfortable and querying, “Are we having fun yet?” while he chatted about his kitchen creations. My dining companion ordered the ribeye steak with mashed potatoes and green beans. The rib-eye had been highly recommended in an e-mail I received from a Cooperative Living reader suggesting this restaurant. The steak was tender, juicy, and full of flavor. According to Eric, this is due to his butcher carefully selecting his meats with special attention to the aging of the cut of beef. Also, Eric uses a special rub that brings out the natural flavors of the beef. This combination worked well for a tasty entrée. If you aren’t content by the time you complete the main course, the home-style desserts will seal the deal. We ordered warm blueberry cobbler with ice cream and ice cream with spiced apples. Now, I was even more content and full of good cheer, ready to face the cold, wintry winds outside. As I left this enjoyable meal and the surroundings, I couldn’t help but think about another very cold, stinging wind affecting all the independent restaurants in Virginia — the recent economic downturn. During my lifetime, I have witnessed seven

such downturns — and seven recoveries, if you count our current economic condition a recovery. By far, this economic cycle has been the most brutal in my memory. Everyone I know has felt its sting, including small businesses like The Old Buchanan Family Restaurant. Eric says this has been his worst year economically. He is more than grateful for the support of his local patrons, and looks forward to a time when the economy is in better shape. Other local restaurateurs have told me that their business is down more than 50 percent, and some have even questioned whether or not they can hold on much longer. Good hometown restaurants tend to be part of the fabric of our communities, and are too important to lose. I know you would agree that good local restaurants feed both the tummy and the soul. In my opinion, it’s more important to preserve this facet of our communities than any big bank in New York City. What we need, until the current recovery actually starts to bear fruit, is a stimulus package for good local restaurants. Not a big government bailout, but a plan that starts where real economic stimulus should start — at the local level. I guess I’m starting to sound like a politician, but here’s the plan: Cooperative Living has over 400,000 subscribers and many more readers, and its circulation is the largest in Virginia! If every reader of Cooperative Living would

visit their favorite hometown restaurant just one extra time a month, the impact would be significant — and just think about how much fun you will have in the process! Great things can happen when we act together. E-mail me and let me know what you are doing to restart the engines of our economy AND also tell me about good restaurants you have enjoyed: dwalker123@comcast.net. A special thanks to Cooperative Living reader Becky Baker for recommending The Old Buchanan Family Restaurant. Be of good cheer, and pray for recovery.

OLD BUCHANAN FAMILY RESTAURANT • 19758 MAIN STREET, BUCHANAN, VA 24066 • (540) 254-1600 23

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KIDS’ KORNER

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Story and illustrations by Anne M. Dellinger, Contributing Columnist

Grocery Store Gardening D

id you know that your kitchen holds the makings for a clever science project? And a green one at that! There’s a stockpile of seeds and plant scraps to be found in your refrigerator, cupboard and even the garbage, that can be turned into an eye-catching windowsill garden. It’s easy to get started. Simply explore your kitchen and gather the available grocery store seed stock. Begin with the refrigerator. Grab a carrot. Open the food cupboard. Scoop up a tablespoon of the mixed dried beans. They may look withered but they’re fertile — remember those infamous dried-up beans that Jack’s mom threw out the window?!

Check out the spice rack. Collect a pinch, each, of mustard, dill and celery seeds. Finally, have an adult help you look through your kitchen garbage. Yes, it’s nasty business, but finding a shriveled potato and some orange or apple seeds will make it worthwhile! Now, with your collected seed supply in hand, get ready to follow Hay Seed and City Slicker’s sprouting and growing directions. In just a few weeks there will be leafy vegetation on your windowsill with its added bonus of having natural air-cleaning power. You’ll be so proud and your teacher so impressed! And, amazingly, the ingredients for this project came out of a grocery bag! If you want to learn more about this type of gardening, try this book: Don’t Throw it, Grow It — 68 Windowsill Plants from Kitchen Scraps by Deborah Peterson and Millicent Selsam.

SWEET POTATO VINE Stick three evenly placed toothpicks around the middle of a sweet potato. Place the potato in a glass of water, three-fourths full. Check the water daily, making sure that the potato’s bottom half remains immersed. Keep in sunny spot.

Cooperative Living/March-April 2010

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CARROT TOP Cut off the top of a carrot 2 inches from the crown. Line a shallow bowl with stones or marbles, add water and push the carrot into the mix. Keep near a sunny window and watch for fern-like sprouts.

GET-BUSY TIME Add patience and determination to these directions and if you don’t succeed the first time, plant, plant again. Apple Seeds** Place apple seeds in a folded, moist paper towel, seal in a plastic bag and put in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. This cold treatment helps with sprouting. Then plant the seeds in cups of potting soil and keep in sunny location. Transplant outside when seedlings outgrow cups. Johnny Appleseed would be so pleased!! Citrus Seeds** (Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, tangerines) Place seeds in moist soil in cups, cover with plastic and keep in sunny location. Seeds may take 4-6 weeks to sprout. When seedlings are several inches high, remove plastic. These plants will have a pleasant fragrance. Spice Rack Seeds** If spices are old, test the germination rate by placing seeds in a damp paper towel for several days to see how many sprout. Plant mustard, dill, celery and/or poppy seeds in cups in moist soil. Cover with plastic and place in sunny location. Remove plastic when seedlings are several inches high. **Just for curiosity’s sake, randomly poke any of these seeds, or some of the dried beans, into the soil of potted houseplants and see what happens. (Does your mom like surprises?)

March-April 2010/www.co-opliving.com

CALLING ALL SUPER SLEUTHS: Centuries ago, according to legend, a plant was discovered that caused a goatherd’s flock to become quite lively when they ate its leaves and berries. Today, you can find the beans of this ancient plant in most American kitchens. Many consume it, in liquid form, first thing in the morning, to get the day off to a frisky start! For a chance to win $25, find the mellow, steamy version of this plant in this magazine and (1) identify it and (2) give the page number where it is located. Send your answers along with your name, address and phone number to: Cooperative Living Super Sleuth P.O. Box 2340 Glen Allen, VA 23058-2340 OR, with a parent’s supervision, you may CONTEST answer online at www.co-opliving.com NOW under the “Contests” button in the lower ONLINE right corner of the home page. JANUARY ISSUE SUPER SLEUTH Our January issue’s Super Sleuth challenge was to find a state bird hidden in the magazine, identify the bird and name the state it represents, and explain why this unique bird does not appear in Audubon’s Birds of America. The bird (hidden on pg. 6 of the January issue) was a Blue Hen Chicken, the state bird of Delaware. It is a domestic bird (chicken) and therefore has no place in Audubon’s Birds of America, which is comprised exclusively of wild birds native to North America. Our winner was reader Olivia Wilmarth of Chesterfield (above). Congratulations, Olivia!

ZINNIA SEEDS ARE READY! To receive yours, send $2 and a selfaddressed envelope (at least 51⁄2 x 8 inches, but no larger than 6 x 10) with 2 regular stamps to: Anne M. Dellinger 3328 Red Banks Rd. Mt. Jackson, VA 22842

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WI$E ENERGY U$E

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by James Dulley, Contributing Columnist

GROWING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Effective use of trees, shrubs, climbing vines and lowgrowing ground-cover plants around your home can increase its energy efficiency.

We just built a house and it needs a lot of landscaping. I want to plan and plant it all myself. I’ve heard proper landscaping can impact my utility bills. What are some basic landscaping tips for increasing energy efficiency? — Janice S.

People tend to appreciate landscaping for its aesthetic value, but proper landscaping also impacts the energy efficiency of your house. From an overall environmental standpoint, good landscape design also minimizes the need for mowing and other lawn care. This not only saves you time, but you may be able to get by with a push mower or a battery-operated mower to eliminate gasoline costs. In addition to increasing the efficiency of your home, wise landscaping can reduce the need for watering. In the past, this was an issue primarily for the Southwest. Today, water shortages are an issue across the nation. Even if there’s adequate water available, it takes large amounts of energy at municipal waterworks facilities to process and pump domestic water. Proper landscaping includes the use of ground cover, dwarf and full-size shrubs, climbing vines, and trees. Ground cover is typically some type of plant, grass, or gravel. The selection you make depends on your climate and specific house. Within the same neighborhood, a combination that works best for one

house may not be the best for a home just one street away. In general, try to use low-growing groundcover plants or gravel instead of grass. Other than some unique types of grass, most common species of grass require maintenance. Grass is still the best choice for areas of your yard where children play or pets roam, but try to keep it to a minimum. In all but the most humid climates, placing low-growing ground-cover plants near your house helps keep it cool during summer. The leaves block the sun’s heat from being absorbed into the ground, and they give off moisture. This evaporation of water from the leaves, called transpiration, cools air near the home — similar to when we perspire. In hot, humid climates, gravel which is shaded from the sun can be more effective than ground-cover plants. Using gravel also eliminates the need for watering, but it may increase the air temperature around your house. The thermal mass of the gravel stores the afternoon sun’s heat, causing the heating effect to last into the evening. Though not helpful during summer, during winter gravel provides an advantage. continued on pg. 28 Cooperative Living/March-April 2010

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WISE ENERGY USE continued from pg. 26

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When selecting ground-cover plants, consider their specific characteristics (mature size, water needs, propagation, foliage density, etc.). To minimize the watering requirements, group the plant types based on their watering needs. DWARF SHRUBS IDEAL Dwarf shrubs are ideal for energy-efficient landscaping because they remain small at maturity (2 to 3 feet high). Plant some near the house foundation and some further away for windbreak ramps. Since they stay small, they require little care and little watering. In addition, dwarf shrubs can cut your utility bills year-round. The sill plate, the bottom frame along a home’s foundation, remains one of the greatest air-infiltration pathways into many houses. Planting dwarf shrubs near the house, especially evergreen varieties, can block the force of cold winter winds and reduce the amount of air leaking in. As a windbreak ramp, dwarf shrubs can be planted to the northwest side of taller shrubs and trees. These smaller plants begin directing the cold winds upward toward the tops of taller trees. The upward wind path continues over the top of your house, not against it. CREATE SHADE WITH VINES Planting climbing vines on a trellis can create effective shading to reduce the heat buildup on a wall during summer. In most climates, locate the trellis close to the house to also take advantage of transpiration cooling. In humid climates, locate the trellis a little further away from the wall. This allows the air flow to carry the moisture away, but still provides good wall shading. Climbing vines are often more effective than trees for shade because you can target specific windows and areas of your house where heat produces the greatest problem. Deciduous vines that lose their leaves during winter are best so the winter sun still reaches the house. One with a robust stem structure can help disrupt the force of winter winds. Trees have perhaps the greatest impact upon your utility bills. The actual landscaping details vary for different climates, but some general concepts apply to all. Evergreen trees are effective for the northwest across to the northeast side of a house to block the winter winds. During winter, the sun does not shine from those sides. Deciduous trees planted on the other sides provide summer shade, but allow the winter sun through. You may want to leave a small gap to the southwest to allow summer breezes to reach your home. Send questions to James Dulley, Cooperative Living inquiry, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.

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March-April 2010/www.co-opliving.com

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DOWN HOME SERIES

WINCHESTER WOODSTOCK

AGAIN IN THE YEAR 2010, WE’RE MAKING OUR WAY AROUND THE REGION, EACH ISSUE VISITING A SMALL TOWN AND MEETING SOME OF THE FOLKS WHO MAKE UP THE HEART OF ELECTRIC CO-OP COUNTRY. ON THIS YEAR’S THIRD STOP, WE’LL BE ...

BERRYVILLE 66

DALE CITY 95

Charlottesville

KING GEORGE PUNGOTEAGUE

Richmond

BUCKINGHAM COURT HOUSE

AMELIA COURT HOUSE Roanoke

460 85

81 77

MEHERRIN

VALENTINES

DOWN HOME IN

MEHERRIN

est known as the birthplace and childhood home of world-renowned country-music entertainer Roy Clark, the tiny, rural community of Meherrin, Va., is situated along Highway 360, and is located partially in both Lunenburg and Prince Edward counties. The history of the community can be traced far back into the 1700s, when it was originally called Moore’s Ordinary. A man named George Moore opened an ordinary — a tavern — in August of 1748, and this is generally regarded as when the community now called Meherrin was established. Meherrin is the oldest community in Lunenburg County.

An old legend holds that the word Meherrin came about during an incident that arose between two Native Americans who were fishing in what is now known as the Meherrin River. Each claimed to have caught the same fish. When the fish in question was finally brought ashore, the two began to argue over it, with each fisherman claiming, “Meherrin.”

by Crystal Vandegrift, Contributing Writer

A community as old as Meherrin has seen its share of history over the years. George Walton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, lived nearby during his youth, and during the Revolutionary War, Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton spent the night at Moore’s Ordinary. In 1852 the community began to flourish when the Richmond-Danville Railroad reached it and built the Meherrin Depot, named for the tribe of Indians that lived in the area and along the Meherrin River. According to Virginia Price Waller, who co-wrote the book Memories of Meherrin in 1998, the village was a classic example of the early American town. “Private homes and businesses existed side by side,” Waller says in her book. “In addition to stores, there was a photographer, churches, inns, a hotel, barrooms, schools, blacksmith shops, jeweler, a tailor’s shop, tobacco

Country-music legend Roy Clark hails from the community of Meherrin. A sign in front of the Post Office on Route 360 proclaims the community as Clark’s birthplace, and the home in which he was born and spent his early years is still standing. 30

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AT A GLANCE... POPULATION: 1,838 in the Meherrin ZIP code as of 2000 census ELEVATION: 591 feet above sea level FACTOID: Believed to have been established circa 1748, Meherrin is the oldest community in Lunenburg County.

1. The Southside SPCA has a new home on Route 360 just east of Meherrin. This no-kill SPCA facility includes several new state-of-the-art buildings. 2. Like many small Southern towns, the railroad’s arrival marked a watershed point in Meherrin’s history and spurred the community’s growth. 3. Meherrin Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Inc., is a vital part of the community. The organization provides service to an area of Southside Virginia approximately 30 miles in diameter. warehouse, drug store, wire factory, tomato cannery, cucumber briery, stave mill, dispensary, a bank, and a hospital.” Today, the community of Meherrin is like many small villages in Southside Virginia, consisting of a smattering of businesses, churches, a post office and the volunteer fire department. “It certainly was a much larger village at one time than it is now,” notes Waller. The quiet life is just what Curt Seyler and his wife were looking for when they moved to Meherrin back in 1991. “We wanted to get away from the traffic and heard that Meherrin would be a good place to be away from that and crime; and, the property taxes are lower,” he says. Seyler also points out that the people of the community make Meherrin the special place that it is. “The people are really friendly and caring. Our house burned down in 1999 and March-April 2010/www.co-opliving.com

everyone was very helpful. We had people helping us and giving us money and I knew they could not afford it.” While not originally from the area, Karren Cooper is also proud to call Meherrin home. She’s a disabled military veteran who moved to Meherrin from Chesterfield County. A native of New York state, Cooper enjoys the rural atmosphere of the area and the warmth of its people. She runs a horse-rescue operation on her property just off of Route 360. “We rescue neglected, abused, and malnourished horses, get them healthy and try to find them new homes,” she says. William L. Smith, Jr., is a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran who was born and raised in Meherrin. He moved to Maryland for four years, then migrated to New York, where he spent 40 years working with a trucking company.

“But I always wanted to return home, so when I retired, I came back, built my own home and now I live right next to where I was born, on Doswell Town Road,” he says. “It’s good to be back home.” When it comes to “what to do” in Merherrin, there’s the weekly bingo night at the local meeting hall, and a few community events throughout the year; but the most popular and biggest crowd-drawing event each year has to be the Fourth of July celebration sponsored by Meherrin Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Inc. Ricky Newman, president of Meherrin Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Inc., is also a lifelong resident of Meherrin. He’s been a volunteer for 35 years, and his grandfather was one of the founding members of the volunteer fire department in 1954. Newman is proud of the volunteer fire department and the work it does. “We’ve 31

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7 8 1. William L. Smith, Jr., lived away from Meherrin for years, but “always wanted to return home.” 2. A native of New York state, Karren Cooper runs a horse-rescue operation at her Meherrin property. 3. Retired masonry worker Ernest Willliams says Meherrin has people “as good as you’ll find anywhere in Virginia.” 4. Meherrin Postmaster Rick Elkins shows some of the special Roy Clark pictorial postmarks he’s designed. 5. The Meherrin Post Office is a focal point of activity in the tiny community. 6. Ricky Newman, president of Meherrin Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Inc., has been a member of the volunteer unit for 35 years. 7. Donald and Linda McGlockin are a husbandand-wife team who work at the Southside SPCA. 8. The Rev. Shawn Reyburn, shown with his children Rebekah and Ronnie, is pastor of Meherrin Presbyterian Church. The Pennsylvania native says people in Meherrin “look out for one another.” 32

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grown from having two trucks to eight vehicles, including two ambulances, five fire trucks and a utility vehicle.” Newman notes that the department provides emergency services to people in a 15-mile radius around Meherrin. According to Postmaster Rick Elkins, the people of Meherrin also enjoy a small but poignant community Christmas celebration each year. “We decorate the tree out in front of the post office, and just have a little community get-together.” Besides being known as the oldest community in Lunenburg County, Meherrin is also known as the home of Roy Clark. Clark, born in 1933, is a world famous country-music entertainer best known for hosting Hee Haw, a network-televised country variety show, from 1969-1992. Though born in Meherrin, Clark spent his teen years in southeast Washington, D.C., where his father worked at the Washington Navy Yard. The son of two amateur musicians, Clark learned to play banjo, guitar, and mandolin at an early age, and often performed with his father as a teenager. He was the first country-music artist to open an entertainment venue in Branson, Mo., when he opened the Roy Clark Theater in 1983. This led the way for additional artists who opened more attractions in the city, developing Branson into a national tourist destination for music fans. Today, if you ask anyone in this charming, small, Southside Virginia community what makes Meherrin unique, they will almost surely answer, “Roy Clark.” For the past four years, Postmaster Rick Elkins has designed a special pictorial postmark featuring Roy Clark that is used at the Meherrin Post Office for 30 days. “People send us mail from all over the world to have that postmark put on it,” he explains. Meherrin is also home to the Southside SPCA. The Southside SPCA is a donor-supported, no-kill animal welfare organization well known for its work throughout Southside Virginia. Operating largely with the help of volunteers, the Southside SPCA has saved more than 36,000 pets since the organization first began operations in 1975. Donald and Linda McGlockin are a husband-and-wife team who both work at the Southside SPCA. Donald has worked at the animal-protection facility nearly 19 years, and Linda has been there more than 17 years. “This is a clean, modern facility, with heat and air conditioning for the animals and the people working here,” Linda says of the Southside SPCA’s new location, just east of the original SPCA site. March-April 2010/www.co-opliving.com

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“Everyone’s been so nice to us since we moved into the area in the late 1990s,” Donald notes. “It really is a friendly community,” Linda adds. “I guess that’s what we like most about it.” Sandy Wyatt, director of the Southside SPCA, explains that, “The Southside SPCA takes animals from 13 counties in Southside Virginia. It is impossible for us to keep up with all the unwanted litters of puppies and kittens being born every week. We encourage everyone to be responsible pet owners and have their pets spayed and neutered, and call the Southside SPCA for assistance.” The phone number is (434) 736-9595. Though the community of Merherrin is small, it is well served by educational facilities. Nearby colleges include Longwood University, Hampden-Sydney College, and Southside Community College. Nearby facilities also include Prince Edward County Public Schools, Lunenburg County Public Schools, Charlotte County Public Schools, and Fuqua School, a private institution. When asked how she thinks Meherrin differs today in comparison to the community of 92 years ago, when she was born there, historian Virginia Price Waller sums up things simply: “The days of small towns like Meherrin are gone. Farmers no longer clatter down Main Street to buy groceries or to barter homegrown produce for services. World War II marked the end of the era of the thriving small town in America.” But today’s Meherrin residents still value their community, its small-town lifestyle, and its warm, traditional values. Shawn Reyburn is pastor of Meherrin Presbyterian Church and nearby Briery Presbyterian Church. A Pennsylvania native, he first visited the church at Meherrin as a guest preacher while he was a student at Richmond’s Union Theological Seminary. He became pastor at the Meherrin church in 2000, after graduating from seminary. “This is a very family-oriented community. People are very open and accepting, and genuinely interested in how their neighbors are doing. People here look out for one another,” he says. Ernest Williams, a retired masonry worker, is a lifelong resident of Meherrin. “I wouldn’t take anything for this community,” he says. “This is a good place, with people as good as you’ll find anywhere in Virginia.” It’s a theme that echoes throughout the community. As volunteer fire department president Ricky Newman points out, “The nicest thing about Meherrin is that it’s like a big family. People in the community really do live the idea that we are our brother’s keeper.”

IF YOU GO ...

A sweet-faced rescued mongrel, Miss Wilson, is the resident mascot at the Southside SPCA facility on Route 360 just east of Meherrin. Southside SPCA — A no-kill, non-profit animal shelter in south central Virginia, in operation since 1975, serving 13 rural counties, and run entirely on donations. Located 60 miles west of Richmond. Dog adoptions are every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at PetSmart Carmia Way, Chesterfield (off Midlothian Turnpike). Adoptions at the shelter are by appointment only. If you would like to visit the shelter, call (434) 736-9595, email: southsidespcadogs@yahoo.com. July 4th Fireworks — Every 4th of July Meherrin Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Inc., holds its annual fireworks celebration. The Keysville Drive-In Movies — Just minutes down the road you can still pull up to a movie at the Drive-In. There are less than 400 drive-in movie theaters in the country and only about a dozen remain in the state of Virginia. Visit them online www.keysvilledrive-in.com.

This marker stands at the site of Meherrin Station, a stop on the Richmond and Danville Railroad that was burned by Union troops during Civil War action in June 1864. 33

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COOKING TIP | MAKING & USING DRAWN BUTTER When you remove milk solids from butter, you increase its heat tolerance. Drawn butter, or clarified butter, doesn’t burn as easily as regular butter because the milk solids (whey) have been removed. In addition to serving with seafood, you can use drawn butter for making dishes that benefit from buttery flavor, but must be cooked over moderately high heat, such as sautéed potatoes, eggs, and sauces. To make ¾ cup of clarified butter, slowly melt one cup of butter (we prefer unsalted; you can salt later to taste) in a small saucepan over low heat, using care not to burn. After butter has melted completely, continue to heat over low heat, allowing milk solids to separate out. Some milk solids will drop to the bottom of the pan, while others will rise as foam. Remove butter from heat and skim off the foam. Let cool a bit to let more of the solids settle, then pour or spoon out the clarified butter, leaving the remaining milk solids in the pan. Alternatively, pour through cheeseloth to remove milk fats, or refrigerate until layers are easily separated.

Have a favorite recipe or a cooking tip to share? E-mail recipes and tips with your name and address to: ReaderRecipes@co-opliving.com or mail to Reader Recipes, P.O. Box 2340, Glen Allen, VA 23058. Readers are awarded a $10 gift card for each published submission. QUICK CRAB SOUP From Lettie Glenz of Sumerduck INGREDIENTS: 2 cups heavy cream 2 cups half-and-half 1 cup milk 1 cup diced potatoes 1 cup diced carrots 1 lb. lump crabmeat ½ cup corn kernels ½ t salt ¼ t black pepper 1 t Old Bay seafood seasoning ¼ cup water 1 T of cornstarch 1 cup clam juice 2 T scallions chopped 1 T fresh dill, minced DIRECTIONS: In a 4- or 5-quart Dutch oven, heat the heavy cream, half-and-half, and milk to a simmer over medium heat. Add the potatoes, carrots, crabmeat, corn, salt, pepper and Old Bay. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes, until

the vegetables are softened. Whisk the water and the cornstarch together in a small bowl. Add the cornstarch mixture and the clam juice to the cream mixture and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute, or until thickened. Just before serving, add the scallions and dill. Recipe can be made in 30 minutes. SHRIMP WITH ANGEL HAIR PASTA From Deanna Persinger of Raphine INGREDIENTS: 1 cup chopped onion 1 clove of garlic, minced 1 T olive oil 10¾-oz. can cream of celery soup 1½ cups milk 1 T dried basil, crushed ¼ t pepper ¾ to 1 lb. salad shrimp, thawed

¼ cup white cooking wine 1 lb. angel hair pasta, cooked and drained. DIRECTIONS: Cook onion with garlic in oil until tender. Stir in can of soup. Add milk, basil, and pepper. Heat until mixture bubbles. Add salad shrimp. Cover and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until shrimp turns opaque. Stir in wine. Heat through. Serve over angel hair pasta. FISHERMAN’S STEW From Patricia Harbin of Louisa INGREDIENTS: 3 T butter or margarine 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced 28-oz. can whole tomatoes 1 small onion, chopped ¼ cup chopped green pepper 1 lb. frozen fish fillets (e.g. haddock, cod, sole) 1 t salt Dash of pepper

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DIRECTIONS: In large saucepan over medium heat, cook potatoes in hot butter until lightly browned. Stir in tomatoes and their liquid, onion and green pepper; cover and cook 15 minutes or until potatoes are forktender. Cut fish into 1-inch chunks; stir into vegetable mixture with salt and pepper. Cook 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Makes 4 servings. TILAPIA WITH SAFFRON RICE AND GREEK SALSA From Cathy Benson of Daleville INGREDIENTS: 1 small red onion, sliced thin 1 small can sliced black olives, drained 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes 1 cup escarole lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces. 1 cup feta cheese 1 cup Ken’s brand Greek dressing 4-6 tilapia fish fillets, rinsed and patted dry 2 t olive oil 1 T chopped garlic 1 t oregano 1 t black pepper 1 lg. bag Mahatma Saffron Yellow Rice, prepared according to pkg. DIRECTIONS: Combine all vegetable ingredients with feta cheese and dressing. Toss well and place in refrigerator. Turn oven to low broil. Brush tilapia fillets with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic, oregano and pepper. Place in oven under low broil for about 10 minutes, checking to make sure the fish is not overdone. Remove as soon as fillets are flaky. Make a bed of rice, top with tilapia fillet and dress the side with the Greek salsa. Makes 6 servings.

Cooperative Living/March-April 2010

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PERSPECTIVE

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by Martha Wessells Steger, Contributing Writer

Coincidences of War Come Home to Virginia

ews outlets around the world covered the Jan. 4, 2010, death of Tsutomu Yamaguchi because of his remarkable coincidence in surviving the bombings of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. In truth, every war involves great coincidences or close calls that leave those who escape feeling as though they’re the luckiest people on the planet. The Civil War story of Wilmer McLean informs visitors to Appomattox Court House National Historical Park how his house, unoccupied at the time, was used on Palm Sunday, April 9, 1865, for the signing of the surrender document by Confederate General Robert E. Lee and Union General Ulysses S. Grant. McLean had moved his family to Appomattox Court House from Manassas after the May 1861 battle in which his farm became embroiled in the battle. Because of this coincidence, it has often been said that the Civil War began and ended in McLean’s backyard. Fast-forward 136 years to Sept. 11, 2001, when the forces of coincidence were again at work in what would be called the beginning of the War on Terror. Many of us know people who, but for some small happening — such as a cancelled meeting — would not have survived Sept. 11. Charles F. Bryan, the retired president and CEO of the Virginia Historical Society, tells how his daughter, now Alethea Bryan Gerding, living in Chapel Hill, N.C., currently enjoys life as a wife and mother only because her boss called late in the afternoon of Sept. 10, 2001, cancelling her meeting at the Pentagon scheduled for the next morning. When American Airlines Flight 77 bound for Los Angeles hit that section of the Pentagon around 9:43 a.m. the next day, her former boss and others of her team members were among the more than 125 people who died there. My immediate family — a daughter working at Statue of Liberty National

Monument, a son working in mid-town Manhattan and my husband, Tom, and I returning to Richmond via a Newark flight at 8 a.m. — had our own encounter with 9/11. Hurricane Erin had delayed Tom’s and my departure from Bermuda until a latenight flight to Newark on Sept. 10. We spent the night and were back at Newark airport at 6 a.m. on 9/11 to pick up our checked luggage for our flight to Richmond. With about 10 planes in front of us on the tarmac, our plane didn’t take off until 8:40,

All of our immediate family could count ourselves among the very lucky coincidences in the beginning of a new, strange war. only minutes after United Airlines Flight 93 bound for San Francisco, which had also been sitting on the tarmac. We later learned that because no planes were allowed to land in Washington, our pilot had landed at our Richmond destination. Once we landed — when the airport was closing for the emergency, we learned of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon — and of the fate of Flight 93, which had crashed in a field near Shanksville, Penn., when passengers foiled the terrorists who took control. At the airport our cell phone showed no service to New York City. After driving home to Midlothian, we reached our son, Michael, via landline. He’d been unable to reach his sister, Katy, ever since first try-

ing when people were running past him — black smoke filling the sky of Lower Manhattan behind them — on his way to his Park Avenue office. “Everything is down in Lower Manhattan,” he said. “We’re going to have to wait until Katy contacts one of us.” What was unsaid by all of us was if Katy were able to contact us — we had no idea if she were still alive. Tuesdays were her day off, the mornings when she took the staff boat to Lower Manhattan from Liberty Island — where she lived in a duplex behind the Statue. She always went to a World Trade Center coffee shop for coffee, a bagel and the New York Times. She was a trained EMT — training she’d gotten during her years as a biology major at Virginia Commonwealth University — and we knew that if she had survived, she’d be trying to help. Around 11 a.m. she called us from Liberty Island to say only that she was okay, she loved us, and the phone was needed for emergency purposes. She spent the rest of the day working at the triage center set up on Ellis Island, and the next three days at Ground Zero with other volunteers and New York rescue professionals searching for possible survivors. Because of the shutdown in all transportation crossing the Hudson River on 9/11, Michael was unable to get home to his family in Montclair, N.J., but was fine overnight in his dark 13th-floor office. All of our immediate family could count ourselves among the very lucky coincidences in the beginning of a new, strange war. Next year when the nation commemorates the 10th anniversary of that horrific day, we’ll give special thanks for the good fortune we feel as a family every day. Martha Wessells Steger, a native of Accomack County, is a freelance writer living in Midlothian who regularly visits the Eastern Shore. Cooperative Living/March-April 2010

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BUSINESS MARKETPLACE USED STORAGE SHELVING & RACKS – Perfect for garages, sheds & outbuildings. Shelving units with 4 shelf levels $40. Call for details 800-768-4517, E-mail: wiseracks@aol.com. MORTGAGES – HOMEOWNERS IN VIRGINIA. FHA, VA, USDA – 100%. Fast service – any purpose. Call 24/7. Home Equity Mortgage, Inc., 1-800-884-4365. Virginia State Corporation Commission License No. MC-511. WORK CLOTHES – Good, clean, rental-type uniforms. 6 pants & 6 shirts to match, $39.95. Men’s jeans, 5 pair/$25. Lined work jackets, $9.95. Walt’s Wholesale Co., 1-800-233-1853, www.usedworkclothing.com. CONCRETE CATTLE GUARDS. Also PORTABLE CONCRETE PLATFORMS for watering fountains that comply with USDA conservation cost-share programs. Wright’s Ready-Mix, Amelia, Va. 804-561-2721 or info@wrightsreadymix.com. Delivery available in Central Virginia. MARY KAY – Skin care packed with multiple benefits. Free samples so you can try before you buy. Shop at my personal Web site: www.marykay.com/tfrost. Tamara Frost, 571-235-5416.

RENTALS KERR/BUGGS ISLAND LAKE, Palmer Point near dam, 3-bedroom, 1-bath house, boat dock (good fishing), good skiing/swimming, secluded, full water view. Weekly rental, 434-689-2372, margaritaville@buggs.net. 51⁄2,

NAGS HEAD COTTAGE RENTAL, milepost between highways, near Avalon Pier, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, A/C, CATV, sleeps 8-10, leave message, address, phone. Spring, summer, fall rates. 804-288-6874. SMOKEY MOUNTAINS, GATLINBURG, TN. Love and memories begin here in our chalet. Close to the park, wedding chapel, and all attractions. Call tollfree 1-866-316-3255 or www.hillshideaway.com. BATH COUNTY CABIN, sleeps 6-8+, furnished, fishing nearby, 2 bedrooms, $300/week. Reference “Cabin” at airbornemom@yahoo.com or call 540269-4595. PRIVATE ISLAND with 8-bedroom house available for vacation rental. Great fishing & crabbing! Go to www.TheIslandatWinterHarbor.com for further details. COTTAGE, SMITH ISLAND, CHESAPEAKE BAY. Lovely 2-BR, memorable sunset views of the Chesapeake Bay, boat tours available – herons, egrets, bald eagles, pelicans; smithislandbaysidecottage.com; marciaupdike@yahoo.com; 410-905-6041.

LEXINGTON, VA – Newer 4+ bedroom, 3+ bath home with bonus room, finished basement, great views, pets negotiable, available June. $1,600/month. 540-463-3404.

REAL ESTATE EASTERN SHORE, VA – ACCOMACK COUNTY. 8.3 acres on Craddock Creek Cove, 12’ elevation, wooded, paths to walk, driveway installed, cleared home site, septic and water approved. Craddock Creek channel and mouth of Chesapeake Bay just around the bend. Exmore and Belle Haven 10 minutes away with motels, restaurants and shopping. Hospital 20 minutes away. Priced at $210,000 (negotiable). 757-710-5551. 45-ACRE FARM with 3 single-family houses/other outbuildings/rolling fenced pastures/woods. Good rental income. Just outside Alta Vista, Va. $229,000. 301-922-9890, 304-264-5428. LIBERTY, NC – 4.24 acres mostly cleared, well, 2 septic systems, Oakwood mobile home w/appliances, storage building & double carport w/storage. $99,950. Reasonable offer considered. 703-239-1878. BEDFORD COUNTY – ¾ mile to Smith Mtn. Lake, 16 acres, 2-bedroom, 1-bath home, excellent condition, 30’x40’ steel building, heat pump, outside woodburning boiler heat, deer/turkey. $259,000. 540-483-5781. NATURAL BRIDGE, VIRGINIA – 170 acres secluded retreat/hunting property. Old log home (circa 1850), well, electric, spectacular mountain views, deerbear-turkeys. Serious inquiries only! 302-539-9162. RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER LOT, LEEDSTOWN. Expansive views. 1.47 wooded acres, 406' waterfront, deep water. E-mail for pictures: buymylot@live.com. Mapquest: Drakes Marsh Drive, Colonial Beach, VA $350,000. 804-514-7248. No agents. CENTRAL VA: Appomattox: 12 acres, large hardwoods throughout, building site, creek, perk approved, $59k. Buckingham: 54 acres, gently rolling land, nice area, perked and surveyed, creek, $135k. Charlotte Co: 20-acre farm with older twostory colonial home, call for details. Appomattox: 5-acre lots, $25k. Owner financing available, 434-665-0688. VIRGINIA BEACH TIMESHARE – Ocean Sands Resort, week 17. Condo on beachfront, sleeps 4. $5,000 or best offer. 540-582-3790. NATIONAL FOREST – 46 acres of exciting woods with small meadow adjoining National Forest boundary. Two-story farmhouse with 6 rooms and full bath. $239,500. James Wm. Moore Real Estate Co., 540-463-7080, www.jwmre.com. CHERITON, VA – 3.5 acres on private road, perked with septic and well, approved for 4-bedroom house, asking $75,000. 804-586-9207, KyKidnVa@aol.com.

Cooperative Living/March-April 2010

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EQUIPMENT, Crewe, March 6; Buckingham Farm Supply, Dillwyn, March 13; Estate, farm equipment, tools, antiques, etc., Williamsburg, April 10; Antique Dealer’s Estate, Mechanicsville, April 17. Carwile Auctions, Inc., www.carwileauctions.com, 434-5479100. VAAR 392.

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BUILDINGS AMISH-BUILT POLE-BARN BUILDINGS. Your plans or ours. Local Virginia contractor specializing in post & frame. 434-645-7411.

OPPORTUNITIES/SERVICES BECOME AN ORDAINED MINISTER, correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, 7549 West Cactus Rd., #104207, Peoria, AZ 85381. www.ordination.org. COLEMAN EXCAVATING: Land & lot clearing, grading, roads, basements and more, licensed and insured, free estimates, 434-665-0688.

FOR SALE 1981 OLDS CUSTOM CRUISER STATION WAGON. Restoration – Fine. 703-361-3935. KINDLING – Approximately 20 pounds kiln-dried hardwood, $15. 804-994-5152. AZALEA SPECIAL, 1 GAL. - $2, YELLOW RHODODENDRON, SPRING AND FALL CAMELLIAS, BALED PINE STRAW/TAGS, ACRE OF DAYLILIES, wholesale/retail. “The Gardens at Sugar Pond,” 804-561-3822. APPLE TREES, Old Southern and Modern, DiseaseResistant Varieties; Free Catalog; Custom Grafting and Shipping Available. Century Farm Orchards, David C. Vernon, Reidsville, N.C., 336-349-5709 (near Danville, Va.). www.centuryfarmorchards.com or e-mail at: david@centuryfarmorchards.com. RESTORED American Antique Clocks with guarantee. Keys, hands, and parts for sale. Clock repairs and movement-restoration available. Cell: 703-4477261, E-mail: rparkercbmove@hotmail.com.

PETS AND LIVESTOCK AKC WEIMARANER – Silvers and blues, shots, wormed, $600. 804-539-1989. MINIATURE SHEEP – Southdown Babydolls, Barbado Dolls, Cheviot Dolls and Miniature Cheviots. Taking reservations for 2010 lambs. Several 2009 lambs still available. Follow Your Dream Farm – Virgilina, Va. 434-572-9876. Web site: www.followyourdreamfarm.net, E-mail: Info@Followyourdreamfarm.net.

March-April 2010/www.co-opliving.com

Advertising

INDEX

AMHA MINIATURE HORSES – 540-477-3085, 540-255-1226, www.spbaccarra.com.

Capitol Sheds ....................................7

ANIMALS AND PLANTS: Baby rabbits, ferrets, cages, hutches, accessories. Baby chicks, chickens, and safe housing. Edible landscaping, perennial flowers, herbs: $1-$8; will ship. www.edenfarmsonline.com. 804-556-3377.

Conestoga Buildings.......................35

WANTED

Dish Network..................................13 DR Backhoe.....................................11 DR Chipper .......................................7

AUTO – Prefer late 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, early 1950s model. Prefer driveable or near driveable. Retiree wants an older auto to drive and play with. 434-466-1121. OLD PAPERS/ANYTHING PAPER, 1960 or older, magazines, booklets, advertising, trading cards, books, manuals, documents, letters, pictures. Estates, room full, box full. Call 703-508-6676.

EVENTS

DR Power Grader............................17 Farm Bureau.....................Back Cover Farm Credit ......................................6 Lockridge Homes............................29 Mitchell Homes...................................

DIXIE DAYS, War for Southern Independence, battle re-enactment/fair: April 17-18, Pole Green Park, Mechanicsville. Exit I-295 at Pole Green Road to reach park – enjoy battle re-enactments, historic presentations, arts, music, great food. www.dixiedays.com. APRIL 10, WAYNESBORO – The Hoppers and Greater Love in concert, Waynesboro High School, 6 p.m. Advance tickets: Waynesboro/Staunton Florists, Redfront Market and Blessings Book Store (Harrisonburg) or 540-942-0226.

..............................Inside Front Cover Perma-Roof /Southern Builders .....28 Strange’s Florist.................................6 Sunnybrook Homes........................35 Sunsetter Awnings ............................3 Superior Walls ................................10

FREE ADS ARE FREE on www.SaleToSee.com, Virginia’s community classifieds, a quality Web site for Virginia buyers and sellers. Spread the word! FREE BOOKS/DVDs – In light of our economic situation, events both great and decisive are ahead! Prepare yourself/family now! The Bible Says, POB 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771, thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com. 1-888-211-1715.

Virginia State Parks.........................17 WaterFurnace .................................27 Zoysia Grass..........Inside Back Cover

Cooperative Living CLASSIFIEDS ... A Few Words Can Give You B I G Results. Contact Sue today: sglisson@odec.com or 804-968-4021

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RURAL LIVING

2/15/10

ames Thurber is my favorite American humorist. I became reacquainted with his works recently, and laughed out loud again at “The Night the Bed Fell on Father.” Little did I realize this would prove prophetic. My own bed is about 70 years old. I like its style. It’s solid wood, constructed before the days of laminate and plastic and paper-thin veneers. Still, the bed is showing its age. The slats are always slipping off the thin rails on which they rest. I grew tired of laboriously reinserting them. It required lying on the floor, my head wedged up against the wall, lifting the heavy mattress and box spring with one hand, while sliding the slats back onto the rail with the other hand. This maneuver had to be accomplished under the close, watchful eye of little Brownie, who invariably decided it was a good time to show affection by licking my face. During these ventures, I’d always look to see what Brownie had stashed away in her hidey hole under the bed. I have

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by Margo Oxendine, Contributing Columnist

THE NIGHT THE BED FELL ON MARGO J

1:07 PM

found missing tubes of toothpaste, forgotten doggie toys, half-chewed chewies, stray nuggets of food, and even a couple of quarters. Brownie was ready to ride out the apocalypse under that bed — snacks, toys, spending money, fresh breath. Sunday night we went to bed early, as we had missed our nap that afternoon. Thus, we were both sound asleep at 12:30 a.m. when — CRASH! — a sudden, stunning attack of misfortune jolted us awake. I discovered my head lying much lower than, and at an angle to, my feet. Little Brownie had been catapulted onto the floor. Our bed had broken in two. This is an eventuality I had always feared; it was bound to happen. We dragged ourselves and our pillows into the guest room, which we are oh, so lucky to have. We spent a discombobulated night in strange surroundings. In the light of day, I surveyed the damage. It was beyond repair; I would need to buy a new bed. Or would I? I have been meaning to “someday” move into the guest room, and turn my bedroom into a dining room. Well, I realized, “someday” has arrived. Then, I considered the logistics: Find someone to help lift and lug the mattress, the box spring, the broken bed frame and headboard. Make a trip to the landfill. Clear out Brownie’s hidey hole and then vacuum. Notice the wall needs scrubbing. Notice the room really needs painting. Notice that the surrounding rooms now need to be painted, too. Find somewhere to store all the stuff stored under the bed and in the guest room. Probably make yet another trip to the landfill. Buy a loveseat or oversized chair that

converts to a bed that can accommodate the once-yearly overnight guest. I live alone in a nine-room house with a full basement, yet there’s not a single spare space or spot to be had. Perhaps, I thought, I should forget the “new” dining room, and move my piano into the old bedroom space. Then, I could buy a fancy gas fireplace for the formal living room, which I never, ever use, except to play the piano. Maybe the spare, pretty chair from the guest room could go in there? Maybe one of my four desks could be moved to the new space? See what’s happening? One midnight misfortune, and suddenly, two weeks of heavy labor ensue. The thought exhausted me. First things first: Get the broken bed and the still-good but nowhere-to-store mattress and box spring out of there. I called a friend with a husband. I have often wished someone around here would start a “rent a husband” business. There are times in a single woman’s life when a husband is absolutely necessary. This husband arrived with a toolbox. Hah! I thought, we’re way too late for tools. He took one look at the broken bed and said, “I can fix that.” Hah! I thought again. Yet, one hour later, employing a snappy electric drilling thing, he had screwed back the broken bed rails, screwed the errant slats into the rails, and put the whole thing back together. He even helped me reinstall the flouncy bed skirt. Few men understand bed skirts, but he did not seem overly perplexed. I guess bed skirts are one of those things husbands learn to live with, like wives learn to live with March Madness.

Brownie was

ready to ride out the apocalypse

under that bed – snacks, toys,

spending money, fresh breath.

Cooperative Living/March-April 2010

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Md. residents add 6% tax

Shipping

ENCLOSED TOTAL Card # Name Address City Zip

Dept. 5518 Payment method (check one) Check MO MasterCard Visa

Exp. Date

State Phone

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Not shipped outside the USA or into WA or OR

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