Western Tidewater Living Fall 2015

Western Tidewater

Living

Worth crowing about Employees at the The Hungry Rooster in Boykins appreciate their customers’ support

Squirrel’s treasures

William “Squirrel” Wilkins shares memories of country music legends and baseball stars

Catching up with...

Maryanna Koehring finds her niche teaching English in foreign countries FALL 2015 • vol. 6, no. 3

The V lage Vil g ge at Woods W Edge d dge

Small town charm. Engaging senior living.

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1401 North High Street Ɍ Franklin, VA 23851 Ɍ 757-745-4935 Ɍ VillageatWoodsEdge.com

4 western tidewater living

Western Tidewater

Living

Fall is here, and as many people say it is the season of change. The green leaves change to oranges and yellows, the warm weather changes to cooler temperatures, the smell in the air changes to cinnamon and fresh-dug peanuts and decorations change to pumpkins and scarecrows. Everything seems to be changing, except for the atmosphere present in this region.

In this edition of Western Tidewater Living, it becomes apparent that even though everything around us is changing, the people and places within it are trying their best to stay the same; some are even trying to embrace the history of the area even more than normal.

“The Hungry Rooster” in Boykins has added some new items to their menu, but the staff is making sure to keep the feel of the restaurant with the same delicious home-cooking and Williams “Squirrel” Wilkins relives

letter from the staff

his memories in order to share his story with you all.

Times are always changing and fall seems to be the season that reminds us all of that, but it is also the time that tends to make people want to talk about history and try to keep the feel of those happy past times. This edition is a perfect example of certain places and people that are trying to do just that.

If you have ideas, stories or pictures for future editions of Western Tidewater Living please submit them to The Tidewater News.

Rebecca Chappell Staff Writer Tidewater Publications

western tidewater living

5

contents fall 2015

Cover photograph

by Rebecca Chappell ON THE COVER: Denise Byrum, left, the owner of The Hungry Rooster and Jennie Prator, right, Byrum’s right-hand lady and one of the waitresses at the restaurant.

Western Tidewater

Living

INSIDE THIS EDITION

western tidewater living 23

what to do

6

SATURDAY, OCT. 10

Medicare workshop: There will be a Medic-

PARTY PIX

Western Tidewater residents were spotted at everything from county fairs to pageants to block parties this past Summer.

aid, Medicare and Marketplace workshop at Sussex Central High School, 21394 Sussex Drive from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Certified healthcare educators from the Department of Social Services, Senior Services, and Enroll Virginia will be on hand to provide overviews of major healthcare programs and answer specific questions. So, if you know someone who has health care questions, wants a better understanding, is experiencing problems, wants to change plans, is uninsured, etc., please encourage them to come to this free workshop. Call today to R.S.V.P. - Takisha Carr 434-316-2321.

Fundraiser event: Family members of the

late Emma Laverne Britt Seaborne will have a fundraiser event from 2 to 5 p.m., at the American Legion on Armory Drive.

The fundraiser will benefit two community members, unrelated to the family who are fighting the battle of breast cancer. For more information, call Ann Ellison at 5699179, Sylvia Bowers at 569-9045 or Mary Britt at 653-4949.

TUESDAY, OCT. 13

Wine’d Down and Paint: Come paint with

Twyla Duke from Artfully Yours! at the Rawls Museum Art. No experience is necessary to have a glass of wine and a good time, and create your own painting. In this session, students will paint “Acorn Trio.” Twyla will guide you step by step to a finished painting. Bring a friend and wind down! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for refreshments and light snacks. Painting begins at 6 p.m. The deadline to sign up is Oct. 6. The cost is $40 for members, $50 for non-members. To register or for more information, call 53-0754.

Bingo night: The Walter Ruritan Club will

have bingo night at 7 p.m. in the Walters Community Center, 27739 Walters Highway, Walters. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Rebecca Chappell Staff Writer Stephen Cowles Staff Writer Andrew Lind Staff Writer

WORTH CROWING ABOUT

The Hungry Rooster in Boykins thanks customers for their support.

24

SATURDAY, OCT. 17

Harvest Festival: From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.,

celebrate the fall harvest at the oldest continually farmed plantation in the United States. Along with craft and food vendors, there will be activities and exhibits which will include hearth cooking, basket weaving, quilt weaving, sack races, corn hole, and farming demonstrations. If you want some souvenirs to bring home, channel your creativity with some pumpkin painting or make a scarecrow. A tram will run regularly throughout the day to transport visitors to the various stations and activities. Be sure to stick around for “Voices of the Past,” a telling of the Chippokes story featuring some of Chippokes’ most important characters. The festival will take place in the historic area of the park.

food, fun and festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with local vendors; crafts; food; petting zoo; pony rides; hay rides; live music all day; inflatables; cake walks; car, truck, bike and tractor show; talent show and much more. Rain or shine. Fun for all ages.

TUESDAY, OCT. 20

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group: The

Parkinson’s Disease (and other Movement Disorders) Support Group will meet at 7 p.m., in auditorium in the basement of the East Pavilion of Southampton Memorial Hospital. Participants will share their pilgrimage with a movement disorder including adjustments they have made to cope with their condition. Light refreshments will be provided. Patients, caregivers, family members and friends are encouraged to attend. For more information, call Grace or Doug Boyce at 562-4432.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21

Family movie night: Walter Cecil Rawls Li-

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 14

brary will have family movie night from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Call the library at 653-2821 for movie title.

Fall festival: The Airfield Conference Center

SATURDAY, OCT. 24

Mitzi Lusk Advertising Director Sameerah Brown Advertising Representative Shana Councill Advertising Representative

32

Maryanna Koehring story by Stephen Cowles Photos submitted by Maryanna Koehring

SQUIRREL’S TREASURES William “Squirrel” Wilkins shares memories of country music legends and baseball stars.

Craft show: The fourth annual Christmas in

our Hometown Craft Show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the American Legion Building, 935 Armory Drive, Franklin. There will be a variety of crafts and home party products that you can carry home with you on the spot. We will feature crochet, knitting, paintings, Fall and Christmas arrangements and decorations, Paparazzi, Thrive, Scentsy, Oragami Owl, Tupperware, hand woven baskets, baked goods, and much more. Lunch will be provided by Southampton County Social Services and benefit the department’s special community projects. Admission is free. There will be a raffle and door prizes throughout the day.

SUNDAY, OCT. 25

ful Cancer Support Group in conjunction with the Empowerment and Uplifting Foundation will present the Shades of Pink third annual gala from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Paul D. Camp Workforce Development Center, 100 N. College Drive, Franklin. The guest speaker will be Shannon Smith Harris, the daughter of Michael Smith and the late Sandra Baxter Smith.

There will be dinner, entertainment, door prizes (must have ticket to win), a silent auction and fashion show. There is a donation of $25. Tickets can be purchased at Classy Corner, Mr. D’s Restaurant or Piltons Palace Restaurant.For more information, call 556-5765.

TUESDAY, OCT. 27

S

omewhere in France — Paris, most likely — Maryanna Koehring found her niche, as she called it.

During her junior year as a French major at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, Koehring took the opportunity to intensify her study of the language and culture. As “the token American,” she also got to teach public school students some English, which included songs and debate.

That experience evidently inspired this daughter of Billy and Toni Phillips of Franklin to pursue this avenue of teaching. Completing her formal training, she later got a position to teach English in Japan for a few years. If there was ever a time Koehring might have been inspired to return stateside, that could have been it. “Trial by fire” is her succinct description.

“I learned that instead of teaching French to Americans, I could be of better assistance teaching English to non-native speakers.

Honestly, it was more fun.”

••• Since that time, she’s naturally grown personally and professionally, starting with getting married to Ralph Koehring in 2001.

They have three children: Josephine 11; Louisa, 9; and Gideon, 7.

Teaching in Washington, D.C., her job with students was “to get their English level up.”

The family has also been in Bolivia from 2004-2007, and Zambia from 2007-2009.

Afterward, they settled in Vermont, which they also call home.

Whether in America or overseas, Koehring encourages students to work out any issues that arise by speaking English. She also makes a point not to correct them each time, and has found that freedom has enabled the children to explore, such as keeping journals in which she’ll comment, but not criticize.

“I feel I always make that possible,” Koehring said.

As for her own foreign language skills, she said, “I’m proficient in French, almost so in Spanish, functional in Japanese and an ad-

42 western tidewater living

where am I?

In each edition, our magazine staff provides a challenge of sorts for readers, testing how much of Western Tidewater they really know.

We photograph a scene in Western Tidewater that is visible to motorists or pedestrians.

Whoever can identify the location pictured above will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate.

For the summer edition, the photo was taken of the shack outside Newsoms Peanut Shop. Photo by Cain Madden.

So, if you know where this issue’s photo was taken, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner.

E-mail your answers to magazine@ tidewaternews.com Go out and enjoy Western Tidewater!

Advertising rates and information available upon request to ads@tidewaternews.com. Subscriptions are $20 annually in-state, $24 annually out of state and $30 annually overseas.

Looking for something to do?

Check out our calendar of events.

Power Squadron is sponsoring a poster contest for kids ages 6 to 14. Cash prizes will be awarded for first second and third place finishers in three separate categories. Winning posters will automatically be entered in the Boarman National United States Power Squadrons™ Youth Poster Contest, where the applicant could win as much as $150. Go to www.nrpowersquadron.com and click on “2015 Poster Contest rules” for an application. Entries must be received by Oct. 26.

Michelle Gray Office Manager Western Tidewater Living is published four times a year by Tidewater Publications, LLC P.O. Box 497, Franklin, VA 23851 757-562-3187

23

Poster contest: The Nansemond River

western tidewater living 37

Ryan Outlaw Designer Loretta Lomax Editorial Assistant

will have its fall festival beginning at 10 a.m. There will be inflatablse for the kids, face painting, arts and crafts, hayrides corn hole tournament, a chili cookoff, music, food and fun. The parking fee is $10.

For more information, call 899-4901.

Shades of Pink Gala: The Pink is PowerBoykins Pumpkinfest: Come enjoy the

and Recreation Department is looking to start a local Pinochle League, which will

Pinochle League: The City of Franklin Parks

Tony Clark Publisher

take place weekly in the Dr. Martin Luther King Center, 683 Oak St., Franklin. For more information or to sign-up, or if you have any info on other local clubs in the area, contact Brenon Artis at 562-8789 or 556-5698.

37

Catching up with Maryanna Koehring, who found her niche teaching English in foreign countries.

42

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

6 western tidewater living

party pix

The Village Block Party Left: Nancy Brewbaker and Hannah Lupton at The Village at Wood’s Edge’s Block Party event. Below: Shirley Meade, center, talks to Walker Gillette, left. Ron Stevens and Rita McCormick are at right.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY FRANCI BRADSHAW

western tidewater living

Gold Market Realty

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party pix

8 western tidewater living

The Village Block Party Top left: Nancy Brewbaker, Asa Johnson, Ann Stephens, Sally Carr, Sion Carr, Rhonda Stewart, Texie Marks, Billie Turner, Naomi Koontz, Warren Beale, Jackie Cutchin, Karen Bradshaw. Top right: Mary Burgess and Billy Smith. Bottom: Jackie Cutchin, Robby Purvis, Walker Gillette and Anne Pittman.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY FRANCI BRADSHAW

western tidewater living

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10 western tidewater living

The Village Block Party Top: Village at Wood’s Edge Executive Director Rhonda Stewart presents a check to Gino Colombara (President and CEO of the local Alzheimer’s Association chapter) and “Memory Movers” Team Margaret Cobb, Billie Turner and Kathy Gray. Middle: Laura Camp and Karen Bradshaw. Bottom: Nancy Brewbaker and Janet Boyd.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY FRANCI BRADSHAW

party pix

western tidewater living

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party pix

12 western tidewater living

The Village Block Party Left: Lisa Turner, Asa Johnson and Billie Turner.

Right: Ed Marks of The One Way Band PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY FRANCI BRADSHAW

western tidewater living

Where Your Family is a Part of Our Family!

At Courtland Health & Rehab, we understand you've spent a lifetime together. That's why we go out of our way to offer an environment that's just like home. Our caring staff finds ways to bring in that extra touch of home to make, not only the residents happy and cared for, but the family too. Rest easy knowing your loved one is being taken care of when you no longer can do it yourself.

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party pix

14 western tidewater living

Isle of Wight County Fair Top: Livestock are brought in by 4-H members to be examined, judged and awarded.

Bottom: Hay bale decorated as a pig PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY FAIR

western tidewater living

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16 western tidewater living

party pix

Isle of Wight County Fair Left: Children watch Agri-Puppets Boomer and Lisa show what goes into making a cake. Below: While the adults got to ride bulls, youngsters took on the challenge of riding sheep. Apparently, Mutton Busting is harder than it sounds.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY FAIR

party pix

Isle of Wight County Fair Right: Visitors come to see the antique and classic cars at the Isle of Wight County Fair. Below: Bikers roll in.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY FAIR

western tidewater living

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party pix

18 western tidewater living

Scenes from the Little Miss Franklin-Southampton Fair Pageant PHOTOS BY MICHELLE CAMPBELL

western tidewater living

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20 western tidewater living

party pix

Scenes from the Miss Franklin-Southampton Fair Pageant PHOTOS BY MICHELLE CAMPBELL

western tidewater living

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22 western tidewater living

party pix

Scenes from the Little Miss Franklin-Southampton Fair Pageant PHOTOS BY MICHELLE CAMPBELL

western tidewater living

what to do SATURDAY, OCT. 10

Medicare workshop: There will be a Medic-

aid, Medicare and Marketplace workshop at Sussex Central High School, 21394 Sussex Drive from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Certified healthcare educators from the Department of Social Services, Senior Services, and Enroll Virginia will be on hand to provide overviews of major healthcare programs and answer specific questions. So, if you know someone who has health care questions, wants a better understanding, is experiencing problems, wants to change plans, is uninsured, etc., please encourage them to come to this free workshop. Call today to R.S.V.P. - Takisha Carr 434-316-2321.

Fundraiser event: Family members of the

late Emma Laverne Britt Seaborne will have a fundraiser event from 2 to 5 p.m., at the American Legion on Armory Drive.

The fundraiser will benefit two community members, unrelated to the family who are fighting the battle of breast cancer. For more information, call Ann Ellison at 5699179, Sylvia Bowers at 569-9045 or Mary Britt at 653-4949.

TUESDAY, OCT. 13

Wine’d Down and Paint: Come paint with

Twyla Duke from Artfully Yours! at the Rawls Museum Art. No experience is necessary to have a glass of wine and a good time, and create your own painting. In this session, students will paint “Acorn Trio.” Twyla will guide you step by step to a finished painting. Bring a friend and wind down! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for refreshments and light snacks. Painting begins at 6 p.m. The deadline to sign up is Oct. 6. The cost is $40 for members, $50 for non-members. To register or for more information, call 53-0754.

Bingo night: The Walter Ruritan Club will

have bingo night at 7 p.m. in the Walters Community Center, 27739 Walters Highway, Walters. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

take place weekly in the Dr. Martin Luther King Center, 683 Oak St., Franklin. For more information or to sign-up, or if you have any info on other local clubs in the area, contact Brenon Artis at 562-8789 or 556-5698.

SATURDAY, OCT. 17

Harvest Festival: From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.,

celebrate the fall harvest at the oldest continually farmed plantation in the United States. Along with craft and food vendors, there will be activities and exhibits which will include hearth cooking, basket weaving, quilt weaving, sack races, corn hole, and farming demonstrations. If you want some souvenirs to bring home, channel your creativity with some pumpkin painting or make a scarecrow. A tram will run regularly throughout the day to transport visitors to the various stations and activities. Be sure to stick around for “Voices of the Past,” a telling of the Chippokes story featuring some of Chippokes’ most important characters. The festival will take place in the historic area of the park.

Craft show: The fourth annual Christmas in

our Hometown Craft Show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the American Legion Building, 935 Armory Drive, Franklin. There will be a variety of crafts and home party products that you can carry home with you on the spot. We will feature crochet, knitting, paintings, Fall and Christmas arrangements and decorations, Paparazzi, Thrive, Scentsy, Oragami Owl, Tupperware, hand woven baskets, baked goods, and much more. Lunch will be provided by Southampton County Social Services and benefit the department’s special community projects. Admission is free. There will be a raffle and door prizes throughout the day.

SUNDAY, OCT. 25

Shades of Pink Gala: The Pink is PowerBoykins Pumpkinfest: Come enjoy the

food, fun and festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with local vendors; crafts; food; petting zoo; pony rides; hay rides; live music all day; inflatables; cake walks; car, truck, bike and tractor show; talent show and much more. Rain or shine. Fun for all ages.

TUESDAY, OCT. 20

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group: The

Parkinson’s Disease (and other Movement Disorders) Support Group will meet at 7 p.m., in auditorium in the basement of the East Pavilion of Southampton Memorial Hospital. Participants will share their pilgrimage with a movement disorder including adjustments they have made to cope with their condition. Light refreshments will be provided. Patients, caregivers, family members and friends are encouraged to attend. For more information, call Grace or Doug Boyce at 562-4432.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21

Family movie night: Walter Cecil Rawls Li-

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 14

brary will have family movie night from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Call the library at 653-2821 for movie title.

and Recreation Department is looking to start a local Pinochle League, which will

Fall festival: The Airfield Conference Center

Pinochle League: The City of Franklin Parks

will have its fall festival beginning at 10 a.m. There will be inflatablse for the kids, face painting, arts and crafts, hayrides corn hole tournament, a chili cookoff, music, food and fun. The parking fee is $10.

For more information, call 899-4901.

SATURDAY, OCT. 24

ful Cancer Support Group in conjunction with the Empowerment and Uplifting Foundation will present the Shades of Pink third annual gala from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Paul D. Camp Workforce Development Center, 100 N. College Drive, Franklin. The guest speaker will be Shannon Smith Harris, the daughter of Michael Smith and the late Sandra Baxter Smith.

There will be dinner, entertainment, door prizes (must have ticket to win), a silent auction and fashion show. There is a donation of $25. Tickets can be purchased at Classy Corner, Mr. D’s Restaurant or Piltons Palace Restaurant. For more information, call 556-5765.

TUESDAY, OCT. 27

Poster contest: The Nansemond River

Power Squadron is sponsoring a poster contest for kids ages 6 to 14. Cash prizes will be awarded for first second and third place finishers in three separate categories. Winning posters will automatically be entered in the Boarman National United States Power Squadrons Youth Poster Contest, where the applicant could win as much as $150. Go to www.nrpowersquadron.com and click on “2015 Poster Contest rules” for an application. Entries must be received by Oct. 26.

23

24 western tidewater living

A personal treasure of memories story and photos by Stephen H. Cowles

D

o you know about that six degrees of separation theory? It means you can be connected to other people with only a handful of others between you. Well, if you know William Earl Wilkins of Windsor, then you've met someone who's enjoyed a personal connection to Loretta Lynn, Johnny and June Carter Cash, Roy Acuff, Casey Stengel and Mickey Mantel, to name the proverbial few.

But before talking about Wilkins' relationship to these and other people, you need to know him a little better, starting with the nickname by which he's often called: "Squirrel."

"My uncle started that when I was a little boy, and it wasn't long before I got that nickname," he explained. That's obviously stayed with him, and even performers such as Box Car Willie have affectionately singled him out as such when they knew he was at their shows.

A son of the late William and Elizabeth Wilkins, he was born on Jan. 9, 1942, at the old Lakeview Hospital in Suffolk, and has otherwise lived in Isle of Wight County all his life. His father was a tenant farmer raising corn and mostly peanuts. His mother worked at different department stores and as a nurse's aide; she was in the Intensive Care Unit at the former Louise Obici Memorial Hospital on retirement.

Certainly Squirrel helped out at the farm — "It was hard work" — and also served as a fertilizer warehouse manager at one time for Virginia Carolina Chemical Corporation.

western tidewater living

Among the many autographed photos is this one of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.

But it's his other job at WCMS Country Music Station in Norfolk that became the introduction to meeting a world of talent.

"WCMS was the first — the first — to program nothing but country music in the world," he recalled.

Although not a musician himself, that's never discouraged him.

"I just like the music. It's always fascinated me," he said matter-of-factly. "I just like to hear people when they play."

The station owners would bring in live acts, and had what Squirrel called "a vague arrangement" with the city to also sell tickets to shows, provided that union rules were followed. He came to the station first taking tickets, and later was moved to guard the backstage entrance to make sure no one unauthorized got through. He said there weren't any problems doing so.

Though never one of the on-air personalities, that really wasn't Squirrel's ambition.

"I never dreamed I would get to meet my country music legends personally," he said. "I really enjoyed my time working there."

"We never had a show that wasn't sold out," Squirrel said. "The biggest names in the business played there." Among them were Johnny Cash, Tex Ritter, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ernest Tubbs, Kitty Wells, Roy Acuff, Grandpa Jones and Roy Clark. The latter two, along with Buck Owens, would later appear regularly on "Hee Haw," a popular TV show that aired from 1969-97.

If you remember the program, then you'll recall Junior Samples, another mainstay, who talked in his distinct drawl.

"There was no acting to his part," Squirrel added.

When singer Jim Reeves headlined in a Norfolk show, though, that's when Squirrel got his first autograph, and the collecting took off. Today, he's got several albums filled with signatures and photos.

Music changes along with the times, and the country style once so familiar has undergone considerable changes, though not

25

26 western tidewater living entirely to Squirrel's liking.

"There's very little now that's country.

What I call country now is almost extinct," he said. But he acknowledged the talent of people today such as Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs and George Strait.

Asked to recall some of the legendary musicians and singers of the past, he gave brief impressions: • Johnny Cash — Very polite. The most nervous man. He could not stand still to save his life. A chain-smoker. With the help of Maybelle Carter — a very gracious woman — and her daughter, June, they helped him kick his pill habit.

• Jerry Lee Lewis — Very, very talented entertainer. But the most arrogant of all — really stuck on himself. "Elvis Presley's got nothing on me," he was heard to say. There's no way to deny his talent, but I did not like his attitude.

• Tammy Wynette — She always was and will be one of my favorite singers. I'm glad now I did take a picture.

• Willie Nelson — I love to hear him sing.

• Earl Scruggs — No one picked a banjo like him.

• Loretta Lynn — One of the nicest people I've ever met in my life.

• Minnie Pearl — I knew her family well.

She and my mom hit it off.

It should be noted now that Squirrel not only took several trips to Nashville, often bringing his mother, but had also arranged tours.

"There's not too many I haven't met,"

Above: Earl Weaver, long-time manager of the Baltimore Orioles. Below: Yes, it's that very same Junior Samples from the Hee Haw program (1969-97). Wilkins said there was no acting on Junior's part. What you saw and heard was what you got.

western tidewater living

Top: “A real true friend” is how Roy Acuff describes Wilkins in this photograph. Bottom: This jacket once belonged to Acuff, and was a gift of remembrance to Wilkins for his friendship and loyalty.

Squirrel said.

The one with whom he had the closest bond was the renowned fiddler and singer Roy Acuff. The first time they met was in September 1965 through a musician friend from this area, Jackie Phelps who had played for Acuff, Bill Monroe and George Jones.

Phelps was "a very fine guitar player; much better than he got credit for," Squirrel said.

"Jackie Phelps introduced me to Mr. Acuff."

In a nutshell — heh, heh — the friendship took off from there.

With the exception of requesting autographs and pictures, Squirrel made sure to never ask for anything else from any of the country music or baseball legends he's felt privileged to have met or corresponded.

Most people, in his experience, are after something — money or favors — from these people, but not him.

"Forget it," Squirrel said in emphasis. "I've always thought the drawback for them was not having a lot of close friends. I'm proud of what I've got."

They were friends for 27 years, and had many experiences together.

"Momma and I were there the night he did his last show," Squirrel remembered, and added that he was even once called on to walk Acuff to the stage when a vision issue arose. As another testament to that bond, his son called Squirrel in the early morning hours in November 1992 to tell him that his father had just died. He asked if there was anything of his father's that he wanted, and was granted a jacket that featured an embroidered rose.

••• At the same time that Squirrel was developing an interest in country music, he also nurtured his love of baseball. And just as he didn't play a musical instrument or sing, playing the game beyond his little league days was not in the cards.

"I played as a kid, but was not very good. I didn't make the team in high school," Squirrel remembered.

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28 western tidewater living Ever since he was 10 years old, though, there's only been one team for him.

"The Yankees have always been my team ...

I can't tell you why," he said.

That loyalty extended to not only reading and studying on the players and their game performances, but also getting to know Casey Stengel, the famous player-turnedmanager.

Arranging a trip with friends one year to see the team play, Squirrel requested an opportunity to meet the Yankees, and was allowed to be an exception to the rule otherwise. During the exhibition game, the guests met Stengel and center fielder Mickey Mantle. In addition to the latter's autograph on a baseball — which Squirrel still owns — is that of Boston Red Sox' Ted Williams, who he also wanted to meet.

"He couldn't have been nicer," Squirrel recalls of a man who reputedly could be prickly.

This taught him "not to believe anything you read about someone."

In that same year, Squirrel met Stengel again, and brought a country-cured him as a token of appreciation, which the man remembered later. They even got to corresponding over the years with letters and Christmas cards.

Another famous New York Yankee he met was Joe DiMaggio, who was "very dignified."

Although when someone in media once asked about his marriage to Marilyn Monroe, "Joe went off. He never said anything bad about her nor tolerated trash talk."

Other names of players he got to see play include Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Enos Slaughter and Jay "Dizzy" Dean.

Just as Squirrel would not ask for things of country musicians, he was also respectful of

Top: A personal letter from Casey Stengel to Wilkins. Bottom: WCMS also recognized his work at the station in 1969.

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Top: Joe DiMaggio of the New York Yankees. Bottom: With his friends, William Earl “Squirrel” Wilkins, third from left, is seated next to New York Yankees’ manager Casey Stengel, who is holding a country-cured ham that Wilkins brought as a gift.

the baseball players, and avoided prying into their lives beyond what was permitted, such as the pictures or autographs.

"I don't believe in that," Squirrel added.

At his home is a photograph of Acuff, Cincinnati Reds great Pete Rose and a gentleman who played the organ at one of the stadiums.

Rose, he remembered, as "very nice, very smart. I always admired him as a player."

Asked about his betting on — but not against — the Reds, Squirrel's view is that didn't have any effect on the team's records.

But for any baseball player who uses performance-enhancing drugs, he has no tolerance.

"I have no use — no use for any who did that," Squirrel said, his voice rising to make the point.

Now, though, he admits his interest in baseball players of today is not as keen.

"Most players are way overpaid. Few play for the love of the game," Squirrel said, adding that the appearance of many turns him off, though he would not elaborate.

••• Seven years ago, health issues took Squirrel's vision, preventing him from independently taking trips to Nashville or the occasional fiddle contest, which he once helped conduct.

He's remained unmarried in life, but in retrospect that's been fine.

"Looking back, though, I wouldn't have been able to do a lot of the things I did do," Squirrel said plainly.

The loss of sight moved his sister, Caroline Harrup, to offer him moving in with her.

"Everybody says I do well," Squirrel said, but with no apparent bitterness. "I've done the best I can, but it's not easy, believe me."

The music is within reach, and while he can no longer see the photos, the autographed pictures, baseballs or other memorabilia, Squirrel knows they are close by.

He just has to think back on his treasury of memories ... and can see and hear them all again. n

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small town,

BIG HEA

EART

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The Hungry Rooster employees appreciate their customers’ support

T

story and photos by Rebecca Chappell

he Hungry Rooster in Boykins, a restaurant that has the home feel and the home cooking, appreciates its community members for their success.

“I would like to thank the people of Boykins for their support,” owner Denise Byrum said.

The restaurant, which has been open since October 2012, but has been under the ownership of Byrum since March 2013, is a regular for many of the residents in Boykins.

“Lunch is our busiest time. We pretty much know who is going to come in, at what time they are coming and what they are going to order,” waitress and Byrum’s right-hand lady, Jennie Prater said.

Byrum is not only the owner; she is also the cook, the bookkeeper and the baker. She has two other employees besides Prater, Sandy Coard and Serena White who are also waitresses in the restaurant.

“We’ve grown into a family here and we have a lot of fun while working together,” Byrum said.

Prater added, “Denise is the best

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boss. I love my job, it’s the best job I’ve ever had and I love our customers and our customers love us too. They even call Denise by her nickname, Dennis Brim.”

The Hungry Rooster tries its hardest to make sure customers are pleased and always satisfied when they leave the restaurant. If a customer wants something to be added to the menu, Byrum and the other employees do whatever they can to make sure the customer can get that item.

“If the customers want something on the menu, we make it happen,” Byrum said.

“We just started having Thirsty Thursday night and it has been very successful,” Prator continued. “Beers are on sale that night and our biggest sellers are Bud Light and Michelob Ultra. We had a customer request Bold Rock, so we went and ordered that. It will be on the menu soon.”

Byrum added, “This is the only restaurant until you get to Franklin that offers alcohol. Our alcohol sales have really helped us.”

The restaurant offers entertainment on Saturday night occasionally, but they both said they think the homecooked meals are what keeps the customers coming.

Some of the most popular dishes offered at The Hungry Rooster are hamburgers and the philly cheese steaks, customers also tend to favor the TBone, shrimp and flounder dinner entrees. Homemade cole slaw and chicken salad is something they sell a lot of as well.

They also make homemade pies daily.

“Everyone loves the pies. Not many people make their own homemade

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“If the customers want something on the menu, we make it happen,�

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fresh pies anymore. The brownie cream cheese pie and the chocolate meringue are our most popular ones,” Byrum said.

Customers can rent out one side of the restaurant for a special event and they will do in-house catering. They also take orders for special occasions, such as for cakes and pies.

The Hungry Rooster is definitely a fitting name for this restaurant too.

Roosters are the theme for the decorations throughout the entire place.

Byrum stated, “I couldn’t tell you how many roosters we have, our customers always bring us back some from their vacations.”

Although the employees of The Hungry Rooster love their regular customers, they would love to have new ones.

“When someone new comes in we get excited and always want to know who they are. We love getting to know new people,” Byrum said.

“The Pumpkin Fest held on Oct. 17 will be our busiest day of the year. We are hoping to meet some new customers then,” Prater added.

The Hungry Rooster is open Monday through Saturday 10:45 a.m. to 8 p.m., except for Tuesday when they close at 2 p.m.

If you’re looking for waitresses and an owner who care about what you want and offer home-cooked food, they encourage you to stop in. n

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The Hungry Rooster’s Daily Specials Monday: Two hotdogs and homemade chips Tuesday: None (because they close at 2) Wednesday: Hamburger steak, real mashed potatoes, peas and homemade yeast rolls Thursday: Fried pork chop, home-cut fires, string beans and homemade yeast rolls Friday: BBQ plate, homemade cole slaw, home-cut fires and hush puppies

Drink Specials Wine Wednesday: $2.50 per glass Thirsty Thursday: $2.00 beer

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Maryanna Koehring story by Stephen Cowles Photos submitted by Maryanna Koehring

S

omewhere in France — Paris, most likely — Maryanna Koehring found her niche, as she called it.

During her junior year as a French major at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, Koehring took the opportunity to intensify her study of the language and culture. As “the token American,” she also got to teach public school students some English, which included songs and debate.

That experience evidently inspired this daughter of Billy and Toni Phillips of Franklin to pursue this avenue of teaching. Completing her formal training, she later got a position to teach English in Japan for a few years. If there was ever a time Koehring might have been inspired to return stateside, that could have been it. “Trial by fire” is her succinct description.

“I learned that instead of teaching French to Americans, I could be of better assistance teaching English to non-native speakers.

Honestly, it was more fun.”

••• Since that time, she’s naturally grown personally and professionally, starting with getting married to Ralph Koehring in 2001.

They have three children: Josephine 11; Louisa, 9; and Gideon, 7.

Teaching in Washington, D.C., her job with students was “to get their English level up.”

The family has also been in Bolivia from 2004-2007, and Zambia from 2007-2009.

Afterward, they settled in Vermont, which they also call home.

Whether in America or overseas, Koehring encourages students to work out any issues that arise by speaking English. She also makes a point not to correct them each time, and has found that freedom has enabled the children to explore, such as keeping journals in which she’ll comment, but not criticize.

“I feel I always make that possible,” Koehring said.

As for her own foreign language skills, she said, “I’m proficient in French, almost so in Spanish, functional in Japanese and an ad-

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vanced beginner in Arabic.”

The latter tongue features prominently now that she and her family have been in Egypt for two years. They’re stationed there another couple more owing to Ralph’s own career with the U.S. Agency for International Development. Koehring said it’s “a cousin of the U.S. Embassy ... We’re still diplomats.”

That organization gives help to nations around the world by developing agricultural and other economic resources, as well as tackling poverty, humanitarian and health issues. Though not working directly with USAID, Koehring in her way contributes to the mission through teaching English to

people who need the language for work or the aforementioned goals.

“I just have a job that travels well,” she said with a smile.

Speaking of which, during the summer vacation stateside, Koehring naturally stopped in to see local family and friends.

Ralph and Gideon went off to do one thing, and the girls got to go to summer camp in North Carolina, which is where Koehring’s sister Joanna lives. She has also taught English as a second language, though not in a few years.

The area where the Koehrings live is the Cairo suburb of Maadi, which Maryanna

made a point of saying is believed to be the place where Joseph, Mary and Jesus fled to escape King Herod, as described in the New Testament.

Although the Koehrings were “a little nervous” going to this area of the Middle East, they’ve found their situation to be “a lot safer than people realize. I walk the kids to school — no problem at all.”

“Nothing major happens, but one recognizes the possibilities,” she continued. “We didn’t enter lightly or blindly. You have to have your wits about you.”

As with other postings, Koehring quickly found work as an English language instruc-

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tor, and on the recent return to the Cairo American College, she began teaching all of the Egyptian staff at the U.S. Embassy and USAID, which even includes workers in warehouses and commissaries.

“I will teach all levels of staff including those with a very limited background of any schooling,” she said.

Koehring will also help polish the fluent English-speaking staff’s letter-writing skills, for example, when it comes email business correspondence to Washington, D.C., giving them a “more natural American-sounding tone. I want to help teach American culture.”

Egyptians, she said, are famously polite.

They’ll offer many apologies for thinking they’re disturbing the reader or speaker, and will also ask about families.

“In short, in business e-mails with people we don’t formally know, we like to get to the point. We don’t really care how your family is doing. We just want to get the job done.”

In addition, Koehring said she’ll be in charge of assessment and curriculum development.

“My little project for the next two years,” she added.

Asked if the students could become fluent in their new language, Koehring acknowl-

edged that for older children and adults that would be “nearly impossible without immersion.”

Rosetta Stone and other language programs are OK, she added, “But nothing replaces being in the environment.”

That key to that immersion is reading.

“It’s all about reading,” Koehring said for emphasis.

No matter where she’s gone, the incentive to teach continues to nourish the teacher as her students work to express themselves in English.

“I get energy from it,” Koehring said. “I enjoy what I do. I love to hear their stories.”

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November 13th & 14th, 2015

Friday, November 13th

Saturday, November 14th

Shop local! Shop Downtown Franklin For more information call 562-6900 or visit www.downtownfranklinva.org

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where am I?

In each edition, our magazine staff provides a challenge of sorts for readers, testing how much of Western Tidewater they really know.

We photograph a scene in Western Tidewater that is visible to motorists or pedestrians.

Whoever can identify the location pictured above will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate.

For the summer edition, the photo was taken of the shack outside Newsoms Peanut Shop. Photo by Cain Madden.

So, if you know where this issue’s photo was taken, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner.

E-mail your answers to magazine@ tidewaternews.com Go out and enjoy Western Tidewater!

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