Western Tidewater Living Fall 2016 by The Tidewater News

Western Tidewater

Living

Etched in glass

Beloved members of Sedley Baptist Church stay in congregationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s view.

Time in a basket

Irving Malcom took to weaving with ease

FALL 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ vol. 7, no. 3

Sometimes the

TREASURE SURROUNDS YOU.

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

Small town charm. Engaging senior living.

When what’s right in front of you is particularly captivating, you might be tempted not to look around. That’s certainly the case when it comes to The Village at Woods Edge — it’s easy to focus on the spacious, modern cottages and apartment homes and perhaps not notice that there’s even more to this vibrant senior living community. Look around and you’ll see the beautiful countryside of Franklin, Virginia, and the scenic Blackwater River nearby. And this community is also a great value, offering high-quality services and amenities along with a variety of classes and events. There are also activities, like bird watching, that residents simply initiate on their own. To schedule a visit and really look around, call 757-745-4935 today.

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Western Tidewater

Living

As fall progresses, cooler days and nights push out the last intense heat of the previous season. You start to remember where the jackets, scarves and sweaters were stored last spring. The chilliness also whets the appetite for foods that satisfy you deep down. For this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issue, contributing writer Merle Monahan returns and offers interviews with two women who generously share their recipes of some delicious comfort foods. Coworkers and I were fortunate to sample a few. Think of fall and you also likely think of summer leaves that shed their tints and shades of green for jewel tones of gold, orange, purple, red and yellow. Speaking of bright colors, the stained windows at Sedley Baptist Church offer brilliant scenes from the life of Jesus, each meant to inspire personal reflection on the worshiperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relationship with their Lord. At eye level, though, are plaques showing names of past congregants. Those markers can also give reassurance about loved ones, many who are

introduction gone, but certainly not forgotten. Being indoors more gives a person new opportunities to work on personal projects or hobbies. Over the past many years, Irving Malcolm has engaged himself in the craft of weaving baskets. Throughout his home can be found the sturdy and lasting result of his skill. Something else that can endure is a marriage. When two people wed, they promise to commit themselves to one another and whatever family they choose. Rachel Lassiter and Trenton Parker are one such couple. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reassuring to know that people still fall in love and are willing to endure difficulties together, knowing that the good times will be sweeter and more meaningful. We hope you enjoy this issue, and we already look forward to producing our winter edition. If you have an idea for a magazine story, contact us at 562-3187. Stephen Cowles Staff Writer

western tidewater living

contents fall 2016

Cover photograph by Stephen H. Cowles ON THE COVER: The scene of John baptizing his cousin, Jesus, is one of several stained glass windows at Sedley Baptist Church. In Memory of William Benjamin Wellons, Jr. and Bessie Holland Wellons

Western Tidewater

Living

INSIDE THIS EDITION

PARTY PIX

Photos from the Boykins Steak Feast and Isle of Wight’s first day of school kick off this edition. 12 western tidewater living

what to do TUESDAY, OCT. 11

Boaters meeting: The Nansemond River

Power Squadron will have their regular general meeting at 6 p.m. in George’s Steakhouse, 1260 Holland Road in Suffolk. All with a passion for boating are welcome to attend. Shrine Club fundraiser: Fred’s Restaurant

in Franklin will host a buffet dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. as a fundraiser for the Franklin Shrine Club. Tickets are $10. Eat in or take out. To order tickets, call Kevin Insull at 653-1305 or Joel Bradshaw at 703-2093030.

Tony Clark Publisher Stephen Cowles Staff Writer Stephen Faleski Staff Writer Merle Monahan Contributing Writer

FRIDAY, OCT. 14

Bethlehem Ruritan Jam: The Bethlehem

ETCHED IN GLASS

Beloved members of Sedley Baptist Church stay in congregation’s view.

Ruritan Jam will be from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the community center, 140 Manning Road, Suffolk. Music will be provided by Stephanie Poole and The Dallas Band. There will be food, soft drinks and desserts available for purchase.

SATURDAY, OCT. 15

Nat Turner route bus trip: The Southamp-

ton County Historical Society is sponsoring another Nat Turner Route bus trip, conducted by Rick Francis. The cost is $50 per person, which includes a box lunch and a packet of information. The bus will leave from the parking lot at the Southampton County Courthouse promptly at 10 a.m. and arrive back there at approximately 2:30 p.m. Francis will then take the group into the courthouse to see documents he has there. To reserve a seat, you must send a check, made out to the Southampton County Historical Society, to Lynda Updike, 33335 Statesville Road, Newsoms, VA 23874. Include your name, address, phone number, and cell number, in case we need to call you that morning. You can assume you have a seat unless we call you. Past bus tours have sold out, so please send in your check right away. For more information, call Rick Francis at 653-2200.

SUNDAY, OCT. 16

Zumba Dance Party: The GFWC Drewryville

Woman’s Club is presenting “Bridge the Gap to Heart Health Zumba, which is

open to all ages. The free program begins at 1:30 p.m. and takes place at 22458 Drewry Road. Carrie Holt will be the instructor. Snacks and water will be provided afterward. A meeting follows at 3 p.m. for women to learn about the club. For details, call 434-594-5063.

THURSDAY, OCT. 20

Blood drive: The Isle of Wight County Blood

Drive will be from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Isle of Wight Ruritan Clubhouse at 17011 Courthouse Hwy. For an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org.

FRIDAY, OCT. 21

Fall craft show: The VFW Auxiliary of Post

4411 will have its second annual Fall Craft Show on from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the VFW Post, 3385 Beaverdam Road, Franklin. There will be many vendors, a bake sale, Brunswick stew, breakfast, lunch and more.

SATURDAY, OCT. 22

Fish fry: The Suffolk Shrine Club Famous

Fish Fry will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at the clubhouse, 500 Elizabeth St., Suffolk. The menu will include fried fish fillets, herrings, hush puppies, cole slaw, potatoes and beverages. Tickets will be available at the door. The cost is $10 per plate. Eat in (All You Can Eat) or take out.

SATURDAY, OCT. 29

Craft show: The fifth annual Christmas in

our Hometown craft show will be on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the American Legion Building, 935 Armory Drive, beside Engram Funeral Home. Vendor spaces are still available. Meal and baked goods will benefit Southampton Social Services’ Community Projects. For more information, call Shirley at 620-5499 or Jean at 641-9323.

MONDAY, OCT. 31 Trick or Treat: Downtown businesses welcome ghouls, ghosts and goblins into their shops for just one spooky night a year! Parents can rest assured that children will be able to collect plenty of candy in a safe environment. Volunteers and local police officer will be on hand to assist with street crossing. Pain those faces, put on those costumes and make your way for devilishly delicious treats!

Admission is free to the public.

SATURDAY, NOV. 1 Christmas Open House: This annual event is presented by the Downtown Franklin Association and is particularly important this year as we make a concerted effort to promote and support our local businesses. Now more than ever we must come together as a community to help ensure our future. Come downtown from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to enjoy the shopping and festivities while helping to stimulate our local economy. Free carriage ride with validated ticket from participating businesses.

SATURDAY, NOV. 12

Ham and fried chicken: The Windsor Ruritan

Club will selling ham and fried chicken dinners from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in the Windsor Ruritan Building on Community Drive. The cost is $8 and are eat-in or take-out. For tickets or more information, call Tony Ambrose at 242-4846.

SATURDAY, NOV. 19

Christmas craft show: The craft show will

be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Farm Fresh on Armory Drive, Franklin. There will be lots of handmade items and gift ideas. Registration fees will be donated to the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. Vendor spaces are still available. For more information, call Shirley at 620-5499.

Upcoming events in the Western Tidewater area

THURSDAY, DEC. 1 Elf Parade: Local children are invited to assemble in the parking lot of the Depot/ Visitor’s Center to receive a genuine elf hat before walking with Santa and Mrs. Claus down Main Street to Barrett’s Landing Park. There they will find refreshments, listen to Christmas carols and view the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree. Admission is free to the public. Community Christmas Parade: Civic groups, bands, businesses, churches and participants from near and far march through Downtown Franklin while thousands of spectators look on. Last year, there was a record-breaking number of entrants in this annual event sponsored by the City of Franklin and Downtown Franklin Association. Admission is free to the public. For more information, call 562-6900 or visit www.downtownfranklinva.org.

Ryan Outlaw Designer Loretta Lomax Editorial Assistant Mitzi Lusk Advertising Director Sameerah Brown Advertising Representative Rachel Lassiter Advertising Representative

TIME IN A BASKET

Irving Malcom took to weaving with ease and he has a collection of handmade baskets to show for it.

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

Michelle Gray Office Manager Meagan Barnes Administrative Assistant

16 western tidewater living

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

COOKING FOR COMFORT Come see what’s cookin’ in some local kitchens this fall; recipes included.

So, if you discover where this edition’s photo was taken, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner. Email your answers to magazine@tidewaternews.com Get out there and enjoy Western Tidewater!

For the summer edition, intern Walter Francis took a picture of the front porch of Grayson and Emma’s in Courtland.

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

6 western tidewater living

party pix

Boykins Steak Feast Top left: At left are Pete and Jane Pope, who said they’ve been coming to the fundraiser for as long as it’s been offered by the Boykins Lions Club. WIth them are Linda Vick and Warren Rawlings. Top right: Thomas Lyttle, Coolie Rawlings and George Rawlings. Bottom left: Enjoying themselves are Curtis Whitfield, kneeling, with Thomas Lyttle, Coolie Rawlings, Naomi Koontz, Jerome Wilkerson, Sharon Dawson, Walter Dawson and Vontarsha Whitfield. Bottom right: At left are Timmy and Koren Edwards. With them are Harvey and Dianne Umphlett of Branchville. PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

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party pix

Boykins Steak Feast Above: Brett and Laura Wickmann of Wisconsin with Clare and Steven Overman of Boykins. Bottom left: Lance and Dawn Jarratt came in from Conway, North Carolina. Bottom right: Curtis and Vontarsha Whitfield of Boykins. PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

western tidewater living

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party pix

Isle of Wight Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Day of School Top left: Blake McConnell and Hadley Sawyer. Top right: Lisa Kurowski with her daughter, Hannah, on the first day of classes at Isle of Wight Academy. Bottom: At left are Jessica Sawyer and Wes, 1. They were there to drop off his sister, Hadley, 4. At right are Shelly Garner with Nash, 1. They were there to drop off Ellary, 5. PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

western tidewater living

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12 western tidewater living

what to do TUESDAY, OCT. 11

Boaters meeting: The Nansemond River

FRIDAY, OCT. 14

Bethlehem Ruritan Jam: The Bethlehem

SATURDAY, OCT. 15

Nat Turner route bus trip: The Southamp-

SUNDAY, OCT. 16

Zumba Dance Party: The GFWC Drewryville

Woman’s Club is presenting “Bridge the Gap to Heart Health Zumba, which is

THURSDAY, OCT. 20

Blood drive: The Isle of Wight County Blood

Drive will be from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Isle of Wight Ruritan Clubhouse at 17011 Courthouse Hwy. For an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org.

FRIDAY, OCT. 21

Fall craft show: The VFW Auxiliary of Post

SATURDAY, OCT. 22

Fish fry: The Suffolk Shrine Club Famous

SATURDAY, OCT. 29

Craft show: The fifth annual Christmas in

Admission is free to the public.

SATURDAY, NOV. 12

Ham and fried chicken: The Windsor Ruritan

SATURDAY, NOV. 19

Christmas craft show: The craft show will

western tidewater living

Santa works here #84

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western tidewater living

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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. So, if you discover where this edition’s photo was taken, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner. Email your answers to magazine@tidewaternews.com Get out there and enjoy Western Tidewater!

For the summer edition, intern Walter Francis took a picture of the front porch of Grayson and Emma’s in Courtland.

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18 western tidewater living

IN MEMORY OF

DAVID L. AND LESSIE T. TILLERY BY THEIR CHILDREN

western tidewater living

Beloved members of Sedley Baptist Church stay in congregation's view

20 western tidewater living

ernadette Whitley sees a comforting reminder of her grandparents every time she steps inside Sedley Baptist Church to worship her Lord. William Benjamin Wellons Jr. and Bessie Holland Wellons are a constant presence by their names inscribed on a plate found at the base of a stained glass window. The couple is in good company, for other congregants who’ve also supported the church are memorialized in the same way. Above almost all of the plaques are colorfully illustrated scenes in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. In the case of the Wellonses, Jesus Christ is shown being baptized. That window and the plaque were given in memory of Whitley’s parents, Bernard Smith and Willie Wellons Smith. They, in turn, are honored by Whitley and her husband. Jesus is shown with a boy and girl gathered around Him. “My mother loved children,” said Whitley, adding that before Willie died, she was the last living charter member, having been baptized at age 13. When that window and all the others w e r e

ED TO DEDICAT

SMITH Y E L S E DW B E R N A R ELLONS SMITH WILLIE W

Bernadette Whitley looks up at the scene of Jesus with children.

western tidewater living

Linda Simmnos is seated by the window dedicated to her late sister.

IN MEMORY OF

DI AN NE DAUG HT RE Y RE ED BY HER FAMILY

installed in April 1986, the cost was $800 per panel. There are 12 large scenes, a transom and two small panels on either side of the outside entrance. All told, the cost then was about $10,000. Fellow member Linda Simmons said the church made the decision to add the windows the year before. Joseph Gardner was a member who served as committee chairman on the project. His cousin, George Lasley, was a representative for Stained Glass Associates Inc. in North Carolina, which did the work. She added that Gardner’s widow and family are still members. Simmons’ grandparents, David and Lessie T. Tillery, are named beneath the window showing Jesus recovering the lost lamb. That was given in the couple’s memory

22 western tidewater living

An angel points to the empty tomb, beside which lilies grow. He is risen!

PRESENTED BY RYLAND G. NEWSOME IN MEMORY OF

LUCY S. GILLETTE 1904 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 1980

western tidewater living A reverse of the transom window’s interior shows that Sedley Baptist Church was established in 1925. But according to Linda Simmons, this particular building was constructed in 1950.

IN MEMORY OF

OUR LOVED ONES MILDRED AND GILBERT BRANCHE

by their 10 children, one of whom was Simmons’ mother. The scene of Christ entering Jerusalem was “Given in memory of Beatrice Tillery Halsey — A devoted wife and mother.” That was given by her children: church treasurer Joan Munford and her three brothers. Further, Halsey was Simmons’ aunt. Then there’s Simmons’ sister, Dianne Daughtrey Reid, a Registered Nurse who taught the former school of nursing at the hospital. Above the plaque, Christ performs the miracle of the fishes and loaves to feed the multitude. The Nativity is dedicated to the memory Geneva Babb Bailey and in honor of John Alexander Bailey by their children, one of whom is Nancy Coggsdale of Franklin.

Next to that is young Jesus teaching in the Temple, given in memory of John E. Branche, Carolyne E. Branche and Joey P. Branche, who died in a car accident in 1976. The angel at the empty tomb, signifying the resurrection, was presented by Roland and Ryland G. Newsome in memory of Lucy S. Gillette (1904-1980). The grandmother of Larry Whitley, Gillette was a member of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, which was dedicated to urging people to abstain from drinking alcohol. Fellow members Mildred and Gilbert Branche remembered their loved ones with the transom that names the church and the year of its founding, 1925. By the way, the building where the congregation worships was built in 1950.

Though it’s obviously not stained glass, the painting of Christ praying in the Garden of Gethsemane was done by Annie Lindley. The picture was given in memory of Estelle Rose Wellons, a relative of Whitley’s who died during the Spanish Influenza Pandemic almost a century ago. Whitley mentioned that the artist, who did the work in the 1980s, was known as the “Grandma Moses of North Carolina.” ••• The painting will crackle. The windows might break. The plaques could tarnish. As long as there’s a congregation at Sedley Baptist to repair, preserve and protect, the names and memories of beloved ancestors — people who loved the Lord and their church — remain a comforting presence. ◆

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26 western tidewater living

TIME IN A BA I

n the home of Irving and Gracie Malcolm, you'll immediately notice it's clean and comfortable, naturally, with personal touches such as photographs, some mementoes and even baskets — quite the collection, in fact. In addition to resting on shelves in the dining room, for example, they're mostly found arranged hanging from tree-like supports and then tastefully clustered at the base. That the Malcolms have numerous containers isn't special in itself, but what gives them a story is they were all made by Irving Malcolm himself. He credits the couple's daughter, Anita, for starting him on the hobby. “She recruited me,” Irving said, adding that back in 2000 she thought he would enjoy learning the craft at a class taught by Shirley Billups in the Rawls Museum Arts in Courtland. Anita said that another woman taught her and Shirley, who later advanced to become an instructor. When Irving saw what his daughter created, he asked, “Do you think I can make those?” She remembers that as a bonding time for the two of them; Gracie said she's content with other things. Happily, it was not difficult for him to learn the weaving. “It pretty much came easy to me,” he said matter-of-factly. There are about 200 baskets of various sizes, shapes, materials and even colors that testify to his skill. Some have been woven in what Irving, 79, said is a Nantucket style, which features

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ASKET story and photos by Stephen H. Cowles

Irving Malcolm examines the bottom of one of the numerous baskets heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s made.

28 western tidewater living reeds. While other baskets have seagrass included, the majority are cane from palm trees. His primary source of materials is Suzanne Moore's, N.C. Basket Works Inc., found in Vass, North Carolina. Shoulder surgery earlier this year has prevented him from creating any baskets, but since it's a strictly a pastime and not a sideline business, Irving weaves them as he pleases. Maybe only two or three have ever been sold, with several others have been given away, such as to a Sunday School class around Christmas time. All the containers are done at the couple's getaway place in North Carolina. Irving first soaks the reeds in water for about 30 minutes to make them pliable. From there, he follows a desired pattern, always starting with the bottom. He points to circulars, rectangles, squares and even star-shapes. Ornamentations can include different colored reeds, ribbons, God's eyes, bone carvings or medallions in the style of scrimshaw. If staining is to be done, then he'll do so after the material is dry. His autograph and date of the basket's creation is added. Finally, a coat of polyurethane will be applied as a sealant. While some projects such as a beginner's basket can be done in a day, others are more complicated. The aforementioned Nantucket has taken him as long as 80 hours. But Irving doesn't count that as a competition. He has woven that time into his craft. A solid investment that even carries his name.

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30 western tidewater living

Cooking for comfort T

Lorene Johnson of Windsor pours in syrup for her Pecan Pie.

here’s nothing like coming home from a hard day at work or a disappointing day at school to a warm, hearty, sometimes gooey, and almost always high caloric comfort food. Why, it’s almost worth being yelled at by your boss, or failing a test that you had spent weeks studying for. For sure, experts say, the expectation of being rewarded with your favorite comfort food is a feeling that cannot be described. While offering a nostalgic, sentimental value to many people, it provides a satisfaction to all, young and old. In fact, one critic has said “there are no bad comfort foods — if it gives you comfort, then it’s good” “Well, I can attest to the fact that certain people are obsessed with certain foods during certain times of the year,” said Lorene Johnson, 84, of Windsor. “I have a son, son-in-law and three grandsons who most likely wouldn’t come to Thanksgiving dinner if they thought we were not having their favorite pecan pie.” The long-time cook says holiday family meals, especially during the fall, are always served at her home. “As soon as there is a little nip in the air and leaves start to change color, we start preparing,” she said. “My daughter and daughter-in-law help with the cooking, but I always do the turkey, ham and a sirloin tip roast.”

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story by Merle Monahan photos by Stephen H. Cowles

Johnson modestly tries to deny that she has a reputation for being one of the best cooks in Isle of Wight County. “Why I didn’t even learn to cook until I got married,” she says with a grin. In truth, however, this active little lady married when she was 15, so she’s been cooking for nearly 70 years. Johnson said her meals include all of the traditional holiday foods, and other members of her family have chosen some of her other dishes as their comfort foods. “My corn pudding is another favorite,” she said. “Also my tomato pudding recipe goes over really well.” “We also have other desserts,” she added, “like sweet potato and pumpkin pie and several kinds of cake, but I think the pecan pie is the allover favorite.” As soon as fall arrives, Joanne Hickman of Ivor looks up her chili recipe and brings out her crock pot. A paralegal who works out of town, Hickman, 62, enjoys filling her crock pot with her choice of the day, setting it on low and leaving. When she gets home from work, dinner is all ready. “It is wonderful,” she added, “especially when our grandchildren are here. This way, my husband, Richard, doesn’t have to make dinner if I’m late getting home.” She says her chili is the most “asked for” food at her house, although any of her baked goods would run a close

Joanne Hickman of Ivor presses a ﬁnger into the dough to make Raspberry-Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies.

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second. Hickman had rather bake than cook any other way, she said with a smile. “Actually, if I didn’t work so far away from home every day, I’d have my own bakery — a little shop with small tables and chairs, cute curtains and flower boxes at the windows. I’d do all the baking, of course.” Actually, she does the next best thing — she fills special request baking orders from her kitchen for friends and neighbors from Halloween to Christmas. “The decorations sometimes depict a fall-to-winter motif ” and are often requested,” she said. “This is a good way to get into the holiday spirit,” “There actually are more fall comfort foods than anyone knows, I expect,” said Johnson. “When I was growing up on the farm we often had chicken and dumplings, or beef/vegetable soup for supper during the fall. My brother and I loved these foods and of course, the ingredients were readily available as chickens were raised and vegetables were grown and preserved right there on the farm.” Hickman, on the other hand, doesn’t remember her mother cooking much. “I am the oldest of 10 children and actually learned to cook out of necessity,” she said with a smile. “With so many children, my mother needed help, especially in the kitchen,” she added. Hickman said she learned to cook by trial and error, eventually settling on foods that were filling and for the most part, tasty. “My siblings didn’t complain,” she added with a grin. ◆

Lorene Johnson’s Pecan Pie 1 unbaked pie shell 1/2 cup sugar 3/4 cup dark syrup (I use King’s) 1/4 cup margarine, softened

3 eggs, beaten separately 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup broken pecan pieces

Soften margarine and beat into sugar and syrup until well mixed. Add beaten eggs and mix well. Stir in pecans and pour into pie shell. Bake in 325-degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until pie is set in center.

Lorene Johnson’s Pecan Pie

Lorene Johnson’s Corn Pudding 2 cups fresh or frozen corn 3 eggs, well beaten 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt Mix all ingredients and pour into casserole dish. Bake in 350-degree oven for 1 hour.

Dash black pepper 1 cup milk 1 tablespoon melted butter

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Joanneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Texas Two-Meat Chili 2 pounds boneless chuck steaks (cut in 1-inch pieces) 1 pound pork tenderloin (cut in 1-inch pieces) 1/4 cup flour 1 tablespoon oil 2 (10 ounces) cans tomatoes with green chilies (undrained) 2 (16 ounces) cans pinto beans (undrained)

1 (12 ounces) can beer (may use non-alcoholic) 1/2 cup onion, chopped 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon salt 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) Green onion, sliced

In large mixing bowl, coat both meats with flour. Heat oil in large skillet and add flour-coated meats. Brown on all sides. Spray slow cooker with cooking spray. Mix browned meats and all other ingredients (except green onions) Place in slow cooker, cover and cook on low heat for 7 to 9 hours. Sprinkle with green onions and serve.

Joanneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Raspberry-Almond Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies Cookie: 1 cup Land-O-Lakes butter 2/3 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or your choice)

Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar 2 to 3 teaspoons water 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract

Combine butter, sugar and 1/2 tsp almond extract in bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Add flour, beat at low speed scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or until firm. Remove from refrigerator, roll dough into 1-inch balls. Flatten dough balls and press thumbprint into each. Spoon small amount of jam into thumbprint. Bake in 350-degree oven for 12 minutes. Mix glaze and drizzle across each cookie.

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36 western tidewater living

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We were sup

37 western tidewater living

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pposed to meetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Rachel Lassiter, Trenton Parker seal their longstanding bond

38 western tidewater living

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story by Stephen H. Cowles photos by Nikki Story / Storytime Photography

ong before they exchanged vows, Rachel Lassiter and Trenton Parker knew each other as children. They just didn't know that at the time. “I grew up on South High Street and he was two streets over,” said Rachel. “We met as little kids, but never remembered one another — we even went to the same middle school.” Thinking back on it all now, she added, “it was kind of like it was fate” that they should reconnect. That happened in 2007 and they began dating in 2008. “He was the only guy I took to meet my parents,” was how Rachel explained that she knew Trent was the man for her. “He was the only one worthy enough,” she said with laughter. Indeed, as Rachel thinks back on it all and retells her story, she's smiling all the time. Not only did he pass the proverbial acid test with her parents, but Trent also gets along with her brother — his former coworker — Joshua. “They've become good friends. Joshua thinks of Trent, well, like a brother,” she added. Rachel and Trent have a daughter together, Kylie Parker, but held off on a wedding until recently. “I felt it was the right time,” she said about the service, as described further below. Growing the family could also happens if the couple feels it's right. “Family is most important to me … Trent is my family, my best friend,” Rachel said. A song came to her mind, “We'll build this love from the ground up.” That describes the love that she and Trent have for one another. “I feel this is us.”

40 western tidewater living

Rachel K. Lassiter with her maid of honor, Kelsey Foreman, at left. The bridesmaids, from left, are Heather Lassiter, Brittany Hawkins, Erica Beale, Brittney Vandiford, Lori McNair and Heather Holloman.

The groom, Trenton C. Parker, fourth from right, with his best man, Joshua Lassiter with fedora. Groomsmen, from left, are Stuart Breedan, Shane Hartless, Brian Marks, Michael Vandiford, Dylan Dunlow and Dylan Boyce.

Kylie Parker and her mother, Rachel.

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THE CEREMONY Rachel Kathleen Lassiter and Trenton Corbitt Parker were married on Sept, 17, 2016, at 5 o'clock in the evening. The outdoor ceremony was held beside the pond at her parents' home in Newsoms, Virginia. Pastor Reggie Warren officiated. The bride is the daughter of Charles and Susan Lassiter of Newsoms, Virginia. She is the maternal granddaughter of Lois Daughtrey and the late James H. Daughtrey of Franklin, Virginia. She is the paternal granddaughter of the late Kathleen Lassiter Bryant and E.J "Boonie" Lassiter of Newsoms. The groom is the son of Troi Parker of Franklin, Virginia, and Paul and Sharon

Hollowell of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He is the maternal grandson of Ann S. Parker and the late Earnest E. Parker. He is the paternal grandson of Carolyn and Ronald Gene Buck of Gates, North Carolina; and Robert and Anne Hollowell of Sunbury, North Carolina. Miss Kelsey Foreman, best friend of the bride, served as maid of honor who escorted in Miss Kylie Parker, daughter of the bride and groom. Bridesmaids were Miss Erica Beale, Mrs. Heather Lassiter, Mrs. Heather Holloman, Miss Lori McNair, Miss Brittany Hawkins and Mrs. Brittney Vandiford, all of Southampton County, Virginia. The bride's brother, Mr. Joshua Lassiter,

served as best man. The groomsmen were Mr. Dylan Boyce, Mr. Stuart Breedan, Mr. Dylan Dunlow, Mr. Shane Hartless, Mr. Brian Marks and Mr. Michael Vandiford, all of Southampton County. Flower girls were Marilyn Lassiter and Hannah Holloman, both nieces of the bride. The mistresses of ceremony were Judi Moore Drake, and daughter Sydney Holloman. All photos were taken by Nikki Story owner/photographer of Storytime Photography (storytimephotography24@ gmail.com). Following a honeymoon, the couple resides in Zuni. â&#x2014;&#x2020;

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