Western Tidewater Living Spring 2017 by The Tidewater News

Western Tidewater

Living

Popping Bug King

Walt Cary has earned a unique reputation with his craft

Busy Bee

Tammy Malkin keeps her retirement clean and sweet-smelling

SPRING 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ vol. 8, no. 1

Often the

TREASURE IS INSIDE.

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

Small town charm. Engaging senior living.

Even when the surface of a thing is truly distinctive, we often need to look inside to find the real pearl (or the really delicious oyster). At The Village at Woods Edge, the beautiful countryside and the modern cottages and apartment homes may first catch your eye, but soon you’ll see there’s even more to this vibrant senior living community. To begin with, it’s a great value, offering unusually spacious residences, high-quality services and amenities, and a variety of classes and events to keep you happy and well. And there are activities, like in-season oyster roasts, that aren’t on the regular schedule but are among residents’ favorites. To arrange a visit and get started on finding your own favorite things here, call 757-745-4935 today.

1401 North High Street · Franklin, VA 23851 · 757-745-4935 · VillageAtWoodsEdge.com

It’s time to Spring into action! Summer will be here before you know it.

Make sure your cooling system is ready NOW and don’t sweat it.

Schedule your preventative maintenance today!

757-569-0885

www.improveyourcomfort.com

Experience you can trust and courtesy you deserve Few banks have the gratification of serving their community as long as we have. Our values of courtesy, promptness, reliability and security have remained unchanged since 1919, however the products and services we offer have continually improved to meet the needs of every customer. Whether you’ve banked with us for years or are new to the community, Farmers Bank is here for you.

FARMERS BANK Since 1919

www.farmersbankva.com • 757-242-6111

4 western tidewater living

Western Tidewater

Living

Spring! Already? Yes, it’s true. No sooner did we get done with Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day, then it was time to think ahead to the spring edition of the Western Tidewater Living magazine. Welcome. Speaking of the holidays, one of our features is about Ivor Baptist Church, which last November presented food baskets to people they learned about who had a need for a helping hand with groceries. As Pastor Don Roberts Jr. explained, he wants to lead his congregation outside the sanctuary of church walls and into the community to which it belongs. No matter what time of year, Don Williams of Windsor likes to paint, especially if it’s his style of art. More recently, he’s been experimenting with what he calls abstract realism. Inventive techniques to create new textures or shading add to his desired effect. When it comes to getting a result, Walt Cary in Courtland has been making his fly fishing lures for several decades. His “poppers” or “popping bugs” are made with specific fish in mind. Cary’s reputation is such that he’s known nationally as Virginia’s “Popping Bug King.” It’s a title he can wear proudly. We caught up with Frances Keene, formerly of Courtland, who has her own reason to be proud. In December,

introduction she received her doctorate degree after nearly five years of intense research, study and writing her dissertation. There to witness the happy moment at Virginia Tech were her husband, Bill Keene, originally from Hunterdale, and their children, Emerson and Mary Helen. Dr. Keene believes that all the work on the degree has made her a better educator. When Tammy Malkin of Ivor finished her own career as a teacher, she sought a new productive outlet for her abilities, and found it in making fragrant and also unscented soaps, lip balms and salves. One of the ingredients she uses in balms is beeswax. To help her with that supply, she has a hive, which will be increased to two or three when the weather stays warm. Then she and husband Jim will be as busy as the bees to meet demand. As is tradition with each magazine, naturally there’s an assortment of photos featuring people at public functions. Strangely, we didn’t get anyone to submit a guess for our “Where am I” feature. But, we’ve a somewhat tasty new one for readers to ponder. We hope you enjoy this issue, and welcome your ideas for consideration. Stephen H. Cowles Staff Writer Western Tidewater Living

western tidewater living

contents spring 2017

Cover photograph by Stephen Faleski

ON THE COVER: Walt Cary demonstrates how to attach feathers to a popper.

Western Tidewater

Living

Tony Clark Publisher Stephen Cowles Staff Writer Stephen Faleski Staff Writer Merle Monahan Contributing Writer Ryan Outlaw Lead Designer Loretta Lomax Designer

INSIDE THIS EDITION

PARTY PIX

Residents of Western Tidewater celebrate Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras in style.

THE POPPING BUG KING Walt Cary of Courtland is known as Virginia’s “Popping Bug King.” Find out why and how that happened, and what exactly are popping bugs.

Crystal Parker Designer Mitzi Lusk Advertising Director Sameerah Brown Advertising Representative Rachel Parker Advertising Representative 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 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.

K E E N E Dr. Frances Babb Keene at Virginia Tech would most likely have become a doctor no matter what profession she had chosen. The Courtland native recently said that while an undergraduate at The College of William and Mary she was thinking of going into medicine, but soon came upon a stumbling block. “I didn’t like chemistry at all,” Keene said, adding that clinical psychology was another consideration, and so went on to earn a psychology degree. Recognizing that graduate school

was next, she headed to the University of Virginia and enrolled in a counselor program. There were three community mental health tracks offered: community mental health; a school counselor for secondary education students; and then one for higher education, the latter of which called to her. An assistanceship became available in an orientation program for students — helping them to understand their purpose and guide them in their college years. She herself benefitted from such counselors back in Williamsburg.

Catching up with former Courtland resident Dr. Frances Babb Keene, who has grown in her profession of education by earning a doctorate degree.

F R A N C E S

Photo by Jud Froelich

story by Stephen H. Cowles

ABSTRACT REALIST

“I struggled academically at William and Mary — I didn’t really do well the first and second years. Those people really helped me turn around,” said Keene, who realized she could have a career in this area and earned a master’s degree in counselor education. What brought her to Virginia Tech was her first job, which came through a grant with the Department of Justice. She helped to resolve complaints by women on college campuses who said they were victims of sexual assault and harassment.

People say, ‘Paint what you know.’ In the case of Don Williams of Windsor, he knows abstract realism and uses different techniques and unconventional means to express his vision.

BUSY AS A BEE

Tammy Malkin of Ivor has found that in her retirement she works as much — if not more so — than the bees in her backyard. In addition to creating soaps, Malkin will their beeswax this year to make salves and lip balms. Sweet!

western tidewater living

A VERY LOVING CHURCH’

With guidance from the pastor, the congregation of Ivor Baptist Church reaches outside the sanctuary walls to aid the community in times of need.

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 winter edition, staff writer Stephen H. Cowles took this photo of a sign for the General Federation of Woman’s Club in Sedley. Nobody guessed.

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

party pix

6 western tidewater living

Valentine’s Banquet Top left: From left are Axie Fulcher, Jane Bailey and Ann Cross at the Valentine’s Banquet at Ivor Baptist. Top right: Russell and Jenny Britt. Bottom left: Ivor Volunteer Fire Chief Carl Garner and wife, Sharon. Bottom right: Jennica Walker and Tony Fox PHOTOS BY MERLE MONAHAN

western tidewater living

Lower Greenhouse Gases | Healthy Forests | Stronger Communities

LET US HELP YOU CULTIVATE A NEW WAY OF LIVING IN A NEW HOME

Darren

Darlene

Donnie

Proudto tobe be aapart of of thethe Proud part Roanoke-Chowan community Western Tidewater community Angela

Sandra

New Vision, New Direction

A New You

At Paul D. Camp Community College The PERFECT Local, affordable choice. • More than 60 programs of study • Transfer easily to a four-year school • Prepare for the job market or upgrade workplace skills • Two-year degree, one-year or career study certificates • Financial assistance opportunities available Summer Classes Begin May 22nd Register Today!

Start your journey at PDCCC!

757-569-6700

Teresa

Karen

Darren Stauffer, Owner/Broker Darlene Smithwick, Assoc. Broker Donnie Upton Sandra Brinkley Angela Denson Teresa Unser Karen Spivey Robbie Lynn Neave

Robbie 617-9242 620-9332 695-4550 630-8934 562-3302 641-9832 334-2903 266-1941

party pix

8 western tidewater living

Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Banquet Top: Michael and Ruth Glascock. Bottom: Patty and Wayne Felts PHOTOS BY MERLE MONAHAN

western tidewater living

Making Memories Last A Lifetime!

A unique, beautiful setting on scenic Airfield Lake is the ideal venue for a wedding you will treasure forever!

Everything In One Location!

Wedding Ceremony (inside or outside), Reception and Lodging!

Call us today and let our experienced, professional staff help you with the details! 15189 Airfield Rd. Wakefield, VA

(757) 899-4901 www.airfieldconference.com

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hard to Stop A Tharal

Rawlings Mechanical Corporation

10 western tidewater living

party pix

Mardi Gras Chamber of Commerce Awards Top: From left: Dameon Rhoads and Chris Rice of Music Makes You Happy and Thomas and Darlene Brown. Music Makes You Happy provided lighting and DJ services for the event. Thomas works at The Village at Woods Edge. Darlene works for Senior Services of Southside Virginia. Below, left: Davida Fenner of Courtland Health and Rehabilitation Center. Below, right: Judy and Collin Pulley of Nottoway House Furniture. Bottom left: Amanda Bulls, David Rabil and Lori McNair tend the bar at the 2017 Franklin Southampton Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. Bottom right: Pastor Nathan Decker, Rodrick Shannon and Southampton Schools Supt. Dr. Gwen Shannon PHOTOS BY STEPHEN FALESKI & MITZI LUSK

western tidewater living

Forest Pine A P A R T M E N T S

Apartment Amenities • Patios or balconies (in select units) • Eat-in kitchen with double sink and disposal (in select units) • Range, frost free refrigerator and dishwasher (in select units) • Mini blinds at all windows • We pay for water, sewer, trash removal; and heat and hot water (in select units)

757-562-2005 201 Forest Pine Rd. Franklin, VA ofﬁce@forestpineapts.com www.forestpineapts.com

Ofﬁce Hours: Mon through Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

SENIORS CAN STAY AT HOME

WITH OFFICES IN Stony Creek • Waverly Colonial Heights Franklin • Emporia Lawrenceville & Dinwiddie

Personal Touch Home Care Services Moore Home Care Services Southern Touch Health Care Services Members of Personal Care Preferred Group Providing Support for the Comforts of Home

12 western tidewater living

Mardi Gras Top: Ellis Cofield Jr. and his wife, Beneta. Bottom: The staff of Village at Woodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Edge, which was named Business of the Year for 2016. The award was presented during a Mardi Gras-style event, put on by the FranklinSouthampton County Chamber of Commerce. PHOTOS BY MITZI LUSK

western tidewater living

Serving Franklin Since 1984

ABC

• Commercial YOU STORE IT YOU LOCK IT • Household YOU KEEP THE KEY • Personal sizes to suit your needs Self Storage • Rent by Month

1440 Armory Drive • Franklin, VA • 757-562-7070 We Sell Key Pad, Access Code abcselfstorage99@aol.com

Boxes & Locks

7 Days a Week 8am - 10pm

562-7070 or 562-7272 1440 Armory Drive, Franklin, VA • (Next to Wal-Mart) abcselfstorage99@aol.com

Walters Outdoor Power Equipment has all the tools you need to keep your lawn and yard in shape!

CUSTOM BUILT Just For You

FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME ONLINE

ClaytonHomesNewportNews.com

Our trained and certified staff can service your Stihl, Toro and Snapper equipment and Briggs, Kohler, Honda and Kawasaki engines.

Walters Outdoor Power Equipment waltersoutdoorpowerequipment.com • waltersoutdoor@gmail.com Halfway between Windsor & Franklin on Hwy. 258 • 757-562-4760 Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 8-5 • Wed, Sat 8-12

757-599-3803

11281 Jefferson Ave., Newport News, Va

14 western tidewater living

Springdale Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Banquet Top left: From front, Marilyn Tan, Tina Warren and Jack Russell. Top right: In front, from left, Deloris Joyner and George Barrett; back, Barbara Grewe and Ray Terrell. Bottom left: Flossie Washington. Bottom center: Carolyn Bowles, left, and Janie Benson. Bottom right: Yvonne Gay PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

western tidewater living

BEST FOOD IN TOWN! Breakfast served 6:30 am - 10:30 am Fresh Eggs • Fried Potato • Fried Apples • Ham Sausage (patties & links) • Bacon Biscuits • Corned Beef Hash

Lunch served 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fried Fish (whiting & catﬁsh) • Fried Pork Chop BBQ • Fried Chicken • Fried Gizzards • Mac & Cheese Liver & Gravy (Monday) • Meatloaf (Tuesday) Salisbury Steak (Thursday)

LARGE ORDERS

(25-300)

CALL AHEAD

757-562-7734 ask for the Deli 101 North College Drive, Franklin, VA 23851

Making loans easy. It’s what we do.

The Bank of Southside Virginia The Bank of Southside Virginia

Boykins 757-654-6121

Franklin 757-562-6722

Capron 434-658-4121

The Bank of Southside Virginia

Smithfield 757-357-4381

Wakefield 757-899-7310

Our friends. Our lifestyle. Our town. Shopping local helps our friends and families.

FREE LOCAL Y R DELIVE

On-site Storage Units â&#x20AC;˘ Climate Control Covered Boat & RV Storage â&#x20AC;˘ Gated Facility 5x5 up to 14x50 Call today for available units!

Storage Solutions

757-516-8887 | 24538 New Market Rd., Courtland, VA

western tidewater living

Recovery at the Speed of Life Courtland Health & Rehab Offers Services for: • • • • • • •

Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Hip or Knee Replacement Cardiovascular Illness Post-Surgical Recovery Heart Failure Pneumonia Stroke Call us for a tour and to discuss a plan of care to fit your individual needs.

Courtland Health & Rehabilitation Center 23020 Main Street • Courtland, VA 23837 • 757-653-0908 • CourtlandHealthRehab.com

Come shop in Conway, NC We are your source for all of the latest and greatest fashion trends for women of all ages at an affordable price.

Monogramming Available

Little’s Small Engines

The Mini Pearl Boutique 116 E. Main St. Conway, NC è 252-585-0414

Certified Outdoor Power Equipment Dealer Specializing In Part Sales & Service Repair

120 Saﬀold St • Conway, NC • 252-585-1919 E-mail: lse@embarqmail.com ASK ABOUT OUR AVAILABLE FINANCING OPTIONS!

18 western tidewater living

The Bug

western tidewater living

e Popping g King story and photos by Stephen Faleski

When Courtland resident Walt Cary made his first fly fishing lure in 1957, known among anglers as “poppers” or “popping bugs,” he did so by carving the body out of a champagne cork and gluing a hook and dropped feathers from his mother’s chickens to it. He had recently enlisted in the Navy Reserves after finishing a tour of duty in Korea with the Army, and didn’t feel he could afford to spend the $1.25 for a quality lure, which Cary says was fairly expensive at the time. Since then, he has never needed to purchase another lure. Now, anglers from across the country use his designs, resulting in his being known nationally — and affectionately — as Virginia’s “Popping Bug King.” “I’ve made over 90 different patterns,” Cary said. “Some worked, some didn’t.” The determining factor in whether a popper works or not is whether the desired

Photo submitted Walt Cary

species of fish an angler hopes to catch will be fooled into biting the popper, which in fly fishing is used in lieu of bait. Each popper is designed to imitate a type of insect various fish species eat, such as his colorful Fire Tiger lure, intended to snare bluegill

20 western tidewater living A collection of Walt’s poppers. - Photo submitted by Beau Beasley

Walt Cary uses hackle pliers in preparation to attach feathers to a popper.

and bass. “He’s a marvelous person and a real icon in the Virginia fly fishing community,” said Beau Beasley, the founder and coordinator of the annual Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival, at which Cary has been a regular exhibitor for years. This year’s festival will be on the weekend of April 8 and 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell. The only tool Cary uses to make his poppers, other than his hands and some lacquer for glue, is hackle pliers, which he uses to wrap hackle feathers around his poppers.

Hackle feathers come from a special breed of chicken raised specifically for fly fishing. “It’s not hard to do, but you’d be surprised how many people think it is,” he said, adding that the last step in the process is to poke the dried lacquer out of the tiny hole through which fishermen thread their lines. Cary receives royalty fees for his designs from the Solitude Fly Company, based in California, and frequently receives calls late at night from people around the country wanting to buy or distribute his poppers, or inviting him to speak at events, which has led him to try and keep a low profile since

western tidewater living

moving to Courtland in 2013. “A lot of people think I’m a celebrity; I’m not, just an ordinary person,” he said. “I got invited this year to go to Dallas, Texas, and Missouri. I’m not going, I’m staying here.” He added that he intends this year to be the last year he plans to exhibit at the Fly Fishing and Wine Festival, citing issues with the nerves in his hands. However, he doesn’t intend to give up fishing anytime soon. “Whenever it’s warm, I go out,” he said. Cary moved to Courtland following the death of his wife in 2012 to be closer to his daughter, having lived previously in the

towns of Broadway and Fort Royal. He also lived in Virginia Beach for 26 years during his Navy career, from which he retired in 1979 as command master chief of an aircraft carrier. He has been fishing since age 5 and has caught thousands of fish over the decades, most with his own poppers. In September of 2016 he was inducted into the inaugural Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians Hall of Fame, which was held at the Southwestern Community College Swain Center just outside of Bryson City, North Carolina, where the museum is located. 

22 western tidewater living

Windsor artist's abstract realism brings unique perspective to landscapes story and photos by Stephen Faleski

Twenty-three years ago, Don Williams, who now lives in Windsor, wandered into the Virginia Beach Cultural Arts Center to pass the time while waiting for his car to be serviced. He had always been interested in art, but never had much in the way of formal instruction. So when he saw that the center would be offering painting lessons, he signed up. Since that day, Williams has taken classes and private lessons from several other artists, including one who taught him Chinese watercolors, and now has cultivated a distinctly different style of painting from traditional realism — and some very nontraditional tools of the trade. “I’ll use plastic wrap, wax paper, bubble wrap, various things to get various textures, lights, darks and depths,” he said. “If you use bubble wrap, you’ve got the darks in the center, and where you have the bubble around that center, you have the lights, which will give you the depths. It makes your picture move and it becomes very interesting.” Williams describes his current style as abstract realism, which combines techniques of realistic and abstract or nonrepresentational painting. “You can see that there’s mountains or sky, but the colors are different,” he said. “It’s hard to explain, but it’s shapes, lines and visual balance. Balance is very important. In most of my pieces, people can say, ‘I can feel the movement.’” Williams added that he switched to abstract realism when he felt that traditional realism was no

'I can f the movem

western tidewater living

feel ement'

Windsor artist Don Williams puts the finishing touches on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sailing Above.â&#x20AC;?

24 western tidewater living

longer a challenge for him. “I’ve always had an inkling to do abstract,” he said. “In fact, my realism work would go toward abstract, and I enjoyed that.” Williams exhibits his work at several local shows and galleries, including Norfolk Academy, the Arts Center @ 319 in Smithfield, the Suffolk Art Gallery on Bosley Avenue and at the annual NansemondSuffolk Academy exhibition. He is a board member of the Isle of Wight Arts League and a member of the Elizabeth River Arts League, which covers the territory of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Isle of Wight and Suffolk. He is also trying to establish a greater arts presence in Windsor. “In Windsor, they really don’t have a lot to do with art,” he said. “There is a church where an older lady gives lessons, but there’s a lot of people here who go to Smithfield and Suffolk to fulfill their art needs.” Last year, he discussed the possibility of establishing an arts center in Windsor with Sheila Gwaltney, the director of the Arts Center @319, which would be under the umbrella of the Isle of Wight Arts League. “I know four to five artists in Windsor who would definitely join,” he said. “Being under the Isle of Wight Arts League would save a lot of money.” One possibility for such a facility he suggested was to use the Windsor municipal building once the new town hall is built. Windsor Town Manager Michael Stallings said there are no concrete plans for repurposing the existing building and that there have been talks of everything from selling the building to turning it into a library. Williams works out of a home studio, which he created after retiring from Grand Furniture, where he had worked for 40 years, with his last position being general manager of the Greenbrier facility. He plans to host the Elizabeth River Arts League at his home on the banks of Lake Burnt Mills this spring or summer for an outdoor painting session, also known as plein air painting. 

“Glimmering Shoreline” is the title of this work by Don Williams.

“Wandering Marsh” is an example of what Don Williams refers to his as abstract realism.

Don Williams’ “Tranquil View”

DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN ASSOCIATION & PECHT DISTRIBUTORS PRESENT THE BUD LIGHT 2017 WE BE JAMMIN’ CONCERTS

min.co

m webeja

Pecht Distributors

Free Family Entertainment!

6:00PM to 10:00PM on Thursdays

BARRETT’S LANDING PARK – SOUTH MAIN STREET IN DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN

Downtown Franklin Shop ~ Dine ~ Play

Invitations printed in one day, no minimum! Come and choose your invitation today! 757-562-2959 108 N. Main St. Franklin, VA facebook.com/Mackans Mention this ad and receive 20% off

PDI PARKER DARDEN, INC. Heating & Air Conditioning

757-569-8445 • 201 S. Main St. • Franklin, VA

www.parkerdarden.com

Turn Heads With A Fresh New Look! Meet Our Team of Stylists Doris Myers, Stylist Morgan Coggsdale, Stylist Debbie Story, Stylist/Owner

Our Services

His & Hers Haircuts • Styling & Blowouts Highlights & Color • Perms

WALK-INS WELCOME! To Schedule an Appointment Call 757-562-7072

95 Fifth Avenue, Franklin, VA 23851

Add A d d VValue a l u e ttoo YYour oouu r H Home oom me with w ith a n new e w oorr iimproved m p r o v e d kkitchen! itchen! Call Ca a ll ttoday oday od d ayy ttoo sc sch schedule h e du hed he d u lee aan n ap aappointment appo p ppo poiin i n tm t m en entt t o meet m ee eett with w iith wi thh our o ur experienced e xpp eer iiee nc n ed ed to cuu st s t om m designer! d es esig igne iig ner! ne r!! custom W ' l l work We wo rk one-on-one o ne ne-o -oo nn on onee to create c ree at ate t e the thh e We'll k ttcc he ki h e n of hen o your y ou ourr dreams! drea dr eams ea ms!! ms kitchen ASK ABOUT OUR FREE REE ESTIMATES!

757-569-8152 57 569 815 201 North Main Street Franklin, VA.

western tidewater living

s a y s u B a ee b

story by Merle Monahan photos by Stephen H. Cowles and Jim Malkin

28 western tidewater living When Tammy Malkin retired from teaching after 30 years, she knew she’d have to find something to occupy her free time. “So, one of the first things I did was to take a couple classes in soap-making, which included making lip balm, salves and foot scrubs. It was interesting and relaxing,” she said. “I really enjoyed it. “In fact, I liked it so much that I continued to make the products for my own use at home.” As Malkin enjoyed her new-found passion, she began to think about ways to expand. “I thought, this would make a great business,” she said, “one that I could easily handle at home.” Shortly afterward, the “Two Cairns Soap Company,” named after the family pet terriers, was born. Debuting from her home on Doles Road near Ivor in October 2016, she said business has far exceeded her expectations. She sells at events such as craft shows and bazaars, as well as online and averages from two to three shows a month. This number increases during the holiday season. Malkin said she has indeed found what she needed to fill her free time. The young teacher and her husband, Jim, a military veteran, moved from Virginia Beach to their present home in 2000. She then commuted to her job at the beach until her retirement. “We just got tired of city life,” she said. “Our place here is wonderful, so quiet and peaceful. We love it.” “It was in January 2016 when I started making the soap,” she went on, adding that it is an easy process. “Of course, I make small batches at the time, but it only takes just over a month from start to finish.” Explaining the process, she said she first mixes lye and water, then mixes in her oils and fragrances. This mixture is then poured into molds and left for 24 hours. “At the end of this process, the soap is removed from the molds, cut into bars and left for four weeks until all moisture has evaporated,” she added. Other products, like the lip balm and salves, are made with slightly different ingredients, she said. For instance, beeswax is used in the salves and, at present, she purchases this along with her other ingredients.

Above: Tammy Malkin demonstrates that fabric bonds with the soap to serve as an added texture. Below: Bees such as this one gather the nectar that helps them produce beeswax and honey.

Photo by Jim Malkin

western tidewater living

Above: A large variety of soaps have already been made and set up on display racks in a workroom. Below: A rack pulled from a hive reveals how industrious the bees are in maintaining their colony.

Photo by Jim Malkin

However, her husband already has one beehive and plans to add two more in the spring in order to provide this item for his wife. In addition to her line of “people” products, Malkin has several for pets, including shampoos and salves. “Our ‘Paws so Soft’ salve is to condition and protect the paws,” she said. “Our dogs, Scuff and Chaise, love it. After all, our company is named after them,” she said with a smile. Although Malkin considers the business a family affair, she is the one who makes the products and handles the packaging and labeling. Her products can be seen at her shows, which are all held within a radius of 100 miles of her home, from Chesapeake and Virginia Beach to Williamsburg and Richmond. “Please stop by one of our shows and look over our soaps and salves,” she said. “Once you’ve tried a bar of Cherry Almond soap, or Rosemary Mint salve, you’re going to love it!” Find her at 757-859-2158 or on the web at www. twocairnssoapcompany.com 

30 western tidewater living

Along with her supplies, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a ready stock of soaps already wrapped and ready for display and sale.

Mechanicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Salve includes eucalyptus, olive oil and beeswax to smooth out skin made rough by hard work.

These are some of the ingredients Tammy uses to give her products such appealing scents.

western tidewater living

F R A N C E S K E E N E

Photo by Jud Froelich

story by Stephen H. Cowles

Dr. Frances Babb Keene at Virginia Tech would most likely have become a doctor no matter what profession she had chosen. The Courtland native recently said that while an undergraduate at The College of William and Mary she was thinking of going into medicine, but soon came upon a stumbling block. “I didn’t like chemistry at all,” Keene said, adding that clinical psychology was another consideration, and so went on to earn a psychology degree. Recognizing that graduate school

32 western tidewater living

“My job was to help them in using the student conduct process to handle their issues,” she said. “I loved that work. I also got to meet with students who made mistakes — grades, for example, or more serious issues.” Keene continued such work for 10 years in helping students grow, as she put it, eventually becoming director of student conduct. Five years ago, Keene became the chief of operations and deputy to Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Frank Shushok. “I really love Virginia Tech and working with students,” she said. “I knew if I wanted to advance in my career and continue to learn how to be an effective counselor, I needed doctorate.” So she got started. “It was a crazy thing, in hindsight, but that’s what I did,” Keene said laughing. “It taught me a lot, such as patience. I have a good support network. There’s a lot you can’t do when you’ve got homework. My husband is a saint.” He’s Bill Keene, originally from Hunterdale and, like his wife, also a 1996 graduate of Southampton Academy in Courtland. He also studied at Virginia Tech, and now supervises the grounds of the golf course at a country club. The couple has two children, Emerson, 9, and Mary Helen, 7. The work of earning a doctorate was indeed a challenge. “Basically, I was gone to collect data for three weeks,” said Keene. “I think I knew it would be harder. The dissertation was much harder for me.” Fostering self-authorship in the student conduct environment became her focus of study. “I knew that student conduct was more than just people who broke the

Dr. Frances Keene with her husband, Bill, and their children, Mary Helen and Emerson after Frances had received her diploma that certified she had met all the qualification of earning a doctorate in education. Frances, who is from Courtland, and Bill, who is Hunterdale, are both 1996 graduates of Southampton Academy. She works at Virginia Tech as chief of operations and deputy to the senior associate vice president for student affairs. — Photo submitted by Anne Ashby Babb

rules,” she said. “We develop not just our brains but also our intellect: ‘How I know what I know? How I have a sense of values?’” Another part of her thesis was figuring out how some offices do such a good job at helping students, such as in personal development, not just punitive. “Although sometimes you still have to do that,” she added; getting rid of stalkers, for example. At her previous two schools it was much easier to negotiate a semester at a time, she recalled. “[Now] I had to create my own deadlines and studies, and then I had another child [Mary Helen]. The dissertation work was harder than I thought. It took

time to come up with a thesis. I struggled more than I expected.” In retrospect, the dissertation process is an academic exercise, Keene said. “You’re learning to ask questions and rigorously find the answers,” adding that once in that mindset, it became a matter of asking a thoughtful question and design how to answer it. In addition to her family’s support, Keene benefited from “Really good advisors. The main one was Dr. Joan Hirt. She’s really great as an advisor.” Colleagues also stood with her, such as Shushok her boss, who was described as “really flexible” when it came to her balancing work, doctoral studies and family.”

western tidewater living

“I tried to quit a couple of times,” said Keene, who stressed that her supporters were quite serious that she should persevere. “There were people who really just cared about me and cared about my success.” Looking back, Keene believes she’s done more than earn a doctorate, she’s become a better educator. “It was really encouraging me to be back in the role of student counselor. You forget that [after awhile.] It reminds me what students are experiencing. That’s developmentally hard work,” she said. “It’s made me a more empathetic educator.”

Thinking back on her own personal evolution, Keene sees how she started school and found a way to be promoted. “Now, it’s more how to be more effective, more dedicated,” she said. Speaking of dedication, Keene noted that her mother, Anne Ashby Babb of Raleigh, North Carolina, earned her master’s degree in education at Regent University around the time Frances was at William and Mary. Her father is Emmett Babb of Chesapeake; Elizabeth Babb Munn of Raleigh is her sister. “I have a lot of respect for her [Anne] doing that as an adult,” said Keene. As for her own family, she noted that

her children would sit down with her doing their homework while she did her own. “I’m hopeful as they grow they see that education is important to me and my husband,” she said. The graduation ceremony took place this past early December, and with the accomplishment comes the possibility of moving onward and upward. But Keene is quite happy being where she is at the school. “I really love Virginia Tech, also to just be with such great colleagues. I can’t imagine not working here. They’re the best of the best.” 

THE TRAVELING FOODIE’S

Restaurant Guide

34 western tidewater living

‘They’ll know we are Christians by our love’ Ivor Baptist pastor, congregation reaches out to their surrounding community story and photos by Stephen H. Cowles

A church is a building where the faithful come to worship their Lord and to fellowship with one another as a way of support. Speaking of which, the place can also serve as a base for outreach to people whether they belong to a congregation or not. That seeking out is a particular mission for Don Roberts Jr., who is pastor at Ivor Baptist Church. This was exemplified when he and five deacons gathered on a Saturday morning in mid-November to dis-

tribute a little over a dozen baskets of food to people in and just outside of town limits. Names came after asking around about those in need; perhaps illness or maybe a personal setback had prevented them from getting to a grocery store. Donations were taken up to buy the food, not all of it necessarily for Thanksgiving. “They were put together with love,” deacon Colis Bryant said that morning about the boxes lined up on

western tidewater living

Randy Rock, left, a deacon at Ivor Baptist Church, and Pastor Don Roberts Jr. organize boxes and sacks of food. These were distributed last fall to help families needing supplies close to the Thanksgiving holiday. Roberts emphasized that the donations were given to a mix of people, such as widows or those who had been either ill or recently unemployed.

36 western tidewater living

Mrs. Sue Garner welcomes Deacon Dave Bennett as he brings in a box of food. benches in the fellowship hall. “I brought this with me,” Roberts said about establishing this practice, though he didn’t know if the congregation had done anything like it before coming to Ivor 3 ½ years ago. Deacon Dave Bennett later added fruit baskets were mostly done in the past. ••• Previous to Roberts’ arrival 3 and ½ years ago, he was ministering at Colerain Baptist Church in North Carolina, which was his first pastorate. His life hasn’t always been in the ministry, though. Roberts was in the Navy for 22 ½ years; afterward he went to Northrop Grumman and then into civil service for the same branch. The short answer, as he put it, to his becoming a preacher started in 1999 while he was in the deacon’s ministry at the church his family was attending. “Shortly after I felt the Lord calling me to a pastoral ministry,” he said. But career and family had precedence in his life at the time. Instead of answering the call, Roberts took another course of ac-

Boxes and sacks of food were labeled simply by alphabet before distribution. tion: “I ran.” Soon after he noticed that doors to whatever hopes or plans for the future started to close. “One time an evangelist told me that God had laid it on his heart to ask if I ever considered becoming a pastor,” Roberts said. Such similar encounters happened several times, he added. The clincher came while attending his son’s high school wrestling match. Two pastors approached saying they each felt led to talk to Roberts about the same possibility. That’s when he decided: “I quit.” Quit running from God, that is. So Roberts took action to attend a seminary, but even then wasn’t sure that leading a congregation was for him. “I knew my limitations and feared the pulpit,” he said. Cut to May 27, 2007, and he was giving his first sermon at a church in Tappahannock. Before Roberts knew it, he

was assigned to be the pastor at Colerain. The arrival at Ivor came on April Fools Day in 2013. ••• “I want to focus a lot on getting the church back into the community,” Roberts said. “Sharing Christ and showing His love.” One way is to meet people’s physical needs, such as through the food baskets. “It’s where churches have always succeeded,” Roberts added. Further, taking down walls and any barriers better enables people to “truly see the love of God.” Earlier this year, they provided handicapped ramps in Waverly after the tornado in February 2016. Love offerings to specific families have been collected on a case-by-case situation. If someone approaches with a problem that Roberts cannot help solve, then he and others will seek out aid from other agencies or people. Roberts said of his congregation, “It’s a very loving church.” 

Visit the historic town of Murfreesboro, N.C.

Honoring the past... Embracing the future... Come explore the timeless treasures and natural beauty of Murfreesboro!

John A. Hinton, Mayor Town Hall • P.O. Box 6 | 105 E. Broad Street • Murfreesboro, NC 27855 252-398-5904 • Fax: 252-398-5973 • www.townofmurfreesboro.com

A Unique Dining Experience 252-398-8125 in Historic Murfreesboro 125 E. Main St.

New, Vintage, and Gently Worn Clothing

Seafood & Steak Restaurant

Top Labels at Great Prices Sizes 0-22 Available

(252) 398-8600

315 East Main St. • Murfreesboro, N.C.

Wed. & Thurs. 5:00-9:00 Fri. & Sat. 5:00-10:00 Sun. Lunch & Dinner 11:30 - 9:00

Lajeffrica Smith, Chowan University student

King’s Landing Shops • 252-287-8542 117 E. Main St., Murfreesboro, NC Open 10a-4p except on Wed. & Sun.

38 western tidewater living

what to do FRIDAY, MARCH 31 Windsor High Class Reunion: The class of 1991 and 1992 will have their class reunion on Friday, March 31 through April 2. For more information, email cscott99ma@ gmail.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 4 College night: A free college planning event, sponsored by Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) will be hosted by Paul D. Camp Community College on Tuesday, April 4, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Regional Workforce Development Center, 100 N. College Drive, Franklin. Get college planning tips, a chance to win one of three $500 scholarships, and enjoy free pizza and beverages. Entrants must be in grades 9-12 and present to win scholarships. Tentative agenda includes: Career exhibits and information sessions from 5 to 6 p.m.; free pizza and beverages from 6 to 6:30 p.m.; college planning presentations from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and scholarship drawings from 8 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit www. collegenights.org.

Bingo Night

FRIDAY, APRIL 7 Legal aid: The Virginia Legal Aid Society will hold a community forum for Isle of Wight County on April 7 from noon to 2 p.m. in the DSS building of the county courthouse complex, and another forum for Franklin on April 12, also from noon to 2 p.m. at the Ruth Camp Campbell Memorial Library. The purpose of the forums is for the Legal Aid Society to receive input from citizens on what their priorities as an organization should be.

Oyster Roast

SATURDAY, APRIL 8 Down Home Day: Down Home Day at Southampton Heritage Village/Agriculture & Forestry Museum will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring the sawmill and gristmill in operation, bluegrass music, sheep shearing, petting zoo, etc. as well as a tour of the museum. For more information, call 654-6785. Golf tournament: The 6th annual Child Abuse Prevention Golf Tournament sponsored by the Joyner Gray Yale Ruritan Club and Southampton Social Services will be at Cypress Cove Country Club, 20333 Country Club Road, Franklin. The cost is $75 per player ,which includes range balls, green

Down Home Day

western tidewater living fees, carts and a barbecue dinner served after the tournament. Registration begins at noon with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. All proceeds from this tournament will be returned to the Southampton County community through programs which support child abuse prevention. Pre-registration is due by April 5 and the rain date for the event is April 15. For more information, call Jerry Stivers at 7630-8604 or Michelle Stivers at 556-2623 or 653-3122. For a registration form, email cindy.cotton@ dss.virginia.gov.

call Mike Perry at 642-0833.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12 Oyster Roast: The Chuckatuck Ruritan Club will have its 41st annual Oyster Roast from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Rose Farm on Everetts Road. Tickets are $35 in advance and are availableat Pretlow/Jackson, P.C., 200 N. Main St., Suffolk, 539-3488; Saunders Supply Company, Chuckatuck, 255-4531; and the office of J. Dwight Bradshaw, 5501-D Bennett’s Pasture Road, Suffolk, 484-1444.

TUESDAY, APRIL 11

THURSDAY, MAY 18

Bingo night: The Walters Ruritan Club will have bingo night on Tuesday, April 11. There will be instant bingo, food and drinks available for purchase. Doors open at 6 p.m. Games start at 7 p.m. For more information,

We Be Jammin’: The annual concert series is scheduled to kick off with Island Boy. This and all future shows, which last from 6 to 10 p.m., will be on Thursdays at Barrett’s Landing Park on South Main Street in downtown

Franklin. MAY 25: Blackwater Rhythm & Blues. JUNE 1: Hickory Knoll JUNE 8: The Entertainmers JUNE 15: Moonshine JUNE 22: Strictly Bizzness JUNE 29: Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot JULY 6: Steve Owens & Summertime JULY 13: Feature Attraction JULY 20: Hickory Knoll JULY 27: Jim Quick & Coastline AUGUST 3: Blackwater Rhythm & Blues AUGUST 10: No WBJ for Fair Week AUGUST 17: Hog Bear AUGUST 24: Midnight Allie AUGUST 31: Silver Street

For details, call 562-6900 or visit www. downtownfranklinva.org

D. B. Bowles Jewelers Est. 1991, Family Owned & Operated Nicole Barr Carla ~ White Ice Skagen ~Citizen

JEWELERS

Engraving Repair & Restoration Custom Design

757.934.8101

1411 N. Main St. Suffolk Shopping Center

“Simply irresistible children’s clothing, furniture, toys & gifts”

• Romina Furniture - Handcrafted from 100% Solid Wood • Best Chairs “Storytime Gliders” • UppaBaby Strollers • Custom Bedding • Feltman Brothers, Kissy Kissy, Bailey Boys, Mudpie & more 7386 Harbour Towne Pkwy #19, Suffolk, VA 23435 Phone: (757) 483-0750 • www.thevelveteenrabbit.com

Isle of Wight County

We welcome to you to visit our charming area and our unique businesses

Propane â&#x20AC;˘ Premium Fuel Oil â&#x20AC;˘ Premium Diesel Heating & Air Conditioning Sales/Service Discounts for Senior Citizens

Tidewater Petroleum Cooperative, Inc.

(757) 942-2145

www.tidewaterpetroleum.com

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. 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 winter edition, staff writer Stephen H. Cowles took this photo of a sign for the General Federation of Woman’s Club in Sedley. Nobody guessed.

EMPORIA Paint Wallcovering Floor Covering Kitchen Cabinets Window Treatment New Constr. Windows Replacement Windows

Plan 5 Paint & Decorating CTR., INC. 604 N. Main St, Emporia, VA 434-634-4444 • Plan5@verizon.net

Just a short trip to visit these great businesses

Three Bears and a Tree

Located in the historic Hotel VA • 434-634-2757 • 321 Halifax Street Emporia VA Cafe Cuisine By L.P. Dining • Catering Private Parties All Food Made Fresh Daily! Cafe Hours 11AM-3PM

It's All About You Unique Gift Shop Flower Shop • One Of Kind Gifts Gift Shop Hours 10AM-10PM

Make Up & Spa Clinic Essential Oils • Wedding Make Up Massages Walk Ins Welcome 10AM-10PM

23 Retail Game Systems On Site

Pecht Distributors, Inc. 514 New Street Lawrenceville, VA 23868

MEET THE

HEAVYWEIGHT OF TRACTORS

FINANCING

FOR 48 MONTHS WITH APPROVED CREDIT

COMPARE CONTRAST

SELECT

If you’ve got work to do... We’ve got the tractor for you.

VISIT US TODAY AND GET THE JOB DONE.

757-986-2441 • 8703 Whaleyville Blvd., Suffolk, VA