WTL Summer 2019

Western Tidewater

Living

Building experience Isle of Wight students renovate senior's home

Lake idea didn't hold water Opposition drained feasibility of once-proposed Blackwater Lake SUMMER 2019 • vol. 10, no. 2

Where Whereaa means meansstaying staying close closetotohome. home.

The The VVil Vil gge ge V lage lage g at Woods W Edge dge at Woods W Edge dge

Small town charm. Engaging senior living.

Small town charm. Engaging senior living.

dge dge

Who says you have to travel far or spend big to have a memorable meal? When you live at Who says you have to travel far or spend big to have a memorable meal? When you live at The Village at Woods Edge, a fun time out is as simple as stepping out your front door. In this The Village at Woods Edge, a fun time out is as simple as stepping out your front door. In this charming community, everything you could want is within reach, from spacious residences and charming community, everything you could want is within reach, from spacious residences and restaurant-quality dining to top-notch amenities and an array of classes and events, offering restaurant-quality dining to top-notch amenities and an array of classes and events, offering engaging options to keep you feeling fulfilled. And best of all, it’s close to the friends and engaging options to keep you feeling fulfilled. And best of all, it’s close to the friends and neighbors you already know and love, because it’s situated just two miles from historic downtown. neighbors you already know and love, because it’s situated just two miles from historic downtown.

So no matter what your plans may include, you’re still at home in Franklin.

So no matter what your plans may include, you’re still at home in Franklin.

757-516-4753 ToTo schedule a visit and getget started onon thethe journey to to where you want to to be,be, callcall today.

757-516-4753 schedule a visit and started journey where you want today.

1401 North High Street • Franklin, VA 23851 • 757-516-4753 • VillageAtWoodsEdge.com 1401 North High Street • Franklin, VA 23851 • 757-516-4753 • VillageAtWoodsEdge.com

western tidewater living

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Western Tidewater

Living

Keep your cool by reading WTL

After you've had your fun in the sun, we invite you to chill out by reading this season's issue. Crank up the AC or direct a fan as you sip a cold drink — your choice! — and enjoy Western Tidewater Living.

• You'll first meet Brandon Cook who is renovating a house in which to live. What's different about his project is the site's historical value — the Raiford Clinic, which served as one of, if not the earliest hospital, in Southampton County about 100 years ago. The work that Cook is doing is to be featured in two, possibly three parts. In the fall, we'll see how he's progressed.

• Clyde Parker, who periodically contributes to the magazine, then shares his research into what could have been the Blackwater Lake. In the late 1960s, the idea was put forward to create such a body of water that would serve not only as a site for recreation, but also potentially aid in deterring flooding. He's provided site plans that sketched out how things could look.

• We make a brief return to Drewryville with a provided history and a few photos of the Drewryville Woman's Club, which is celebrating its 82nd anniversary this year.

If your civic or social organization is observing a remarkable occasion, let us know.

• Over in Isle of Wight County, a group of Windsor

introduction high school students are getting both practical building experience at the same time they are aiding Zuni resident Katherine Hobbs with her house. Earlier in June, 10 members of the Robert Rodgers' Building Trades I & II classes have performed needed renovations, such as creating a new front door and repainting siding.

Of course, we have a selection of party photos highlighting past activities and events. If we're not able to attend one of your shindigs, feel free to send a few highresolution images of you and yours having a good time at whatever's going on this season. We can feature those in the fall issue. If you're using your smartphone, email the photos at actual or original size to magazine@tidewaternews.com. Be sure to include who is who as well as your name and contact information.

There's a calendar with a list of several options to enjoy your time off from work or school. As always, keep us posted about what's coming up in the months ahead.

There is a new Who am I and Where am I. Guessing correctly could you get a chance to win $25.

As always, we welcome your story ideas for consideration.

Stephen H. Cowles Staff writer Western Tidewater Living

western tidewater living

5

contents summer 2019

Cover photograph

by Stephen Faleski

ON THE COVER: Dakota Dalton, left, and instructor Robert Rodgers at work on Katherine Hobbs' home.

Western Tidewater

Living

Tony Clark Publisher Stephen H. Cowles Staff Writer Stephen Faleski Staff Writer Kenya Smith Staff Writer Clyde Parker Contributing Writer Ryan Outlaw Designer Loretta Lomax Designer Mitzi Lusk Advertising Director Michelle Gray Office Manager Kenya Smith Intern 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.

INSIDE THIS EDITION

6

PARTY PIX

22 western tidewater living

what to do JULY 3

Independence Day Celebration: The City

Good times are always happening

BUILDING ON AN OPPORTUNITY

In Sedley, Brandon Cook is restoring a historic medical clinic to become his home.

29

music groups will prepare to perform. Rusty Lowe and the Newsome family will be on stage at 4 p.m. and Silver Street will take its turn at 6:30 p.m. There will be an all-day car/tractor display at the triangle end of the grounds, while during the afternoon on the ball field, there will be demonstrations by the Southampton County Sheriff’s Department’s K9 Unit and the Ivor Volunteer Fire Department. There also will be activities surrounding a hot air

JULY 4

ley Woman’s Club annual Veteran’s Recognition Program will be at 10 a.m. in Sedley Baptist Church on Johnsons Mill Road.

Col. Carol Majors, retired U.S. Army, is the featured speaker. There will be patriotic music, light refreshments and a veterans group photo. All veterans, active duty military and their families are invited. For more information, call Anne Bryant at 562-5783.

Ivor Fourth of July: Dozens of events

have been planned for the day at the Ivor Municipal Center, starting at noon. The event will open from the main stage with a rendition of the “National Anthem,” sung by former resident Tamara Wellons. This will be followed by a color guard by a local Boy Scout troop. A patriotic concert composed of choir members from six area churches will be performed at 1 p.m., after which more music will be performed by noted bluegrass musician George Atkins and friends. Dances by the Side by Side dance troupe of Wakefield directed by Alexander Scott will start at 2 p.m., while two other

western tidewater living 25

who am I?

Dr. Rufus L. Raiford is credited with making part of home into a medical facilitystarting at Parks' nursery

Franklin looked at possibility of creating a recreational space

32

balloon — people may board it — and the Nightingale air ambulance, where personnel will explain its mission. One activity already getting much attention is the dunking tank. Tickets will be sold to see who may be the lucky one to dunk the mayor. An abundance of activities have been planned for the children around the municipal center grounds, including face painting, a kickball game, bounce houses, crafts, watermelon eating contests and

Veterans recognition: The GFWC Sed-

CLINIC WAS FIRST OF ITS KIND 100 YEARS

LAKE IDEA DIDN'T HOLD WATER

38

26

of Franklin and Blackwater Community Events will present the celebration beginning at 4:30 p.m. with the Franklin Cruise-In and Franklin’s Market on Main.

The featured band will be Steve Owens and Summertime Band from 6 to 9 p.m. There will free hot dogs (while supplies last) starting at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks will start at 9 p.m.

Douglas W. Boyce corrected identified the identity of last issue's photo puzzle.

“This is a picture of Paul Douglas Camp. As the sixth president of the Community College that bears his name, his picture hung in my

office during my tenure there. He left a legacy of generosity to Franklin and the community that his descendants have continued to this day.”

In this issue, as you see, we've a new personality.

Whoever can identify the person pictured here will

DREWRYVILLE WOMAN'S CLUB CELEBRATION

be entered for a chance to win $25.

So, if you know who is this person, let us know.

If you're right, you could be a winner.

Email your answers to magazine@ tidewaternews.com.

Isle of Wight high schoolers learn a trade through volunteer service on woman's house.

42

western western tidewater tidewater living living 31 31

where am I?

25

Tell us who is depicted in this photo and get a chance to win $25.

31

Tell us where our photographer took this photo and get a chance to win $25.

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 here will be entered for a chance to win $25.

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

Email your answers to magazine@tidewaternews.com.

Check out some of the activities and events happening in the area this summer.

Paul Douglas Camp

Members of the GFWC have been active for 82 years and counting.

BUILDING EXPERIENCE

22

No one even submitted a guess about the location of last issue's photo puzzle.

Huh. Well, this time we're not going to give the answer, bbut will use that site in another issue. Here, though, is one in a location near and dear to us.

6 western tidewater living

party pix

Easter at Franklin Congregational Top: Nell Hyatt and her husband, the Rev. Jim Hyatt, pose with many other members Franklin Congregational Church on Easter Sunday. They used the occasion to wear their sharpest-looking clothes and colorful bonnets. Middle: From left are choir members Lorraine Young, Elaine Holland and Terri Beale. Bottom: The Caring and Sharing Sunday School Class of Franklin Congregational Church in their Easter finery on the holiday. In front, from left, are Connie Corbitt and Faith Atkinson; back, Ann Burgess, Nancy Harrell, Debbie Bradshaw and Ann Jones.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY CORA ANN JOHNSON

western tidewater living

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party pix

8 western tidewater living

New facility for PDCCC Camp Community College celebrated the opening of its Regional Warehouse and Distribution Training Facility on Wednesday, June 12, which is housed in the back of The Tidewater News building on Armory Drive. The reception followed the ceremony, marked by the huge American flag handing overheard.

Below: Dr. Dan Lufkin, president of PDCCC, cuts the ribbon to officially open the facility.

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN FALESKI

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party pix

10 western tidewater living

New facility for PDCCC Right: Attendees check in and receive their names at the ribbon-cutting celebration for Paul D. Camp Community College's new warehouse and distribution training facility. Below: Andrew Murrell, a graduate of the college's trainining, demonstrates the use of a forklift in the warehouse.

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN FALESKI

western tidewater living

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Keeping You Comfortable All Summer Long!

Call today to schedule your SUMMER MAINTENANCE CHECK UP then sit back and relax!

We Service All Makes & Models!

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ainMain Street • Courtland, VA VA 23837 • 757-653-0908 • CourtlandHealthRehab.com 20 Street • Courtland, 23837 • 757-653-0908 • CourtlandHealthRehab.com Courtland Tidewater News_1_30_17.indd 1

Courtland Tidewater News_1_30_17.indd 1

30_17.indd 1 water News_1_30_17.indd 1

2/2/2017 3:35:51 PM

2/2/2017 3:35:51 PM

2/2/2017 2/2/2017 3:35:51 3:35:51PM PM

party pix

12 western tidewater living

2019 Cotillion Beautillion Top left: Daphne Miller, left, and Margorie Peete at the 2019 Cotillion Beautillion on June 1 in Southampton High School's auditorium. Top right: From left are Gwendolyn Gray, Audrey Riddick, Rose Parker and Anitra Smith-Freeman. Bottom left: From left are Linda Tucker, Jalissa Mosley, Sinia Mosely and Kori Mosley. Bottom right: From left are Kendra Purvis-Allen, Karen Lee and Brooke-Lynn Purvis-Allen PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

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party pix

Relay For Life 2019 Top: From left to right is Team Gwen Fisher, which is composed of Greg Davidson, Tommy Hughes, Devin Fisher, Mary Davidson, Doris Hughes, David Fisher, Jennifer Layne, Ryan Fisher and Gwen Fisher herself. Bottom left: From left are Ron and Virginia Cary, Bernard and Sandra Bailey and James L. Blow. Bottom right: Two members of the 58 West team, Shirley Burgess and Eva Wrenn Cobb of Drewryville, receive the Chester Burgess Award, which goes to volunteers who go "above and beyond" in promoting the goals of Relay. Presenting the awards are Jim and Glenda Jervey.

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

party pix

western tidewater living

Relay For Life 2019 Top left: Kay and Donnie Wade wear their banners as survivor and caregiver respectively. Top right: Instead of walking around a racetrack, the survivors and caregivers promenaded at Barrett's Landing. Middle right: Fran Owens Kerbaugh, who said she's been cancer free for four years, is supported by one of her grandchildren, Matthew O. Kerbaugh of Franklin.

Bottom right: Members of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Gamma Alpha Delta Zeta Chapter of Franklin and Southampton participated in the Relay.

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

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party pix

16 western tidewater living

We Be Jammin' Top: Hickory Knoll was the featured band at the We Be Jammin' concert under the gazebo at Barrett's Landing in Franklin on a recent Thursday evening. Bottom left: In front, from left, L. Lee and M. Truitt; back, B. Varmett, J. Richards and J. Wright. Bottom right: James Carr.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY DEBRA BARNES

western tidewater living

Updating Your System is like Putting Money in the Bank.

Installing a new American StandardŽ heating and air conditioning system will pay for itself—saving you money by lowering your energy costs!

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www.improveyourcomfort.com

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18 western tidewater living

Isle of Wight County Schools Banquet

party pix

Top: Isle of Wight County Schools held its annual banquet to honor its teachers of the year and retirees in The Smithfield Center. Below, Superintendent Dr. Jim Thornton congratulates Carrsville Elementary School teacher Deborah Story on being named that school’s teacher of the year. Bottom left: Georgie D. Tyler Middle School teacher Ashleigh Hazel, right, was not only named that school’s teacher of the year, but also the school division’s middle school teacher of the year. She is pictured here with her husband, Josh. Bottom right: Superintendent Dr. Jim Thornton congratulates Windsor High School engineering teacher Roland Downing on his retirement.

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN FALESKI

party pix

western tidewater living

Isle of Wight Senior Banquet Above: Windsor and Smithfield high school seniors with the teachers they named as inspirational in their lives. The fourth annual banquet recently took place in the Smithfield Center. Below, left: Sharon Harrell was praised by Avery Williams. Below, right: Ashtyn Kiser, left, with her cosmetology insructor, Danielle Gibson.

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

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party pix

Isle of Wight Senior Banquet Right: Xavier Ricks honored his coach, Tyler Mosley. Below, left: Broc Smith holds the plaque of honor presented at the banquet.

With him is Leyda Sanders who chose to honor him for his teaching and inspiring her. Below, right: From left, Cierra White with honored coach, Sherry Ashburn.

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

party pix

western tidewater living

Mitch Rabil's 100th Birthday Above: Left to right:Â Greg Rabil, Sam Rabil, Lilly Rabil, Mitch Rabil Jr, Mitch Rabil Sr, MK Copley, Tyler Copley, JoAnn Birrell and Dave Birrell at Mitch Rabil's 100th birthday celebration. Below, left: Mitch Rabil blows out the candles on the cake. Below, center: Back row: Dave & Tyler Copely; front row: MK (Rabil) Copley & Mitch Rabil. Below, right: MK (Rabil) Copley, Mitch Rabil and back, Mitch Rabil Jr. PHOTOS BY MITZI LUSK

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22 western tidewater living

what to do JULY 3

Independence Day Celebration: The City

of Franklin and Blackwater Community Events will present the celebration beginning at 4:30 p.m. with the Franklin Cruise-In and Franklin’s Market on Main.

The featured band will be Steve Owens and Summertime Band from 6 to 9 p.m. There will free hot dogs (while supplies last) starting at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks will start at 9 p.m.

JULY 4

Veterans recognition: The GFWC Sed-

ley Woman’s Club annual Veteran’s Recognition Program will be at 10 a.m. in Sedley Baptist Church on Johnsons Mill Road.

Col. Carol Majors, retired U.S. Army, is the featured speaker. There will be patriotic music, light refreshments and a veterans group photo. All veterans, active duty military and their families are invited. For more information, call Anne Bryant at 562-5783.

Ivor Fourth of July: Dozens of events

have been planned for the day at the Ivor Municipal Center, starting at noon. The event will open from the main stage with a rendition of the “National Anthem,” sung by former resident Tamara Wellons. This will be followed by a color guard by a local Boy Scout troop. A patriotic concert composed of choir members from six area churches will be performed at 1 p.m., after which more music will be performed by noted bluegrass musician George Atkins and friends. Dances by the Side by Side dance troupe of Wakefield directed by Alexander Scott will start at 2 p.m., while two other

music groups will prepare to perform. Rusty Lowe and the Newsome family will be on stage at 4 p.m. and Silver Street will take its turn at 6:30 p.m. There will be an all-day car/tractor display at the triangle end of the grounds, while during the afternoon on the ball field, there will be demonstrations by the Southampton County Sheriff’s Department’s K9 Unit and the Ivor Volunteer Fire Department. There also will be activities surrounding a hot air

balloon — people may board it — and the Nightingale air ambulance, where personnel will explain its mission. One activity already getting much attention is the dunking tank. Tickets will be sold to see who may be the lucky one to dunk the mayor. An abundance of activities have been planned for the children around the municipal center grounds, including face painting, a kickball game, bounce houses, crafts, watermelon eating contests and

western tidewater living

a petting zoo. There will be no shortage of food. Starting at 12 o'clock, hot dogs, fries and drinks will be sold at the ball field concession stand. Then at 6:30 p.m. a barbecued-chicken dinner will be served by Captain Bob’s Catering at a station on the grounds.

There will be a charge for food, however, sno-cones and popcorn furnished by Ivor Baptist Church will be free. All proceeds from activities and the sale of food will go to benefit various organizations in town. Money from Captain Bob’s Catering, for instance, is targeted for the Ivor Volunteer Rescue Squad, and that from the sale of snacks and drinks will go to the Ivor Athletic Association.

Fireworks will start at 9 p.m.

Windsor Fourth of July: Festivities will

begin at 5 p.m. Church Street will be closed from the intersection at Route 460 and Church Street to the main entrance at Windsor High School at 4:30 p.m. Handicap parking will be available on the Duke Street parking lot which is accessible from Court Street to A Street to Duke Street. The following events will be held on Church and Duke streets: There will be music performed by Island Boy; an antique car show and awards; children’s inflatables and activities; children's parade; dinner; and fireworks. Attendees are asked to bring a dessert to share. Bring a chair or a towel.

No pets allowed. The timing of events may be moved up if inclement weather is approaching.

JULY 6

Cheroenhaka Green Corn Dance and Gathering: The Cheroenhaka (Notto-

way) Indian Tribe will have its 25th Green Corn Dance Powwow and Gathering from 10 a.m. to sunset. The grand entry begins

at noon in Cattashowrock Town, Route 742 South, 27345 Aquia Path, Courtland. Admission is $6 for adults; $4 for children 6-12 years and Seniors 65-plus. Join us for a day of intertribal dancing, native food vendors and educational exhibits. Visit the website at www.cheroenhaka-nottoway. org or Facebook at http://www. facebook.com/CheroenhakaNottowayIndian.

Artisans Market: This takes place on

the first Saturday of each month through December from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Gallery 1606 at the corner of Main Street and Southampton Parkway in Capron. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy Live music at 1 p.m. with Bill and Terrie Foster featuring folk, jazz and fusion. Artisans and crafters will offer herbal soaps, stained-glass creations, silver jewelry, handcrafted and repurposed furniture, forged metal art, quilts, wearable art, oil and watercolor paintings, knit and crochet, home goods, folk art, pottery, local authors and books, hand-crafted knives, handmade brooms, Native Amer-

ican crafts and locally grown produce. This is a free public event with free parking. But, reservations are required for free vendor space. For details, email gallery1606@ gmail.com, or call Lynette Allston at 434-658-4454.

JULY 9

Bingo Night: This will take place at

the Walters Ruritan Clubhouse.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., and game will start at 7 p.m. There will be instant bingo, food, and drinks available for purchase. For more information call Mike Perry at 642-0833.

JULY 13-14

Showcase Baseball presented by The Franklin Experience: This will take

place at Paul D. Camp Community College and the Armory Stadium Complex in Franklin from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

JULY 14-18

Vacation Bible School: This will take

place in High Street United Methodist Church from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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24 western tidewater living

JULY 15

Drumheller's Peach and Cheese Trip: Reg-

istration for this trip, offered by Isle of Wight County, will close on Monday, July 15. The bus will depart from Nike Park at 7:30 a.m. On Wednesday, July 24.

The first stop is the Drumheller's Peach Orchard to pick peaches and then the bus will proceed to the Woodgrill Buffet for a selfpaid lunch. After lunch, the bus will head to the Cheese Shop in Stuarts Draft, where participants will find an array of sliced cheese and deli meats. They also have spices, gluten-free products, oldfashioned candies, oatmeal, jams and much more. The cost is $45 per person. Limited space is available. For more information, or to register, call 357-2291.

JULY 15-19

Summer Art Camp 2019: Hanging

Around with Alexander Calder: This will take place at Rawls Museum of Arts in Courtland.

JULY 27-28

Showcase Baseball presented by The Franklin Experience: This will take

place at Paul D. Camp Community College and the Armory Stadium Complex in Franklin from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

AUG. 5-9

Summer Art Camp-Amazing Animals: This

will take place at Rawls Museum of Arts in Courtland.

AUG. 7-10

Franklin Southampton County Fair: This

will be at the Franklin-Southampton County Fairgrounds in Courtland.

AUG. 13

Summer Art Camp 2019: Teen Jewel-

ry Camp: This will take place at Rawls Museum of Arts in Courtland from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Students ages 10-16 will have fun and learn the basics of jewelry making with instructor Pat McCandles in the morning jewelry camp. Bring a friend and learn to make affirmation bracelets and easy earrings. You will also learn to do some awesome wire wrapping.

Bingo Night: This will take place at

the Walters Ruritan Clubhouse.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., and game will start at 7 p.m. There will be instant bingo, food, and drinks available for purchase. For more information call Mike Perry at 642-0833.

••• Blackwater Regional Library activities and events (Franklin, Courtland) SoCo Knitters & Crocheters: This will

take place in the Walter Cecil Rawls Library every Tuesday at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Happy Scrappers Quilting Group: This will

take place on the third Tuesday of each month in the Ruth Campbell Memorial Library from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. All skill levels are welcome; registration is required, please call 562-4801.

Southampton County Adult Education & Literacy Program: This will take place

in the Walter Cecil Rawls Library every Wednesday from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Family Movie Afternoon: This will take

place on the first Wednesday of each month through July 31 in the Walter Cecil Rawls Library from 2 to 4 p.m.

Understanding Computer Basics: This

will take place on the third Thursday of each month in the Ruth Campbell Memorial Library from

5:30 to 7 p.m.

party pix

Knitters Anonymous: This will take

place in the Ruth Campbell Memorial Library every Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. All skill levels and drop-ins are welcome.

Medicare Benefits Counseling: This will

take place on the 1st or 3rd Tuesday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Ruth Campbell Memorial Library.

Individual Job Search Assistance: This

will take place on the first Thursday of each month beginning Aug. 1 in the Ruth Campbell Memorial Library from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

••• Downtown Franklin Association • Franklin Cruise In: This will take place

every Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• Franklin's Market on Main: This will

take place every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. through September 4 and every Saturday through November 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. tn Downtown Franklin. There will be honey, jams, vinegars, dry rubs, fresh seasonal produce & gourmet popcorn, homemade soaps, seafood, beef, pork, chicken & eggs, concessions and more!

We Be Jammin' Concert: This will take

place every Thursday night through Aug. 29 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Barrett's Landing in Downtown Franklin. Food and refreshments are available for purchase. Bring your own lawn chair. All ABC regulations strictly enforced. No pets, outside food, drinks or coolers allowed.

western tidewater living

who am I?

Douglas W. Boyce corrected identified the identity of last issue's photo puzzle. “This is a picture of Paul Douglas Camp. As the sixth president of the Community College that bears his name, his picture hung in my

office during my tenure there. He left a legacy of generosity to Franklin and the community that his descendants have continued to this day.�

In this issue, as you see, we've a new personality.

Whoever can identify the person pictured here will

be entered for a chance to win $25.

So, if you know who is this person, let us know.

If you're right, you could be a winner.

Email your answers to magazine@ tidewaternews.com.

Paul Douglas Camp

25

26 western tidewater living

Building on an opportunit story and photos by Stephen H. Cowles

J

ust as a person must regularly maintain his or her physical self, the same can be said for a building of any kind. When either are neglected for a lengthy time, restoration can be daunting.

In the instance of the Raiford Clinic, the restoration of the 100-year-old structure is a project welcomed by Brandon Cook.

“I wanted to challenge myself. See if I could do it,” said Cook, who is lives in Courtland with his wife. “The opportunity came up in January and I got started in the first part of February. I plan to live here.”

Although interviewed on April 1, he wasn't fooling while talking about returning the site to its glory. Evidence of his commitment was all around. A couple of examples: A large bin for de-

bris was set out in the front yard, where old wood was thrown about, waiting to be tossed in the container. Above, the sounds of an assistant hammering from a roof stressed Cook's intention.

The tour was revealing. Inside, the place was gutted. A staircase built from fresh wood leads from what was the front entrance to the next floor. Exposed support beams and some old-fashioned wiring run along the ceiling. Doublepane vinyl windows were to be installed, modern shingles are to be attached to the roof. All new insulation will be required. They're just a few of the many things that Cook had yet to check off the list.

His carpentry experience comes from his father, uncle, grandfather and a cousin, learned while growing up in Ivor.

This project, said Cook, he is mostly do-

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ity A bay room in the back of the second floor.

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28 western tidewater living ing by himself. There are two assistants to help, such as lifting heavy objects.

Considering that the site is a historical one in Sedley, one might think that Cook could have sought grants to fund the restoration, but he's insisted on not getting any money that he doesn't earn himself.

At the time, Cook said he's like to be moved in by July 1.

In next season's issue, the magazine will show whether or not the deadline could be achieved, and how the place looks so far.

Visitors to the Southampton County Museum can also see the structure as it first was in model form.

Fresh wood was needed, of course, to rebuild the staircase in the front entrance.

Brandon Cook, who is largely restoring the place, is assisted by a cousin, Sam Cook, who is pictured above.

Brandon Cook, foreground, looks around at the work to be done in the front room.

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Clinic was first of its kind 100 years ago The house that Brandon Cook has been restoring is, according to sources, a historical one.

Dr. Rufus Livius Raiford is credited with establishing the first hospital in Southampton County, beginning in the home that he and his wife opened as a clinic on Sycamore Avenue in Sedley during 1919. The place itself, reportedly built in 1900, has been described (Balfour 1989:116) having a Queen-Anne style standing two and one-half stories and a porch that wrapped around the house.

Clyde Parker, who periodically writes for both the magazine and The Tidewater News, wrote about the physician in his “Looking Back” column six years ago. At that time, Parker was tracing what would lead to the creation of the Southampton Memorial Hospital.

“As far back as the 1940s, community leaders realized that Raiford Hospital was not completely fulfilling the needs of the area.

Dr. Rufus Raiford, who was the hospital’s director, was among those who felt that a more modern hospital was needed.

“The origin of Raiford Hospital goes back to 1919 when Dr. Raiford established Raiford Clinic in his Sedley home. In 1924, in re-

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The old Raiford Clinic on Sycamore Avenue before Brandon Cook began his renovation. Photo submitted. sponse to the increased patient load in Franklin, he established another clinic by renting three rooms in the old vacant Virginia Hotel building located on the northwest corner of Main Street and Second Avenue. By 1929, patient volume grew to such an extent that Dr. Raiford decided to take over the entire building. The clinic was then renamed Raiford Hospital.

“In 1908 he built a home in the village of Sedley, about seven miles south of his old home. It was here that he began a modest clinic housed in his dwelling. This clinic

was one of the first attempts by any physician to establish a clinic in a rural area.”

In Raiford's obituary published in the newspaper on July 2, 1948, notes that first clinic in the house accommodated three beds. He would later expand that to five at the renovated Virginia Hotel in Franklin.

“Since his graduation he had devoted his energies to medicine in its application to relieving the suffering of the poor. Faced with the vicissitudes which beset a country practitioner of his earlier years.

Dr. Raiford gave unsparingly of his

time and talents to those unable to pay. The Group Clinic idea, which he started, affords specialized medical knowledge at a minimum cost.

“His wife, Mrs. Lora Katherine Burgess, gave invaluable aid to Dr. Raiford in the early days of his practice and in the administration of the hospital. The story is told that on their honeymoon night the doctor and his bride drove several hours to reach the bedside of a negro child sick with pneumonia. The couple fought all night to save the child, remaininig until the crisis had passed.”

western western tidewater tidewater living 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 here will be entered for a chance to win $25.

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

Email your answers to magazine@tidewaternews.com.

No one even submitted a guess about the location of last issue's photo puzzle.

Huh. Well, this time we're not going to give the answer, bbut will use that site in another issue. Here, though, is one in a location near and dear to us.

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32 western tidewater living

Lake idea didn't hold w story by Clyde Parker

I

Opposition drained feasibility of once-proposed Blackwater Lake

n June of 1967, the City of Franklin was exploring the possibility of joining with Isle of Wight and Southampton counties to establish a regional park authority whose primary mission would be to create “Blackwater Lake.” This would be done by constructing a dam on the Blackwater River, impounding four and one-half billion gallons of water, providing a recreational lake some four to six square miles in area.

City Manager Harold Atkinson, who had been studying the question for about a year, said the dam would probably be constructed on the Blackwater River just north of the Norfolk, Franklin and Danville Railroad bridge and adjacent to the

S.W. Rawls Inc. property. The dam would likely be about 11 feet in height with the water level about a foot and a half lower.

In response to questions concerning the lake’s impact on property, Atkinson said, “If the project was undertaken as I have outlined, the water impounded would cover mostly swampland. Very little, if any, farmland or residential property would be affected. The impounded water would have created a lake that would have spread to the north and, to some extent, to the east and northwest of Franklin, all the way through the Burdette area and toward Zuni. Covering over 4,000 acres of surface water, the lake would have impacted low-

lying portions of western Isle of Wight and eastern Southampton counties adjacent to the Blackwater River.

Among the many private property owners adjacent to or near the Blackwater River that would have been affected by the lake development were: Robert C. Ray, John E. Ray III, William M. Camp, James L. Camp Jr., Hugh D. Camp, Leland Beale, Sol Rawls, Sol Rawls Jr., Carson Whitley, Theo Beale, Miles Carr Sr., Hoen Edwards, Mack Edwards and Mrs. Theodore Hann.

In addition, land owned by Union Camp Corp. and the City of Franklin would have been impacted.

Leland Beale, now deceased,

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water

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who owned a farm on Joyner’s Bridge Road that extended down to the river, during a discussion a few years ago, remembered the lake proposal very well.

“The idea was not very well received by the community,” he said.

A conversation with him at Fred’s brought to light his awareness of the project and his opposition to it.

“It would have put many of us around here under water. It would have displaced Burdette Baptist Church and Edwin “Pee Wee” Joyner’s house as well as several other structures in and around Burdette. Joyner’s Bridge would have been obliterated,” he said Miles Carr Jr., although a very young man at the time, remembers it through his father, Miles Carr Sr., who owned property next to the river upstream

from Burdette.

Merritt Raiford, a Courtland resident, who was a former resident of Burdette, recalls that it was of much concern to his family.

Also affected would have been portions of property adjoining the Franklin Municipal Airport, the Camptown area of Isle of Wight County, and, of course, Union Camp’s property north and south of the proposed dam.

Obviously, many other low-lying residential areas and farmlands adjoining the Blackwater River, and its adjacent swamps, would have been impacted. Water in streams emptying into the river would have been pushed back and forced to their sources and beyond.

Ravine areas in and around, and

north, of Franklin would have been filled with water as the surface area of the lake elevated and spread out.

For example, the existing ravine that borders Poplar Spring Cemetery, and connects to the river, would have filled with water and become an inlet of the lake. Small islands and peninsulas would have been created, depending on topography.

A marina was to be located on the western edge of the lower lake, near the S.W. Rawls Inc. property just off Bowers Road. In addition, a marina was proposed for the eastern side of the lake, somewhere between a point just north of the airport property and Joyner’s Bridge. Still another location for a marina would have been on the eastern side of the lake between Bur-

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This was Harland Bartholomew and Associates' proposed plan for downtown Franklin, which includes what would have been Blackwater Lake.

“It would have put many of us around here under water."

dette and Zuni.

Some realignment of roads in and around the proposed lake area was indicated. Improvement and extension of Camptown Road to connect with State Route 616 was called for and could lead to the establishment of a parkway east of the lake. The parkway would function as a scenic drive, as an access route to major recreational facilities, and a collector road to accommodate anticipated traffic volumes. The parkway would also encourage redevelopment and new development in Camptown and vacant parcels, owned by Union Camp, north of the Franklin Municipal Airport.

Campsites were envisioned for areas north of Franklin. The wooded area across the road a few miles from Edgehill would be along an inlet of the lake’s west-

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3636western tidewater living western tidewater living ern side. The thinking was that other areas, more remote, would have most likely evolved into bird and animal sanctuaries.

It was thought by some of the people of that time that Blackwater Lake would have provided many more benefits than drawbacks for the people of the region. It would have had a significant positive impact on the economy of the area, they said. It would have created jobs. It would have provided opportunities for swimming, water sports, boating, fishing, etc. According to many people, it could have prevented and/or controlled flooding of lowlying areas in and around Franklin.

And, it could have provided for urban water needs.

Incidental to all of this, yet somewhat related, is the fact that the City of Norfolk had been pumping water out of the Blackwater River, at Burdette,

since 1943. How that fact would enter the picture was an uncertainty.

In addition to the many other factors and considerations, is the fact that the wastewater contents of the Union Camp effluent ponds were being released periodically into the Blackwater River several miles south of the proposed dam based on the water level of the river. Release of wastewater from the effluent ponds into the river had to be done during high water levels of the river. What would have been involved in coordinating the needs and requirements of Union Camp with lake and river management were major considerations to be addressed.

Atkinson said the region already had two points in its favor for the establishment of a recreational lake: “First, before an area can qualify, it must have an overall recreational plan,” he said. “The City of Franklin Planning Commission

is proposing a recreational plan, that includes the LAKE project, in our updated City Master Plan. Secondly, the Virginia Outdoor Study Commission has declared the area along the Blackwater River between Zuni and Franklin to be suitable for a future state park.”

In 1967, the City of Franklin Planning Commission included: Chairman, E.F. Gilliam, Roger Beale, Warren Councill, Walter Beaman, J.J. Forrer, Willie Ashburn and Harold Atkinson.

At a Franklin City Council meeting on Oct. 9, 1967, it was reported that Isle of Wight County had formed a committee to serve on the Regional Park Authority: E.E. Strickland, S.L. Gwaltney, W.M. Camp Jr., and G.A. Barlow Jr. At a Franklin City Council meeting on Oct. 23, 1967, the following were appointed to serve on the Authority, representing the City: J.F. Briggs Sr., R.A. Pretlow Jr., G.H. Hedgepeth, and J.A.

A generalized land use plan for 1990, which imagines the proposed Blackwater Lake as a reality.

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Murray.

At a Franklin City Council meeting on Nov. 13, 1967, it was reported that Southampton County notified Franklin that they had appointed the following to the Authority: Theo E. Beale, N.S. Boykin, J. P. Councill Jr., and J.P. Simmons.

On Nov. 27, 1967, a public hearing in reference to the Regional Park Authority was conducted. Several State Officials (including J.W. Turrant, Commission of Outdoor Recreation) were in attendance.

R.C. “Bob” Ray, whose property, River Road Farm, would be affected, spoke in favor of the “Authority” and the impoundment of the Blackwater River. He cited advantages: future water source, industry, recreation.

The idea of Blackwater Lake seemed to be a very serious consideration for a period of time; however, a few weeks following the appointment of the Southampton County members of the Authority, Southampton County officials notified Harold Atkinson that they were having second thoughts.

During a Southampton County Board of Supervisors meeting on Dec.r 18, 1967, on motion, duly seconded, the supervisors rejected a proposed resolution for the official establishment of the Blackwater Lake Regional Park Authority. Instead, their participation would be limited to a committee to meet with Franklin and Isle of Wight officials to EXPLORE the possibility of creating an “authority” with powers limited to making a feasibility study of the proposed Blackwater Lake project.

BUT, at a meeting held on Jan. 22, 1968, the Southampton supervisors voted to “NOT take any further action, at this time,” on the proposed Blackwater Regional Park Authority, including any feasibility study of the Blackwater River area for lake development.

From that point in time, enthusiasm

Looking ahead to 1990, this is a detailed look at where the Blackwater Lake project would have been in the generalized land use plan. for the project gradually dissipated and seemed to become a dormant issue.

Nevertheless, the proposed Blackwater Lake project appeared to be, at least on paper, still under consideration by the City of Franklin. Plans for its establishment were included in the City’s 1969 MASTER PLAN, which outlined Franklin’s planned development and how the region would look, projecting

to the year 1990. And, during a Franklin City Council meeting on March 23, 1970, two plans for a future municipal water supply were discussed: (a.) Purchase water from the Norfolk-Portsmouth systems. (b.) Dam up the Blackwater River.

However, as it turns out, as we all now know, Blackwater Lake did not happen.

38 western tidewater living

Drewryville Woman's Club celebrating this year

story by Lynn Ramsey photos submitted by Dianne Garrett

[Editor's note: When the Drewryville Woman's Club met on March 14, the members observed the 82nd anniversary. Per a request to chronicle the group's history in this magazine, the article is a reprint from publication in The Tidewater News this past spring.]

T

here have been many changes in the 82 years since the club formed. The club is also a part of the Southside District of Woman’s Clubs. The club owns the building, which was previously the Drewryville School Home Economics building. It has a special meaning to many of the residents for this building to still be used.

The club has many activities throughout the year. The members volunteer at Capron Elementary school and other schools throughout the county. A magazine called "Kind News" is purchased and given to each third and fourth grader at the school.

School supplies are always needed at the school and they help with this also. General Mills box tops are collected, and the school can purchase items with the monies they receive from these box tops.

A scholarship is given each year to

a graduating senior from the area.

The applications are located with the guidance counselor of the high school. Bake sales are held to fi nance this project. If you see a bake sale by these ladies, stop and help us out. A bake sale was scheduled on Tuesday,

April 2, at Pope’s Slip-In in Capron, and at the Artisans' Market on Saturday, May 4, also in Capron. They began at 10 a.m.

The club donates to Southampton Social Services by helping when asked in many ways. They donate personal

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Members of the Drewryville Woman's Club enjoy a repast for the organization's 82nd anniversary. Pictured are Shirley Burgess, Lynn Ramsey, Debbie Starke, Dawn Gunn, Eva Wrenn Cobb and Michael Edwards. Diane Garrett, not pictured, was also present. hygiene items, fleeced blankets, food items or whatever is requested at this time.

The Relay For Life team is done in honor or memory of any cancer victims in the club.

They also have provided food, blankets, toys and many things needed for the Southside Animal Shelter.

The Southampton Health Department nurses are recognized for Nurses Week by providing lunch for the nurses.

Drink tabs are collected and sent to the Ronald McDonald House. Th ink about box tops and drink tabs, they're something everyone can do and we

all use them. Just get a container and start collecting them.

The club members promote may different objectives.

In January, they participate in a photography contest. The winners can then have their pictures entered the Southside District contest. In February, for Women’s Heart Month, they are asked to wear red on the day requested to commemorate heart disease. In April, pinwheels are displayed at the Woman’s Club Building for Child Abuse Prevention Month.

In May, flags are placed on the graves of the veterans and a Memorial Day Service is held at the Drewryville

Cemetery. The Boy Scouts present the flags. A veteran always speaks.

The veterans are recognized for their service to the USA. The church bell rings at 3 p.m. for National Moment of Remembrance, which is observed nationally.

The members begin planning in September for the upcoming year. In October, the members are reminded that this month is for Breast Cancer Awareness month and Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention month. Items are collected and given to a domestic shelter for women in the area.

Each member is encouraged to vote

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40 western tidewater living in each election and is instructed and given the information on how to contact the elected representatives in the General Assembly and Congress.

The club also is informed about the issues in the county government.

A care package is sent to an active member of the military overseas if it is brought to the attention of the club.

Flags are flown in the village on major national holidays and wreaths are put up for Christmas.

The biggest fundraiser for the club is the community Christmas tree.

The club has bulbs on the tree that people connected with the area give in honor or in memory of that person. A program is held during the

fi rst of December. Th is includes the names of the people being read that the bulbs or given for. A short story with a Christmas meaning is read, carols are sung and then everyone gathers outside for the tree lighting.

Afterward, Thomas Memorial Baptist Church provides a spaghetti supper.

Th is is an event that is enjoyed by all.

Th is officially begins the Christmas season. The Woman’s Club and the Ruritan Cub celebrate the Christmas season by going out and enjoying a meal together.

Th roughout the community there are beautiful flower containers placed which members keep flowers in them for different times of the year. Dre-

wryville Woman’s Club also supports the Boy Scouts, Drewryville Volunteer Fire Department, Capron Fire and Rescue and Capron Drewryville Athletic Association. The club also works on many projects with the Drewryville Ruritan Club.

Each month they have an interesting program to keep the members up to date on information and happenings in the county. As you can see, the ladies of the Drewryville Woman’s Club are very busy. We are always searching for prospective members.

If you are interested in joining this group of amazing ladies, you can contact Debbie Starke. Her number is 651-9427.

western tidewater living

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42 western tidewater living

Building experience story and photos by Stephen Faleski

Isle of Wight students renovate senior's home

A

senior citizen's home in southern Isle of Wight County is receiving a new lease on life with the help of students enrolled in Isle of Wight County Schools' Building Trades program at Windsor High School.

Since mid-April, about 10 high school students in Robert Rodgers' Building Trades I and II courses have traveled with their instructor nearly every school day to the residence of Katherine Hobbs on Duck Town Road to participate in a real-life home renovation. As of June 11 – the date the school division set for a “community day” where members of the School Board and other local officials and media received a tour of the students' handiwork – the students had completed the installation of a new front door, replaced the rotting trim around the home's windows and repainted the siding. They had also removed the decaying trim around the home's roof overhang – which the students said was properly referred to as fascia board and soffit – and replaced each with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and plywood, respectively.

“This is a true celebration of community coming together,” said Jeff Mordica, the school division's director of innovation and strategic planning, during the tour. “You cannot simulate learning like this.”

“Authentic learning is what we're all about,” Superinten-

western tidewater living Dakota Dalton pries up a floor board from the old porch.

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44 western tidewater living dent Dr. Jim Thornton added. “If you have high expectations for students, they come through.”

Most of the building materials and paint the students used, division officials said, were donated from local businesses, including Windso Hardware & Supply Co. and Sherwin Williams of Smithfield.

The idea of IWCS students participating in an actual renovation, according to IWCS Director of Community and Media Relations Lynn Briggs, came about as the result of a conversation Thornton had with Barbara Wiggins, CEO of the Smithfield-based nonprofit organization Providential Credit Care Management Inc. Wiggins – who described her nonprofit as functioning similar to the role of a redevelopment and housing authority in its efforts to help senior citizens, the homeless and others – explained she had first talked with Thornton at community

meetings on economic development and career and technical education.

“I was complaining about needing help for seniors to fix their homes,” Wiggins said. “Dr. Thornton was sitting beside me and I had complained so much he said, 'Ms. Wiggins, our children do carpentry.'”

When the students first toured the site earlier this year, Wiggins said, they asked Hobbs questions about what work she wanted done, and “even asked her what color she wanted them to paint her house.”

“They knew what they were supposed to be doing,” Hobbs said of the students' professionalism. “They fell right in ... This has been a tremendous blessing for me.”

Of course, not everything went perfectly on the first try.

“If you don't cut the angles right, it's not going to look good,” said Dakota Dal-

ton, a 10th grader at WHS. “We learned that the hard way,” Zach Lightfoot, a fellow sophomore at WHS, added.

Briggs said that the 10 students who worked on the project had included freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. The group was on-site almost every school day, except when work was delayed due to rain and when the students needed to wait for the county government to issue building permits, she added. Briggs also confirmed that the division did not have to complete any remediation for asbestos or lead paint at the circa-1978 house.

By the date of the division's community day, which was held only two days prior to the division's last day of classes, most of the projects the students had identified in their site plan had been completed, save for one: construction of a new, hand-

Pictured from left are Jeff Mordica, IWCS director of innovation and strategic planning; Peter Horman of Windsor Hardware & Supply Co.; WHS students Dakota Dalton and Seth Janas; homeowner Katherine Hobbs; WHS students Austin Rawles and Zach Lightfoot; Barbara Wiggins of Providential Credit Care Management Inc.; Superintendent Dr. Jim Thornton; Building Trades instructor Robert Rodgers and Assistant Superintendent Mike Lombardo.

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icap-accessible screened-in porch. Some of the Community Day attendees, including School Board Chairwoman Vicky Hulick, assisted the students with the demolition of the existing, rotted wooden porch and steps following the students' presentation.

“IWCS maintenance staff will be completing the porch work over the next two weeks,” Briggs said. “We are still investigating having students work on future projects during the summer months but are not implementing student workers at this time.”

Hobbs is herself a graduate of the county's school system, having attended Georgie D. Tyler High School, which no longer stands.

The former deputy commissioner of revenue for the city of Portsmouth returned to her native county in 1995 to live with and care for her mother, who passed away in 2002.

Hobbs retired from her city position in 2015.

When asked about the condition of her home prior to the students' renovations,

WHS Principal Laura Sullivan and School Board Chairwoman Vicky Hulick help WHS student Dakota Dalton dispose of a section of roof from the old porch.

Zachary Haney, principal of Smithfield High School, gathers the remaining wood scraps from the now-demolished porch, revealing a set of concrete steps that were covered up years ago.

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Hobbs said, “My mom kept the house pretty nice inside – she was a stickler for cleaning.” But as for the exterior, she described it as being in “desperate need of work” and said she had been unable to afford the needed repairs.

“Mrs. Hobbs is one of many seniors in Isle of Wight County whose homes are dilapidated,” Wiggins said. “I took a trip out there. Immediately, I could see what her problems were.”

During the renovations, Hobbs frequently demonstrated her appreciation for the students' efforts by baking them brownies and offering them lemonade.

“It's been a learning process for me, a learning process for them [the students],” Hobbs said. “I can say I learned to love them.”

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