Western Tidewater Living Winter 2018 by The Tidewater News

Western Tidewater

Living

Celebrating nature's beauty Young Park specializes in art of making bonsai trees

Cultivating artistry

Gallery 1606 showcases multiple talents in a variety of media. WINTER 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ vol. 9, no. 4

Bad News Under the Hood?

• Oil Changes • Diagnostics • Coolant Flush • A/C Service • Tune-Ups • Brakes • Suspension Work • R&R Engine/ Transmission & More

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o m

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fun time out ay mea means staying o m close close to home. Where a

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Who says you have to travel far or spend big to have a memorable evening? As a neighbor of The Village at says youy have to travel far or big to haveo a mem Edge, you’re welcome to join us spend for a delicious en WoodsWho meal at The Back Porch & Grille any time. Our charming The Village at Woods Edge, a fun time out is as simple as s on community is close tot everything you or a loved one charming everything youfloor could want is within r could want. Ourcommunity, residents enjoy spacious plans and s r e s restaurant-quality dining,dining along with top-notchamenities amenitiesand an a restaurant-quality to top-notch and an array of classes and events, offering engaging d e v engaging options to keep you feeling fulfilled. And best at Woods W Edge d dge Who says you options have to travel or spend big to have a memorable meal? When youof live at to far keep anyone feeling fulfilled. And best t e neighbors you already know and love, because Small h town charm. Engaging senior The living. Village at all, Woods a fun out is as simple as steppingwho out your front door. it’sEdge, close totime friends and neighbors already callInit’sthissituated charming community, everything you could what wantit’s is within reach, frommay spacious residences and Franklin because situated just twoinclude, miles from Sohome, noi matter your plans you’re stilt h s restaurant-quality diningdowntown. to top-notch amenities an array of classes events, offering historic So no and matter what yourand plans may lati n . engaging options to keepyou’re you feeling And best of all, it’s close to the friends and include, stillfulfiatlled. home in Franklin. W Woods Edge d dge

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you already know and love, because it’s situated just two miles from historic downtown. To schedule a visit andneighbors get started on the journey to where you want to be So no matter your plans on may include, still at home Franklin. To schedule a visit and getwhat started the you’re journey toinwhere you -47 want to be, call 757-562-4259 today To schedule a visit and get started on the journey to where you want to be, call 757-516-4753 today. Small town charm. Engaging senior living.

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4 western tidewater living

Western Tidewater

Living

The thread that runs through this issue of Western Tidewater Living â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the last for 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; features things and people that are organic in their respective ways. Allow me to explain. The first idea for a story this quarter was the Parks' Bonsai Tree Nursery off Route 58W in Suffolk close to the Franklin border. I see the sign just about every time I come to work, and got to wondering what exactly are Bonsai trees. As intern writer Kenya Smith and I discovered on a bright September Saturday morning, they are not a particular species, but instead bonsai is the name for a style of cultivating nature into lasting beauty. As you will read, the Parks have nurtured this practice/business for decades. Perhaps you will be inspired to take up this rewarding work, and if so, you'll know where to begin. Speaking of work and beauty, staff writer Stephen Faleski found that participants in the Artisans Market at Gallery 1606 are well-acquainted with creating their arts and crafts by hand. Woodworking, glass-making and carving are but a few of the many ways that the men and women make both art and objects both decorative and practical. You can find out for yourself when the market, under the guidance of Lynette Allston, resumes this spring. Visitors can also discover the heritage of the people of her tribe, the Nottoway Indians, at the interpretive center next door. Another person adept in her field of endeavor is Shelby Billups of Ivor. You could say that she is somewhat to the manner to the born. Billups' desire to help other

introduction people became evident when first serving the town's volunteer fire department as a junior member while still a teenager. Now she is fully fledged to not only battle flames, but also to save lives through two rescue squads and a hospital. Find out what motivates this young woman in contributing writer Merle Monahan's story. Finally, meet Southampton Middle School life science teacher Kim Owens and Southampton High School senior Taylor Rogers. The story they recently told the county school board of their learning adventure in Peru became the basis for this article. Though neither knew of one another before their JASON Learning-based quest, they became bonded with each other. Further, Owens discovered a new commitment to her profession, and Rogers a more definite path to a fulfilling life ahead after high school. There are our regular features of a calendar, party pictures and the games of Who am I and Where am I. Here's one hint for the latter: This issue's object is also found on a road in Courtland. We'll say no more. We always welcome your ideas for feature articles or anything else that you think could really add value to this magazine. Contact my coworkers and me at 5623187 or email us: kenya.smith@tidewaternews.com stephen.faleski@tidewaternews.com stephen.cowles@tidewaternews.com See you in the spring! Stephen H. Cowles Staff writer

western tidewater living

contents winter 2018

Cover photograph by Stephen H. Cowles

ON THE COVER: Young Park holds up one of the many bonsai trees that he's cultivated over the years.

Western Tidewater

Living

Tony Clark Publisher Stephen H. Cowles Staff Writer Stephen Faleski Staff Writer

INSIDE THIS EDITION

Loretta Lomax Designer Crystal Outlaw Designer

PARTY PIX

Look who's been out and having fun while the temperature dropped and the leaves were falling

CATCHING UP WITH... Shelby Billups of Ivor helps people as a firefighter and EMT

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.

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

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 guessed that this is the little church at the Southampton Heritage Village/ Agriculture and Forestry Museum in Courtland.

18 western tidewater living

Mitzi Lusk Advertising Director Michelle Gray Office Manager

16 western tidewater living

Merle Monahan Contributing Writer Ryan Outlaw Lead Designer

CELEBRATING THE BEAUTY IN NATURE Learning the art of bonsai starting at Parks' nursery

ADVENTURES IN LEARNING

A Southampton school teacher, student study in rain forests of Peru

what to do

welcome; registration is required. Please call 757-562-4801.

Blackwater Regional Library activities and events (Franklin & Courtland) Southampton County Adult Education & Literacy Program: This will take place in the Walter Cecil Rawls Library every Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

JAN. 16 LEGO Club: This will take place on the third Wednesday of each month in the Walter Cecil Rawls Library from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. This program is for ages 3 and up.

JAN. 2 Family Movie Afternoon: This will take place on the first Wednesday of each month in the Walter Cecil Rawls Library from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. JAN. 3 Storytime: This will take place in the Ruth Campbell Memorial Library every Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. Individual Job Search Assistance: This will take place on the first Thursday of each month in the Ruth Campbell Memorial Library from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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 dropins are welcome. JAN. 8 Storytime: This will take place in the Walter Cecil Rawls Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m. SoCo Knitters & Crocheters: This will take place in the Walter Cecil Rawls Library every Tuesday at 11 a.m. JAN. 14 Friends of the Franklin Library Meeting: This will take place on the second Monday of each month in the Ruth Campbell Memorial Library at 6 p.m. JAN. 15 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

JAN. 17 Family Board Game Night: This will take place on the third Thursday of each month in the Ruth Campbell Memorial Library from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. All ages are welcome. No admission required. 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. JAN. 19 Science Saturday: This will take place on the third Saturday of each month in the Ruth Campbell Memorial Library from 10 to 11 a.m. JAN. 23 DIY Teen Night: This will take place on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Walter Cecil Rawls Library from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. For teens grades 6-12. Call 757-6532821 to register. JAN. 24 Healthy Woman Event Hosted By Southampton Memorial Hospital: This will take place in the PDCCC Workforce Development Center from 5 to 8 p.m. JAN. 30 Blood Drive: This will take place in the PDCCC Franklin Campus Library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit redcrossblood.org and enter “PaulD-

Gallery 1606 showcases multiple talents in a variety of media.

JAN. 30 & 31 PDCCC Blood Drive: This will take place at the Paul D. Camp Franklin Campus Library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter “PaulDCamp” to schedule an appointment.

MARCH 9 Gun Bash Fundraiser: Doors will open at the Ivor Volunteer Fire Department at noon. The raffle will start at 1 p.m. There will be door prizes. Tickets are free for children, and adults can get one ticket for $1, 6 for $5, 25 for $20 or 75 for $50. Go to www.ivorfire.net or the Facebook page in early March for the list of prizes. Food and drink will be available for sale, and a free bouncy playground will be available for the children. MARCH 20 Alzheimer's Association: Meeting will take place in the Ruth Campbell Memorial Library from 1 to 3 p.m. The program is free, but registration is required. Call 1-800-2723900 to register. We are a seasonal business and our storefront is closed after the 3rd week in January-April, but we continue to take and fill orders year-round through our website. Thank you for your continued support. We wish you a blessed and joyous 2019!!

19123 Rawlings Rd, Capron, VA • Hwy 58 www.gurganus-peanuts.net 434-658-4263

western tidewater living

was the lady principal for her alma mater Hampton University and Virginia State University. In 1904, she founded the Franklin Normal and Industrial Institute that was original located at the end of Hall Street in Franklin. Her memorial and remains rest in Southview Cemetery.” In this issue, as you see,

Tell us who is featured in this photograph and get a chance to win $25.

who am I? Michael W. Foreman correctly identified that the person show in the fall issue is Mrs. Della Irving Hayden (1851-1924.) “Mrs. Hayden was an internationally known educator in the late 19th and early 20th centuries,” he wrote. “Hayden High School was named in her honor in 1953. Mrs. Hayden

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

FEB. 5 Medicare Benefits Counseling: This will take place on the first and third Tuesday of each month at the Ruth Campbell Memorial Library from 1 to 3 p.m. Walk-in or call 757-4498706 to make an appointment.

Peanut Outlet

CULTIVATING ARTISTRY

Camp” to schedule an appointment. Paul D. Camp Community College:

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.

Mrs. Della Irving Hayden

party pix

6 western tidewater living

Community Meal 2018 Right: Earline Hamell and Arian Hamell, 7. Below: Supt. Tamara Sterling, left, with school board members Jessica Trant, Carrie Johnson, Marchelle Williams, Chairman Bob Holt and Vice Chairwoman Andrea Hall-Leonard. PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

western tidewater living

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party pix

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The Grinch visits Courtland Below, left: Rebecca Williams of Ivor with her son, Charlies, 3. Right: Thomas Lindsey, 3, with The Grinch, Max and Cindy Lou on Dec. 7 in the Walter Cecil Rawls Library, Courtland. Danny and Jenny Simonsen of Hunterdale brought their daughters Lucy, 5, and Gracie, 8, to meet The Grinch and friends in the library. PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

FPO

Winter Pet Care Tips • FEED WELL. Give your pet plenty of food and water, because keeping warm outdoors takes energy. • CHECK PAWS. Wipe with a damp towel to remove salt, and check for ice accumulation and damage. • PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELTER. If your pet must be outside much of the day, they need a dry, draft-free shelter. • DISCOURAGE HITCHHIKERS. Bang on the hood or honk the horn to ward off cats or wildlife attracted to a warm engine. • PREVENT POISONING. Ethylene glycol anti-freeze is deadly, but has a sweet taste. Wipe up spills to protect animals and children.

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party pix

10 western tidewater living

Ivor Parade Left: Casey Raiford with his children, Elena, 8 and Jason, 4. Below: From left are Daniel and Julie Lane of Carrsville; and Tina and Clint Walters with their children, Connor, 11, and Corrinne, 13. PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

A New You

western tidewater living

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12 western tidewater living

Ivor Parade Top: From left are Michele Rock of Ivor: Beverly Clements of Windsor; Brandy Clements, Malachi Clements, 2-12, and Aaron Clements and Michael Clements. Bottom: Trevor Cook, left, with Aaron Vick, Cameron King and Will Coleman. PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

western tidewater living

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Ivor Parade Top: Little Miss Franklin/Southampton County Fair Queens ride in style. From left are Harper Reese (Junior,) Kaley Raiford (Wee) and Danielle Smith (Little.) Bottom: Janet M. Joyner, pageant director, waves hello as she rides in the parade. PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

western tidewater living

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

Caring faculty. Individual attention. Transformational education.

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LEARN ABOUT OUR Y BUCKS PROGRAM! The School Age Child Care Program at James L. Camp, Jr. Family YMCA Y Bucks is a token economy, behavior incentive program used to reward appropriate behaviors that support the YMCA’s behavioral expectations. These incentives (rewards) help children remember the program rules and demonstrate the Y core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith. For more information, or to register for Before & After School Care to include School’s Out Camp for the holidays, please contact the James L. Camp, Jr. Family YMCA at 757-5623491, Kim Gaskins, Child Care Site Director, at kgaskins@ymcashr.org.

Our trained and certified staff can service your Stihl, Toro and Briggs & Stratton 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

JAMES L. CAMP, JR. FAMILY YMCA 300 Crescent Dr. Franklin, VA 23851 (757) 562-3491 Hours: Mon-Thurs 5a-9p, Fri 5a-8p Sat 8a-5p, Sun 1-5p

16 western tidewater living

where am I?

No one guessed that this is the little church at the Southampton Heritage Village/ Agriculture and Forestry Museum in Courtland.

western tidewater living

Ruritan Club Top: Nancy Clayton of the Possum Holland Ruritan Club has been named the Ruritan of the Year in the Holland District. With her is club president George Winslow; District Gov. Phillip Bradshaw is at far left. Bottom: Sarah Bazemore, second from left, holds the plaque naming her as the Holland District 2018 Ruri-Teen of the Year. Her parents, Karen and Tammy, stand beside her. They are flanked by Phillip Bradshaw, out-going district governor; and Jim Sampson, whose term as governor begins on Jan. 1. PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

18 western tidewater living

what to do

welcome; registration is required. Please call 757-562-4801.

JAN. 16 LEGO Club: This will take place on the third Wednesday of each month in the Walter Cecil Rawls Library from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. This program is for ages 3 and up.

Camp” to schedule an appointment. Paul D. Camp Community College: JAN. 30 & 31 PDCCC Blood Drive: This will take place at the Paul D. Camp Franklin Campus Library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter “PaulDCamp” to schedule an appointment. FEB. 5 Medicare Benefits Counseling: This will take place on the first and third Tuesday of each month at the Ruth Campbell Memorial Library from 1 to 3 p.m. Walk-in or call 757-4498706 to make an appointment. MARCH 9 Gun Bash Fundraiser: Doors will open at the Ivor Volunteer Fire Department at noon. The raffle will start at 1 p.m. There will be door prizes. Tickets are free for children, and adults can get one ticket for $1, 6 for $5, 25 for $20 or 75 for $50. Go to www.ivorfire.net or the Facebook page in early March for the list of prizes. Food and drink will be available for sale, and a free bouncy playground will be available for the children. MARCH 20 Alzheimer's Association: Meeting will take place in the Ruth Campbell Memorial Library from 1 to 3 p.m. The program is free, but registration is required. Call 1-800-2723900 to register.

Peanut Outlet

We are a seasonal business and our storefront is closed after the 3rd week in January-April, but we continue to take and fill orders year-round through our website. Thank you for your continued support. We wish you a blessed and joyous 2019!!

19123 Rawlings Rd, Capron, VA • Hwy 58 www.gurganus-peanuts.net 434-658-4263

western tidewater living

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

We Have a Passion for All Things Fashion.

Winter Apparel & Accessories Are In!

Home Decor • Gifts Apparel • Accessories

757-562-5223 109 E. Second Ave., Downtown Franklin, VA M-F: 10am - 6pm, Sat: 10am - 3pm

We carry home decor, farmhouse and shabby chic furniture! Don’t see what you’re looking? Let me know and I’ll find it for you! Ask about custom work!

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20 western tidewater living

hen Shelby Billups was 14, she joined the closest rescue organization she could find — the Ivor Volunteer Fire Department's junior section — because she wanted to help people. Today, the petite 22-year-old is still there, with the rank of second lieutenant, still helping people by saving both lives and property. But this isn’t the extent of Billups’ passion. Since her induction into the IVFD, she has

completed college with a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Services and earned her paramedic certificate, giving her the title of Firefighter/Paramedic at the Isle of Wight County Rescue Squad

where she works full-time and the Riverside Regional Medical Center part-time. “I love my work,” Billups said, adding that this is what she has worked toward as long as she can remember. She also credits the IVFD for its guidance. Bryan Grasser, a former lieutenant there, earns particular praise from her. “He really took me under his wing, and taught me everything I know. He's still a huge influence of why I got into this whole thing — fire, EMS, everything,” she said, adding that they go

Shelby Billups feels at home at the Ivor Volunteer Fire Department, where she volunteers.

CATCHING UP WITH

western tidewater living

on runs (calls) together. “I really feel at home there,” Billups said. “Everyone is so helpful — it’s like one big family.” She attended Jefferson College of Health Sciences in Roanoke after her graduation from Southampton High School in 2014. Billups began working at the Isle of Wight County Rescue Squad and the RRMC in Newport News immediately after college. She works a 72-hour week, with time off between shifts. At the rescue squad, Billups works in the field, meaning that she rides the ambulance as calls

come in. “You never know what to expect,” Billups said of the ambulance calls. “But it gives you a good feeling just to know that you can help.” This is one reason she works in the emergency room at the hospital. “You get to treat the patients from the beginning, like from people who’ve been in a wreck and even to delivering a baby. Sometimes quick responses are what save a life. “It’s the times when you can’t help that bothers us,” she said of herself and her co-workers. Billups knew when she joined the fire department that she would

choose some kind of emergency health service as her career, she said. “I don’t know why, although my grandfather [Bobby Felts] was in the fire department and my mom [Kelly Billups] is a nurse so maybe some of the things they did rubbed off on me, but I’ve always wanted to be in a position to help others,” Billups said. And so she is. A resident of rural Ivor, when Billups is not working, she is on call for the fire department, as are other firemen. Often she has been called out in the middle of dinner, or the middle of the night, but Billups said she wouldn’t have it any other way. 

H SHELBY BILLUPS story by Merle Monahan photos by Stephen H. Cowles

22 western tidewater living

Celebrating the beauty in nature story by Kenya Smith photos by Stephen H. Cowles

western tidewater living

For over 20 years, Young Park and his wife, Jung Park, have owned a farm and nursery that specializes in the art of making bonsai trees.

aised in South Korea, Young learned about the art from his grandfather at the age of 7 or 8. He later moved to the United States after studying horticultural and veterinary sciences, and because of his grandfather's passion for bonsai trees, he decided to dedicate his career in making and maintaining them. When he and Jung first started Park's Bonsai Farm Nursery off of Route 58 in Suffolk, only a few people know about bonsai trees. “During that time, most people who knew about bonsai trees either saw the movie “The Karate Kid” or have traveled overseas to China or Japan,” Young said. Bonsai is an art form that uses cultivation techniques to produce small trees in containers that resemble the shape and scale of full-sized trees. While bonsai translates to “planted in container” in Japanese, the art form originated in China thousands of years ago. As bonsai reached Japan, the practice became more popular.

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Young Park concentrates on pruning this tree to maintain the bonsai style.

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Despite their small size, bonsai trees should not be mistaken as dwarfed trees, and they require regular watering, feeding and repotting to keep them healthy. They can also be shaped in many different styles by pruning the tree and wiring it to bend and reposition the branches. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can basically make bonsai out of all kinds of trees,â&#x20AC;? said Young. Some of the most popular tree species used in bonsai are juniper, pine and ficus. There are bonsai trees that have lasted for centuries and are often passed from generation to generation as a family tradition. The age of a bonsai tree plays a huge factor in how much it costs. The older the tree, the more expensive it is. There is even a bonsai tree in Japan that is reported to be 800 years old and to be worth $1.3 million.

Floral and fruit trees also grow at the nursery.

Another example of a tree that will be nurtured. A closeup of a young tree.

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The art form celebrates the beauty found in nature and can teach a person the importance of respecting life. “You have to treat your bonsai tree just as you would a pet,” said Andy Rak, who won a bonsai tree at a raﬄe and helps the Parks at their farm every Saturday. Maintaining bonsai trees requires a lot of dedication as Young works everyday to make sure that the trees are in good shape. “Most people have a hard time with the concept of focus. With bonsai, it helps you with focus because you have to pay attention to one branch at the time,” said Young, “It brings forth meditation, and you forget about lunch and dinner because you are always giving thought.” For more information about Park's Bonsai Farm Nursery, visit parksbonsai.com or call 657-9804. 

Park's Bonsai Farm Nursery

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story by Stephen H. Cowles photos courtesy of Patrick Shea, Kim Owens and Jude Kesl

etting lost in Peru was never a possibility, but Kim Owens and Taylor Rogers each found, or rather, rediscovered something about themselves during their trip to the South American country this past fall. Last year, the Southampton County Public Schools became affiliated with JASON Learning. Taking its name from the adventuresome hero of Greek mythology, that program is devoted to offering educational opportunities based in the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics, better known as STEM. The life science teacher at Southampton Middle School (Owens) and senior at Southampton High School (Rogers) separately qualified for the field trip of the Argonaut experience, which in turn is provided through JASON Learning. Owens remembered being called to the principal's office (!) when program representatives pitched the idea last

Southampton school teacher, student travel to rain forests of Peru

Right: Looks as if this frog was brushed with paint. This was spotted during a night hike. Far Right: A closeup of an orchid bee, which is native to Peru.

western tidewater living

A view from above at the sixth platform, which was about 109-115 feet above the ground.

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May. She made a video for her application, stating that among her goals: “I want to make that [experience] a real place for my students. I want to create some lessons based on the experience.” Owens added that since then her classes have studied about the rain forests and thinks that her students learned. Rogers said, “I had no set goals at the start. I thought, 'That's an opportunity I can take.'” She added, “I want to go into biology, but am not yet sure. The trip is like a pathway to a career.” Though having first considered cosmetology, that fell out favor. But then Rogers found biology — genetics, putting two things together, etc. “I like nature, animals, the world around me. I found something I'm really good at,” she said. Coincidentally, each at one time had also con-

sidered being a veterinarian. But the difficulties of getting into vet school, combined with the eventual necessity of performing euthanasia on sick or injured animals, was too off-putting for both of them. Rogers, who even then wanted to go to the Amazon, said her applications were done late in her junior year. They were separately picked to study in the rain forests of Peru and did some real science research. “We didn't choose; we applied not knowing where we'd be going,” said Owens. Nor did they know of one another, though they are in adjoining buildings. “We only met the week before,” Owens and Rogers said about their first encounter, which took Kim Owens, life science teacher at Southampton Middle School, with Taylor Rogers, a senior at Southampton High School.

western tidewater living

Obligatory group shotâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; this time at the base of a tree in the rain forest.

of river turtle eggs ch ut cl a s ue sc re es . One of the guid r in the Napo River ba nd sa g in bl um on a rapidly cr

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All manner of flora â&#x20AC;&#x201D; such as these orchids â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and fauna can be found in a rain forest.

Another insect common to the rain forest.

Taylor applies an essential oil to a cotton swab. As an experiment, the students wanted to see if the swabs would attract orchid bees.

Kim Rogers shows native children the images she took with her camera.

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Taylor Rogers and other Argonauts went up and down the canopy levels using these bridges.

place Oct. 13-21. “I reassured her mom,” the teacher said of Rogers. “'I'll take care of her, I promise.'” For the student, the adventure began right away: it was her first time flying and internationally to boot. They left at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and arrived at their first destination 13 hours later at the ExplorNapo Lodge in Sucusari, Peru. On staff were coordinator Jude Kesl, photographer Patrick Shea, and “Bug Chicks” Kristie Reddick and Jess Honaker. “They are amazing entomologists and promote self-empowerment,” said the teacher and student. “They let the students lead in the experiments.” Both also praised their Explorama guides Cesar Guerro and Percy Inuma. “My best friends by the end of the week,” said Owens, noting “their passion to share the rainforest with other people.” On the first full day, the group they were with traveled on the river, and one member saved a clutch of 13 to 15 eggs of a river turtle they saw exposed on a crumbling sand bar. These were reburied more securely elsewhere. They went on a night hike, attended classes about arthro-

pods (insects and spiders) visited a Sucusari village and the ReNuPeRu medicinal garden, and met an actual shaman. It's not an adventure if there are no challenges, and indeed there were some surprises (night critters creeping about the living quarters; bats flying out of pit privies) and discomforts along the way; .i.e., no airconditioning and hot showers. Walking along the swaying bridges on the different canopy levels took some adjustment for Owens. Ultimately, everyone survived. The participants were later “rewarded” by a stay at the Ceiba Tops Resorts, which meant air-conditioning, hot showers and visits by a docile tapir named Cynthia. For her part, Owens wanted to do a diversity study that measured ant activity at all levels of a site. Her group members used molasses and jam to see what they could attract. Indeed, the lures brought ants up to platforms 5 (80 feet in air) and 6 (115 feet up.) Rogers studied orchid bees, which are native of Peru. She and other students put essential oils on cotton swabs and taped them to trees to see where they would be attracted. The experiment the first time was “kind of a flop. We didn't really see anything and lost track of time.” They redid the experiment in the canopies, took photos and even viewed the bees using a

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Celestron microscope. ••• As anyone who's ever been on an adventure could tell you, returning to the routines of life can seem like something of a disappointment. How can grading projects or writing term papers possibly compare to climbing several feet above the ground or seeing exotic plants and animals? “Such an amazing trip, and I'll never forget it,” said the teacher. “I was really sad to come back. How am I supposed to adjust?” But adjust they did. If anything, they're ultimately recharged. Owens said, “It renewed my passion for nature and confirmed the love that I have for

animals and wildlife.” The teacher has already been putting her new experiences to practical use in the classroom. She also wants to go back to earning her doctorate in ecology in a few years. The “Bug Chicks” suggested to Rogers she would put her experience on her college application. Hoping to attend Virginia Commonwealth University after graduation, she has found a more clear direction to take in her life. Rogers said this trip has also inspired her to consider personally working and traveling with JASON or even National Geographic; photography is a hobby that could be put to professional use. Another thing she'll take

A shaman draws an animal figure on Taylor Rogers' right arm. Other Argonauts also got their own mascot.

away from the trip: “Seeing a whole different aspect of the world. Even the culture was completely different. I wasn't used to it, but found myself falling in love with it.” The next big question they each face: “When can I go back?” Though the women would welcome the opportunity to return to Peru, they also foresee the possibility of a new adventure stateside. Owens said there is an opportunity of going either to Joshua Tree in California this March or, her preference, to study owls in Arizona. Rogers said she'd like to do the same. To learn more about the learning possibilities for yourself as a teacher or student, visit www.jason.org. 

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Kenny Williams of Capron seated among a varied selection of his woodworking craftsmanship. He mentioned that objects he makes using black walnut are the most popular.

western tidewater living

Gallery 1606

story by Stephen Faleski photos by Stephen H. Cowles

n almost any day of the month, the small ranch house located at the corner of Southampton Parkway and Main Street in Capron would appear to be exactly that — a small, inconspicuous home. Only on the first Saturday of each month from May through December is its true purpose revealed. Since 2017, the house has served as the site of Gallery 1606 and its outdoor Artisan Market, both of which provide a venue for local artists and crafters to exhibit and sell their creations. “My avocation is kiln-fired pottery,” said Gallery 1606 owner Lynette Allston. “Through my community involvements, which included being the president of the Rawls Museum in Courtland, I was aware of dozens of wood-turners, glass-makers, potters, quilt-makers, metal arts fabricators, pen-makers and craftspersons in the area who had no venue for displaying or selling

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their wares.” While the gallery and market will provide free vendor space to any artist, regardless of ethnicity, residing within 150 miles of Capron, both have become a niche for Native American crafters, hence the name “Gallery 1606.” “'1606' was intended as a gentle reminder that there existed a vibrant indigenous community of traders, artists and farmers in this area of what is now Virginia, before any English colonists established the Jamestown Settlement in 1607,” said Allston, who in addition to being a small-business owner, is chief of the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia. According to her, each mar-

ket draws between 15 to 22 artisans from all cultures, races, religions and political persuasions selling and sometimes demonstrating their work. Around five are active Nottoway tribal citizens. Regular vendors include soap-maker Donna Howell of Courtland, quilter Iola Lamison of Sedley, pen-maker Ed Depietro of Suffolk and woodworker Kenny Williams of Capron, among others. Howell has been crafting handmade soaps using goats' milk and essential oils and fragrances for four to five years. This is her second year exhibiting at the Artisans Market. “I have not missed one yet,” Howell said.

Lamison, who also exhibits at the Rawls Museum in Courtland, said she has been making quilts and other fabric art for 15 years. “A lot of the designs I come up with are my own,” Lamison said. “I let the fabric speak to me.” Depietro has been making pens for about seven years, and Williams, who specializes in crafting display cases from reclaimed and repurposed wood and also accepts custom orders, has been involved in woodworking since 1969. “My father was a building contractor,” he said. One vendor who is fairly new to the Artisans Market is Greg Campbell, a knife-maker from

Arnold Francis, who was reared in Capron, came from Gloucester in his first attempt to sell his own woodworkings, which he has been doing for the past seven to eight years. People have been telling him, 'You need to sell this stuff.' Francis added that he learned the basic skills from his father, a 'jack of all trades.'

western tidewater living

Richmond. He has been making knives for the past five years, and has exhibited at the market two or three times this year. “Cranking out 10 knives is about three months of work,” Campbell said. Ash Cutchin, a native of the Franklin/Courtland area, routinely exhibits at the market to promote his book, “Dog Tails Fish Tales and Other Misadventures” — a collection of short stories about dogs, guns, hunting and fishing. Each story is paired with an original pen and ink drawing by members of his family. There is also Shelly Stieh of Boykins, who makes lamps and other works of stained-glass from the shards discarded by other glass artists. Inside the gallery, visitors will find pottery made by Allston and brooms made by Travis Covington of Capron. Covington, a member of Tidewater Blacksmiths, started making the brooms to go with his fireplace sets. In addition to being a vendor at Gallery 1606, Covington also does demonstrations of his craft at the Southampton County Fair and the Southampton County Museum. Allston clarified that, while Gallery 1606 enjoys a close relationship with the Nottoway tribe, there are no legal, financial or control ties between the two. The gallery is owned and funded entirely by Allston's family-owned company: Turner Allston Preservation LLC. She and her husband, Allard, formed this company in 2011 for the purpose of acquiring and fixing up historic properties, the first of which was the old brick Masonic lodge in Courtland. This

Francis Wyche holds up a sample of her crocheting. Her 10 to 12 years of doing this and needlework have made her adept, and also qualified to teach.

building is now leased to the Nottoway tribe as the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia Interpretive Center & Community House. “We fell in love with the then-abandoned train station and other buildings around the old bank building that is the U.S. Post Office in Drewryville,” Allston said. “We were saddened by the physical demise of these historic structures. Yet, we fully understood the economic challenges of historic preservation and restoration. That brings us back to Capron. “For years after our permanent return to the area, we rued the deterioration of the old Prince Hall Masonic Lodge building at the corner on Main Street and Southampton Parkway in Capron. As the lodge membership had diminished, moved or died, the structure took on an abandoned image, and the grounds had become an unseemly gathering place.” The interpretive center, located adjacent to Gallery 1606, serves as a museum of Nottoway history, with the second floor used as a classroom for teaching Native American craft workshops. The purpose of the classroom, according to Nottoway tribe member Denise Walters, is to help build skills such as beading and making traditional wood flutes, which have been lost

over the years. The workshops are mainly offered to members of the Nottoway and other tribes, but occasionally some are offered to the public. This results in money to pay the museum's utility bills and attendees gaining a skill set, and perhaps crafts to exhibit in the gallery, Walters said. “We felt that the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia Interpretive Center & Community House and Gallery 1606 were logical, synergistic neighbors ... giving folks additional reasons to visit both facilities,” Allston said. She added that the town of Capron itself has a longstanding association with the Nottoway tribe, having been part of the original square tract of the Nottoway Reservation. As far as what is involved in getting work inside the gallery, Allston said that there is no jurying process, but the gallery reserves the right to choose who does or does not make use of the venue. “We try to avoid clear duplications, so there is variety,” she said. “We are open to virtually anyone who creates beautiful works of art, who brings respect for us and who brings harmony to our community of artists/ citizens.” Artists who are provided with an outdoor vendor

Gallery 1606

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space during the market are required to sign an agreement acknowledging that they are responsible for any taxes or fees applicable to their own individual transactions. Those who are invited to leave items on consignment indoors are assessed a 20-percent commission on any sales. The gallery, market and community center are each open every first Saturday, May through December, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, email gallery1606@gmail.com, or call 434-658-4454. 

western tidewater living

A closeup of one of Alice DeGraffe's unique jewelry designs using metal and bone.

Jesse Coates from Jarratt holds up a picture she drew in a style similar to what the late Grandma Moses did decades ago.

Alice DeGraff uses metal, bone and carved wood among other materials to create her one-of-akind jewelry. She started doing this 25 years ago starting with fixing pins and brooches.

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Ash Cutchin, right, a native of the Franklin/Courtland area, participates in the Artisans Market to market his book, "Dog Tails Fish Tailes and Other Misadventures."

Travis Covington of Capron, a member of Tidewater Blacksmiths, began making these handcrafted brooms to go with his fireplace sets

At center and right, Marian Lewis of Franklin and Rebecca Lewis of Courtland examine some jewelry using semi-precious stones.

western tidewater living

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