Sensational Singles Meet 10 eligible men and women
Canning Creations See what Nancy Cook is cooking up
Catching up with ... Latonya Dunlow
SUMMER SUMM ER 2012 • vol. 3, no. 2
©2011 Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser® Beer, St. Louis, MO
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4 western tidewater living
letter from the publisher
W
hat makes Western Tidewater so special? The people who call it home, of course. And that’s one of the many reasons we love producing Western Tidewater Living. Because for a brief moment (brief for us anyway), we turn our attention away from the day-to-day news and focus solely on the wonderful folks who make our region such a terrific place to live and work. In this issue, we’re excited to introduce you to 10 interesting individuals who call Western Tidewater home. They also happen to be eligible and single. We’ll reintroduce you to Boykins native Latonya Dunlow, who has gone on to achieve personal and professional success elsewhere, Nancy Cook from Isle of Wight, who spends this time of year canning, and showcase Audra Gardner and Robert Foster’s wedding. And, of course, we have a lot of photos of our friends and neighbors from community events. This issue is a celebration of those who make Western Tidewater a wonderful community. We hope you have as much fun reading it as we did putting it together.
Sincerely, Tony Clark
letters to the editor The Franklin Garden Club thanks you and your staff for such an outstanding job of supporting our April 21 Franklin Home and Garden Tour with such excellent articles in the Western Tidewater Living magazine and The Tidewater News. We have heard such wonderful comments from folks here and around the state concerning the stories’ content, as well as the beautiful photographs. We are so pleased with the success of the tour. You are such an asset to this and our surrounding communities in supporting and promoting such activities.
Judy Livesay Co-chairwoman for Franklin Garden Club Home and Garden 2012 Tour
CONTENTS | summer 2012 Singwolemesn nal me tioelig n and ible Sensa Meet 10 ns
tio up Crea ing Coo king k is coo Cannt Nan cy ... See wha g up with Catchin Latonya Dunlow
Cover photograph by Mitzi Lusk
SU MM
t W ER 20 12
PM OP
ON THE COVER: Jenny Baughman, 23, is one of 10 Western Tidewater singles profiled in this issue.
INSIDE THIS EDITION Tony Clark Publisher Gwen Albers Managing editor Dale Liesch Staff writer Rex Alphin Columnist Merle Monahan Contributing writer
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PARTY PIX
Loretta Lomax Editorial assistant Mitzi Lusk Marketing consultant
cooking with
Merry Miss Cookie
From Franklin High School’s Class of 1967 Reunion to the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, Western Tidewater spent the spring celebrating.
SENSATIONAL SINGLES Ten interesting singles living in Western Tidewater
story and photography by Merle Monahan
N
ancy Cook doesn’t know why her friends call her Miss Cookie. It could be because her last name is Cook, or that she loves to cook. Either one is fine with her. Married to Robert Cook for almost 52 years, Nancy Cook has been cooking for at least eight years longer than that. “I was about 10 when I started helping mama in the kitchen,� she said. “I’ve always cooked the way she taught me and I still love it.� Raised on a farm, Cook learned how to cook for her 10 siblings and parents, and prepare foods to last through the winter. “I can remember when my sisters and I helped shell bushels of butter beans and peeled washtubs full of tomatoes at the See COOKIE page 37
western tidewater living
where am I? In each edition, our magazine staff provides a challenge of sorts for readers, testing how much of Western Tidewater you really know. We photograph a scene in Western Tidewater that is visible to motorists or pedestrians. Whoever can identify this scene will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to any one of our partner advertisers. Dan Fowler of Franklin was the winner for the question in the spring edition. So, if you know where this is, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner. E-mail your answers to magazine@tidewaternews.com Go out and enjoy Western Tidewater!
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Each quarter our magazine features a local cook. See what Nancy Cook does during canning season.
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Troy Cooper Designer Ryan Outlaw Designer
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Tell us where our photographer took this photo and get a chance to win a gift certificate
SUMMER IN SUNBEAM A day in the life of this Southampton County farming community
Kate Archer Marketing consultant Michelle Stainback Office manager
NUPTIALS Audra Gardner and Robert Foster marry
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 magazine@tidewaternews.com. Subscriptions are $20 annually in-state; $24 annually out of state; and $30 annually overseas.
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MIRACULOUS RECOVERY Twenty-three-year-old Danielle Williams conquers debilitating stroke
A single buttercup T
here they are. Thousands upon thousands of trees, grasses, bushes, vinescrawling under, covering over, wrapping around, sticking through, saturating the landscape. The warming of the earth calls forth their arrival, like some giant multi-colored wave breaking over the earth and crashing forth with her energy. The sun pours out her splendor, illuminating this canvas, exposing reds, purples, oranges, ambers, pinks, blues and a hundred shades in between, displayed in patterns of streaks and dots, lines and splotches, heart shapes and kidney designs, transparent and translucent. The senses are bombarded, yea, attacked by nature’s onslaught! And then- there is the single buttercup. Hold it. Stop. There it is. Right at your foot. Stoop down with me, will you? Let us take a look. Push away- for one solitary minute- your schedule, your demands, your problems, your
myriad duties. Let us see what we can observe. It’s bright, isn’t it? What a vivid yellow! Glowing, almost! With little lines of texture. Five petals. Five tear-dropped petals. Not four, not six. Five. All symmetrical, as if placed by someone in a particular formation. As if intentionally drawing attention to itself. A billboard, perhaps? A deliberate display? Pointing up, as if making an appeal. Feel them. How soft, how supple the texture! What holds such a sculpture together? The petals seem to be the choir, the backup, to the main central event. They draw your eyes down towards their base, on which is situated
Columnist Rex Alphin shares his thoughts on summer. column and photo by Rex Alphin
an intricate, cone-shaped, light green creation with small, multiple protrusions, all equidistant from each other. Notice how the yellow and green contrast, yea, complement each other. The central protrusion has a harder, more solid feel to it. Notice the yellow slivers, like little ropes, at the base, as if it needed one additional decoration. And it is all held up into the atmosphere by a long green bit of scaffolding that appears to push the handiwork out into space, as if hoping that a set of eyes might just happen along and appreciate its beauty. It all seems to be so right, so balanced, so proportional, don’t you think? Okay. On your way. Summer awaits you. Duties lie before you. The demands of life will once again creep down into your pores and set you on the path of duty. But on your way, one thing I ask. Do not forget to stop and smell the‌‌‌‌buttercups.
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party pix
CLASS OF 1967 REUNION Philip Wood, from left, Linda and Jon Jorgensen, and Jane Blythe Wood attend the 45th reunion for the Franklin High School Class of 1967 on May 5 at Cypress Cove Country Club; below left, Dennis Bradner, left, and Richard Atkinson; below right, Jim Hansford, left, Debbie Beale, Cheryl Hansford and Nita Carr; bottom, Barbara and Frank Whitehead. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
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CHAMBERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ANNUAL MEETING Top right, former Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Donna McCullough, left, and Judy Riddick of The Peanut Patch attend the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting in May; middle left, Rick Henrich and Julie Brennan; middle right, Mallory Taylor, left, and Mandy Crumpler; bottom left, Rose Warren, left, and Cheryl Stepp; bottom right, Elizabeth Sawyer, from left, Mark Pierce, Brad Bailey and Tammy Lowe. PHOTOS BY DALE LIESCH
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HARLEM AMBASSADORS FUNDRAISER At left, attending the Franklin-Southampton United Way Harlem Ambassadors fundraiser on March 19 were Deborah Faulk, left, and Dorothy Blount; below left, Wendy Foreman, from left, Anna Piferi and her daughter, Rachel Piferi; below right, from left in front, Ernestine Orr, Bobby Myrick, Bob Myrick and Madison Anderson; and in back, Gloria Knight, Reggie Hammond and Ralph Anderson; bottom left, Holly Ledbetter and daughter, Makenzie, 6 months; bottom right, Leah Pixley, from left, Skiler Woolfolk, Amy Cutchins and Kate Lyn Woolfolk. PHOTOS BY DON BRIDGERS
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party pix
IVOR GUN BASH At right, Ivor volunteer firefighter Troy Fontaine with his daughter, Ashley Fontaine, 17, a junior firefighter, attend the Ivor Gun Bash in February; bottom left, Ivor firefighter Jeffrey Holt and daughter, Peyton, 2; bottom right, Ivor firefighter Brooks Cabell. PHOTOS BY MERLE MONAHAN
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OYSTER ROAST At right, Ashley Webb of Yale, from left, Blair Beale and Jessica Thore, both of Petersburg, attend an oyster roast hosted by the Capron/Drewryville Athletic Association at the Joyner-Gray-Yale Ruritan Building; clockwise from right, Hunter Taylor, 7, left, and Drake Taylor, 9; Bert Harrup, left, David Jarratt, Connie Grizzard and Carole Sibistowicz; Kathy Worrell, from left, Dave Lease, Jim Jervey, Kathy Brown and Camilla Wainright; Jerry Seymour, left, and Paul Sopko; Jeffrey Davis, left, Milton Claud, Travis Joyner and Dupree Stephens. PHOTOS BY KATE ARCHER
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party pix DOWN HOME DAY At left, Attending Down Home Day on April 14 at the Southampton Heritage Village and Agriculture & Forestry Museum are Beverly Branche, from left, Mildred Branche and Kathleen Bulls; and in back, Juanita Richards; clockwise from left, Robert Wayne Pope and wife, Carol; Marian Preedy and her brother, Calvin Ricks; Larry Gary and Carolyn Goodwyn with grandchildren Darryl Goodwyn, left, and Julian Gary; Nan Grissom, left, and Carol Sewell; Dr. Howard Wainright and wife, Camilla; Robert Wayne Pope and wife, Carol. PHOTOS BY MERLE MONAHAN
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party pix PDCCC GRADUATION At right, Logan Patterson, left, and Ronald Ruffin prepare for the May 11 graduation from Paul D. Camp Community College in Franklin; below, Sissy Jumper, from left, Brittany, Barnes, Desiree Gunn and Cayleigh Cantrell; middle, Melissa Reid, from left, Charlotte Rush, Anthony Spivey, Cecila Holloway and Cassie Hedgepeth; bottom, Jamie Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amico, from left, Antoinette Adams, Celia Jones, Merdell Simmons and Karen Jenkins. PHOTOS BY DON BRIDGERS
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DAY IN THE COUNTRY Above right, Dylan Blodgett, Samantha Thomas, Adriana Adams, Jordan West and Mackenzie West attend the annual Day in the Country on April 28 at Zuni Presbyterian Homes; below, Richard and Judy Wright with dachshunds, Tonka and Lance; top left, Ed and Elois Rhodes; left, Laura Harmon, left, and her daughter, Terri Harmon; bottom left, Rick Gonzales and granddaughter, Fiona Gonzales. PHOTOS BY MERLE MONAHAN
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catching up with
Latonya Dunlow story by Stephen H. Cowles
L
atonya Dunlow knew her life’s work quite some time ago. “I always wanted to be in the health care arena, and to improve quality and access to health care,” she said. Though the Boykins native who lives in Woodbridge was not following in anyone’s footsteps, she had supportive friends and family. After graduating from Southampton High School, Dunlow, 35, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth and master’s degree at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk. Then it was on to Medical University of South Carolina. After working at the Norfolk Health Department, Dunlow worked for a federal contractor in Maryland before her work with Innovative Management Strategists in Lake Ridge, of which she is president. With a focus in program management expertise, IMS serves federal and private clients in the health care arena. This past May, Dunlow completed the Executive Doctoral Program in Health Administration and Leadership from the Medical University of South Carolina. This accomplishment allows her to add the initials of DHA (Doctor of Health Administration) along with her MPH (Master of Public Health) to her name. More notably, it helps her being able to assist the clients. “It strengthens their confidence in what we bring to the table,” said Dunlow. The program is intended to make possible the training of highly advanced health care leaders who can influence the shaping of policy and more effectively address the health delivery demands and the citizens they serve. Dunlow is the daughter of Phillip McGee and Susette McGee of Capron. She is the sister of the late Christa McGee, and the granddaughter of James and Lavenia McGee of Capron and the
late Bernard and Cora Darden. Life is not all work for Dunlow. In addition to being a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Public Health Delta Omega Honor
Society, she likes to travel; Puerto Rico was her most recent destination. She also likes to read and discover vineyards, with dessert wines being a favorite.
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what to do
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 7/5-8/30—“WE BE JAMMIN” SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Location: Barrett’s Landing in downtown Franklin. Enjoy live music from local and regional bands and refreshments from 6 to 10 p.m. every Thursday. 7/14—CAR SHOW Location: Southampon Speedway on Highway 58 west of Capron Vicksville Hunt Club will host a hot rod car and motorcycle show 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. JULY-DECEMBER—FRANKLIN FARMERS’ MARKET Location: 210 S. Main St. next to Franklin Depot/ Visitor Center. Hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 7/4—FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVAL Location: Sedley The parade will begin at 3 p.m. followed by the raising of the flag and invocation at 3:45 at the ball field and a car show. Other events include a disc jockey, children’s games, Cornhole tournament at 1 p.m. and a pedal tractor pull at 6. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.
7/4—FOURTH OF JULY EVENT Location: Robinson Park, Windsor Thunder Creek will play at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks will begin at 9:30. THROUGH 7/11—RAWLS JURIED ART EXHIBITION Location: Rawls Museum Arts, 22376 Linden St., Courtland Juror is Brooklyn artist Marcy Rosenblat 7/27-8/31—YEAR OF THE DRAGON REGIONAL JURIED EXHIBIT Locations: Rawls Museum Arts, 22376 Linden St., Courtland Human deconstruction figurative paintings by Carolyn Phillips, the Chowan University art faculty chairperson 7/28-7/29—11TH ANNUAL CHEROENHAKA NOTTOWAY INDIAN POW WOW AND GATHERING, A CELEBRATION OF THE GREEN CORN DANCE. Location: Southampton County Fairgrounds, Route 58 and New Market Road, Courtland. Experience the traditions, history and culture of the indigenous people of Southampton County at the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribal Pow Wow and Gathering. Event features
Native American drums and music, intertribal dancing, Ethno-historical presentations and demonstrations, children’s activities, storytelling, jewelry, crafts, food vendors and native food. A $6 donation is asked, $4 for senior citizens and youth 6 to 12 years old and free for children under 6. Event will be held 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. For information, call 562-7760 or www.cheroenhakanottoway.org. 8/1-8/4—NORTH CAROLINA WATERMELON FESTIVAL Location: Murfreesboro Daily events include home and garden section, watermelon contest, antiques/collectibles/crafts fair, food, amusements rides, street dances at night and watermelon games. For information, call 252-398-5922. 8/9-8/11—32ND ANNUAL FRANKLINSOUTHAMPTON COUNTY FAIR Location: Fairgrounds at Route 58 and New Market Road in Courtland Enjoy great local and special foods, home arts, exhibits, crafts, livestock shows, talent shows and the Queen’s Pageant. For information, call 5623765. 8/10—PAUL D. CAMP COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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9TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Location: Sleepy Hole Golf Course, Suffolk For more information, call Jessie Hobbs at 569-6790. 9/5—LIONS STEAK FEAST Location: Draper Pond on White Meadow Road Boykins Lions Club will start its annual feed at 4 p.m. and begin serving dinner at 5. Tickets will be $25. For information, call 6546412, 654-9776 or 650-8134. 9/8—HERITAGE DAY FESTIVAL Location: Southampton Agriculture & Forestry Museum & Heritage Village in Courtland Southampton County’s rich cultural heritage will be celebrated from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attractions include local arts and crafts, entertainment and food. Admission is $2. For information, call 653-9554 or 653-9028. 9/12-9/15—ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY FAIR Location: Joel C. Bradshaw Fairgrounds, 21311 Courthouse Highway, Windsor There will be main stage events, the annual Seafood Fest, antique tractor pull, Cornhole and horseshoe tournaments and more. For ticket prices, call 357-2291. 10/5-10/6—FRANKLIN FALL FESTIVAL Location: Barrett’s Landing in downtown Franklin. Friday will feature a block party from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday will feature a traditional street scene with arts and crafts booths, food vendors, local musicians, clowns, children’s games and more. Need a booth or want to show off your talent, call the Downtown Franklin Association office at 562-6900 for more information.
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Darlene Wilkerson Name: Darlene Wilkerson Age: 50 Occupation: Administrative assistant for the City of Franklin Education: High school and some college Organizations you belong to: Member of True Word Christ Church, chairwoman of the Tiny Tots Contest with the Franklin-Southampton County Fair. Children, ages and names: Brandi Wilkerson, 29; Caitlin Wilkerson, 20; and granddaughter, Sophia 2½ The most adventurous thing you’ve ever done: I guess you could say the cruises I have taken and the visits to the islands. Favorite movie: “Holiday” Favorite activity: Spending good times with my daughters, granddaughter or my circle of great friends. Favorite food: Seafood Favorite place to visit: Pools, lakes, beaches, oceans, water parks and boating; anything that is near, around and in the water. Favorite music genre: I love all types of music. My mood, most of the time, determines what music I will be listening to. Your idea of a perfect night out: Time spent with my friends, with lots of laughter, good food, good music and a trip to “nowhere” thrown in the mix. Books or TV: Both. Summertime I do more reading and wintertime is more TV time for me. If you could be any animal it would be: An indoor cat Something about you only your closest friends know: That I put everyone else’s needs before my own.
Western Tidewater has a lot of interesting people, some of whom are single. Take a look at who we spoke with.
Something you look for in a significant other: Honesty and loyalty. The most important thing you hope to accomplish: To be the best role model I can be for my daughters, to be their “rock” as they are for me and to give them as much back as they give me each and every day.
western tidewater living
Jeffrey Noia Name: Jeffrey Noia Age: 51 Occupation: Lead utility operator Education: Some college Organizations you belong to: Church and Boy Scouts Children, ages and names: Justin 25, Nicole 23, Mckenna 13 and Jackson 8 The most adventurous thing youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever done: Repelled off a 150-foot tall building Favorite movie: Too many to choose from Favorite activities: Golf and fishing Favorite food: Italian Favorite place to visit: Beach and mountains Favorite music genre: Country and rock Your idea of a perfect night out: Quiet dinner, then a barefoot walk on a moonlit beach Books or TV: TV If you could be any animal it would be: Bear Something about you only your closest friends know: I have the softest heart for children. Something you look for in a significant other: Someone to be there though good and bad times The most important thing you hope to accomplish: Raising four children
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Hattie Francis Name: Hattie Francis
Tried pig tongue and pig brain
Age: 23
Favorite movie: “Stardust”
Occupation: Freshman English teacher at Southampton High School
Favorite activity: Tailgating at Virginia Tech home games
Education: Bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Tech
Favorite food: Chipotle Favorite place to visit: Europe and Blacksburg Favorite music genre: Anything but country
Organizations you belong to: Jameer Woodley Reading Foundation The most adventurous thing you’ve ever done:
Your idea of the perfect night out: Sports event – baseball or football
Books or TV: Anything by Neil Graiman, Richard Russo, Ron Rash If you could be any superhero it would be: Windy Woman – so that my hair flows in the wind Something about you only your closest friends know: I cannot spell (shh, I teach) Something you look for in a significant other: Smart, educated, funny and semi-aware of nutrition The most important thing you hope to accomplish: Spread the Jameer Woodley Reading Foundation to all of Hampton Roads
western tidewater living
Mitch White Name: Mitch White Favorite music genre: Alternative rock and classic rock Age: 33 Occupation: Professional farrier and owner of Mitch White’s Horseshoeing Education: Paul D. Camp Community College, studied criminal justice
Your idea of the perfect night out: Going out to a nice restaurant followed by a sunset walk on the beach and then off to a club for dancing Books or TV: TV
Organizations you belong to: Sedley Volunteer Fire Department
If you could be any animal it would be: Owl, so I can sleep late every day
The most adventurous thing you’ve ever done: Participated in the Courtland Rescue Squad’s womanless beauty pageant
Something about you only your closest friends know: I’m a very compassionate person
Favorite movie: “The Shawshank Redemption”
Something you look for in a significant other: Great personality with plenty of ambition and a deep compassion for others
Favorite activity: Trail riding with friends Favorite food: Mexican-style seafood Favorite place to visit: Outer Banks to fish, swim and boogie board
The most important thing you hope to accomplish: To have fun in life, to be good to my family and try to make a good impression on the world
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Jenny Baugham Name: Jenny Baugham Age: 23 Occupation: Cache in Norfolk Education: Bachelor’s degree in studio art with an emphasis on painting Organizations you belong to: Blackwater Artist League The most adventurous thing you’ve ever done: Traveled to Korea alone at 17 Favorite movie: “Forrest Gump” Favorite activity: Playing in co-ed softball tournaments Favorite food: Crab legs Favorite place to visit: Outer Banks, N.C. Favorite music genre: Top 40 Your idea of the perfect night out: Going to dinner, obviously, and maybe dancing Books or TV: TV If you could be any animal it would be: A tiger. I love cats and they’re like big cats. I love their stripes. I also love snow leopards because I love winter, and they’re always in the cold Something about you only your closest friends know: I can break dance and rap any song Something you look for in a significant other: Sense of humor The most important thing you hope to accomplish: Be a successful artist
western tidewater living
Robert Hill Jr. Name: Robert A. Hill Jr. Age: 22 Occupation: Freshman social studies teacher at Southampton County Fresh Start Center Education: Norfolk State University Organizations you belong to: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., NAACP The most adventurous thing you’ve ever done: I sat on an alligator at Gator World in Florida Favorite movie: “Harlem Nights” Favorite activity: Being with my fraternity Favorite food: French fries Favorite place to visit: Europe Favorite music genre: R&B, gospel, rap Your idea of the perfect night out: Dinner out, movies, bowling Books or TV: “Letters to a Young Brother,” “Hill Hoper,” or “Law and Order: SVU” If you could be any animal it would be: Leopard because they are quiet and ambitious Something about you only your closest friends know: I’m goofy and a big kid at heart Something you look for in a significant other: Brains, confidence, class and style The most important thing you hope to accomplish: I want my doctorate degree
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Joronda Baxter Name: Joronda M. Baxter Age: 24 Occupation: Human resources coordinator Education: Bachelor’s degree in mass communications with a minor in public relations from Virginia State University Organizations you belong to: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority The most adventurous thing you’ve ever done: Performed a solo baton routine in front of more than 10,000 people at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Favorite movie: “Pretty Woman” Favorite activity: Attending my church, swimming and dancing Favorite food: Seafood Favorite place to visit: New York City Favorite music genre: ‘70s and ‘80s R&B Your idea of the perfect night out: Listening to live jazz, dinner for two and great conversation Books or TV: I love to watch “Golden Girls” If you could be any animal it would be: A dolphin. They are adorable, smart and entertaining. Something about you only your closest friends know: Still only my closest friends know! Something you look for in a significant other: A sense of humor The most important thing you hope to accomplish: To complete my master’s degree and continue to pursue my education
western tidewater living g
Tom Fretts Name: Tom Fretts
not I’d have to go with a good steak and baked potato
Age: 39 with an extra 12 years of experience
Favorite place to visit: Home in Sebrell if my kids are there, otherwise my family home in Scottdale, Pa.
Occupation: Own and operate Fretts Construction, ex-teacher and wrestling coach at Franklin High School. Also operate a little website called Virginiapicker.com Education: Bachelor’s degree in education plus 27 hours toward a master’s degree in exercise physiology and kinesiology; also the Courtland School of Raising Four Kids Organizations you belong to: Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church in Suffolk , Video Conference Coordinator for Answers in Genesis (Christian apologetics ministry), vice-chairman of the Western Tidewater Tea Party, several Bible study groups, James L. Camp Jr. YMCA in Franklin, National Rifle Association Children, ages and names: Calen, 27, running for U.S. Congress for Florida District 1; Cody, 24, serving in the Army in Afghanistan; Monica, 20, graduate of Rudy and Kelly School of Cosmetology, works at Center Street Grill in Williamsburg and seeking to intern in a salon; and Emma, 18, who will attend college in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. The most adventurous thing you’ve ever done: Went skydiving twice while in college and got married. Both were pretty adventurous. One worked out better than the other. Favorite movie: “Passion of the Christ” – it brings out the pure brutality of the suffering which Christ endured because of his love for his people Favorite activity: Debating and discussing apologetics, religion and philosophy, preferably while dining at a fine restaurant Favorite food: Are chocolate chip cookies considered a food? If
Favorite music genre: Gospel and bluegrass! Your idea of the perfect night out: Doing all of the favorites listed above with a woman described below Books or TV: If one doesn’t understand the Bible, one cannot truly understand what life is all about – the wisdom therein is the beginning of all knowledge. If the TV is on, it’s usually Fox News, apologetics, or American Pickers. If you could be any animal it would be: A circus bear. They seem to have a lot of fun and they eat a lot of junk food Something about you only your closest friends know: You’d have to become a closest friend to find that out. Or the fact that I wrestled a circus bear in college Something you look for in a significant other: If she’s really out there, she’s a serious Christian believer and all of her characteristics flow from that – honest, trustworthy, loving, caring, concerned about others. She likes to have fun together and likes to relax together. And of course, she’s beautiful in the eye of the beholder The most important thing you hope to accomplish: Continually uncovering those things that are ultimately true and then used by God to help those whom I love and care about find the ultimate truth
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April Cutchins
Name: April Cutchins Age: 27 Occupation: Kennel/veterinarian assistant at Southampton Veterinary Clinic Education: GED and attending Paul D. Camp Community College Organizations you belong to: Phi Theta Kappa honor society Children, ages and names: Lucas Cutchins, 5 The most adventurous thing you’ve ever done: Duck hunting Favorite movie: “The Bone Collector” Favorite activities: Fishing and softball Favorite foods: Chicken parmesean Favorite place to visit: The beach Favorite music genre: ‘80s Your idea of a perfect night out:: Dinner and a good movie Books or TV: Both. I love science fiction and romance If you could be any animal it would be: An elephant Something about you only your closest friends know: I am afraid of the dark Something you look for in a significant other: Adventurous and funny The most important thing you hope to accomplish: Being a great mom and graduating from college
western tidewater living
Will Drewery Name: William “Will” Dallas Drewery Age: 23 Occupation: Communications officer for Division of Emergency Communications in Richmond Education: Graduate of Franklin High School in 2007 and Tidewater Community College in 2010 with a degree in emergency medical services Organizations you belong to: Franklin/ Southampton County Fair Board of Directors, Virginia APCO, Virginia DECA The most adventurous thing you’ve ever done: A long weekend in Gatlinburg, Tenn., in a foot of snow on top of a mountain. Not an experience I wish to repeat anytime soon Favorite movies: “Forrest Gump,” “Twister,” “SWAT” and “Backdraft.” Favorite activity: I love to travel. Whether it’s a day trip or a weeklong excursion, I love to hit the road Favorite food: Steak Favorite place to visit: The beach. Mainly the Outer Banks, but I also love Myrtle Beach, S.C. Favorite music genre: I listen to all types of music, but I’m a big fan of country. My favorite artists include Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan. Your idea of a perfect night out: With a good group of friends for laughs and drinks. It doesn’t matter where we go, we always have a good time Books or TV: I’m not really big on books. As far as TV, “Criminal Minds” If you could be any animal it would be: A dog, man’s best friend. They get to be lazy and playful. Nothing is expected of them; they just go with the flow Something about you only your closest friends know: My love for family and close friends; I would bend over backwards to help anyone, especially them Something you look for in a significant other: Someone who sees me for me, enjoys themselves, and is a good person. Also someone who has the same interests I do. Travel, music, etc. The most important thing you hope to accomplish: Finish my education and build a house
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cooking with
Merry Miss Cookie
story and photography by Merle Monahan
N
ancy Cook doesn’t know why her friends call her Miss Cookie. It could be because her last name is Cook, or that she loves to cook. Either one is fine with her. Married to Robert Cook for almost 52 years, Nancy Cook has been cooking for at least eight years longer than that. “I was about 10 when I started helping mama in the kitchen,” the Isle of Wight woman said. “I’ve always cooked the way she taught me and I still love it.” Raised on a farm, Cook learned how to cook for her 10 siblings and parents, and prepare foods to last through the winter. “I can remember when my sisters and I helped shell bushels of butter beans and peeled washtubs full of tomatoes at the See COOKIE page 37
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COOKIE continued from page 36
time for canning and freezing,” she said. “Mama did freeze the beans later when we got our first freezer.” “But before that, we had to pick all of these vegetables,” Cook added. “It always took all day to put up a batch.” Her mother cooked on a wood-fueled stove, which made the kitchen almost unbearable on hot days. “We always had a large garden, which kept us in vegetables the whole year,” Cook said. “In the spring and summer, we had fresh vegetables and during the winter we had everything from beans and peas, to tomatoes, corn and pickled cucumbers that we preserved by canning.” “We also had strawberries and fruit trees for jams and preserves,” she added. “If you didn’t know better, when you ate our canned vegetables and fruits, you’d think you were eating right out of the garden.” The 68-year-old still cans for the winter months. “When you grow up this way, it’s a habit that’s hard to break,” she said. Cook hasn’t made any changes since those days. In addition to canning, she freezes butter beans and black-eyed peas from her home, which lies on a portion of the farm where she grew up. The Cooks acquired a lot on Rattlesnake Trail off Jones Town Road and built a home there in 1962. They always have a garden, which is cared for by her husband, but Nancy Cook can be seen planting and chopping right along with him.
Nancy Cook clears the weeds from her garden.
“Since I pick and cook the produce, I want to be involved,” she said. “Besides, I used to do this when I was growing up, so why stop?”
She has always cooked for her husband, but it was quite different because she had to cut the quantities. “Cooking for two was a challenge, but I managed,” Cook said. She does not cut quantities on the vegetables she cans. By September, her pantry is full of jars of vegetables, fruit jams, preserves and pickles. Much more than they need, she says. But her canned foods do not go to waste. She makes almost everything from scratch “because that’s the way her mother did.” Cook can whip up a batch of cookies in record time when there is a need. “And it’s always nice to have what you need on hand to make a casserole or pie when someone in the neighborhood gets sick, or when someone has a death in the family,” she said. Cook is known for her willingness to step into the cook’s spot when there is a function at Mill Swamp Baptist Church, which she has attended most of her life. “That’s the way we live around here,” she said. “We help each other.” The couple has no children, but a lot of nieces, nephews and friends, so Cook has many opportunities to use her creations. “I’ll bake a batch of cookies, slip them in a basket with a few jars of pickles, jams and vegetables, tie a bow on the handle, attach a card and I’ve come up with a wonderful gift.” She buys the baskets, ribbons and cards in batches and keeps them until needed. “Birthdays, Christmas and anniversaries are not a problem,” Cook said. “I’m always ready.”
NANCY COOK’S RECIPES: PEACH PICKLE Ingredients 2 T mixed pickle spices 7 pounds sugar 5 pints vinegar 1 peck peaches, peeled. Directions: Tie pickle spices in small cloth bag. Mix sugar and vinegar in large pot. Add spice bag and bring to boil. Add firm peaches, a few at the time and simmer 5 to 10 minutes until peaches are soft enough a toothpick can easily be stuck in them. Pack peaches in sterilized jars, cover with syrup while hot. Seal. Note: Smaller peaches fit better in the jars.
STRAWBERRY JAM Ingredients 5 cups crushed strawberries 7 cups sugar 1 box Sure Jell
Directions: Cook beets. Peel and pack in jars. Use whole if small; cut once in half if larger. Mix vinegar, sugar and spices in pot and boil five minutes. Drain off spices and cover beets with hot syrup. Seal.
Directions: Mix strawberries and Sure Jell in saucepan and bring to hard boil that continues while stirring. Add sugar, bring back to a boil and cook for one minute. Remove from heat, skim off acid and pour into 8-ounce jars while hot. Seal.
CANNED TOMATOES Ingredients Tomatoes Salt
PICKLED BEETS Ingredients 10 pounds small beets 4 cups vinegar 4½ cups sugar 2 T pickling spices
Directions: Peel tomatoes and drop into cold water as you peel. Drain off water and place tomatoes in a large pot. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Skim acid off and pour into sterilized jars while hot. Add one teaspoon salt to each jar. Salt may be added while cooking. Note: Be sure that no grease gets into tomatoes
Federally insured by NCUA
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER
western tidewater living
where am I? In each edition, our magazine staff provides a challenge of sorts for readers, testing how much of Western Tidewater you really know. We photograph a scene in Western Tidewater that is visible to motorists or pedestrians. Whoever can identify this scene will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to any one of our partner advertisers. Dan Fowler of Franklin was the winner for the question in the spring edition. So, if you know where this is, let us know. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re right, you could be a winner. E-mail your answers to magazine@tidewaternews.com Go out and enjoy Western Tidewater!
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40 western tidewater living An old farm house sits near a field of wheat near the intersection of Sunbeam and Monroe roads. At right, James Hawkins bought farmland on Mt. Horeb Road 20 years ago.
sunbeam fields of gold Small village is all abuzz harvesting summer crops story by Dale Liesch photography by Frank A. Davis
T
hings move a little slower in Sunbeam. The farming community between Franklin and Newsoms is quiet and probably best known for the 106-year-old church that bears its name. However, when summer approaches this small village buzzes as farmers tend to the fields. The Rev. Hoyle Green said Sunbeam Baptist Church attendance is altered due to planting season. “During planting season I can expect a few people not to be here,” Green said. He also avoids planning revivals and other church events during harvest time to
accommodate farmers. “God provided the crops, and it’s not wrong to harvest them when it’s right,” Green said. The church, much like the community, lives up to its name because as Sunday worship service begins, the right side of the sanctuary is drenched in sunlight and the beams shine through the windows, Green said. “You can see God through the rays of them,” he said. “The spirit fills these walls with sun through the windows.” The church started in the back of a store at Sunbeam and Monroe roads when the community thrived. Before folks began driving to Franklin for daily necessities, Sunbeam had the store, a
meat packing facility and a post office. Franklin attorney Dan Crumpler III’s father, P.D. Crumpler Jr. ran the Drake family store in its heyday. “Men would come out of their farms and have lunch there,” Crumpler said. “People didn’t come to Franklin to shop.” Sunbeam resident Bryan Joyner, 34, remembers stopping at the store for candy when he was around 11 years old. “It sold candy and hoop cheese,” he said. “This was our school bus stop.” The store also sold other items, including everything from meat to hardware, said Crumpler, adding that he and most other children worked on family farms growing up. See SUNBEAM page 41
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SUNBEAM continued from page 40
Walter F. Drake Jr., 54, has farmed property in Sunbeam all his life and tends to peanuts, corn, cotton and cattle with his two sons. “It’s a very small community, real quiet, simple, country living,” he said. “It lives up to its name.” Drake’s sons, Matthew, 28, and Jason, 24, are fixing up the store, which they consider a landmark. There are no plans to reopen it. Gene Worley, 82, of Virginia Beach is president of the Sunbeam Hunt Club and has been hunting there since 1954. Worley said he can remember stopping at the store for a quarter’s worth of cheese, a nickel’s worth of crackers and a can of sardines for lunch. “We used to sit around the steps and talk,” Worley said. Mount Horeb Road resident James Hawkins bought farmland and built a home for his family. Hawkins, who moved from Suffolk, said life in the country is just the right speed. “It’s a good community,” Hawkins said. “We don’t have any trouble here.”
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nuptials
Gardner and Foster tie the knot A
udra Gardner of Isle of Wight County and Robert Foster of Franklin were married on March 24, 2012, at Rock Church of Franklin. Pastor Dan Dowdy officiated. The bride is the daughter of Darlene and Alan Richardson of Zuni and Randy Gardner of Carrsville. The groom is the son of Connie and Douglas Parker of Franklin. The brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father escorted his daughter down the aisle. Matron of honor was Jodi Rose, friend of the bride. Bridesmaids were Ashley Vick; Jenny Shurtleff; Taylor Matthews, cousin of the bride; and Mindy Demasse, niece of the groom. Flower girl was Chloe Schucker, niece of the bride. Best man was Huck Myers, friend of the groom. Groomsmen were Ken Dougherty and Jonathan Barrett, along with Lee Foster and Chris Ramey, nephews of the groom. Ring bearer was Aubrey Richardson, brother of the bride. Mistresses of ceremonies were the brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sisters, Katie Schucker of Chesapeake and Joanne Carpenter of Elizabeth City, N.C. The wedding colors were black and white with accents of orange and fuchsia. See NUPTIALS page 43
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Clockwise from top left, Bride Audra Gardner prepares for her wedding; groomsmen Ken Dougherty, from left, Jonathan Barrett, Huck Myers, Lee Foster and Chris Ramey with the bride; Darlene Richardson gives her daughter some last-minute advice; groom Robert Foster, center, reviews the wedding schedule with the Rev. Don Dowdy, right, and best man Huck Myers; Randy Gardner walks his daughter down the aisle.
NUPTIALS continued from page 42
The bride chose a formal wedding gown of satin designed by Maggie Sottero. The strapless, corseted gown had an asymmetrical draped bodice embellished with Swarovski crystals at the neckline and left hip. The brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ensemble included a chapel-length train and fingertip veil adorned with petite crystals. Her hand-tied bouquet of Oriental lilies, gerbera daisies and babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breath included a single red rose in honor of her grandmother, the
late Myrtle Gardner, who lived in Carrsville. The pianist was Hanna Colian of Salem, Ohio. The bride and groom symbolized their union by blending black and white sands. The ceremony was interpreted into sign language by Janet Buppert and Todd Hampton, friends of the bride. Following the ceremony, the wedding reception was held at the Regional Workforce
Development Center at Paul D. Camp Community College with Shelton Walton serving as disc jockey. The new Mrs. Foster was home-schooled and graduated from P.D. Pruden Vocational Technical Center in Suffolk. Her husband graduated from Southampton High School. The newlyweds took a honeymoon to Niagara Falls.
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An awakening story by Stephen H. Cowles photography by Frank A. Davis
O
n a Sunday in May, Danielle Williams spoke before the Rev. Anthony Goodwin and fellow members of New Hope Baptist Church in Franklin. Her theme was “God can.” The significance of the occasion and topic were twofold for Williams. The day before, the 23-year-old Franklin woman graduated from Virginia Union University’s School of Theology. This ceremony completed the first phase of her goal to enter the ministry.
Second, Williams reached a milestone in her rehabilitation from a stroke she suffered nearly four years earlier. Speaking carefully and steadily, Williams recalled – with help from her mother, Gabrielle Williams – an event that altered her life. Six days after giving birth to her daughter, Ayeonna, Danielle Williams told her mother she had a headache and went to lie down. When Gabrielle came into the bedroom with a heating pad, Danielle announced, “I can’t see. I can’t see.” Her condition deteriorated, and she went to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. A few days
after an operation, Danielle went into a 19-day coma. “It’s still a mystery,” both said about Danielle suffering a stroke just days before her 21st birthday. There had been no history of high blood pressure or symptoms. In fact, they described the pregnancy as very healthy. “It was a hard time just to see her lie in bed,” said Gabrielle, who stayed by her daughter’s side every day. “Why? Why? Why? Why?” Then 13 days after Danielle lapsed into a coma, her mother dreamed of her daughter as a 5-year-old on a swing saying, “I’ll be back.” There was no more crying for Gabrielle afSee AWAKENING page 45
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Gabrielle Williams, from left, her granddaughter Ayeonna, daughter Danielle Williams, Vivian Goodwyn and the Rev. Anthony Goodwyn attend a May 20 service at New Hope Baptist Church. AWAKENING continued from page 44
ter that night. The 47-year-old knew Danielle would return. Five days later, Gabrielle took Ayeonna to her mother. Danielle’s brother, Dominique Barron, also visited. The next day, on his birthday, Danielle awoke. That’s when the hard work began. Initially, doctors thought Danielle would never walk or feed herself again. “I had to learn to walk again, to write with my left hand, to talk and drive again,” said Danielle. Two years would pass before she “felt sort of like my former self.” Her previous life had included smoking, drinking and clubbing. She gave all that up when she learned she was pregnant. Her post-coma living included intensive rehabilitation and invaluable help from her mother, family and friends. “It’s been a long, trying battle,” said Gabrielle, who’s thankful her employer, Farm Fresh, allowed her to transfer wherever she needed to go to help her daughter. Though Danielle admits concentrating is still difficult, she pushed herself to attend school that would help her achieve the goal of becoming a minister. The second phase begins this September. “I want to go as high as I can go,” said Danielle. “I want to spread the word of my testimony. If I can make it, anybody can.”
The Rev. Anthony Goodwyn introduces Danielle Williams, before she gave her first sermon at New Hope Baptist Church.
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A single buttercup T
here they are. Thousands upon thousands of trees, grasses, bushes, vinescrawling under, covering over, wrapping around, sticking through, saturating the landscape. The warming of the earth calls forth their arrival, like some giant multi-colored wave breaking over the earth and crashing forth with her energy. The sun pours out her splendor, illuminating this canvas, exposing reds, purples, oranges, ambers, pinks, blues and a hundred shades in between, displayed in patterns of streaks and dots, lines and splotches, heart shapes and kidney designs, transparent and translucent. The senses are bombarded, yea, attacked by nature’s onslaught! And then- there is the single buttercup. Hold it. Stop. There it is. Right at your foot. Stoop down with me, will you? Let us take a look. Push away- for one solitary minute- your schedule, your demands, your problems, your
myriad duties. Let us see what we can observe. It’s bright, isn’t it? What a vivid yellow! Glowing, almost! With little lines of texture. Five petals. Five tear-dropped petals. Not four, not six. Five. All symmetrical, as if placed by someone in a particular formation. As if intentionally drawing attention to itself. A billboard, perhaps? A deliberate display? Pointing up, as if making an appeal. Feel them. How soft, how supple the texture! What holds such a sculpture together? The petals seem to be the choir, the backup, to the main central event. They draw your eyes down towards their base, on which is situated
column and photo by Rex Alphin
an intricate, cone-shaped, light green creation with small, multiple protrusions, all equidistant from each other. Notice how the yellow and green contrast, yea, complement each other. The central protrusion has a harder, more solid feel to it. Notice the yellow slivers, like little ropes, at the base, as if it needed one additional decoration. And it is all held up into the atmosphere by a long green bit of scaffolding that appears to push the handiwork out into space, as if hoping that a set of eyes might just happen along and appreciate its beauty. It all seems to be so right, so balanced, so proportional, don’t you think? Okay. On your way. Summer awaits you. Duties lie before you. The demands of life will once again creep down into your pores and set you on the path of duty. But on your way, one thing I ask. Do not forget to stop and smell the…………buttercups.
Mom, can we keep it?
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