June2012Buckingham
Transcription
June2012Buckingham
May 4–May 31, 2012 ★ One Copy FR E E High School Juniors at State Conferences Buckingham BEACON Your News Source For Buckingham Living The Famous Boys of Baseball Theof Buckingham Bickfords Page 4 Vol. 10 No. 11, May 4 – May 31, 2012 Buckingham What’s BEACON Your News Source for Buckingham Living INSIDE...... Publisher C.M. Santos valleyeditor@embarqmail.com Schools Advertising Account Manager Diane Eliason Fuqua school visits Museum of Fine Arts and Mummy tomb...Page 9 Advertising Director Judi Price valleysales@embarqmail.com Graphic Designer Marilyn Ellinger Writers Martha Louis Sue Miles Donald Lucas Joanna Yeck Fire Dept. TOGA unit practice burn...Page 10 Submissions, tips, ideas, etc.: The Buckingham Beacon encourages submissions and tips on items of interest to Buckingham citizens. However we reserve the right to edit submissions as deemed necessary and cannot guarantee they will be published. The Buckingham Beacon will not be responsible for returning submitted materials, please include S.A.S.E. if you would like items returned. Please keep Calendar submissions to fifty words or less, Letters to the Editor to 300 words or less and feature stories to 500 words or less. Mail submissions to: The Buckingham Beacon, P.O. Box 59, Palmyra, VA 22963 to the attention of applicable section, (Letters to the Editor, Community Calendar, etc.), or e-mail valleypublisher@embarqmail.com. Classified Ads: Please send a neatly written or typed copy of the ad with a $10 check to: Classifieds Dept. P.O. Box 59, Palmyra, VA 22963. Please specify the category it should appear under. Sorry, classifieds will not be taken by phone. Next advertising deadline:: Wed., May 23 for the June 1–July 5, 2012 issue. © Valley Publishing Corp. 2012. All rights reserved. Contributors Linda Davis, Sunny Lenz Farm Service Agency, Central Virginia Gold Prospectors E-mail: valleyeditor@embarqmail.com Mailing address: P.O. Box 59, Palmyra,VA 22963 Office location: 2987 Lake Monticello Road, Palmyra VA 22963. Phone: (434) 591-1000 Fax: (434) 589-1704 People Disclaimer: The Buckingam Beacon does not endorse or recommend any product or service and is not responsible for any warranties or claims made by advertisers in their ads. Les Brown wins bus rodeo...Page 12 General: Buckingham Beacon is published monthly by Valley Publishing Corp. It is the only paper that covers Buckingham County exclusively. 5,000 copies are circulated throughout the county per issue. One copy is free, additional copies are $1 each payable in advance to the publisher. Gardening 10 rules for keeping garden tidy...Page 14 Next deadline for Buckingham Beacon is April 25 Email: valleyeditor @embarqmail.com For Advertising: valleysales@embarqmail.com or call: Judi Price: 434-207-0223 Subscriptions: Copies will be mailed for the subscription price of $35 per year. Please mail a check and a note with your name and address to: Buckingham Beacon Subscriptions Dept., P.O. Box 59, Palmyra, VA 22963. The Batboy cover by Norman Rockwell. Vern Bickford’s wife is sitting in the crowd behind Vern with the arrow pointing her out in the painting. Photo courtesy of Sue Miles. Cover designed by Marilyn Ellinger 1912-2012 l a i n n e t n e C n y Town of Dillw The Sooner the Better! Deadline for Calendar/Event Items: To make sure your event related items are published, please send the information two weeks before the Wednesday deadline of that month’s publication. Display ad rates: For information including rates and deadlines call Judi Price at 434-207-0223. Gold Mines in Dillwyn BY MARTHA LOUIS CORRESPONDENT N ext time you pass thru Dillwyn, notice the historical marker on the south end of town. This is what it says : This was the most notable gold-mining region in the country before the California Gold Rush in 1849. The Morrow Mine here, opened before 1835, was one of the earliest gold mines in which underground mining was employed. Profitably worked for a number of years, it was finally closed. Many other unworked mines are near by. The sign was erected in 1930 by the Conservation and Development Commission. The internet lists 24 mines in Buckingham alone, more than any other place certainly in Virginia. They are: Anaconda mine (Dillwyn), Anderson mine (Andersonville), Apperson mine (Dillwyn), Bondurant mine (Andersonville) Buckingham (Wiseman) mine (Dillwyn), Burnett (Staples) mine (Dillwyn), Copal (Kopall) mine (Andersonville), Duncan mine (Dillwyn), Flood (James Anderson’s) mine (Andersonville), Ford mine (Diana Mills), Gilliam mine (Andersonville), Greelsy (Ayers) mine (Dillwyn), Hudgins mine (Arvonia), Lightfoot (Cowan) mine (Diana Mills), London and Virginia mine (Dillwyn), Morrow (Booker, Garnett, Moseley) mine (Willis Mountain), Morton (Hobson) mine (Dillwyn), Philadelphia 2 • BUCKINGHAM BEACON • May 4–May 31, 2012 (Allen) mine (Dillwyn), Rough and Ready mine (Dillwyn), Seay mine (Willis Mountain), Williams mine (Dillwyn), Willis Creek (Andersonville), Piedmont mine, Walker mine. This list is not complete, but gives the reader at least a clue to the amount of gold mining activity in the county. Near the end of the Civil War, Union troops began a systematic campaign to destroy the economic base of the South. Many gold mines were damaged beyond repair. Most were, by that time, marginal producers and many never reopened. Gold production in Virginia continued until World War II, when, on October 8, 1942, the War Production Board issued Limitation Order L-208, which branded gold production as a non-essential and directed all but the smallest of gold mines to shut down so their labor force could be used elsewhere to support the war effort. For all practical purposes, commercial gold production in Virginia ceased after 1948. At its peak, Virginia was the third gold producing state, and the heart of the gold production area was at the junction of Spotsylvania, Culpeper, and Orange counties near Wilderness. There is presently a very active group called “Central Virginia Gold Prospectors” whose goal is to preserve the history of gold See Mining Page 3 William James Jones Becomes Eagle Scout Men in Service BY MARTHA LOUIS CORRESPONDENT William’s Eagle project at the Historic Village at Lee Wayside was the replacement of a wooden flagpole with a new metal pole and landscaping around the flagpole area. William has been an outstanding student in school , making straight A’s and being in the Beta Club and National Honor Society. William is currently the captain of Buckingham’s Scholastic Bowl team . He is currently going to Governor’s School in a pre-engineering program and will graduate with an Pictured is L to R : William Jones, Kimberly Jones, William James Jones, associate degree. William plays Scoutmaster H. Spencer Adams, and Worshipful Master Steve Amos of Buckingham youth soccer and was a member Masonic Lodge #242. of the Junior Varsity team at county roads, William is Young Men’s President in his school for a few years. He manages the Varsity Soccer church. Team at B.C.H.S. this year. In Scouts, William served as Patrol Leader and William helps with the family business on Saturdays Assistant Patrol Leader. He earned the Totin’Chip, selling pork products in Richmond and has high ambiWorld Conservation Award, and Historic Trails Award. tions to go to college . As part of his church life, He is a member of Nawakwa Lodge of the Order of the William will complete a two year mission trip before Arrow. He has attended numerous Scout camp outs going to college. As part of his church activities, and has given assistance to patrol members. He has William works at the food pantry on Fridays during the helped coach new Scouts learn the requirements for summer, and helps the church pick up litter on the their first ranks. AIC Michael K. Chenault Buckingham Ties Michael Chenault who serves in the United States Air Force is stationed at Shaw AFB in Sumpter SC. a son of Annette Chenault, former resident of Buckingham County. Michael’s grandparents were the late Edward and Thelma Marcuson who ran E.F. Marcuson’s Store in the 1940s -1960s. on Route 60 in Buckingham. Michael was awarded the Material Management flight performer award for the month of January 2012. Photo courtesy of Annette Chenault. Mining from Page 2 mining in Virginia. They are involved in all kinds of volunteer programs at schools, civic groups, and other organizations. Children and adults love to hear about gold mining and the kids always walk away with a little nugget to keep. This is a great group of folks who meet in Buckingham on a regular basis. Thanks to the Central Virginia Gold Prospectors for keeping this part of Virginia history alive and well ! Central Virginia Gold Prospectors Monthly Meeting: May 19th 2012,10:00 am at Claim #1 Directions to Claim #1: Intersection of Route 15 and Route 60 at Sprouse's Corner. Go 1-1/2 miles South on Route 15 and at the curve you will see a sign for Route 714, go to the NEXT gravel road and turn right. This is the entrance and has a closed gate (it is across from two churches on the left). After going through the gate, stay on the road for about 2 miles until you get to the oak tree. Our next event is Buckingham County Days May 12th, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. We will be located in the town of Dillwyn. Your Hometown Fabric Store! 2737 A Third Street, Farmville, VA 23901 434-392-1009 • 434-315-1040 Specializing in all Dress Cotton and Quilting Fabrics Busniess Hours: Sun-Mon: Closed Tuesday-Friday:10 a.m. –5:30 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. May 4–May 31, 2012• BUCKINGHAM BEACON • 3 Cover Story The Vern and Bobby Bickford Baseball cards. Buckingham’s Bickford Boys BY SUE MILES CORRESPONDENT I t might surprise people to know that Buckingham County has royalty, but if you talk to any baseball historian, you will soon learn that indeed, we do. Mention the name Bickford to anyone who knows the history of baseball and you will discover that our county is home to some very famous Bickford ball players. This story tells of two talented and skilled brothers who took the opportunity to play professionally, and one who helped the Boston Braves clinch their first National League pennant in 35 years and go to the World Series. Bobby’s wife, Lois Bickford and his niece, Gail Thomas, were eager to share the historic documents of the baseball playing brothers, both who died at a young age. Scrapbooks, full of newspapers articles, pictures, and mementos of the brothers’ games, were laid out for view. Baseball cards, autographed balls in plastic cases, and many framed black and white pictures, throughout Lois’s home, attest to the historic times of Gail Thomas (niece to Vern and Bobby) and Lois Bickford (Bobby's wife) look at the many pictures, newspaper articles, and memorabilia that the family has collected about their famous family members. Photo by Sue Miles. 4• BUCKINGHAM BEACON • May 4–May 31, 2012 the Bickford brothers. Vernon and Bobby Bickford moved to the New Canton area of Buckingham County from Hellier, Kentucky, in the 1930s. “Their father and mother, Elson and Dovie, knew people who lived in this area,” said Lois. “It was doing the Great Depression and things were hard in Kentucky.” The Bickfords operated a small, country store; the father also delivered the Richmond newspaper in the area to supplement the family’s income. Vernon and Bobby were part of a family of seven children. The boys loved Buckingham as they could hunt and fish at their leisure; they could also play sandlot baseball as well as for their local school, the Marshall District High School. Vern, being older than Bobby and a star player at school, hit the big time first. Just before graduation, Vern signed a baseball contract with a semi-pro team in Berwind, West Virginia. Soon after, he was picked up by the Class D Welch Miners, where he pitched for three years. Life See Bickford Page 6 l a i n n e t n e C n y w l l i D f Town o Come Home to Dillwyn Buckingham County Day Celebrates Dillwyn Centennial Co-Hosted by the Buckingham County Lions Club and the Town of Dillwyn • • • Saturday, May 12 • • • Festivities begin with a parade at 10 a.m. Parade starts at Routes 15 and 20 and travels along Route 15 through Town. Vendors and Activities will take place in Town. Buckingham Community Choir, Point Judith, Central Virginia Blue, and All Problems Solved will perform at Ellis Acres Memorial Park. The Jones Family and Country Cut-Ups will perform in Town. Free Shuttle Bus Service Provided • Arts & Crafts •Vendors • Great Food • Informational Exhibits • Car Show• Corn Hole Tournament • Live Music Activities for Children & Youth Old Photos and Memorabilia Bounces, Rock Wall, Orbitron, Bull Riding, and Games Display at Town Hall SPONSORS for Buckingham County Day DILLWYN CENTURY CLUB Bank of America, Dillwyn Buckingham Beacon Buckingham Branch Railroad Dillwyn Dairy Freeze Lucky Convenience Store Moss Motor Company Town of Dillwyn LIONS’ GOLD Awesome Party Supplies & Event Rentals Tenaska The Farmville Herald Dillwyn Pharmacy LIONS’ SILVER Big Country 105.3 & 99.1 Buckingham County Farm Bureau Buckingham Family Dentistry Farm Family InsuranceDavid Wise, Agent Goin Family Farm Kickin’ Country WVHL 92.9 FM Thomas Insurance Agency WFLO Radio FM 95.7 LIONS’ BRONZE Arvonia Chiropractic Center Cape Printing Central Virginia Maintenance Cheryl’s Barber & Beauty Salon Farmer’s Foods Fulghum Fibres, Inc. Hill & Davis Certified Public Accountants, PC Lucky Convenience Stores J. Robert Snoddy, III, Attorney at Law McDonald’s of Dillwyn Reid’s Funeral Home Seay Milling & Machinery Company. Steger Insurance Agency Taylor Septic Service & Portable Toilets, Inc. Walter E. Saxon, Jr., DDS PC FRIENDS R.G. Moss Electric May 4–May 31, 2012• BUCKINGHAM BEACON • 5 Cover Story was to take a different turn when World War II found Vern inducted into the Army Air Corps. He ended up in California. Two very important things happened there; Vern met and married his wife, Jean Margaret Froyen, and he was sent to Manila, where he got a jumpstart on his baseball career. While in Manila, Bickford played for the Leyte All-Stars and the Manila Dodgers alongside Kirby Higby, who was playing for the Dodgers when he joined the Army. Bickford was mentored by Higby and soon found that his pitching techniques improved, while developing a very effective slider. Upon the end of the war, Bickford continued with the Braves by pitching for the Class B Jackson club of the Southeastern League where he went 10-13. For a brief time, he was with the Indianapolis club of the American Association but after a dispute, the team divided and Bickford was assigned to the Milwaukee Brewers, the Braves AAA franchise. He finishes that season with nine wins and five losses. Because of his success, Bickford accomplishes what only a few do: in 1948 he started playing major league baseball with the Boston Braves. Not an instant success, Bickford had his first start against the Pirates. When the scheduled pitcher, Red Barrett, became ill, Bickford had his opportunity and responded with a 4-1 victory, beating veteran hurler, Rip Sewell, in the process. In 1948, Vern pitched the game that clinched the pennant for the Boston Braves, who then went on to play against the American League Cleveland Indians. With the first two games split, game three of the series found Vern Bickford pitching. This was the first Series to be nationally televised with more than 70,000 fans filling Cleveland Municipal Stadium (including Vern’s mother, who road to Cleveland from New Canton with her family). Giving up a run and a walk, Vern was relieved and Boston lost that game and finally the series. But, no matter; a Buckingham boy played in the World Series! Can you imagine! At 6’ and 180 pounds, Bickford, although quiet and gentlemanly off the mound, was a right-hander who was known as an aggressive competitor when he was on the field. He spent the large majority of his major league career with the Boston Braves. In a seven-season career, Bickford posted a 66-57 record with 450 strike- from page 4 Bobby Bickford. All Photos Coutesy of Sue Miles. Vern Bickford. outs and a 3.71 ERA in 10,761 innings pitched. Along with the World Series, the high point of his career was his no-hitter game against the Brooklyn Dodgers on August 11, 1949, where he struck out Duke Synder, a future Hall of Fame member. Legendary baseball names such as Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain, Satchel Paige, and Jackie Robinson are part of Bickford’s baseball career. Vern led the National League in pitching with 211.7 and in complete games with 27. To cumulate his career, he was picked to play in the All-Star game at Ebbets Field, pitching in the sixth inning, giving up two hits and runs. The hits are both doubles by brothers Dom and Joe DiMaggio. In 1950, Vern wins nineteen games, including the no-hitter against the Dodgers. This no-hitter puts him in an exclusive club as through 2009, Major League Baseball has only recognized 263 such accomplishments. This feat was even more impressive as it was against a Dodger team that was leading the league in batting average, home runs, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. It also allowed him to be featured in the Baseball Hall of Fame display, in Cooperstown, New York. In 1951, Vern injured his shoulder and soon after was struck by a line drive on his pitching hand. These injuries, along with a dismal season for the Braves, resulted in Bickford being traded to the Baltimore Orioles. His injuries, including a sore shoulder, saw him released that year. After trying to make a comeback with Richmond’s Virginians of the International League, Vern returned to New Canton to settle down with his wife and three sons, where he worked construction. During a medical examination, it is discovered that he had cancer of the esophagus. He died on May 6, 1960, just a few months before his 40th birthday. Brother Bobby, although not reaching the heights of his older brother, was also a skilled pitcher. At the age of 18 he signed with the New York Giants at a tryout in Richmond, Virginia. One of 70 that tried out, he was only one of four signed that day. Bobby played with Bristol, Tennessee in the Appalachian League, for the Ohio/Indiana League, the Glalex Leafs, the Richmond Colts, and for the Tri-State League, in Knoxville, Tennessee. While playing for the Richmond Colts on a cold night in North Carolina, Bobby’s career ended when his elbow was injured. He drove himself to Johns Hopkins Hospital for treatment to no avail and his baseball career ended. Along with the fame of having baseball royalty in the Bickford family, there is an additional feature. There is a famous Norman Rockwell illustration, featured on the cover of a Saturday Evening Post, called “The Batboy”. If you look closely over the left shoulder of the forlorn batboy, you will see an auburn haired beauty, very much involved in the excitement of the game. That’s Vern’s wife – made infamous through Rockwell’s art and also part of the Bickford family’s baseball history. The Bickfords are very proud of the accomplishments of Vern and Bobby. The many documents, newspaper articles, and pictures that they have saved and collected are a testimony to the excitement that abounded during the heyday of baseball and the success of these Buckingham boys. • • • 6 • BUCKINGHAM BEACON •May 4–May 31, 2012 Farming Spring Into Sports! Come in wearing your Team Jersey* and receive OR 15 % Of f 10 % Of f Contact Lens Fitting See better . . . Play better . . . *or proof of registration Offer expires 06/10/2012 Dr. Douglas Weiss & Dr. Victoria Molnar Weiss Optometrists Lake Monticello Fork Union (434) 591-0262 (434) 842-3364 5 Centre Court, Palmyra Route 15 Evening, Saturday and early morning appointments Dillwyn Pharmacy Buckingham Cumberland County Executive Director, Joe Chandler (second from right) was acknowledged for providing 25 years of service. Pictured on the left are staff, Brenda Absher, District Director, C. Wes St. Clair, and far right, Terri M. Bolt.) “Your Family Independent Pharmacy” Prescriptions – Sundries Chandler Awarded for 25 Years Twenty-five years can come and go pretty fast when providing service with the USDA Farm Service Agency. The agency delivers programs to help farmers build and maintain successful operations that produce the safe, nutritious food supply that America needs while spurring economic development in our rural community. In 2011, the office delivered federal program payments totaling $773,149, alone. Setting up a Limited Liability Company Considerations for Farm and Small Business Owners Featured Speakers to include: James P. Seidl, Estate & Tax Planning Attorney David Wise, Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist Tuesday, May 15, 2012 from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 - 8:30 p.m In the Buckingham County Agricultural Center Auditorium in the Virginia Cooperative Extension-Buckingham Office, 54 Administration Lane, Buckingham. Pharmacist and Owner Michael T. Towler Dillwyn, VA 23936 Phone 983-2013 “Where Your Health Is Always More Important To Us Than Your Purchase!!” Moss Motor Company, Inc . CERTIFIED MASTER DEALER Talk to the Boss @ (434) 983-2073 Come by today to Rt. 15 South of Dillwyn www.mossmotor.com Now on facebook–search Moss Motor $17,950 $14,950 You will learn how: • A simple LLC is generally inexpensive and easy to set up • An LLC can help protect your estate from law suits, creditors, and predators • An LLC may be used to gift a portion of your business, land, or estate to family members yet still maintain control • To properly insure your LLC • An LLC can provide important tax breaks in some cases • An LLC works well with multi-family owned businesses, farms, rental properties, and land Refreshments will be served and seating is limited. Please register by May 11th at: www.davidwise.com/seminar or by calling David Wise’s office at (434) 983-8780 ext. 1 or by calling the Virginia Cooperative Extension – Buckingham office at (434) 969-4261 with your choice of seminar times. #2197 - 2011 Nissan Altima 2.5 S #2196 - 2011 Nissan Versa SL A great alternative to new car prices - See all the details online @ mossmotor.com! Roomy, reasonably priced and economical to operate! $15,950 $9,950 #2200 - 2006 Honda Pilot EXL #2187 - 2003 Ford Explorer EB You'll be happy in this Honda! The 3rd seat is just what you asked for! You won't believe all the extras! Come in today for a test drive! May 4–May 31, 2012• BUCKINGHAM BEACON • 7 Schools Pennies for Patients Contributed by Linda Davis, Director of Communications Fuqua School Youth for Christ sponsored a friendly competition between classes for Pennies for Patients which benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The middle school winners were Mrs. Valerie Thomas’ 6 grade class who raised $461.97. By collecting coins over several weeks, the students quickly learn the power of spare change. Photo by Sue MIles. Virginia Boy’s and Girl’s State Conference Buckingham County High School juniors, Jasmine Benson and Caleb Johnson, will be attending the Virginia Boys’ and Girls’ State conferences this coming summer. Nominated by the schools’ faculty, Johnson will spend a week on the campus of Liberty University and Benson on the campus of Longwood University. The students will study government at the state and local levels and participate in varied recreational and extracurricular activities with students from all over the state. Boys State is sponsored by the Buckingham County Ruritan Club; Girls State is sponsored by The Buckingham Lion’s Club and the Woman’s Club of Buckingham County. Pictured (front row l-r) Hannah Palmore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Palmore of Dillwyn; Ally Martinez, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. J. A. Martinez, Jr. of Amelia; Katie Trent, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tim Trent of Farmville; Jason Jozwicki, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Jozwicki of Rice; (second row l-r) Mrs. Valeria Thomas, teacher; Corbert Bowman, son of Ms. Carolyn Bowman of Rice; Tori Case, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. SCott Case of Rice; Brooke Tyree, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Tyree of Cumberland; Jarrett Chapman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Chapman of Rice; Eli Hall, son of Dr. Clay Hall and Ms. Amy Alliston of Rice; (third row l-r) Dylan Crews, son of Ms. Donna Crews of Drakes Branch; Billy French, son of Mr. H. A. French of Cumberland and Mrs. Jennifer Norwood of Cumberland; Casey Tharpe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Tharpe of Drakes Branch; Andrew Horton, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Horton of Farmville; Darcy Spicer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Craig Spicer of Farmville; Nikki Hanks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Shane Hanks of Keysville; Michael Davis, son of Mr. and Mrs. James K. Davis, Jr. of Crewe; Jalen Patteson, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Patteson of Farmville; Ben Bailey, son of Ms. Tammy Bailey of Clarksville; Andrew Murphy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Murphy of Prospect; Brinley Thomas, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dana Thomas of Chase City; Caleb Rogers, son of Mr. and Mrs. Craig Rogers of Farmville. Relax...Rejuvenate...Renew... Mother’s Day Special One hour massage with a free pedicure Sunday May 13 794 Main St., Dillwyn 434-983-3002 • 434-944-8391 Check us out on the web:www.spaofbuckingham.com • Open every day by appointment only • thespaofbuckingham@gmail.com 8 • BUCKINGHAM BEACON • May 4–May 31, 2012 Schools Spring Spring isis Here.... Here.... Look at these great properties, from homes to land. Call Mike Spessard Today! Fuqua bands wins first place 434-960-0290 Contributed by Linda Davis, Director of Communications Recently Fuqua School was represented by ninety students and more than sixty family members at the "Music in the Parks" competition held in Williamsburg, VA. Schools from Pennsylvania to Georgia participated and both Fuqua School bands came home with first place trophies. The Fifth and Sixth Grade Band won in the Elementary School Concert Band 1A school division, with a rating of "excellent", the second highest rating that can be given. The Junior Band won the Junior High School Concert Band 1A school division with a "superior" rating, the highest that can be given. Fuqua School believes the arts are fundamental to a child’s development and provides the opportunity for participation from the lower school years to graduation. From the very first day of pre-kindergarten, the sounds of learning include singing, creative movement, rhythm instruments, and finger plays, making learning fun and providing a means for the development of fine and gross motor skills. Lower school students participate in weekly music and art classes. In middle school, students continue to explore music and art education, with the addition of theater in the upper school. Students visit Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Contributed by Linda Davis, Director of Communications situated on a secluded 17.683 wooded parcel located less than a mile from the James River. This property has so much to offer including a whole house generator, a giant 30'x40' insulated brick garage/shop, a full partly finished basement with an almost new oil furnace. Basement has a large wood stove that hooks into the duct system. Upstairs has hardwood floors plus a fireplace with a wood stove insert. Large floored attic could be finished for additional space. MLS# 487462 $355,000 PRICE REDUCED R ecently Fuqua School art students visited the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ exhibit, Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb. The students walked around this 7000-square-foot exhibition of more than 100 ancient artifacts that was brought to life by a 3-D film exploring the life, mummification and afterlife of Nesperennub, an Egyptian temple priest who lived 3,000 years ago. Advances in technology have made it possible to look inside a mummy without disturbing the wrappings in any way. The 3-D film allowed the students to travel through the body beneath the wrappings. Students also learned what the scientific study of mummies has discovered about the reasons for and process of mummification, life expectancy, health and disease in ancient Egypt. Ms. Denise Penick, art teacher, shared, “Having the opportunity to share the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts with our students is priceless. This particular exhibit is quite special as it combines art, science and technology.” Beautiful Brick Rancher Nice Rancher on .83 acres Near the James River. Nice landscaping with small apple orchard. House appears to be in great shape with a recently remodeled kitchen with oak cabinets. All appliances convey. Central air with oil furnace plus gas logs. MLS# 492157 $110,900 NOW IS TIME TO INVEST IN LOTS AND LAND Pictured (sitting l-r) Faith Hill, daughter of Ms. Alfreda Seals of Crewe; Maeve Alaric, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Denn Alaric of Blackstone; Brett Easter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Easter of Jetersville; Caleb Newman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bland Newman of Rice; Tyler Frink, son of Mrs. Adrienne Traylor of Farmville; Lauralee Powell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Powell of Dillwyn, Samantha Pairet, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Pairet of Farmville; Hunter Gilliam, son of Ms. Lisha Robinson of Farmville and Mr. Cameron Gilliam of Dillwyn, Kenston Fields, son of Ms. Chequila Fields of Petersburg; (standing l-r) Kaysi Ellett, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Willie Ellett, Jr. of Burkeville; Ms. Denise Penick, Taylor Frink, daughter of Mrs. Adrienne Traylor of Farmville, Abby Morrow, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Perry Morrow of Dillwyn, Madison Pace, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Pace of Crewe; Jordan Pepper, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joel Pepper of Cartersville; Ariel Fowlkes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Fowlkes of Burkeville; Michaela Hipps, daughter of Ms. Janet Hipps of Drakes Branch; Michael Thornton, son of Ms. Sarana Thornton of Farmville; Brandy Tharpe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Tharpe of Drakes Branch; Chelsea Dandridge, daughter of Ms. Tanya Dowdy of Meherrin; Jacob Miller, son of Mr. David Miller of Farmville. Nice wooded building lot near the James River. Seller will consider paying for new survey with full price offer. MLS #487662 $22,000 • 4 - 2 ACRE LOTS at $22,000 each walking distance from the James River. • DILLWYN AREA: Owner/Agent 4+ Acre building lot near Dillwyn. $15,900. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SCOTT'S PAINT AND BODY. Package deal, business and realestate. Building is set up with the space for 4 different businesses with separate entrances. Full working paint and body shop with commercial paint booth and a frame straightener. 2 air compressers, 2 oil furnaces. 2 bath rooms. Owner financing availiable to qualified buyer. MLS# 488248 $299,000 May 4–May 31, 2012• BUCKINGHAM BEACON • 9 Where’s The Fire? O n Sunday morning, April 29th, firefighters from the Toga area honed their skills on Buckingham's “Burn Building.” This is an indestructible building which the firefighters actually set on fire and then put out as part of their training. The two-story building allows the use of ladders. Many weekends the building is used by firefighters from across central Virginia to sharpen their firefighting skills. Photos by Martha Louis The Buckingham County Ruritan Club Sponsor T he Buckingham County Ruritan Club is happy to sponsor Buckingham County High School candidate Camre Johnson for the 70th Session of the Virginian Boys State of the American Legion. Camre is an exceptional young man with a 3.9 GPA, member of the Student Council Association, Future Business Leaders of America, Community activities and the Union Baptist church. He also participates in community activities and sports. Photo courtesy of Ruritan Club. Camre’s parents Alexander & Patrice Johnson, Camre and Charles Crews (President of the Buckingham County Ruritan Club). 10 • BUCKINGHAM BEACON • May 4–May 31, 2012 Historic Buckingham The hospitable and charming Dolley Madison is the most renowned hostess of all the presidential First Ladies. Dolley graciously welcomed everyone who visited the White House, and thereby, gained a reputation for generous and warm hospitality. One of Dolley's most appreciated customs was serving her guest hot bouillon as they arrived and before they left when the weather was cold and dreary. Buckingham County Ruritan Dolley Madison's Hospitable Bouillon Historic Buckingham Talks Mining Sallie Mowbray, HBI Vice-President and Program chairman, thanks speaker David Spears, State Geologist, for his powerpoint presentation of "Mining in Buckingham County" at the Annual Spring Meeting of Historic Buckingham held at historic Rocky Mount United Methodist Church. www.historicbuckingham.org for more information. Photo by Martha Louis. Volunteers Needed Volunteers needed at Village (all ages) on weekends. Contact Martha Louis at: marthalouis60@gmail.com for more information 1 pound beef stew meat 1 beef knuckle 1 cup chopped carrot 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped turnip 1/2 cup snipped parsley 2 teaspoons salt 1/8 teaspoon cayenne Georgia Vidalia Onions...10 Lbs. @ $10.00 Boston Barbeque Butts... @ $25.00 Call to place your order by Friday, May 5, 2012 In a large saucepan or Dutch oven combine stew meat, beef knuckle, carrot, onion, turnip, parsley, salt, cayenne, and 12 cups water. Cover; simmer 2 hours. Strain the broth. Season to taste. Serve hot. Makes 10 servings. Recipe courtesy of Historic Buckingham. Robert Saxon, Sr. – 434-547-8712 P.W. Kitchen – 434-547-9082 Donna McRae-Jones - 434-983-7862 Pick Up Date Friday, May 11, 2012 Time – 6:00 PM Location: Curves on Route 15, Dillwyn, VA Arvonia Chiropractic Making life better for the many things you do Karen Cerwinski, D.C. 434-581-CARE 26401 N. James Madison Highway Conveniently located an 8/10 mi. north of Gold Hill School May 4–May 31, 2012• BUCKINGHAM BEACON • 11 People •CHA and PATH Certified Riding Instructor • Boarding (on-site licensed veterinary technician) • Horse Shows (4/21, 7/28, 10/13) • Behavioral, schooling and advanced manuvers clinics on second Friday of each month, beginning in April • Pony Birthday Parties • Heartland Horse Heroes Therapeutic Riding Summer Camp Dates: Jr. Hoofpicker Camp June 11-15 and July 9-13 Horsemanship I June 18-22 and July 16-20 Horsemanship II June 25-29 and July 23-27 Les Brown proudly holds his first place trophy that he earned at the Region 8 Bus Rodeo, which took place at Southside Virginia Community College. Les represented all of the Buckingham county school bus drivers in his success. Photo by Sue Miles. Advanced Camp August 6-10 Les Brown’s wins in bus rodeo BY SUE MILES CORRESPONDENT A 16680 W James Anderson Hwy Buckingham, VA 23921 www.SprousesCornerRanch.com (434)983-8181 t the age of 75, Les Brown never thought he’d be involved in a rodeo, much less earning a first place in such an event. He definitely wouldn’t have thought that he’d be “riding” a 45 foot school bus. That’s exactly what recently happened when Buckingham County school driver Brown, along with 19 other bus drivers, competing in the 2012 Region 8 Competition Rodeo at Southside Virginia Community College. The 19 drivers in the bus rodeo hailed from five counties in the region. The five hour competition began with a multiple choice exam that included questions on bus safety and regulations. While some tested, others began the obstacle course competition. “They would call your number and you started by driving an obstacle course,” said Brown. “The course included cones that you had to circumvent and parallel parking.” The rodeo competition was timed, challenging drivers in categories such as railroad crossing, straight line driving, diminishing clearance, and parallel parking. Brown made a point of practicing the day before the event. “I drive what’s called a ‘short bus,’ so I spent some time driving the big bus before the event,” he said. “The big bus is about 14 feet longer than the one I usually drive.” Along with parallel parking (can you imagine trying to park 12 • BUCKINGHAM BEACON •May 4–May 31, 2012 a 64 foot bus?); Brown and the other competitors were placed in situations where they had to drive up to tennis balls and stop within a certain distance from them. “It attempts to simulate when you are stopping to let a child cross” says Brown. “It also puts you in a situation that many buses face every day. When bus stops at a railroad crossing, you have to make sure that all factors are correct,” said Brown. “You have to engage emergency lights, stop within 25 feet of the railroad, open the window, open the door, and close everything as you cross the track. But it all has to be done in one speed. You do not shift gears.” In spite of the difficulty and intense competition, Brown earned a regional first place; the first time that Buckingham County has accomplished such a feat. “We’ve come in second place three years in a row,” says Ronnie Palmore, Transportation Supervisor. “Ray Lann and Tammy Huddleston also competed and did very well. We have a great team that does an excellent job of transporting our county children.” Overall, Les Brown came out as the number one best bus driver of the region, which is a testimony to his dedication and skill as one of our schools’ bus drivers. Congratulations Les! ••• People Sheila Mozingo presents HH Volunteer of the Year award to Thelma Bennett. Heritage Hall Volunteer of the Year for 2011 BY MARTHA LOUIS CORRESPONDENT Keeping Buckingham Clean The employees of CVHS and CVCHC picked up trash on Rt. 15. April is Clean Up Buckingham County Month. Lto R: Julie O'Bryant,Daisy Johnson,Debbie Baber, Helen Crowley, Luci Meinhard, Minnie Tate, Martha Louis and Paula Tomko. (not pictured Amanda Palmore and Rod Manifold). Photo by Amanda Palmore. Thelma Bennett of Buckingham recently received the (Dillwyn) “Heritage Hall Volunteer of the Year” award. Those voting included not only the residents, but staff , other volunteers and visitors. According to Sheila Mozingo, Activities Director of HH, the election was very close. Ms. Bennett who began at Heritage Hall as a volunteer in 2009 and now is employed by Heritage Hall as a CNA on the night shift, can be seen wheeling residents to various activities as well as participating in those activities such as karaoke. Everyone agrees that her bubbly personality and cheerful disposition adds a wonderful ray of light to the daily life at Heritage Hall . Think Spring! We Aim to Please! with Mary Kay® NEW! Feel-good facts about Botanical Effects™ Skin Care: * Contains an exclusive, antioxidant-rich complex, in addition to botanical ingredients customized by skin type. * All products are hypoallergenic and formulated without synthetic dyes or added fragrance. Mary Kay® Creme Lipstick, NEW! Really Red Each Mary Kay® Creme Lipstick now features a color button to help make finding your favorite shade in your purse or bag quick and easy. Mary Kay, Independent Sales Representative Venus Powers 434-390-6471 www.marykay.com/vpowers2012 HOME • FARM • COMMERCIAL • HEATING OILS • PROPANE • GASOLINE • DIESEL FUELS ! e r e H s i Spring t Rent s e B r o f y l r a E p o to Sh s e c e i P y Own! Selection on Pol Outdoor Furniture Galore Sales and Service SINCE 1935 Automatic Delivery • Budget Plans Rinnai® Tankless Water heaters Propane Space Heaters Gas Logs & Fireplaces Stop By & Pick Out Your Gas Logs Today! Farmville 434-392-6061 ~ Dillwyn – 434-983-2033 2000 W. Third Street, Farmville. ~ www.parkeroilcompany.com Chicken Coop Gazebo Mini Barns Play Center Every type of Building for All Your Outdoor Needs! Goochland%URDG6WUHHW5G0DQDNLQ6DERW9$ Louisa(DVW0DLQ6WUHHW/RXLVD9$ Orange-DPHV0DGLVRQ+LJKZD\2UDQJH9$ Ashland:DVKLQJWRQ+LJKZD\$VKODQG9$ Thornburg-HII'DYLV+LJKZD\6SRWV\OYDQLD9$ May 4–May 31, 2012• BUCKINGHAM BEACON • 13 Gardening in Central Virginia By Sunny Lenz 10 rules for garden maintenance In an effort to cut down on mowing, I have added more and more garden beds. This is folly as mowing is the cheapest and easiest garden maintenance (except maybe a meadow which I will write about another time). The shape of garden beds should accommodate mower radius and width to make mowing easier. I have mostly flower beds now but maintain a little turf to set off the garden with a foreground of green, just as a dark hedge will set it off from behind. The following rules of garden maintenance will help keep garden beds looking good. 1) When making a flower or vegetable bed, start with good drainage. Dig a hole 1' deep and fill it with water. Note how long it takes to empty. If it takes more than a few hours, add peat, gypsum, sand (but NOT to clay), and sometimes, gravel. I once added Styrofoam pellets at the bottom of a trench for a Japanese boxwood hedge. Over time, the ground turned a bit and slowly small bits of Styrofoam were found blowing across the lawn. I have not used Styrofoam in the ground ever since (though I sometimes use it in pots to keep the weight down) 2) Some people have watering rules but they differ. Water at sunrise or sunset depending on time of year. Sometimes I water mid day to cool air temperature via evaporation. If you water too frequently for too short a duration, you are encouraging plants to send their roots back up to the surface where they will fry in our hot summers.Water is part of the garden dance. All gardening is experimental and part of my experiment is to water plants in the ground very little and to water pots or seedlings regularly. 3) Cut a clean edge; everything inside the edge will look intentional. Start weeding at the edge and work into the bed. Weed somewhere everyday which promotes the rule requiring gardeners to look around every day. Pull seedling trees when it is wet. I sometimes weed in the rain though this may spread disease. Change chores every half hour or so to keep going. For stamina, weed/toss, rake/haul, water/mulch. 4) When buying annuals, buy the whole flat. When buying bulbs, buy 100 at a time; you can always give some away if they really don't fit. Plant some in the same hole. Use amaryllus relatives which squirrels don't like. Protect tulips with wire cloth, sharp gravel and anything else you can think of; squirrels like them. Plant really delicious bulbs, like lilies, in containers. Daffodils are foolproof. 5) Plant so you can walk between the mature plant and the side of the building. Fill gaps with annuals or items you can remove when the plan matures. Follow tag directions. Plant with the same orientation to the sun. Divide, thin, replant or give away. Host a 'plant swap'. 6) Use compost. Keep track of pH, iron, magnesium, etc. Test your soil and amend. In all the plant seminars I have attended, I have learned about pests and disease with lots of research and investigation. The solution is invariably, clean up and apply compost. 7) Sevin (carboryl) kills bees. Be a good steward of the earth. Avoid Sevin. 8) Keep records. Plants move so it is helpful to know where and when they were first planted. Note the season, the moon, all weather conditions; a diary is most helpful with a summary of each year done each January. A veteran horticulturist told me that ants move things around in the garden and that plants move themselves to where they will grow best. I have gardened in the same spot for 35 years and it is true, stuff moves. Small stuff like mazus or ajuga moves from one year to the next. 9) Always carry a pair of pruners. Pruning spurs growth. Prune for shape, to correct damage, for vision and fruit production. Never prune when leaves are forming or falling as sprouting will be encouraged. Cut back for re-bloom. Traditionally, mums are cut by 1/2 on Mother's day and again on Father's day. At Fall cleanup, leave some for birds, especially coneflower and rudbekia (black eyed Susans) I get rid of thistles, despite the fact that birds love them. They are very invasive and covered with sharp spikes. I always use gloves now since I got a small splinter in a finger joint which happened to pierce a nerve sheath. I noticed a deep ache running up my arm to the shoulder and when I told my doctor friend, he found the splinter and treated me for infection before my whole nervous system became infected. 10) Gardens are not permanent without maintenance. Do the chore when you first notice the problem as it will get worse before you notice it again. Walk around your garden everyday to enjoy it, see what is blooming or starting up, and put a priority on what you can do to improve the situation. I walk about in the morning with a cup of coffee and in the evening with a glass of wine and often end up weeding one handed. It is easier to walk and enjoy, make a list of chores, and come back with gloves on. Start small! Have fun! There are no rules! Where can I pick up my Buckingham Beacon? The Courhouse Cafe (Arts Center) The Spa 794 Main St. Farmers Bank Luckys Texaco Depot Diner BB&T Bank Pino’s Restaurant Vance RE/Hair Corral New Images Hair Design Teresa’s Place Wise Ridge Country Store Sheppards Exxon Bates Market Buckihgam Co. High School EXXON Buckingham Co. Admin. Bldg. Herbert Maxey’s Office Nancy’s Gifts Ducks Corner Route 20 Market Midway Market Glenmore Store Howardsville Store Re-Store N’ Station Spanglers P&S Market Review Office By The River Restaurant New Canton Post Office Byrants Grocery Jeffery Oil/The Shed, Rt. 15 Ella’s Salon Jax Mini Mart (inside rack) Jax Mini Mart (outside box) Jax Restaurant Arvonia Post Office Arvonia Chiropractic Cental Va Health Ellington Gas Bank of America, Dillwyn Jenkins Exxon Buckingham Library Dillwyn Pharmacy Real Estate III (inside) Real Estate III (outside) Cheryl’s Barber Shop/Beauty Salon Robert Snoddy Attorney Office State Farm Office Acie Allen Attorney office Dillwyn Laundry Farmers Foods (inside rack ) Farmers Foods (outside box) Heritage Hall Martha Jefferson Clinic Fast Mart Valero Fast Mart Auto Food Lion China Restaurant 14 • BUCKINGHAM BEACON • May 4–May 31, 2012 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SERVICES AERUS - ELECTROLUX: Authorized sales, service, and supplies for the Original Electrolux since 1924. Tom Sutterfield, your local representative. H: 804-556-3836, C: 804-405-4046, Toll Free: 866-343-0909. HELP WANTED INSURANCE AGENT'S ASSISTANT: Please visit www.davidwise.com/careers for details and to apply. No phone calls please. LIFE & HEALTH INSURANCE AGENT: FT or PT. Please visit www.davidwise.com/careers for details and to apply. No phone calls please. FOR SALE DRIVEWAY STONE: 9-ton Slate Crush Run $150, Stone $200 (Average). Includes delivery and spread. Call 434-420-2002. MASSANUTTEN TIMESHARE: 15K. Maintenance fees for 2011 already paid. 434-962-2839 FOR RENT BUCKINGHAM HOUSE: House overlooking the James River in Buckingham. 2 BR, 1 BA, central air & heat, wooded lot, deck with water view. $675. Call 757-627-7001 or email gerrygerard2@gmail.com REAL ESTATE HOME & 3 ACRES: in New Canton for sale. $40,350. Reply to PO Box 487, Farmville VA 23901. LAND TESTING: Have your land ready to sell. I will do perk test, well permits, feasibility studies, and will provide all legal documented paper work for you. Call 434-249-0298. EVENTS LAKE MONTICELLO FIRE & RESCUE BINGO: $1,000 Jackpot every Thursday. New Progressive Game. Doors Open at 5:30pm, Early Bird 6:45pm. 10 Slice Road, Palmyra (Off Rt. 600, near CVS) Questions? Call 434591-1018 SERVICE DIRECTORY DON’T GO TO THE BIG CHAIN CAR RENTALS! Even though your agent says you must..... OF BUSINESSES Need a New Tractor? Sprouse’s Garage In VA the insured may choose which rental agency For your next car rental choose: Daily Rentals M & M Auto Rental, Inc. (434) 983-3035 •Full Service Garage •State Inspection Station Insurance Replacements Hours: 8am-5pm Mon-Fri 434-983-2523 Located @Moss Motor Company • Rt. 15 South of Dillwyn www.sprousesgarage.com DTA FUEL COMPANY ww.tigerfuel.com 1-434-983-2718 1-877-529-5556 PROPANE– FUEL OIL GASOLINE – KEROSENE • NEW Artwork and Crafts available online at: 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE AUTOMATIC FUEL DELIVERY CONVENIENT BUDGET PLAN • SERVING CENTRAL VIRGINIA WITH QUALITY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Variety of Sizes available at DRIVER TRAINING ASSOCIATION ✯ Blush HAIR STUDIO 434-983-6000 Tanning Booth $49.95/mo CENTRAL VA DRIVING SCHOOL for unlimited tanning DMV APPROVED Haircuts, color, perms, foil highlights, pedicures, manicures, & waxing. HOURS: Driver Improvement Clinic (CDL Approved) Defensive Driving • Behind–the–Wheel Instruction Classroom Instruction Mailing Address 81 Troublesome Creek Rd.• Buckingham, VA 23921 Phone (434) 983-3869 • (434) 315-1702 “Located 1/4 mile south of Sprouses Corner on Rt. 15” Central VA Cellular Premium Dealer Hours 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon-Sat Located 1/4 mi South of Sprouse’s Corner on Route 15 Phone: 434-983-3863 “Redken Focused Salon” Tuuesday, & Saturday 9am-3pm Fridays 9am-6pm Open late on Wednesday & Thursday 9am-8pm Open Sunday 11 am–4 pm for tanning only! A-PLUS BOOKKEEPING & TAX SERVICE GRACE ROBELEN, EA 434-392-6229 www.APlusTaxHelp.net Open all year in Buckingham County to help businesses and individuals save money and time SERVICE DIRECTORY PRICES 3 month package– ( 1/16 page $20/month–larger sizes also available) Call Judi Price 434-207-0223 Making Central Virginia More Comfortable For Over 20 Years! 434-993-2804 or 800-622-2804 Sales • Service • Installations May 4–May 31, 2012• BUCKINGHAM BEACON • 15 16 • BUCKINGHAM BEACON • May 4–May 31, 2012