March2012Buckingham
Transcription
March2012Buckingham
February 10–March 8, 2012 FR E E Buckingham BEACON ennial t n e C n y Town of Dillw Your News Source For Buckingham Living Exploring Her Roots Joanne Yeck AUTHOR AND HISTORIAN Page 4 Tax Time with A-Plus 2011 2011 Volunteer Volunteer of of the the Year Year Vol. 10 No. 8, February 10 – March 8, 2012 What’s Buckingham BEACON Your News Source for Buckingham Living INSIDE...... Publisher C.M. Santos [email protected] Business Get taxing with Robelen...Page 8 Advertising Account Manager Diane Eliason Advertising Director Judi Price [email protected] Graphic Designer Marilyn Ellinger Expansion Renovation at Woodland retirement living ....Page 9 Writers Martha Louis Sue Miles Donald Lucas Joanna Yeck 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 [email protected]. 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., February 29 for the March 9–April 5, 2012 issue. © Valley Publishing Corp. 2012. All rights reserved. Contributors Margaret Thomas, Kristen Queen, David E. Whitus Schools Spellbound by Spelling Bee...Page 10 E-mail: [email protected] 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 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. 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. VMI Full scholarship for Tarian Ayres ..Page 12 Display ad rates: For information including rates and deadlines call Judi Price at 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. Author and Historian Joanna Yeck. Author of At a Place Called Buckingham. Photo courtesy of Margaret Thomas Cover designed by Marilyn Ellinger 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. Next deadline for Buckingham Beacon is February 29. Email: valleyeditor @embarqmail.com 2 1 0 2 2 1 9 1 l a i n n e t n e Town of Dillwyn C The Town of Dillwyn BY MARTHA LOUIS CORRESPONDENT T he Buckingham Beacon will contain nuggets of Dillwyn history each issue this year to celebrate the Town of Dillwyn’s centennial. We are also looking for oral history and stories of your life in the Town of Dillwyn. Early childhood memories can be priceless and lost to time, if untold. Contact us at: [email protected] or P.O. Box 12, Buckingham, Va. The Town of Dillwyn was incorporated in 1912 and since that year Dillwyn has had many changes and makeovers. Consider its name, which began as "White Hall" or "Whitehall" being named after two businessmen of the time-- Mr. H.M. White and Mr. William E. Hall. Today there is only one building retaining the Whitehall name and that is Whitehall United Methodist Church. It is said that "Whitehall" was never recognized by the federal government as a postal village and the Dillwyn post office was. Dillwyn (Welsh for William) was settled by Welsh immigrants in the area around the gold mine. According to the 2010 census, there are 447 people residing in the Town of Dillwyn. The Town Council is currently in a revitalization program and their efforts have really added a lot to the beauty and quaint- 2 • BUCKINGHAM BEACON • February 10–March 8, 2012 Whitehall United Methodist Church on Main St. Dillwyn. Photo courtesy of A Pictorial History of the Town of Dillwyn, by Jeanne Stinson. ness of Dillwyn. In the next issues, we will explore the movie theater, the gold and copper mines, "down in the bottom", the Pryor House and the Clarion newspaper, the fires of 1923, and much more. Thanks to a wonderful resource: A Pictorial History of the Town of Dillwyn, Virginia by Jeanne Stinson and other books. ••• Buckingham Fire Department Fire Departments Appreicate Donations President Robert Saxon, Sr.(center) made presentations to (left to right) Fire Chief Tommy Joe Steger of Glenmore; Fire Chief Steve Toney of Arvonia; Fire Chief Pete Pettonia of Togo; and Chief Trip Maxey of the Dillwyn. President Robert Saxon, Sr. makes a donation to Joseph G. Gemski III, executive director of the Tri-County Life Learners. Annual Donations Given The Buckingham Ruritan Club made its annual donations to the area fre dpartments and the Tri-County Life Learners at their monthly meeting on Thursday, December 8 at the Buckingham Art Center Café. 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. 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 February 10–March 8, 2012• BUCKINGHAM BEACON • 3 Cover Story Humanity Hall Academy Hanes Chapel. Humanity Hall Academy House. All photos courtesy of Margaret Thomas. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Historian Joanne Yeck has been exploring her Buckingham County roots since 1995. She is the author of numerous articles concerning Classic Hollywood and American Popular Culture and the co-author of Movie Westerns and Our Movie Heritage. Today, her love for Virginia, especially Buckingham County, has translated into a full-time occupation. When she is not exploring Virginia, in the field or in the archives, she resides in Kettering, Ohio. On March 11, she will speak at Maysville Presbyterian Church at 2:30 p.m. After the talk, Historic Buckingham will provide refreshments and host a book signing. Learn more about the book and the author at http://slateriverpress.wordpress.com/ Humanity Hall Academy BY JOANNE YECK CORRESPONDENT B efore the days of public schools in Virginia, many private schools came and went in Buckingham County. In the 18th and early 19th century, the gentry conducted so-called plantation schools, like the one at Col. John Nicholas’ home, Seven Islands. There select young gentlemen boarded, learning their Latin and Greek. Some were bored and played pranks. Some went on to college. Many were satisfied, as were their parents, to have their rough country edges smoothed off by a learned professor. At the other end of the spectrum were the “field schools,” where teachers were paid by the day and children from local farms attended when they could. Farm work, inclement weather, or an outbreak of whooping cough, often took precedence over attending school. 4• BUCKINGHAM BEACON • February 10–March 8, 2012 Across the 19th century, numerous institutes and academies for boys and girls operated in Buckingham. As early as 1820, there was a school house at Red Oak, near Whispering Creek, on the property of Peter Stratton. It accommodated about a dozen children. Beginning in the mid-1820s, John Fairchild and his wife were the See Humanity Hall Page 5 Humanity Hall from Page 4 principals at their seminary, commonly known as “The Fairchild School” or “Buckingham High School for Young Ladies.” Located at Maysville, it flourished for about twenty years until a fire destroyed the building in the mid1840s. The Moseley and Bondurant families established the Slate River School, which operated in the 1830s. The crown jewel for young ladies was, of course, Buckingham Female Collegiate Institute, located on the Richmond-Lynchburg stage road, not far from Alpha, while one of the finest educational opportunities for young gentlemen in Buckingham was at Humanity Hall Academy. Founded by Elijah Garland Hanes, the original location for Humanity Hall Academy was not far from Buckingham Female Collegiate Institute, near the Buckingham-Cumberland County line, near Nuckols. Born about 1796, Elijah Hanes came to Buckingham from Hanover County to teach school. While boarding at the Brown home, Physic Springs, Hanes met his bride-to-be, Mary Brown. About 1826, they settled on 300 acres along Randolph’s Creek, conveyed to Elijah by his father-in-law, Garland Brown. There he established Humanity Hall Academy. The school’s name may have remembered another Humanity Hall Academy in Hanover County. The Rev. Robert Ryland, who later became President of Richmond College, prepared at Hanover’s Humanity Hall, where he studied Latin and Greek under the Reverend Peter Nelson from 1820 to 1823. Did Elijah Hanes also study there before he came to Buckingham County? Whatever the source, the Academy’s name is notable. Elijah did not call his school after himself or after a place, such as Slate River School, but after a philosophy of study . . . an emphasis on humanity. This unusual orientation will be supported in the anecdotes of his pupils, the reputation of the school, and of its master. By 1835, Hanes was well-established, having taught for over twenty years. Advertising for pupils in the Richmond Enquirer, he informed the reader that his “seminary” taught Greek, Latin, English, geography, arithmetic, as well as natural and moral philosophy. He reassured parents of potential students, “Those disposed to confide their children or wards in my care, may rest satisfied, that the same attention will be paid to their morals and welfare, as to my own children. Personal attention will be paid to their reading the Scriptures and other moral and religious books on the Sabbath. Humanity Hall is . . . in as healthy a neighborhood as any in Virginia.” Hanes’ own children were indeed growing up in an intellectually rich and physically “healthy” environment. Six lived to adulthood, including Garland and James, who would follow in their father’s footsteps as school teachers. Their mother, Mary, however, was only in her early thirties when she died on January 2, 1840. That year, with the help of nine slaves above the age of ten, Elijah managed the farm, the house, and the school, complete with sixteen boarding scholars and his own children. A total of thirty-eight pupils attended the Academy. With many small children of his own to rear, Elijah Hanes married Judith Leake Ayres. In 1848, he purchased 1,050 acres on Joshuas and Turpins Creek, about ten miles north of Buckingham Courthouse. Hanes paid $10,000 for the farm, which was previously owned and developed by the Holman family, who left behind a handsome manor house. There he relocated his family and his school. Though the academic building and the dormitory used by the boys and young gentlemen who boarded there are long destroyed, the large frame dwelling house and Elijah Hanes’ original office in the yard still stand and recently have been beautifully restored by Mr. and Mrs. Ray Stokes. See Humanity Hall Page 6 Get a jump on Spring while interest rates are low Give Mike Spessard a call today: 960-0290 HOME • FARM • COMMERCIAL • HEATING OILS • PROPANE • GASOLINE • DIESEL FUELS Sales and Service Automatic Delivery • Budget Plans SINCE 1935 Rinnai® Tankless Water heaters Propane Space Heaters Gas Logs & Fireplaces Stop By & Pick Out Your Gas Logs Today! Dillwyn – 434-983-2033 ~ Farmville 434-392-6061 1196 Main Street, Dillwyn ~ www.parkeroilcompany.com The Spa is Buckingham's premiere destination spot for all your natural wellness and ultra pampering needs! Beautiful Brick Rancher 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 Visit The Spa on Be my Nice Rancher on .83 acres Come check out the new services....including manicures and pedicures. We have many Valentine packages to make your Valentine’s Day Special. 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 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. $19,900. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY 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.• [email protected] 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 February 10–March 8, 2012• BUCKINGHAM BEACON • 5 Humanity Hall from Page 5 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 6 • BUCKINGHAM BEACON • February 10–March 8, 2012 In the 1930s, Buckingham historian Lulie Patteson described the popular educator: “That Col. Hanes, the master of this school for the greater part of his life, was a born teacher, we may judge from the stories which are told of his wise, beneficent rule in the class room in an age when stern precept was imprinted on the pupil’s mind, if not on his heart, by physical means, more often than otherwise.” Miss Patteson also relates a story of Col. Hanes’ kindness in the classroom. During class one day, a boy named George was suffering from hiccups. Naturally, George was embarrassed and, as his condition progressed, class was increasingly disrupted. Suddenly, Col. Hanes demanded, “George, what’s that you’ve been SAYING about me?” George, who was devoted to his professor, adamantly denied, through continuing hiccups, that he had ever made a disparaging remark about Col. Hanes. Then Hanes escalated his demand. “Now think George, haven’t you been telling your home people something on me?” George, both shocked and startled, was now speechless. A hush fell in the classroom and a sly smile appeared on Master Hanes’ face. “Hiccoughs gone, George?” Problem solved and the boys’ esteem for their beloved instructor was restored. In this lovely rural setting, graced with gardens and abundant shade trees, Col. Hanes and his wife, Judith, had no children of their own, but were surrounded by Ayres nieces and nephews and Elijah’s grandchildren. About the time Hanes Chapel was constructed on the grounds, Elijah Hanes died on December 13, 1858. By 1861, Garland B. Hanes, now thirty years old, was established as Principle Teacher at Humanity Hall Academy. His associate was P. Fletcher Ford, who had been trained at Humanity Hall and was a recent honor graduate of Randolph-Macon College. In early 1861, they advertised for students for the spring term, beginning Feb. 4. “This Institution is located in a retired and healthy section of Buckingham County, six miles west of the Female Collegiate Institute. Its successful operation for many years bespeaks the favorable consideration of the public.” Hanes and Ford stated that “The Course of Instruction is thorough and systematic.” It included English, Mathematics, Latin, Greek, and French. “The discipline is firm,” they warned. “The strictest attention is paid to the cultivation and preservation of proper habits.” Board and tuition was priced at $170 per session of ten months, $70 of which was to be paid in advance. The balance was due at the end of the term. Within two months, the War Between the States broke out. Garland helped lead the Buckingham Institute Guards (Company F, 20th Regiment, Virginia Infantry). Fletcher joined the fight, as well, dying at Gettysburg. In their absence, the Academy somehow carried on. Some responsibility may have fallen to Garland’s wife, Mary Elizabeth Blackwell, who was educated at the Buckingham Female Collegiate Institute, teaching French and music there until her marriage. She was the daughter of the Rev. John C. Blackwell, the Methodist minister and educator, who was concurrently struggling to keep the Institute in operation. In 1862, Maj. Garland B. Hanes was wounded and discharged, surviving the war. Humanity Hall Academy, however, did not. By 1870, Garland was practicing law in Buckingham County, where he also served as commonwealth attorney, and while there were numerous Hanes children in the Humanity Hall dwelling house, there were no longer students boarding on the grounds. Garland died on Dec. 18, 1879, leaving Mary Elizabeth Hanes as the head of a large household, which now included her father, the Rev. Blackwell, her mother, Mary, a sister, and a brother. Mary Elizabeth’s own children still at home numbered eight; two of them, young Mary (born about 1858) and Lizzie ( born about 1861), were also teachers. Brother-in-law, James Hanes, who lived just few doors away, was now the superintendent of public schools in Buckingham County. Fond memories of Humanity Hall Academy lingered in Buckingham and beyond for many years. Looking back on his youth, Malcolm Hart Crump committed his recollections to paper. Malcolm, his mother, Mary Quinn Crump, and his siblings were refugees from Culpeper County, Virginia, who found safety and shelter in Buckingham County during the Civil War. First enrolled at the Buckingham Female Collegiate Institute, soon Malcolm was more appropriately placed at Humanity Hall. See Humanity Hall Page 7 Community Family Movie Night at Centenary Centenary United Methodist Church will host a Family Movie Night on Friday, February 17, at 7:30 p.m. There will be popcorn and drinks. Babysitting available. Church is located at 12247 S Constitution (Route 20), Scottsville. Please call 434-286-3379 for additional information. Buckingham County Parks and Recreation schedule BY KRISTEN QUEEN CONTRIBUTOR Buckingham Active Seniors Tuesday, February 14th 9:00am-12:00pm The Buckingham Active Seniors February program will be held on Valentine’s Day Tuesday, February 14th, at the V.F.W. Hall on U.S. Route 60. Due to the special program that has invited children from Mr. Penick’s “Novels of Dillwyn Primary “ reading class for what promises to be a fun program, the program will be held from 9 a.m.-11a.m. followed by the regular Buckingham Active Senior’s meeting directly after. Please note this is a change of time from our regular meeting schedule to accommodate this program. All seniors are asked to arrive by 9 a.m. for the special program. Light refreshments will be served, but seniors are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch since the meeting time has been changed. Included during the B.A.S. meeting at 11 a.m. will be signup sheets for upcoming trips and special events, so please do not miss out as seating is available on a first come first served basis for all trips. The Buckingham Active Seniors is free to join for those ages 50+! Come on out and experience the fun! New members are always encouraged to attend, and feel free to bring a friend! On Monday, February 13th, B.A.S. members are invited to help “spread the love” in decorating the V.F.W. Hall for the next day’s program. We will be making Valentine’s for the visiting children as well. All interested seniors may arrive by 2:00pm to help make Valentine’s, and decorate. For any questions regarding the Buckingham Active Seniors program please contact Kristen Queen with the Buckingham County Dept. of Parks & Recreation at 434-969-4242 with any questions or for additional information. See Recreation Page 14 Humanity Hall from Page 6 Years later, he remembered his year in Buckingham and the Academy’s beautiful setting about three miles from where he was living at the Nuckols farm on the Slate River. On his way to school, he passed Miller’s Shop, the Flood home, John Rolfe Eldridge’s Mill, and Hanes Chapel, the lovely spot in the woods which served the local Methodist Episcopal congregation. Malcolm was ten years old when he attended the fall term in September of 1864. Maj. Hanes was back at teaching and Malcolm readily recalled his classmates, who included some of Elijah Hanes’ grandsons and other boys still too young to serve the Confederacy. At that time, enrollment being low with so many young men occupied with the war, the Academy opened its doors to some of the neighborhood girls, which included at least two Saunders sisters. Mary Elizabeth Hanes acted as their instructress. The oldest of these was undoubtedly Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Saunders, age sixteen, whose family lived adjacent Humanity Hall on Turpins Creek. Malcolm Hart Crump did not find Betty as beautiful as Martha West, who had sparked his fancy while he was having lessons at the Institute. No matter. Within a few years, Betty would marry John T.L. Woodson, a youthful CSA veteran, and settle down just across the creek from Humanity Hall. There, not long after, she gave birth to her first child, my ancestor, Mary Elizabeth “Lizzie” Woodson. Yeck is the author of “At a Place Called Buckingham” . . . Historic Sketches of Buckingham County, Virginia (Slate River Press, 2011) which covers 250 years of history in central Virginia. In a dozen engaging essays, she recounts important events in Buckingham County beginning with its formation, through the American Revolution and the Civil War, and beyond the Great Depression. Local heroes and heroines spring to life, revealing the tenacity, intelligence, and ingenuity of Buckingham’s people. New material gleaned from county records, 19th century newspapers, and numerous private collections offers a fresh look at Buckingham’s past. The result is a rich tapestry, which interweaves well-known figures and historical moments with little-known tales of hard times and personal triumphs. Dr. Douglas Weiss & Dr. Victoria Molnar Weiss OPTOMETRISTS T h an k Yo u t o a l l o f o u r Pat i e n t s a s w e c e l e b rat e o u r 13 TH ANNIVERSARY SALE 20% OFF A Complete Pair of Prescription Eye Glasses .OTTOBECOMBINEDWITHOTHERINSURANCEDISCOUNTSs-USTPRESENTADs%XPIRES Lake Monticello 5 Centre Court, Palmyra (434) 591-0262 Fork Union Route 15 (434) 842-3364 Dillwyn Pharmacy “Your Family Independent Pharmacy” Prescriptions – Sundries Pharmacist and Owner Michael T. Towler Dillwyn, VA 23936 Phone 983-2013 “Where Your Health Is Always More Important To Us Than Your Purchase!!” Come to us for all of your Equipment Parts & Supplies Logging, Mining, Manufacturing, Construction, etc. Introducing Our NEW HOSE TRUCK Get your equipment up and running fast with NAPA-Dillwyn’s new Port-to--Port® Hose Truck •On-site Hose Assemblies and Repair •Rapid Response •Certified Weatherhead Hose Assembler (434) 547-2829 24-Hour Service • 7 Days a Week 10% off any regular priced item WITH THIS COUPON February 10–March 8, 2012• BUCKINGHAM BEACON • 7 Business T ax season can be quite year long my clients know stressful for people. the status of their money. The great intensity of gatherThis allows us to adjust as ing finances together with the we go along so that they goal of resolving the relationGrace Goodman Robelen, tax preparer, has been in business can save on taxes.” ship with what is due to Uncle Robelen’s service includes over 45 years. Photo by Sue Miles. Sam puts most people in a participating in meetings quandary. Buckingham is forwith the IRS and the tunate to have a wide variety Virginia Department of of tax preparers. This story is Taxation. “This helps to about one such person. interpret new legislation Grace Goodman Robelen and how it will apply to my BY SUE A. MILES has been living in clients’ businesses. Our CORRESPONDEN Buckingham County since goal is to minimize the 1995; but she has been in the amount of taxes they have tax preparation business over 45 years. “I went to work to pay.” for one of the major tax chains in 1966,” said Robelen. “I Robelen is very proud of her Enrolled Agent (ER) status. didn’t plan to do taxes for the rest of my life. I thought I’d “The enrolled agent category began around the time of the work for a while and then move on.” Basically, Robelen did Civil War,” she said. “The government was attempting to move on; but, that move was to eventually establish A-Plus raise extra taxes and they recognized the need for qualified Bookkeeping and Tax Services. professionals to represent tax payers before the govern“I was raised all my life to help others,” said Robelen. ment. That’s when they created the EA program.” “When I started doing taxes, over and over I’d meet hard In order to be an Enrolled Agent you must either work for working people who did not understand the tax system. As the IRS or take a two day exam administered by the U.S. a result, they were often paying taxes they didn’t owe.” Department of Treasury. “An EA is licensed directly by the Robelen continued, “I can’t cut hair or fix a car. But, I IRS and is recognized by all 50 states.” found my calling, as I do understand the tax laws.” Robelen gave many examples of situations where she has Born in Pennsylvania, Robelen’s parents moved the famhelped clients save money. She is not a fan of the computily to Richmond when she was a young child. Although erized tax systems that are now available. “There are hunshe majored in education at Virginia Commonwealth, upon dreds of tax credits. No computer system can tell you all of finding her calling as a tax preparer, she opened up her own them. That’s why I go to tax schools all the time. If I’m tax and accounting business in Richmond. “I ran that busigoing to take people’s money for doing their taxes, I want ness until I married David Robelen in 1976,” she said. to be the best that I can be.” “Since he worked for NASA, we had to move to Newport Between May and November, Robelen will look over anyNews area.” one’s past tax records to determine if there are any changes For the next twenty years, Robelen focused on raising a that can be made to save them money. “I do not charge for family. “I put my children and family first,” she said. While this. You can amend tax returns for up to three years (with home schooling her six children, Robelen continued to presome exceptions). I’m firmly convinced that I can save peopare a few returns for a variety of friends and neighbors. “I ple more money that I charge them. That is why my motto also continued to attend tax seminars to stay a lot of the is, ‘Our experience saves you money and time.’” ever changing laws.” When her husband retired, the family When not working in her business, Robelen spends time moved to Buckingham with the goal of fixing up an old with her seven grandchildren. She also raises AKA collies to farm house. In the fall of 2004, when the last child left for assist her with the sheep farm. “I only keep ewes that college, Robelen opened up her current business, A-Plus at breed twins, which is a genetic trait.” She also sells regisher home. Sadly, her husband passed away in 2007. tered Katahdin sheep. “I thought about setting up my business in Farmville or Although Robelen is busy throughout the year, the tax Dillwyn,” she said. “I decided the best way to serve my season has officially begun, making for a very busy time. clients was to have my office at home. If my client needs No matter the season, her goal is simple. “I believe that to call me during the evening, I might be peeling potatoes, anything worth doing is worth doing right. In deciding to but I can answer their questions. The good thing is that I provide a bookkeeping and tax preparation service, I make can be available 24/7. I decided with all the children every effort to stay on top of legislation and to personally grown, I could dedicate more of my energy towards my know my clients and their individual needs. I believe in business.” planning ahead to minimize taxes due in April. That “My business is in two different parts,” said Robelen. “All requires being proactive and good monthly bookkeeping.” year long I do bookkeeping for small businesses in the area. You can find Robelen at [email protected], or at I prepare their payroll, and sales, property, and income 392-6229. No matter if you do not need her services, taxes. I record their business documents and give them a her advice on accounting and understanding the tax system written profit and lost balance sheet.” This type of partneris much appreciated. ship between Robelen and her clients has its benefits. “All ••• Prepare for taxes! 8 • BUCKINGHAM BEACON • February 10–March 8, 2012 Music /Theater Stage at Village Lennie Lancaster(builder), Martha Louis (Historic Buckingham) and Dudley Suave(Theater) held a meeting to work on an exciting design for a music and theater stage at The Historic Village at Lee Wayside. The stage will hold much potential for enjoyment of music, theater, community events, and more for Buckingham County and Central Virginia. "We hope to have something underway in the next few months" says Martha Louis, President of Historic Buckingham. Buckingham Blue Ridge Food Truck Moves to New Location Beginning on March 9, 2012 , the Blue Ridge Food Truck will move to its new location at The Crystal Cathedral in Dillwyn. The truck will come there on the 2nd and 4th Fridays unless prior notice and will be a drive thru. The truck is only to those in the County of Buckingham who are in need of help. Heritage Cookbook Recipe Johnnycakes 2 beaten eggs 1 cup water 3/4 cup milk 2 tablespoons lard, melted 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups yellow cornmeal Butter Maple syrup In a bowl mix eggs, water, milk, lard, and salt. Stir in cornmeal. Stir well before making each johnnycake. For each cake, place a scant 1/4 cup batter on a hot, well-greased griddle, and spreading to 1/4 inch thick. Cook till golden, 2 to 3 minutesper side. Serve warm with butter and syrup. Makes 12 to 14. Business Start your New Year with Mary Kay® Experience the latest Mary Kay® Mary Kay, Independent Sales Representative Venus Powers 434-390-6471 www.marykay.com/vpowers2012 The Woodland Cafe boosts a retro 1950s decor. Photo courtesy of David E. Whitus. The Woodland Expands DAVID E. WHITUS CONTRIBUTOR he Woodland, Farmville’s premier retirement neighborhood, just completed a major renovation at Brookview, its assisted living facility. Brookview was constructed in 1985 and has seen several expansions, but this renovation created many new amenities that today’s retirees have come to expect. The front portico was enclosed with glass and a bistro or Java Station was created. Java Station offers all of types of coffees, lattes, danish, sandwiches, salads and soft serve ice cream. It’s open to the public daily 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Another exciting dining creation is Woodland Café which is a retro 1950’s café with all the décor and music you would expect in a café of that era. The menu includes burgers, fries, salads and all types of hand dipped ice cream, sundaes and sodas. It’s open to the public daily 11:00 a.m. until 7 p.m. In an on-going effort to enhance dining services, Varner Hall was created as the major dining hall with an order-on-demand menu for residents. The kitchen itself has undergone major renovation and as one of the new chefs said “I would put this kitchen up against any country club kitchen in the state.” Varner Hall is multi functional serving as a concert hall and formal dining. Adjacent to Varner Hall stands Amelia Veranda which was created by enclosing an outside area and features a sunroom with the feel of nature and wildlife. A new Activity Centre is the hub of life at Brookview. It serves not only as a movie theater but as home to exercise classes, socials, culture club, bridge club, arts and crafts, games and computer classes for seniors. The Woodland Shoppe, a gift and sundries shoppe, found a permanent home in this renovation along with The Corner Room which is home to the gaming tables and lounge. The Woodland, founded in 1967 by a group of local business people, has grown to become a neighborhood of almost 30 acres and nearly 300 residents that spans the gambit of living options. It is the second largest private, for-profit business in the T See Woodland Page 14 FUEL COMPANY Propane • Heating Oil • Off Road Diesel • Kerosene • Gasoline Tiger Fuel Company, formally Buckingham Farm Supply Propane Facts About Tiger Fuel Company You Need To Know: Tiger Fuel Company is a Major Supporter of The Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation and Emergency Training to Fire Departments and Emergency Responders. • No tank rental fees apply for propane accounts that are hooked to appliances and use product. • No long term contracts. • Level Payment Plan / Smart pay plans. You can send your payment each month or sign up for the SMARTPAY plan, where your payments are automatically deducted from your checking account. Ask about our Smart Pay Plan, and remove the worry of writing checks (again, it’s free, it’s simple, and provides you an additional discount). • Sr. Citizen Discount. • Automatic Delivery Service. • Trained / Certified Employees by the National Propane Gas Association. Only trust your propane needs to a Company that uses trained certified employees to install and provide your propane needs. Propane is a reliable, economic, safe energy source when installed and handled following the proper safety procedures, National and State Codes. CALL NOW TO BECOME A TIGER FUEL CUSTOMER Enclosed in glass, the bistro Java Station, serves all types of coffee and sandwiches. Photo courtesy of David E. Whitus. 1-800-339-7986 OR 434-983-2718 February 10–March 8, 2012• BUCKINGHAM BEACON • 9 Schools Buckingham County students celebrate their success in competing in the division-wide Spelling Bee. Back row: Spelling Bee winner, Kiana Shaw , second place winner, Trevor Agee ; middle row: Brennon Stone , Joey Steger , Diante Lee , Jerrod Lewis , Alaysia Toney , Bailey Perkins , Madison Brooks , Hannah Shaw , and Dylan Price ; front row: Kayleigh Jones , Kaitlin Kidd , Amil Bolden , Caleb Fisher , Cody Shook , RaZhia Booker, and Matthew Eager contestants, Diante Lee, Caleb Fisher, and Kayleigh White. Photo by Sue Miles Jones study words before the Bee begins. Photo by Sue Miles. For whom the bell rings BY SUE A. MILES CORRESPONDENT I f you’re looking for an evening of excitement, entertainment, and nail biting stress, then mark your calendar to be at next year’s Buckingham County spelling bee. There’s nothing better when it comes to watching cream of the crop youngsters joining on stage to compete to be the county’s best of the best. Last month, 18 very nervous students, ranging from grades four through eight, arrived at Buckingham County Middle School to compete in the county event. While waiting for the competition to begin, some shared their techniques for success. Fifth grader Diante Lee (Gold Hill) stated that he had been studying Latin words. Bailey Perkins, also a Gold Hill fifth grader, said that his grandmother had been helping him with his spelling. Sixth grader Alaysia Toney competed in last year’s bee. “I’m not as nervous this time,” she admitted. “My mom calls out the words to help me.” Fifth grader, Caleb Fisher had his own technique. “I write down my study words, because it helps me remember them.” In some cases, siblings were competing against each other, including last year’s champion, seventh grader Kiana Shaw and her sixth grade sister Hannah. Several students carried good luck charms, while others depended upon their good spelling skills to get them through. Middle school assistant principal Angela Jones welcomed an audience full of anxious parents, grandparents, and general family members. After encouraging words from superintendent Gary Blair, Mrs. Jones introduced the three judges; Carolyn Smith-Lee, Vicki Craft, and Cindy Christian Ragland. The bee, which is part of the Scripps National Spelling Bee program, began with reader Michelle Wright, English teacher from the high school, reading the rules. Perhaps the most intimidating object in the room was the bell on the judges’ table. Contestants definitely did not want to hear it, as it meant they had spelled their word wrong. A practice round allowed the students to become comfortable with the process. Students were expected to come up to the microphone where they would be given a word by the reader. Spellers were encouraged to say the word, spell it clearly, and then repeat the word again. They were allowed to ask for the word to be repeated, for a definition, for the part of speech, language of origin, and alternate pronunciations. Contestants were also allowed to write the word down before 10 • BUCKINGHAM BEACON • February 10–March 8, 2012 spelling it. Warm up was a breeze as students spelled words like dig, fox, cow, and cut. As each one walked up to practice, you could not help but notice how different in size and maturity they were. Tall, short, big, petite, self-assured, shy; there were all types and all reactions to being on stage, being watched by the audience, and facing three judges with that bell. Round one went fairly smoothly. One student was eliminated when he spelled the word jump, as gump. Round two found the words becoming more difficult and the contestants using smart strategies such as writing the word down or asking for it to be put in a sentence. Two students were eliminated. Round three brought more difficult words like juvenile, ecstatic, condiment, and syllable. The bell rang out eight times during that round as students faced more challenging words and eight were eliminated. Round four bought out words like brochure, serenade, technician, and emphasize. The bell sounded to signal three students to sit down when they misspelled words. Round five began with three students; Trevor Agee (fifth grade, Dillwyn Elementary), Kiana Shaw (seventh grade, Buckingham Middle) and Cody Shook (grade eight from Buckingham Middle). None of those three wanted to hear the bell and each knew that only one would remain standing at the end. Trevor’s word, allergic, put him out. Kiana spelled potassium correctly. Cody heard the bell ring for the word matrimony. Kiana was then given the word loathe. If she misspelled it, all three would get another round. No such luck for the boys, as Kiana Shaw, for the second year in a row, won the county spelling bee. A quick round took place to determine second place, which saw Trevor Agee gain the spot with the word siege. Seriously, you really had to be there to understand what a special night it was. The students were exemplary in their efforts to be the spelling bee champ. Each held their own on the stage, in spite of the pressure placed on them to perform. All were champs, although only Kiana will go to the March state regional event in Richmond and then hopefully on to the national event in Washington, D.C. We wish her luck and congratulate all participants and their families for a job well done. Make sure you mark your calendar for next year’s January, 2013 county bee. It’s quite a show. ••• Schools Honor Roll Calvary Christian School would like to announce its Honor Roll students for the second quarter of the 20112012 school term. Principal's Honor Roll students must maintain an average of 95% or higher on all academic subjects, and Honor Roll students must maintain an average of 89% or higher on all academic subjects. Calvary Christian School is a ministry of Calvary Baptist Church in New Canton, VA. For more information please contact the school at (434) 581-3874, Calvary Christian School Second Quarter 2011-2012 Principal's Honor Roll First & Second Grade Elle Kohr Austin Lenherr Hannah Schrock Jadae Stovall Third & Fourth Grade Jaya DeBruhl Cody Fulford Cheyenne Gough Trip Kohr Jared Schrock Sixth Grade Bradley Banton Desireé Brewer Daniel Layman JROTC Endurance Team Conquer Grueling Bear Creek 10 Miler On Sunday, December 5, seven members of the Buckingham County High School JROTC Knight Battalion left Buckingham to participate in the 12th annual 10 mile trail run, located at Bear Creek in Cumberland. The long-distance team left the starting line at 9 Sunday morning and all seven competitors finished safely in less than 2 hours and 22 minutes. All of the members had trained hard for over two months and their practice paid off. Competitors listed from L/R are SFC Bruce Grazier, Mason Baber, Dustin Carrol, Kenny Hudgins, Maurice Manchester, Devin Newton and Ian Morris. The run consisted of stream and stump jumping and rigorous stream crossings. Bachman on Dean’s List Christina Bachman of Dillwyn was named to National College’s Dean’s list. National College in Charlottesville requires a minimum grade point average of 3.5 out of a possible 4.0 to be named to the Dean’s List: Moss Motor Company, Inc . Junior High School Carter Hall Nathan Layman Sloan Tapscott High School Abby Jones Makayla Pace Dallas Tapscott Bringing Hope Buckingham County High School’s Spanish students joined together in an international project to bring hope and change to families around the world. The students raised enough money in their foreign language classes to donate to the Heifer International Program.The funds raised by the students will provide a llama to a South American family. The students raised the funds through cookie sales and by individual student donations.The students chose the llama, as it is native to that region of the world. Representing the six Spanish classes taught in first semester are: Rear: Darnell Rogers, Tailor Kidd, Mrs. Millinder (Spanish teacher), J. J. Koczon, and Mrs. Amos (Spanish teacher). Front: Brittany Hayton, Robyn Davis, and Kenneth Johnson. 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 $17,500 Calvary Christian School's Second Quarter 2011-2012 Honor Roll First & Second Grade Kadie Fulford Jacob Green Savannah Jenkins Third & Fourth Grade Griffen Brewer Austin Sandridge Sixth Grade Cooper Lenherr Jordan Turner Jr. High School Jamie Covington Chris Drumheller Shawn Gough Will Hall William Melton DeMontae Stovall Skylar Turner High School Tabitha Gough #2178 - 2011 Toyota Camry SE #2122 - 2010 Dodge Charger SXT Great gas mileage, great power - Talk to the Boss, Bill Lewis Moss @ 983-2073 ! Get all the details on the terrific car @ mossmotor.com $11,950 $10,950 #2169 - 2009 Ford Taurus SEL #2168 - 2008 Ford Ranger Ext 4x2 Stop by our lot at 15654 N James Madison Hwy and take a test drive today! Every homeowner needs a truck! February 10–March 8, 2012• BUCKINGHAM BEACON • 11 Schools Volunteer of the Year Full Scholarship to VMI A very happy gathering of parents, grandparents, siblings and cousins gathered to watch Buckingham County High School senior, Tarian Ayres, sign his letter of intent to attend Virginia Military Institute to play football this coming fall. Ayres, who is an All-Region three year starter for Buckingham, was recruited as a quarterback for VMI's pro-style offense. Likely to be red-shirted the first year, Ayres, son of Joseph Brown and Angela Ayres, and the first in his family to attend college, will receive a full scholarship to VMI. Tarian is with his family and Missy Shores, Athletic Director for the school. Mary Starlet, math teacher and SAC Advisor at Buckingham County High School, was recently honored by the Buckingham County Chamber of Commerce as the 2011 Volunteer of the Year. The Chamber recognized Starlet's 33 year commitment as sponsor of the SAC, noting that she has trained, influenced, and improved the lives of thousands of students who served and those that continue to serve, as the organization’s members. It was noted that she has worked to teach future leaders of the county, state, and country by being the adult sponsor of over 660 students who, over the years, served on the school’s SAC Executive Board. Many of those board members have also served at the state level of SAC and some, the national level. Along with her work in the school, Mrs. Starlet also volunteers in the community and her church. Mrs. Starlet, who is shown with SAC member, Danielle Walker, an SAC executive board member (back) and SAC President, Colby Taylor (front) was presented with a slate clock in appreciation of her dedication and commitment to Buckingham County. THE FLUVANNA ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS THE 2011-2012 SEASON AT CARYSBROOK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Big Ray & The Cool Kats Saturday February 25 7:30 p.m. Fluvanna Local Talent Show: Come See Fluvanna’s Local Talent! Saturday March 31 – 7:30 p.m. Tickets: ★$10 /advance ★ $12 /at the door Robert Jospe´: Drummer, percussionist and composer Saturday April 21 – 7:30 p.m. Tickets: ★$18 /advance You’ll have a hard time staying in your seat! A lways a crowd favorite with recent performances in Las Vegas,New York,Cabo San Lucas and the White House. Ray Caddell and his band are back for another spectacular performance this year. With big band swing,motown,beach band top 40 hits there is something for everyone. Trumpeter ray is accompanied by a crisp four piece Rhythm section, four sizzling horn players, two stylish female vocalists and premier Sinatra stylist Dan Barale. ★ Tickets: ★$25 /advance ★ $28 /at the door Carysbrook Performing Arts Center 8880 James Madison Highway (Hwy 15) Fork Union,VA 23055 (434) 842-1333 ★ $21 /at the door ★ $10 /Students Free Spring Concert The Fluvanna Community Singers Saturday, May 5 – 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 6– 3:00 p.m. For Tickets, call (434) 842-1333 ★ Season Tickets $85.00 a $25.00 savings over advanced tickets 12 • BUCKINGHAM BEACON • February 10–March 8, 2012 Email:[email protected] • www.fluvannaartscouncil.com Schools JROTC competes in Twenty First Annual Martin Luther King Drill Competition The Buckingham County High School, JROTC Knight Battalion competed in the 21st annual Martin Luther King Drill Competition on Saturday, January 14, 2012 in Richmond. The cadets competed against 45 other highly motivated High Schools and Military Academy’s, with over 1,700 competing in the event, with schools travelling from Maryland, Washington D.C. and North Carolina. The Battalion competed in several events including Color Guard, Armed Squad, Unarmed Squad, Unarmed Platoon, and Armed Platoon and an in ranks inspection. The Knight Battalion competed well in all events and this lead them to bring home a 1st place armed Platoon, led by Cadet Alexis Green, a first place trophy in armed squad led by cadet SGT Garrison and a 2nd place trophy led by Cadet Brandon Grazier. The next Drill Competition the Knights will participate in will be held in Bedford. We Aim to Please! Spring is ! e r e H t s o AlmEarly for Best Selection Shop on Poly Pieces Last Minute Very Special Price for Valentines Rent to Own! Outdoor Furniture Galore 1/2 price Pastel portrait in time to surprise your Sweetheart $75 unframed Call for details: 434-969-1377 Call by 6 pm on Sunday, Feb 12 Chicken Coop Gazebo Mini Barns Play Center Every type of Building for All Your Outdoor Needs! Goochland%URDG6WUHHW5G0DQDNLQ6DERW9$ Louisa(DVW0DLQ6WUHHW/RXLVD9$ Orange-DPHV0DGLVRQ+LJKZD\2UDQJH9$ Ashland:DVKLQJWRQ+LJKZD\$VKODQG9$ Thornburg-HII'DYLV+LJKZD\6SRWV\OYDQLD9$ Many other great gift ideas also available February 10–March 8, 2012• BUCKINGHAM BEACON • 13 Gardening Gardening in Central Virginia By Sunny Lenz Tooling around the garden I depend on a select pile of tools for garden maintenance. Good pruners are the first. I use the Felco standard #2 and a pair of Okatsune clippers which are especially good for smaller hands. Get a sharpener and keep them clean and sharp. Bypass pruners make the cleanest cut though I use some anvil type long handled ratchet loppers when I meet a branch over 1/2 inch diameter. I’m losing my grip so the ratchet action helps. If you are strong, long handled loppers are good and you can slip a piece of pipe over the handles to get more leverage. A pole pruner which cuts by using a string on a pulley is very useful for clipping hedge tops and hard to reach places. I use a beautiful pair of Okatsuni pruning shears to shape spirea and privet or boxwood though it is also necessary to punch prune boxwoods to let light in. Punch pruning is done by sticking your hand into the shrub every 4-6 inches or so, breaking off a branch about 10” into the plant to stimulate new growth further down the stem so the surface is less dense. I have a good Corona folding double tooth pruning saw which cuts on the pull and push stroke. The more simple the construction, the easier to clean. Before you use a pruning saw, be sure to use gloves. These saws are quick to cut your thumb as well as a branch. A day spent in the emergency room is not a good day. Keep several pairs of gloves available in case you cut one or soak them or coat them with mud. I buy a dozen pairs of West County Gardener work gloves every year and a few pairs of water proof gloves as well. Good as a gift for any gardener you know. They can go in the washer and drier but eventually tear through the middle finger of the right hand though it is reinforced. I have many extra left hand gloves. Cloth gloves with latex fingers are cheaper and fit well enough to be useful. I’ve tried to get a glove manufacturer to add an elastic strap to the inside of the middle two fingers attached on either side of the first knuckle. Slide one side of the pruner handle into the straps and all your strength can go into snipping and none used just to hold on to the tool. Since no glove maker has made me these gloves, I fabricate straps with duck tape to keep from dropping my pruners into the middle of the hedge so I don’t have to get down off a ladder and climb into the bush to retrieve a fallen pair of pruners. When weeding, I use a long turquoise handled cultivator with a chopper on one side and a three pronged digger on the other. This is sold at Southern States and several other tool outlets. It has heft so you can chop from the elbow like a hammer instead of the wrist. I also have a stand-up weeder called a swoe which looks sort of like a golf club so I call it the ‘9 iron’. Mine was a gift from England 30 years ago made by Wilkinson Sword but I think it has been taken over by Fiskars. The new version does not have the bend in the handle which allows for an easier motion. Or maybe over time I have bent mine slightly and so have shaped it to fit my thrust. I slide it forward and back like a vacuum to cut under the roots of weeds for easy removal. Of course, a rake is essential. I also have a border spade to edge (though an edger is better), two border forks to divide, an old knife to pick weeds from tight spots, and a stand-up bulb planter. If I really want to dig up something tough, I use ‘the wolf,’ a super heavy spade made by Wolverine. I can jump on it with both feet and slice 16” into the ground. If it’s really tough I get a 300lb guy to jump for me. Recreation from Page 7 Self Defense Class: 5 Week Program Wednesday Evenings Beginning February 15th through March 14th. 6 p.m.-7 p.m. $25.00 Want to learn some positive and proactive self defense techniques? Well, we have the class for you! The Buckingham Recreation Dept. through instructor James Walker of Walker’s Okinawa Karate, is holding a 5 week self defense class teaching participants how to safely and responsibly disengage a potentially hostile or life threatening situation while building confidence and character. Ages 10+ to Adult welcome to learn. Class begins on Wednesday February 15th and is $25 for the session. Please contact The Buckingham County Dept. of Parks & Recreation at 434-9694242 with any questions or for additional information and registration. Adult Co-Ed Volleyball:Monday & Wednesday Evenings 6 p.m.-8 p.m. through March! FREE OF CHARGE Adult Co-Ed Volleyball will continue to run through March 2012. Program is open to those 16+ years of age. Meets every Monday & Wednesday night from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Nazarene Campground Gymnasium Please contact the Buckingham County Dept. of Parks & Recreation at 434-9694242 with any questions or for additional information and registration. 14 • BUCKINGHAM BEACON • February 10–March 8, 2012 With gloves, pruners and weeders, you can accumulate quite a pile of debris in no time so collection bags are useful. I have used large green stand up tip bags but the best, by far, are the hard bottom kangaroo bags (soft bottoms Felco standard #2 prunner. wear out too quickly) The spring holder will rip through the canvas bag in no time unless you reinforce it at the beginning with duck tape from the base to the top, securing the wire in place. Once the wire breaks thorough, it is impossible to push back in the sleeve. When the bag is full I dump it into a utility cart or onto a tarp in the back of a pick-up. If a tarp is under the pile in the bed of the truck, I need no assistance to slide it off easily, no matter how full. I’m also fond of my garden clothing. I keep four very lightweight hats made by ‘Sunday Afternoon’ with long, neck covering brims ordered on-line or from 1-888UPICNIC; one for each vehicle I might be in, one at the house, and one at my mother’s house. I won’t be caught without a hat as I’m in the sun often all day every day so I try to avoid cancerous skin blemishes. Because of the long sun exposure, I cover up by wearing men’s white cotton long sleeve dress shirts and hospital scrub pants bought from used clothing stores. They cost $3 each and I go through several pairs on hot, humid days; easy to wash and easy to toss when totally ruined. In winter I use $5 sweat pants from outlet stores but they must have pockets. I also have a good rain suit and I prefer to work in drizzle to work in 90 degree heat. Sometimes we have both. That’s it. These accessories make me totally recognizable in the garden but now that I’ve told you what works, I may see more of you looking like me, piling up garden litter in all weather, in all seasons. Have fun! Sunny Lenz is a professional gardener and landscape painter working in and around central Virginia. Woodland from Page 9 county with a payroll that will approach $10 million in 2012. The Woodland has a strong history of growth and expansion. In early 2011, a 35,000 square foot addition was completed that added 30 new private, state-of-theart rooms, along with a new aquatics pool and multiple therapy suites to handle physical, occupational and speech therapy on an in-patient and out-patient basis. In an effort to make the neighborhood self sufficient, The Woodland Family Practice was opened in 2010 and an in-house pharmacy in 2008. As the baby boom population continues to age, The Woodland has a commitment to be on the leading edge of services and facilities to meet the demand of this population. The Woodland continues to reach out to community members for participation in activities, programs, events and dining at your local neighborhood for life. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SERVICES TONY'S TREE SERVICE: Tree care professional. Takedowns, tree removal, wood chipping, pruning, and much more. Licensed and insured. Free estimates. Serving the Central Virginia area. Call Nick at 804-314-2038. FOR SALE DRIVEWAY STONE: 9-ton Slate Crush Run $150, Stone $200 (Average). Includes delivery and spread. Call 434420-2002. MASSANUTTEN TIMESHARE: 15K. Maintenance fees for 2011 already paid. 434-962-2839 MODULAR HOMES: Why pay more? We will beat any modular pricing! Deal direct with the owner. Phone 434-3922211 or web www.haleyshomesinc.com FOR RENT JAMES RIVER RENTAL: 3 or 4 BR, 3 BA on James River, US 15 in New Canton. $950/month + utilities. Security deposit required. Residential and/or commercial. Call 863-241-1528 or 434-9831911. 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 434-591-1018. SERVICE DIRECTORY Blush HAIR STUDIO 434-983-6000 Tanning Booth $49.95/mo for unlimited tanning “Redken Focused Salon” Haircuts, color, perms, foil highlights, pedicures, manicures, & waxing. HOURS: Tuuesday, & Saturday 9am-3pm Fridays 9am-6pm Open late on Wednesday & Thursday 9am-8pm DTA DRIVER TRAINING ASSOCIATION ✯ CENTRAL VA DRIVING SCHOOL DMV APPROVED 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 OF $ BUSINESSES $ Ann B.Cyrus TAXE-File PREPARER Provider INDIVIDUALS • SMALL BUSINESS 11718 West James Anderson Hwy. Buckingham, VA 23921 (434) 969-4062 Students Free “Located 1/4 mile south of Sprouses Corner on Rt. 15” Central VA Cellular 38 Years New schedule of events posted on Facebook and website www.artbyvenus.com NEW Artwork and Crafts available online at: Making Central Virginia More Comfortable For Over 20 Years! 434-993-2804 or 800-622-2804 Sales • Service • Installations Premium Dealer Hours 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon-Sat Located 1/4 mi South of Sprouse’s Corner on Route 15 Phone: 434-983-3863 OF Experience WF Martin Plumbing Heating & AC Repair Small Appliance Repair • Affordable Rates Checks, Cash and Credit Cards Accepted ACCREDITED BY THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU Cell: (434) 547-8650 (434) 581-3637 Email: [email protected] Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am - 5 pm • Sat 8 am-2 pm Sun Closed (except for emergencies) A-PLUS BOOKKEEPING & TAX SERVICE M & M Auto Rental, Inc. GRACE ROBELEN, EA (434) 983-3035 Daily Rentals Insurance Replacements Located @ Moss Motor Company Rt. 15 South of Dillwyn 434-983-3000 “Building Better Bodies” 434-392-6229 www.APlusTaxHelp.net Open all year in Buckingham County to help businesses and individuals save money and time Tractors Current Hours: Mon - Sat 9:00 a.m. - noon Mon - Fri. 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Call 434.983.3000 for more info For Sale Located in Camryn Station next to McDonald’s Best kept secret in Buckingham Variety of Sizes available at 24/7 access now available, still working out some kinks, please be patient. Sprouse’s Garage •Full Service Garage •State Inspection Station Hours 8am-5pm Mon-Fri 434-983-2523 www.sprousesgarage.com February 10–March 8, 2012• BUCKINGHAM BEACON • 15 Diabetes Support Group If you or a loved one is living with diabetes, or you would like to learn more about this disease that affects many areas of the body, please come to our free Diabetes Support Group at Centra Southside Community Hospital. 9. The next meeting will be Thursday, February 16. CentraSouthside.com TWITTER.COM/CENTRA FACEBOOK.COM/CENTRAFAN 16 • BUCKINGHAM BEACON • February 10–March 8, 2012 Meets Bimonthly Second Thursday 7 to 8:30 p.m. First Floor Conference Room Centra Southside Community Hospital For more information, or to register, call 434.315.2617