A Salute to Community Heroes 2021

o t e t u l A Sa COMMUNITY

JUNE 2021

HEROES A special supplement to The Farmville Herald, The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch and The Charlotte Gazette

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EMT looking to make a difference in lives

there to help people on one of their worst days,” he said. rince Edward Volunteer ResRowan said one of the best parts of cue Squad’s Staff Member of his job is making a difference in a pathe Year loves to help people tient or child’s life. He said kids asking when they are having their him to sound the siren or turn on the worst days. Just don’t ask him to sing. flashing lights of the ambulance are the “I have absolutely no musical talent things that keep them going. whatsoever,” Chris Rowan said in re“When you are able to assist someone sponse to a question about what others in finding resources to improve their may not know about him. quality of care or any other “I’ve tried to play instruburden they may be dealing ments before, turns out I with, it is a rewarding feelcan’t quite sing nor play ing,” he said. guitar as well as I had Rowan said when he is not hoped. I’m going to keep responding to medical emertrying though. One day gencies, he enjoys spending I might be able to play a time with his family. chord or carry a tune.”

“My family means everyRowan, 31 of Farmville, thing to me, so I spend as may not be playing at the much time with them as I Grand Ole Opry any time Chris can,” he said. soon, but for the patients Rowan Rowan said his goal for he helps as a shift crew the future is to be better — a chief for the Prince Edward Volunteer better provider, a better father and just Rescue Squad, a peppy tune is likely the simply better. last they are looking for when Rowan He said he believe everyone is a superarrives at their door. hero in their own right.

“Working in EMS gives me many ways, “Loving what you have and sharing almost daily, to touch people’s lives and that with others makes you a superengage in the community. Me and the hero,” he said. “Be yourself and do your crew members here are always there best, and you will always be a superin case of an emergency, and are often hero in someone’s eyes.”

BY ROGER WATSON

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CuCPS elementary art teacher Emily Overstreet poses with daughters Vivian and Ava Overstreet.

‘A little creativity’

ed to create a public online page “Mrs. O’s Art Studio,” to bring art to both mily Overstreet, or as her her students and children worldwide. students call her, “Mrs. O,” Launched April 1, 2020, the page offers has helped to bring creativtutorials, step-by-step art lessons and ity to children throughout recorded teaching videos which even the community and across the world. include her three young daughters.

Originally from Owings, Maryland, “Now while at home, with one click of Overstreet fell in love with their mouse, my students Farmville while attending were back in my classroom Longwood University and enjoying our art routine,” has lived here ever since.

Overstreet said. “Not only Today, she works as an did these activities give elementary art teacher students a much-needed at Cumberland County break from their core Public Schools (CuCPS). academics, but they also Overstreet earned the title provided students with a of CuCPS Teacher of the creative outlet that they Year in 2012 and again in desperately needed. With 2020, was named the 2020 my online art page, I have Division Teacher of the Emily been able to reach art lovYear and also earned the Overstreet ers across the country.”

2021 SVRTC Technology In her free time, OverTeacher Award. street enjoys photography and is the As a child, Overstreet always had a owner of Images by Emily. She also passion for art. Today, she shares that enjoys painting, gardening, family time passion with her students by fostering and the outdoors. creativity in today’s youth.

She’s also a big believer that anyone Her goal as an educator? To be a can be a superhero. positive role model, uplift, motivate “All it takes is a little creativity, a and bring a smile to every child. touch of sparkle, a big heart and the When schools suddenly closed due courage to try something new,” she to the COVID-19 pandemic, Overstreet said. had to adjust her teaching methods Readers can follow along through quickly. In order to ensure students Mrs. O’s Art Studio at www.facebook. had a creative outlet even while away com/mrsoartstudio and www.youtube. from the classroom, Overstreet decidcom/c/MrsOsArtStudio.

BY ALEXA MASSEY

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Taking care of her community and others

BY CRYSTAL VANDEGRIFT

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onique Williams believes there is no greater gift than taking care of her community for the current and future generations.

“I think that when you realize you are only one small part of a social ecology, then you can do your best to serve as an individual and influence your social network and peers, impact organizational structure, celebrate diverse culture and norms and most of all, change public policy,” Williams said. “To me, that is what defines leadership and helps a community to move forward.”

Williams, an educator, coach, consultant, and strategist recently left her teaching position with Charlotte County Public Schools as she was recently accepted into William & Mary’s School of Education psychology (M.Ed/ EdS) program.

Williams, a graduate of RandolphHenry High School, moved away for a few years to pursue other job op-

portunities but said being back home is back to work in the private sector as in Charlotte County has prompted her an employment specialist and liaison to do more than she could have ever with Hargraves Outreach, Inc., a nonimagined. profit organization where “Over the years, because they provide vocational of my teaching, I have had support to help students the pleasure to teach and and adults with disabilities coach some remarkable find integrated and comyouth in our community,” petitive employment.

Williams said. “Many of With Hargraves Outthese kids became a part of reach, Inc., Williams serves my life like my own chilindividuals in Charlotte, dren. My girls’ basketball Lunenburg, Mecklenburg team will always carry a and Halifax counties and special place in my heart. has worked to further the I call them my “daughters” organization’s work-based and to see them grow these Monique summer learning program last few years has been Williams for high school students in amazing, especially as my Halifax and to help secure core group of girls will be seniors in the employment partnerships and employupcoming year. I can only hope that I ment in Charlotte. made an impact on them as well as my “I like to believe that I have a servant’s colleagues. I will honestly say whether heart,” Williams said. “One of the bigor not I impacted their lives, I can defigest things that I am proud of is encournitely say that they have truly left an aging our youth and supporting them imprint on mine.” in all endeavors when possible — with Now that she is not teaching, Williams athletics being a big one.”

Williams has not stopped at just helping students. While working in the foster care and adoption services in Hampton Roads, Williams met a family who wanted to foster children.

Just this past week, the family ventured to Charlotte County for the 2A Regionals Championship softball game as they were there supporting their oldest daughter, whom they adopted through the foster care process.

“The child is one of five children they adopted into their family of 10. You don’t meet many people with the willingness, ability and resources to love so unselfishly,” Williams said, “I remember the many nights spent with the family to write their home study that opened the door of their home. We have kept in touch over the years, and I have become an honorary member of their family. To see them, and their daughter, and all their children through social media and holiday cards, is always a reminder of ‘my why’ I show up willing and ready.

You never know who may need you to just be present in that moment.”

Protecting the community

BY ALEXA MASSEY

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irst Sergeant David Moody, who heads up the Buckingham County Sheriff’s Office’s patrol division, uses his 17 years of law enforcement experience to bring justice to those who have been wronged and keep the peace throughout his community.

Born in Charlottesville, Moody moved early on in life to Buckingham where he has stayed ever since.

Working in law enforcement provides opportunities every day to touch the lives of others and make a difference in the community, although it’s a tricky art to master.

For Moody, no day is the same. Being a law enforcement officer means anything can be thrown your way, from domestic calls to theft reports to a standard traffic stop.

Emotions can run high, but for Moody, it’s important to show members of the public that he cares — he’s there to listen and to help and tries to approach each situation with professionalism.

The job is not without its difficulties. Working in law enforcement means he and his fellow men and women in uniform witness heartbreaking situations — fatal car crashes, suicides and homicides which can seemingly take forever to solve.

David Moody

“Honestly, it’s looking into the eyes of the victims or survivors and having to tell them ‘I don’t know’ when they ask the unanswerable question, ‘why?’” he said. “That is the most difficult, at least for

me.”

Moody’s favorite part of the job, like any superhero, is bringing resolution to people who have been victimized by a criminal act. It is extremely important to him to provide a measure of safety to the community as a whole, and each day he is able to put on his uniform, serve and protect citizens.

Many don’t know that Moody also possesses a degree in psychology from James Madison University.

When he’s not working or catching up on chores after long shifts, he immensely enjoys the outdoors and can be found kayaking, hiking, mountain biking and fishing.

Moody believes it doesn’t take a cape or extraordinary superpowers to make a superhero.

“Whoever takes a few minutes to better the life of another is a superhero,” He noted. “Something as simple as driving respectfully, giving people space, just putting others ahead of yourself.”

Moody has many hopes for the community’s future, including getting every citizen to just pause and breathe after such a long and difficult year.

“We all need to just find those little opportunities to enjoy the day that we have been given and lift someone else up in some way.”

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Giving the gift of speech

BY CRYSTAL VANDEGRIFT

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ach day most of us talk and think nothing of it. But for what comes naturally to many, there are others in need of the gift of speech.

Dr. Shannon Salley, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who works at the Longwood University as an associate professor in the Department of Social Work and Communication Sciences and Disorders, teaches students how to better serve those in need of speech services. ​Salley currently supervises graduate students in the masters of speech-language pathology program.

They provide speech, language, swallowing and feeding services to children and adults in the surrounding areas.

“Some of these families are com-

ing to us because other places have our work makes a difference even if long waitlists, or they are unable to we don’t get to see it right away,” Saltravel long distances for their needed ley said. services, or other faciliSalley has, in fact, had ties will not accept their an impact on many during insurance,” Salley said. her career.

“Our clients are able to While working in a longreceive the help they need term care facility before while our graduate stucoming to Longwood, Saldents are learning valuley said she had a gentleable skills and techniques man come to her who had that they will need when suffered a stroke. they become licensed as He could not speak and speech-language patholocould not swallow. He was gists themselves. My role on a feeding tube. in this experience varies, Shannon His communication but I hope that through Salley skills improved to the my experiences and adpoint where he could at vice I can impact our current clients least communicate with small phrasand have a long-term impact on es and gestures, but his swallowing future clients our graduate students deficits were what he was most fruswill serve. trated with.

“I tell my students every day that “I asked them when he has admitted to my facility what their goals were for therapy. His wife wanted him to be able to eat Thanksgiving dinner with his family, as he was a huge family man and loved big, social events that included them,” Salley said. “He worked so very hard, practiced every exercise I gave him, and his family was so supportive. Right before Thanksgiving, his wife asked me if I would come join them for Thanksgiv-

ing lunch at the facility to hopefully celebrate his success and make sure he was safe eating for the first time in many months. I gladly agreed. He was able to safely eat a small Thanksgiving meal with his family.”

It was the first time the family had eaten together since he suffered the stroke.

“His wife was crying. He was crying.

His children were crying, all tears of joy,” Salley said. “He kept taking my hand and patting it, and his wife kept saying what a ‘gift’ I had given him and the family by helping him recover his swallowing ability.

“This was one of the first moments I knew my profession was one that could improve someone’s quality of life.”

In addition to teaching students at the university, Salley is currently working with a young child who is non-verbal and has feeding difficulties due to his diagnosis.

“He came to me basically drinking PediaSure to meet his nutritional needs,” Salley said. “I have been seeing him for two years, and he is now communicating some with an alternative communication system, and he is eating sandwiches, spaghetti, cereal, some fruits, carrots, peas, potatoes and much more.”

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Making a difference Barr noted calls come in for a variety of reasons, and each case must be treated with urgency as things can uperheroes are best known for saving lives, change in an instant. which probably makes James Barr the textDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, Barr and his fellow book definition of a superhero. caregivers had to increase their protective Barr, originally of Concord, gear for themselves and their patients.

North Carolina, works as an Emergency Call volumes increased throughout the Medical Technician (EMT) for Buckingpandemic as more people needed services ham County. He’s also an ER technician at due to coronavirus symptoms.

Centra Southside Community Hospital in Currently, Barr enjoys spending time Farmville. with his girlfriend, Gabrielle, who lives in Barr dedicates countless hours to Buckingham. The couple are crazy about responding to emergency calls throughtheir two dogs, a basset hound named out the community. Although situations Bandit and a German shepherd named can be intense and no call is the same, he Kimber. draws inspiration from his mother whose “They are the sweetest and most lovable 20-plus years in nursing instilled in him James dogs ever,” he added. the core values which inspired a career in Barr To relieve stress from such a serious job, health care.

Barr enjoys going to the gym and working Barr’s job can be intense and at times heartbreaking. out. Getting in better shape, he says, allows him to pro“My favorite part of what I do is providing a service vide better care for others. Barr always has his sights to others that helps them get better,” he said. “The set on bettering himself in whatever it is he’s doing. He most difficult part is when the service you provide also enjoys fishing, hunting, beach trips and spending doesn’t help. We do what we can, however, not everytime with family and friends. one survives when life-threatening injuries or condiBarr said he views superheroes as people who put tions are beyond our control.” others first, whether that’s saving lives or just lending

BY ALEXA MASSEY

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From left are Gabrielle Wooten, Danica Wooten and James Barr.

an ear in difficult times.

“Providing life-saving services has made me realize just how precious life is, and we should not take anything for granted,” he said. “ Being there for the people in my community when they need help provides me with a great deal of satisfaction knowing I’ve made a difference.”

Librarian’s superpower is helping others

BY ROGER WATSON

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pproximately six months after taking over as the director of the Cumberland County Library, Lisa Davis had to shut it down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

She sent her staff home, but continued to work daily making plans for the future when the library would reopen. She also didn’t completely shut the doors to the library, helping customers fax paperwork or letting a few stircrazy patrons browse the shelves for items to keep them occupied during the extended lockdown. She also answered the phone.

“You wouldn’t believe how simply answering the phone and fielding patrons’ questions made them feel

less alone when they were stuck at home,” she said.

As a former teacher who began her career as a teacher in Cumberland County Schools in 1984, Davis also kept school children reading while they were out of school by sending free children’s books from the library home to school children when they picked up meals from the school.

It is clear that the 59-year-old Tennessee native loves her job.

“My favorite part of being director is hearing about children who are excited to show a teacher the books they got at the library,” she said. “I love seeing an adult smile that a book they wanted to read is now available. I love watching an adult learn how to use a computer or a program during a class we offer.”

After her youngest son Alex passed away in 2018, Davis and Alex’s father began a memorial fund that provides small annual scholarships to Cumberland County residents to help further their education as well as provide money for reading-related projects.

“We’ve been fortunate to find several ways to give books to children over the last couple years,” she said. “Our goal with the fund is to help someone attending a college, university or trade school purchase at least one book they need for a class or pay for a tank of gas if they commute as well as promote reading as a key to success in life.”

Davis said she does not consider herself a superhero.

“I’m just doing what I know I’ve Linda Davis, center, partnered with Girl Scouts Claire been called to do – to help other Tucker, left, and Peyton Turner for a project to promote people.” diversity in children’s literature.

Working to make Keysville a better community the area clean.

“This is a wonderful little town with incredhree years ago, Steven Morris, a ible people and well worth the time put in,” Nottoway County native, decided Morris said.” to run for Keysville From water quality improveMayor and won. ments to well projects, economic The owner of Get Salty LLC development zones, historical moved to Keysville in 2013, districting, cleaning up and making the town his home and upgrading parks to new housing locating his business there. being built, the town has underOver the years, under his leadgone many changes in the past ership, the Town of Keysville three years. has overcome water issues, held Now into his second term as several festivals and events, and mayor, Morris says there may be Morris is continuing to work to a third term. make the town a better place for “There is still lots to accomSteven its citizens and business ownplish,” Morris said, “Never a dull Morris ers. moment here.”

“The town during my first Morris gives credit to his term and now into my second could not affather and the lessons he learned from him ford a town manager, so I have taken on that while growing up. He says those valuable now as well,” Morris said. lessons have taught him to give back to his Oftentimes you can see Morris out cutting community to make the town a better place the grass around town and working to keep for all.

Steven Morris moved to Keysville in 2013.

BY CRYSTAL VANDEGRIFT

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Keeping our community healthy

BY ALEXA MASSEY

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honda Pruitt is quick to say she doesn’t view herself as a superhero, but many would

disagree.

Although she is regularly tucked away from the world in her small office, Pruitt makes a huge difference in the community as the senior epidemiologist of the Piedmont Health District.

Born and raised in Danville, Pruitt studied business and economics as an undergraduate at St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, North Carolina before beginning what would be a lengthy career in the health field.

Over the years, she’s worked in both financial and administrative health care jobs, including surgical ophthalmology, gastrointestinal surgery, lab services and home health. After returning to school, Pruitt obtained her master’s in public health with a concentration in community health and epidemiology and in 2011 began working as a district epidemiologist for the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

The Code of Virginia provides a list of Virginia reportable diseases. As an epidemiologist,

Rhonda Pruitt

Pruitt’s job is to follow up with labs and medical providers who have reported any of the diseases on this list in order to gather clinical information, speak to patients, track exposure and prevent those diseases from spreading in our community.

As one can imagine, the pandemic flipped Pruitt’s job on its head.

For nearly a year and a half, Pruitt’s entire job became consumed with COVID-19. Every hour was dedicated to tracking cases and outbreaks and working with medical and community partners to address concerns, determine possible exposures and implement appropriate quarantine measures.

Although it’s been a crazy experience, Pruitt said things are thankfully returning to normal.

As part of her job, Pruitt is on call 24/7. She’s now spending more time investigating non-COVID diseases than coronavirus cases, a sign things are returning to normal and mitigation and vaccination efforts are working.

Pruitt loves to learn and research new things, and research never stops at the health department. Although she’s played a big role helping protect the community from the coronavirus, she’s quick to point out some of her biggest heroes are the frontline caregivers and medical workers who have braved the virus each day to protect the community. She also thinks the world of the other health district workers whose group efforts combined have helped the fight against COVID-19.

When trying to find free time, Pruitt loves to spend time with family. She’s also passionate about art and baking and hopes one day to take pastry chef classes.

In looking to the future, she hopes more citizens will heed the messages from the medical community and take measures to protect themselves and loved ones by getting vaccinated.

Piedmont Health District Senior Epidemiologist Rhonda Pruitt helps keep diseases out of our community and has played a vital role in protecting citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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For the love and care of animals little water somewhere, but not food all the time.”

If you talk with Elliott, he is quick to point out f you live in Lunenburg, you most likely that what he does is not about him or seeking any know Ray Elliott and his undying love for type of attention. animals.

Through Elliott and the Southside SPCA’s efforts, Elliott is the county’s more than 85% of the animals in the animal control officer, but his Southside SPCA were adopted last year. compassion for animals goes far “This is not a reflection of me, it’s a refrom just doing a job. flection of the community and what they “We always want what’s best for do,” Elliott said. people and animals both,” Elliott Earlier this year, Elliott received the said. “I’m just thankful I can assist Dr. Charlotte A. Robinson Public Service in that.”

Award, a top honor by the Virginia AniFor the past five years, while mal Control Association (VACA) Board. most of us enjoy Thanksgiving The award “recognizes an animal conDay with family eating delicious trol officer who has made a significant foods, Elliott spends 12 hours in contribution to improving the image of a dog kennel at the Lunenburg Ray the animal control profession in his/her County Animal Shelter, all in the Elliott community. name of bringing awareness to Elliott gives much credit to his success the community of the overpopulation of cats to the Southside SPCA staff and the Lunenburg and dogs in the county and the need for having Animal Hospital staff, who he says both make his animals spayed and also neutered while raising job easier. funds for the Southside SPCA. “A strong faith in God and a good family foun“I’m just giving a little of my time,” Elliott said. dation also helps,” he said. “I love what I do, and “Twelve hours without any food is not that bad my wife supports me a lot. This is a 24/7 job, and for me, but think about that dog that someone it takes a strong spouse to support this type of During a rabies clinic, Ray Elliott, left, assisted Dr. Brandy Ashman dumped out … he might be able to find him a profession.” with vaccinating a hound.

BY CRYSTAL VANDEGRIFT

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Be true to who you are

BY ALEXA MASSEY

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ev. Barry Vassar believes if you follow your passions with your whole heart, you will see results, even if you weren’t looking for them.

Originally from Chesterfield, Vassar currently serves as senior pastor of Fitzgerald Memorial Baptist Church in Cumberland.

In his position as senior pastor, Vassar is able to lead Fitzgerald Memorial Baptist in countless efforts to make a difference in the community.

For years, the church has been participating in assisting with the Cumberland Community

Christmas Mother Program to provide supplemental Christmas gifts/provisions to county residents and their families.

Fitzgerald also helps the Piedmont Habitat for Humanity program building homes and fundraising in the Cumberland County area. Recently, Fitzgerald even worked with the Cumberland Pharmacy to facilitate COVID-19 vaccination shots at the church.

“Through these ventures and partnerships, we have learned that it is not about growing a church membership, but instead, about ministering to the community you are in as the local church has been called to do,” Vassar

Barry Vassar

said.

While it can be difficult at times to meet every need presented to the church, Vassar said he has found that, many times over, God has provided

what is needed to ensure the care and ministry to others can continue.

As a pastor, Fitzgerald deeply enjoys his interactions with the community. He has also served as the Cumberland County Christmas “mother” for eighth years in a row.

Previously, Vassar worked as a Cumberland County Foster Care prevention specialist and Child Protective Services worker. He was also a former licensed clinical director in marriage and family counseling and a certified expert in child and adolescent counseling.

Outside of serving the church, Vassar spends his free time with his wife and three

children. He enjoys exercise and exploring new adventures and places in Virginia.

Vassar loves Cumberland County and hopes one day to see a community where all people work together in partnership with one another.

While some might call him a superhero, Vassar has his own idea of what makes a hero. “Being true to who you are, doing what others are unwilling or are unable to do and going the extra mile in all things are the greatest superpowers a person can have. Follow your passions and follow them with whole heartedness and you will see the results, even when you aren’t looking for them.”

A ‘super’ intendent the education leadership program.

As superintendent, Hicks makes an r. Daisy Hicks, superintenimpact on the lives of many, especially dent of Buckingham County students.

Public Schools “I always put students (BCPS), uses her first and want for every passion for children to pave child what I want for my the way for the next generaown son, Brian,” she said. tion through education and “The best education and leadership. the opportunity for them Born in Amelia, Hicks to achieve their goals. The received her doctorate of students are who drive me education in leadership to be better and do better. from Virginia CommonChildren depend on us to wealth University in May provide them with opporof 2014. She has served as tunities and to believe in superintendent of BCPS them.” since 2018 and has more Daisy Hicks’ job comes with than 25 years of experience Hicks many challenges, and she in education and five years strives every day to make of experience with the Department of decisions that reflect the best interest Corrections prior to becoming an eduof the area’s young learners, even if cator. Hicks also serves as an adjunct those decisions are not always popular. professor for Longwood University in Although the COVID-19 pandemic

BY ALEXA MASSEY

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Dr. Hicks works on the “Women’s Build” for a local Piedmont Habitat for Humanity house project.

brought about many unexpected challenges over the last year, from mitigation strategies, to meals, to learning from home, Hicks, in partnership with other area superintendents, school board members, school staff and other local leaders, was able to help students continue their education and remain safe even in uncertain times.

Hicks is known to have a passion for children and animals, but she also loves to travel, shop and spend time with

13 family and friends. She’s been around the world to destinations such as Japan, Haiti, Jamaica, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands and Cancun and has also visited many U.S. states.

While her goal has always been to make a difference in the lives of others, Hicks has a personal goal to one day overcome her fear of height and skydive.

For Hicks, superheroes don’t just have superpowers — they have a willingness and desire to carry out extraordinary deeds for others. One might say those are both superpowers of some of the area’s most “super” — superintendents.

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Feeding the hungry

BY CRYSTAL VANDEGRIFT

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onna Dagner wears many hats in Lunenburg.

“I have truly been blessed with numerous talents, a wealth of knowledge and leadership abilities,” Dagner said. “It is expected that we utilize the attributes we are given to glorify God and benefit others.”

Currently, Dagner spends her time as a Lunenburg County Alternative Education staff member, Lunenburg County electoral board chairwoman, the Peoples Community Center food pantry (TPCC) director, Virginia Electoral Board Association (VEBA) board of directors member, VEBA South Central Region chairwoman and the New Gilfield RZUA church clerk.

In her role as TPCC Food Pantry director, Dagner has helped many. With the help of her mom, Dagner opened the TPCC Food Pantry 22 years ago with the support of The Peoples Community Center Board of Directors.

“During our initial training, we learned that many people go to bed hungry,” Dagner said.

“I remember asking my mom if she thought there were citizens in Lunenburg County who went to bed hungry. Her response to me was, ‘We may not see it in our social circles, but there are many out there that could benefit from TPCC Food Pantry.’”

Dagner said three months after opening, a lady with young children came in and shared that the only thing she had in her refrigerator for the past

Donna Dagner

three days was water.

“At that point, I was convinced that this program was a necessity,” she said. “Whenever I am frustrated or exhausted, I think back to that particular client and the many more who are benefitting from the six programs we now operate.”

During the first month of opening in April 1999, TPCC distributed food to 34 households.

Today, they serve more than 1,200 households each month.

Dagner said TPCC distributes approximately 35,000 pounds of nonperishable items, 4,000 pounds of meat and 57,000 pounds of produce throughout the month.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, Dagner said the need increased, and TPCC saw an influx of new clients.

“For every 10 clients served, three were new or first-time applicants,” Dagner said. “The economic impact of the pandemic meant long-term financial hardship for many.”

According to Dagner, 20% of the households within the region are in what’s considered a “food desert.” This is described as an area where there is minimal access to healthy foods.

Additionally, 20% of the

Telecommunicator loves helping people

BY ROGER WATSON

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isa Cheatham is a person who has spent most of her life helping others, whether as a telecommunicator for the Town of Farmville, an EMT in her earlier years in Campbell County and Pamplin or as a community member who tries to quietly help others’ satisfy needs.

Cheatham joined the Town of Farmville eight years ago as a dispatcher. Now, 49, she said she didn’t feel like she could spend as much time out in the field as an EMT as she used to, but being a dispatcher still keeps her involved with helping save lives.

“I do miss being out in the field with the EMS, but I do enjoy being a telecommunica-

tor also. I’m still able to be able involved, just not so much hands on,” she said.

Earlier this year, Cheatham was honored as Farmville’s telecommunicator of the year for using some quick thinking and internet searches to determine a suspicious car, reported by a Farmville police officer, was actually a stolen vehicle.

“Come to find out the vehicle was stolen, but it wasn’t entered into the system as stolen,” Cheatham said. Her quick work to trace down the tags discovered the car had been stolen from a tow yard in Richmond. “I was just doing my job.”

Part of Cheatham’s job as a telecommunicator for Farmville recently changed as the dispatchers now provide instructions and help the 911

we are able to tell people how to stop bleeding, CPR and things like that,” she said. “You just follow the script and you are able to help people.

It’s a pretty good feeling.”

The McDowell County, West Virginia native began her career as a fast food worker. He father Leslie Cheatham is awarded Farmville Telecom- was a coal miner municator of the year with Jackie Gilbert, right, and her mother the Communications Center Manager. stayed home with Cheatham and her callers with some lifesaving two sisters. procedures, such as CPR, until After her father died last year help can arrive. following a five-year battle “We are able to do CPR, so with lung cancer, Cheatham

households they serve describe their situation as “food insecure.” This means they do not have access to food that supports a healthy lifestyle and may not always feel adequate supply due to financial limitations.

The success of the food pantry is due to partnerships with local civic organizations, social clubs, the local court system, businesses and churches in the community and the Lunenburg County School System, Dagner said. “We truly operate as one big, happy family of senior citizens.”

The native of Baltimore, Maryland, gives thanks to initially her mom and her Aunt Eleanor and Uncle Jack who she said influenced her desire to help others.

“None of this would be possible without God’s guidance and our volunteers,” Dagner said.

has spent time taking care of part of her family back in West Virginia while keeping things going with her family in Appomattox.

“I try to take care of them as well as I can,” she said, saying she makes trips back to her childhood home when she needs to.

In her personal life, Cheatham said she tries to help as many people as she can.

“I have a big heart, but I try to hide it,” she said of her efforts to help others, particularly those in the EMT family.

“If I have it, I’ll make sure that they either get it from me, or get it from another source if I need to.”

She said the past year has taught her to enjoy life while she can.

“Just spend more time with family and friends because I love my job,” she said. “It’s something different every day. I just love what I do.”

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H-SC health director helped students return safely Kiewiet de Jong had just accepted a promotion from the college’s primary nurse fter nearly 20 years as a to director of student health. student health nurse at “It was a lot of months of back and Hampden-Sydney College, forth trying to make that decision,” she Barbara Kiewiet de Jong’s last said. year before retirement was certainly her Hampden-Sydney’s leadership wanted most difficult. students back on campus and in classes.

“It was the most Kiewiet de Jong challenging thing I helped devise the have ever done in my plans and policies career,” Kiewiet de that addressed how Jong said of the effort to safely make that to bring Hampdenhappen.

Sydney students “In hindsight, I back to campus think we did a fanand keep them safe tastic job,” she said. through the CO“Not without hitches, VID-19 pandemic. “It not with learning, but was challenging not there was so much just for me, but for unknown. We were everybody. I don’t bewaiting for science lieve you can talk to a to catch up and for single person and not science to come up have a story on how with testing that was COVID affected their readily available and lives.”

Barbara Kiewiet de Jonge and her hus- easy to use and availNow retired from band Niels. He was a history teacher able economically for the position, Kiewiet at Prince Edward County High School small health centers de Jong is spending for 27 years and then at Fuqua School like ours.” her time enjoying for eight years. The couple has three For her work keepwalks, working in her married sons and five grandchildren. ing the students safe yard, cooking, baking during the COVID and cross stitching Christmas stockings year, Kiewiet De Jong was awarded the for her grandchildren.

Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion Last summer was much different. during Hampden-Sydney’s graduation

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ceremony. The medallion is awarded for character and service to HampdenSydney.

To get her through the difficult days of the pandemic, Kiewiet de Jong turned to a Latin phase she found in June, “Dum spiro spero — while I breathe, I hope.”

Kiewiet de Jong said she doesn’t like the saying that went with the COVID effort of, “We are all in this together.”

“For some reason, that annoyed me, but it was absolutely, absolutely true,” she

said. “Nothing happened by me alone.”

She said the nurses at the health center, the doctor, the dean of students and many others at the college formed a team that worked together to make the plan work.

“It was really an all hands on deck and absolutely everybody played some part or some role,” she said. “To be picked out of the whole mass of people is kind of hard for to embrace when it was just everybody.”

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Educator paves the way for others

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r. Hezteine Foster of Phenix paved the way for many over her years in education and working in the community touching the lives of students, parents, and those in her community.

Foster has served as elementary school principal, middle school principal, high school principal, taught English, mathematics, social sciences, sixth and seventh grades and college courses in education and science education.

Foster encountered many firsts, as she was the first African American to be principal of Keysville Elementary School.

Being the first African American to integrate the Appomattox School system, Foster’s experiences were not so pleasant.

She said that after she integrated the elementary school, crosses were

burned near her home. This went on for more than two weeks.

She was not sure who the target was until late one night, and as her husband came in from work and pulled up on the carport, a bomb went off in her mailbox, and she knew she was the target.

Foster recalls while attending Virginia Seminary and College (Virginia University of Lynchburg) one morning in chapel service, the president, Dr. M.C. Allen, said to the student body, “you are the educators, go back into your communities and help your people.”

“This statement stuck with me, and I have been trying to help people in my community and beyond ever since,” Foster said.

In community service, Foster has been involved with the Assembly of Charlotte as its president, and due to her service with the Assembly of Charlotte, she was invited to the White

Hezteine Foster

House to listen to a speech by President H.W. Bush on the “Points of Light.”

According to Foster, the Assembly of Charlotte helps the rural poor acquire housing, education, legal matters, as well as helping citizens to solve everyday problems.

Foster is also president of the Central High Museum located in Charlotte Court House, in which activities are planned to give the citizen of Charlotte County and surrounding counties history of their heritage and the struggles their fore-parents went through.

In addition, Foster held membership and served on numerous local, state and national boards. She is past president of the Charlotte High Alumni Association Inc., served on the Democratic committee, is a member trustee of the board of the Virginia University

of Lynchburg, Appalachian Educational Laboratory and Small Rural Projects Task Force, State Department of Education Standards of Learning Objectives, National Testing Task Force and the Superintendent Task Force on Literacy.

Currently, Foster is director of academics at Legacy Education Center in Lynchburg.

The center works with Central Virginia Community College to offer a pathway to the Gainful Career Program, which teaches life skills education, academics, financial literacy and more.

Foster is the eighth of 10 children born to the late Bessie Randolph Robinson and the late Harry Robinson.

She grew up on a large family farm in a Christian home where moral values, sharing, love and respect were taught.

“My parents believed in the division of labor, and each child had a specific task to do,” she said. “My parents stressed education, challenging work and how to manage finances.”

Foster said those traits were passed down by her grandparents, who were farmers and property owners.

Foster and her late husband Thomas are the proud parents of two daughters, Joyce and Janice, five grandchildren: Terry, Brandon, Danielle, Mikayla and Raymond Jr. and four great grandchildren: Elijah, Christian, Bryson and Brenton.

Bailey works to lift up the community or dangers and still be able to worship and see people through car windows,” s a minister, firefighter and Bailey said. paramedic, Rev. Cameron Bailey said the idea of a drive-in Bailey has spent much of church took off quickly but not as he his adult life giving back had expected at first. and helping those in his community of “For the first couple weeks (at the Lunenburg. end of March, 2020), I received nu“I strive to simply love and be the merous phone calls/emails/Facebook good needed. Attitude is contagious. I messages with comments from folks, firmly believe that if you see someone not around Southside stating they felt I joyful and smiling, it can was selfish, unsafe, not folrub off on you,” Bailey lowing orders, etc.,” Bailey said. “I know what it is like said, “Little did folks know, to feel depressed, runwe had been on the phone down, wore out, helpless with the health department and like no one really for the commonwealth, cares. I strive to make sure as well as the governor’s that when others feel this office in making sure this way (and all these emowould not be breaking the tions are natural and can rules.” be good for us to learn Bailey said those same and grow) that they know individuals’ asking how they aren’t alone and that Cameron the church was doing the someone always cares. No Bailey drive-in church reached matter what we are going out about two weeks later through, it could always be worse, and asking how to get their outdoor sersomeone else is in worse shape than I.” vices started.

This August will mark Bailey’s 19th “While we are back inside at 10:30 year as the minister at Kenbridge a.m., we also still offer drive-In at 9:30 Christian Church. Through his work a.m. in order to reach out and meet there, Bailey has touched many lives. the needs so people can worship and “Last March when all the world went grow in the Lord,” Bailey said. chaotic, we immediately began doing Bailey said that during his life’s work drive-in church where folks would stay of helping others, he hopes he has in their vehicles away from any fear touched the lives of those around him.

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“I daily ask God to make me silent and invisible, that the only thing folks see or hear is God working through me,” Bailey said. “I am nothing. He is my everything, and I pray folks fall in love with him.”

In addition to his family, Bailey says he has many people who guide and lead him.

“There have been several men and women who have guided me through the years. I am blessed with amazing

17 parents who love me unconditionally and who taught me how to live the right life for God, who beat the brakes off me at times, and I deserved every bit of it, and who set the example of how couples should grow together,” Bailey said, “Currently I have several folks in my life who guide and lead.

Tremendous folks at Kenbridge Christian who love and laugh with us, and while I don’t wish to offend folks by not naming them specifically, I have three men in my life who I can always vent to, call, text, run ideas with, who all three mentor me and love my family like there’s no tomorrow.”

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Johnson changes careers to save lives some ride alongs at PEVRS and decided I wanted to pursue EMS as a career in n addition to giving CPR and using January of 2020, right before COVID a defibrillator to bring people hit,” Johnson said. back to life, the Prince Edward Johnson joined the Prince Edward Volunteer Rescue Squad’s VolunCounty Rescue Squad at a time when teer of the Year can also everything was quickly read a balance sheet or changing. Masks that had explain the Black Motor once been reserved for only formula. the sickest of patients beOriginally from Cape came as common as pants.

Charles on the Eastern At the height of COVID, the Shore, Jason Johnson came 12-hour daytime crew and to Farmville to learn to be the 24-hour daytime crew an accountant at Longwood were housed at different University. He graduated locations to minimize the with a Bachelor of Science risk of COVID exposure. in business administration “That was the most difwith a concentration in Jason ficult time,” Johnson said. finance and accounting. But Johnson “Your crews are your famit turned out that wasn’t ily, and when we went to what he wanted to do. not seeing people on a regular basis, it “I worked in the accounting field and seemed as if morale decreased during found I didn’t enjoy it as much, did that brief period,” Johnson said.

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Johnson said it was hard to watch as hospitals became overwhelmed with a combination of COVID patients and traditional emergencies.

Despite the COVID crisis, Johnson has found the satisfaction in his job that originally led him to turn in his calculator and Excel spreadsheet for a gurney and an oxygen mask.

“My hands down, favorite part of the job is parade season,” Johnson said. He said anytime a kid expresses interest in a fire truck or an ambulance or wants to play with the lights or sirens, that makes his day. He said he also enjoys interacting with new volunteers and EMT students.

“Seeing fresh, eager, new faces with a

desire to learn is amazing,” he said.

Johnson said the bad calls still get to him, but he finds great support from his grandmother and mother.

“Most of the qualities that I believe make me a good EMS provider and good employee were instilled in me at a young age by both of those ladies,” he said.

Johnson said his mother is his best friend. He calls her daily to “debrief” from work.

Johnson said the formula to be a solid community member is simple.

“I believe all it takes is ambition to do good in your community, spread positivity wherever you can and help people when possible.”

Steven Huff, Gabby Wooten and Johnson, right, load a patient into a Virginia State Police Medflight helicopter. The flight was transporting the patient to a Richmond area hospital for a higher level of care.

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