IM/BTG Lifestyle 2020-2021

Lifestyle

2020/2021 FREE

The County

Magazine

Brunswick &

Greensville County

17

w

The Welcome Guide For New Residents Published by Womack Publishing Company ©2020

Contents Page 3

VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital

Page 4

Jolly’s Auto Sales and Service

Page 5

Lake Country General Store

Page 7

Pecht Distributors, Inc. Building on a family tradition

Page 8

Brunswick Insurance Agency Serving with pride since 1893

Page 9

Brunswick Byways Visitor Center

Page 10

Southside Contractors, Inc. Quality Building & Remodeling

Page 14

New owner pledges to continue personal service, family atmosphere at Williams Funeral Home

Page 16

Martha Dodd-Slippy Real Estate Agent and Author

Page 18

Suggested Clubs and Organizations to check out in Emporia and Greensville County Suggested Clubs and Organizations to check out in Brunswick County Sylvia Allen Managing Editor

©2020 Womack Publishing Co., Inc

2

County Lifestyle Magazine

Amy Elliott Office Manager

Darian Liles Marketing Consultant

County Lifestyle Magazine • Volume 50 Issue 2explorebrunswickva.com • P. O. Box 250, 213 Main Street, Lawrenceville, VA 23868 • (434) 634-4153 • news@brunswicktimes-gazette.com

VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital’s new facility opened its doors to the public on November 11, 2017. With the opening of the brand new state-ofthe-art hospital also came the opening of the new Garland Birthing Center where expecting moms could now deliver locally, which had not been available since 2012. The 166,700 square foot technologically-advanced hospital features 70 private patient rooms, three operating room suites, a cesarean section suite, and a 16-bay emergency department.

The new VCU Health CMH also has a permanent cardiac catheterization lab to provide the most advanced cardiac care in the region and a full complement of diagnostic services including MRI, CT, nuclear medicine, cardiac, vascular and pulmonary studies. VCU Health CMH achieved

the recognition of Advanced Primary Stroke Center in 2016 and recently received the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.

Adjacent to the new hospital is the C.A.R.E. Building. The name C.A.R.E. reflects the services offered in the new building: CMH Physician Services Clinics, Administration, Rehabilitation and Education. The 67,000 square foot, C.A.R.E. Building is located adjacent to the new hospital on the 74 acre campus and houses the following physician practices and hospital services: CMH Cardiology Services; CMH Dermatology; CMH Family Dental Clinic, CMH Ear,

Nose & Throat; CMH Family Care Center; CMH Nuerology; CMH Orthopedic Service; CMH Pain Management Services; CMH Pulmonology Services; CMH Surgical Services; CMH Urological Services; CMH Women’s Health Services; Administration; Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab; Education Center; Human Resources; and Health Information Management.

VCU Health CMH also specializes in cancer care in partnership with VCU Massey Cancer Center. With the area’s only radiation therapy in Southern Virginia, the Solari Radiation Therapy Center located inside the Hendrick Cancer and Rehab Center, provides both medical and radiation oncology services with the most advanced technology including the Rapid Arc and CT Simulator.

VCU Health CMH is located at 1755 North Mecklenburg Avenue, South Hill, VA.

(Photos provided by Judy Davis/ Hoachlander Davis Photography)

County Lifestyle Magazine

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Jolly’s Auto Sales and Service

By Sylvia Allen Editor

LAWRENCEVILLE – For the past 35 years Jolly’s Auto Sales and Service has been serving Brunswick County and the surrounding area offering quality repair service.

Leroy Jolly, owner/operator, shared some background on himself and the company.

“I am a life long native of Brunswick County. This is small town America where everyone knows everyone. One of my mottoes about business is ‘without repeat business you are out of business’ so you better treat your customers right,” Jolly stated.

“I am thankful for all the support of my customers for the last 35 years. My wife LaVerne, son Bryan and daughters Dione and Dedra are always there for me at my beck and call.

This is family at its best.”

Jolly’s Auto Sales and Service won the Brunswick TimesGazette Readers’ Choice Award in 2017, 2018 and 2019 for Best Auto Repair.

Jolly said over the years employees have developed a longstanding relationship of life progression as they often stop by to say hello and ask how business is doing.

“As owner of Jolly’s Auto I still enjoy auto sales and vehicle repair. Of course the car of yesterday is not your car of today.

In some ways we should be happy about that. However, maintenance and service repairs are vital for dependability and longevity,” Jolly stated.

Jolly’s Auto offers a wide variety of services including repairs, oil changes, wheel alignment, state inspections and towing.

“We now have a 5-bay service facility. We also sell and install new tires,” Jolly stated.

Jolly looks forward to serving his customers.

“At Jolly’s Auto we look forward to many more years of dedicated service to our customers and the community we love.

Last but not least we thank God for His continued blessing of safety and success.” Jolly said.

The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is (434) 848-4586 and the number for 24-hour towing is (434) 532-5237. The address is 223 Poor House Road, Lawrenceville.

Meet the staff at Jolly’s Auto

Leroy Jolly, center, Owner/Operator, of Jolly’s Auto Sales and Service located at 223 Poor House Road, Lawrenceville, Virginia, Jaiquel Hill, left, and Lavanne Seward look forward to helping customers with their car repair needs. Jolly’s Auto Sales and Service also sells and installs new tires and offers other services.

(Sylvia Allen/Brunswick Times-Gazette)

• Automotive Repair Shop • Car Dealership • Local Service Jolly’s Auto Sales & Service has been serving the community over 30 years.

Jolly’s

Auto Sales & Service 4

223 Poor House Rd | Lawrenceville, VA | 434-848-4586 Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm County Lifestyle Magazine

Baird family brings old-fashioned flair to new general store

By Christy Mumford Jerding Long before big chain grocery stores like Wal Mart and Food Lion dominated the South, the little country store was the center of many rural communities. Lifelong Brunswick County resident Chris Baird celebrates this tradition with the Lake Country General Store, now open at 143 West Hicks St. in Lawrenceville.

“I was born and raised here, and during my childhood you could walk up and down Main Street and pop into different businesses,” Baird said. Opening an old-fashioned general store is his attempt to “bring back something special to the local community.”

Baird is a longtime local real estate agent, and seeing the building become available sparked the idea of expanding into retail. “I bought the building originally as an investment, and I was going to open up a real estate business and rent out the rest of the building,” he said.

“But during the time we were remodeling, COVID-19 hit, and the Red & White closed.”

With the closure of the only downtown grocery store, Baird and his wife, Erinn, saw an opportunity. “It’s already hard to find groceries and we thought, we could open an old-style country market so people could find what they need right here.”

Retail is in their blood, Baird said. “My grandfather had several country stores in Brunswick County, decades ago. My wife’s family ran an old country store in Lake Anne.”

They remembered those stores as being integral to community life.

“People would come in and visit there, it was a gathering place, and that is what we wanted to bring back.”

Baird said that the store’s goal is to “offer everyday grocery items at reasonable prices, but also bring the special products like hoop

cheese, finer meats and other products you can’t find in larger grocery stores.”

Lake Country General emphasizes “Virginia’s finest products,” such as Birdie’s Pimento Cheese, Richland’s Creamery dairy products, Brunswick stew and more.

“We like to support local businesses,” Baird said. “For example, Lake Gaston Coffee Company has a great quality product and we’re serving cold and hot coffee. They’ve been great to work with.”

The store also is ready to help customers prepare for special occasion meals, barbecues and the like. “We can order specialty products by the case, stew supplies, whole hogs and even pigs’ feet, frog legs, crawfish … whatever you are looking for, we can find it.”

Baird’s real estate company, Lake Country Properties, shares the building. “I am a licensed broker in Virginia and North Carolina, and have been serving Brunswick County for 24 years,” Baird said. “With our new office in Lawrenceville, we are providing a locally owned and operated option for all your buying or selling needs. We serve the entire Lake Country area through our referral network.”

Through all the hard work of running two companies, Baird said, at the end of the day, “it’s all about family for us. We wanted to start these businesses because we wanted to do this for our kids and our family. It’s for us to support them, but also to teach them values.”

“It’s so awesome to hear grandparents coming into the store, giving their grandkids that old-fashioned country store experience. It really makes it worth it to see that sense of family and community.”

The Lake Country General Store updates its Facebook page (facebook.com/LakeCountryGeneral/) often with information about new products, specialty items and store features. Customers can also visit the website at www.LakeCountryGeneral.com.

143 W. HICKS STREET • LAWRENCEVILLE, VA • (434) 532-8282

CHRIS BAIRD Broker

Enjoy our latest collection of items you are sure to love!

Jams • Jellies • Preserves • Fruit Butters • Sauces & Salsas Pickles & Relish • Honey • Peanuts • Country Hams & Meats Richland Dairy Products • Hoop Cheese Candy • Coffee • And Much More!

We are NOW OPEN and excited to bring you a nostalgic General Store experience!

WE ACCEPT

EBT

434-277-2742

info@LakeGastonRealty.net

We are excited to provide a locally owned and operated choice for all of your real estate needs.

Come see us next door!

County Lifestyle Magazine

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Robert F. Pecht, Sr. and Bobby Pecht are shown with the Clydesdale wagon in 1982.

Robert F. Pecht, Sr. in 1929 when he came to Brunswick.

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County Lifestyle Magazine

above: Some of the members of the Pecht Distributors, Inc. team are, Mike Brown, left, Tony Gibson, Mike Howell, Robbie Pecht, Darrious Hargrove, Cindy Pecht, George Easter, and Jordan Lee.

Pecht Distributors, Inc. Building on a family tradition

In 1929, Robert F. Pecht, Sr. and his father, Isaac H. Pecht, came to Lawrenceville when they purchased an ice plant and started Brunswick Ice & Coal Co., Inc. Over the years, Robert, Sr. and his wife Frances Pecht sold coal, furniture, appliances, bottled gas, and oil. Soon after the repeal of Prohibition, the Pechts were

approached by Anheuser-Busch, Inc. and were asked to distribute their products in eight counties in Southside Virginia. Robert and Frances Pecht’s son, Bobby, Jr., joined the company after military service in Korea and working in other careers.

Today, siblings Robbie Pecht and Cindy Pecht are fourth generation beer distributors.

They consider their dedicated, communityminded employees to be the best in the business, and they attribute the success and longevity of the company to them. In fact, 75% of the full time employees have been with Pecht Distributors, Inc. for over 10 years, and more than half of the employees have been with the company for over 20 years.

Distributed locally by:

Pecht Distributors

514 New Street, Lawrenceville, VA 23868 (434) 848-2322

Teamwork makes it happen.

By pulling together, we can accomplish great things.

All of us at Pecht Distributors proudly support our local business community for leading the way.

County Lifestyle Magazine

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Brunswick Insurance Agency serving with pride since 1893

LAWRENCEVILLE – Brunswick Insurance Agency located at 233 North Main Street has been serving the area since 1893. The agency has always strived to provide excellent customer service.

Ray Thomas is president and his number one priority is to carry on his father’s legacy of “not being in the insurance business but people business.” Ray’s father, Gene Thomas, started in the insurance business with the State Corporation Commission before moving back home in 1960 to care for his mother. Ray started working at the Agency after school in the summer until he graduated from college and began working full time in 1985. He has been with the Agency for 34 years and is knowledgeable in all areas of insurance.

Judy P. Hayes is an agent that made Brunswick Insurance Agency her home in 1976 after working at Southside Insurers.

She has been with the Agency for 43 years and has the knowledge and experience to help our insurers with their many insurance questions and needs.

Pam Thomas is an agent, coming from a banking background, that started with Brunswick Insurance Agency in 1994 as a part time bookkeeper. That part time job turned into a full time insurance agent/bookkeeping job. She has been with the agency for 25 years and also has the knowledge and experience needed to help our customers.

We lost a very dear and devoted member of our insurance family this year when Ray’s dad, Gene Thomas, passed away in January. He had worked at the Agency for 58 years and generously passed his knowledge of insurance onto all his employees.

Ray said Brunswick Insurance Agency is an Independent Agent meaning the company has access to several other companies to match the right company to the customer. Some of the companies are: Northern Neck Insurance, Donegal Insurance Company of Virginia, Foremost Insurance, Agents Insurance Company, Main Street Insurance, National General Insurance, and others. With so many companies to quote from Ray stated, “We do our best to find the best company to meet the needs of our customers.”

Being on Main Street is an advantage and across from the county offices is a definite advantage. Lawrenceville is the county seat and there is certainly more visitors on court days. Ray said one of the challenges facing the Agency is internet based quotes.

He encouraged the public to be sure they are comparing the same coverage when they receive internet quotes. One advantage of “brick and mortar” agencies is having an agent that you can talk to face to face.

Brunswick Insurance Agency’s motto is “Quotes are free. One of two things will happen after getting a quote from us. You will either feel better about what you are paying for your current policy OR you will find your coverage at a better price and save money.”

The company has remained locally owned and the staff believe in the importance of building a relationship with their clients.

The agents are involved and active in several community organizations that work toward bettering our community.

Call (434) 848-2112 for more information. Visit the website at www.brunswickinsagency.com or email them at brunswickins@ aol.com.

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County Lifestyle Magazine

The Brunswick Insurance Agency strives to provide great customer service. Judy Hayes, left, - secretary/treasurer, Ray Thomas – president, and Pam Thomas – vice president, would love to talk with you about your insurance needs. (Sylvia Allen/Brunswick Times-Gazette)

The Brunswick Insurance Agency

Best Insurance Company 233 North Main Street • Lawrenceville, VA 23868 Phone 434-848-2112

Home, Life, Auto, Motorcycle Your Independent Insurance Agency Serving this community since 1925 Let us insure your future!

Brunswick Byways Visitor Center

If you are hungry for adventure and leisure, our table is always open here in Brunswick. Brunswick has the perfect recipe offering a variety of flavors to indulge in such as outdoor recreation, historic exploration, cultural experiences and our famous, Brunswick Stew.

But stew is not all we serve up.

Get a taste of adventure and rich history at our Taste of Brunswick Festival held annually on the second Saturday, in October. Indulge in a unique fine dining experience at The Kennon House in Gasburg, Virginia, one of Virginia’s historic treasures.

Absorb the beautiful sights at the only waterfront bar and grille on Lake Gaston, Virginia the Shady Shack Grille and Flip Flop Bar in Bracey, Virginia.

Brunswick has a variety of options to please every taste bud from your traditional Italian Favorites to Southern Hometown cooking.

The Club House Grill in Lawrenceville, Virginia has our delicious Brunswick Stew year-round, stop in and grab a delicious bowl any day of the week or explore our Brunswick Stew Tour! The Brunswick Stew Tour highlights our famous Brunswick Stew in a variety of experiences throughout Brunswick County.

If your craving history, Brunswick has a number of our historic sites and trails; Travel along The Civil War Trail, The Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail, and The Tobacco Heritage Trail which spans 14 miles across our county from Lawrenceville to Brodnax along the previous Norfolk and Southern Train Rail.

Another historic treasure is Fort Christianna, in 1714 it was the western most outpost of the British Empire and a trading hub until it was disbanded in 1718. It is also a designated stop on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Now, you may have an appetite for adventure, Lake Gaston is a prime location for boating, fishing, paddling, tubing, skiing, and more to satisfy the adrenaline rush you crave. You can even satisfy your cravings for adventure from the sky, riding with Sand Dollar Seaplanes over Lake Gaston. Lake Phoenix is across the way in Rawlings, Virginia, known to be the clearest water on the East Coast utilized as a scuba diving park.

Make sure you stop by Brunswick Lake, County Park at Great Creek Reservoir for other fishing and kayaking opportunities.

Brunswick County Country Club and Lake Gaston Golf Club are great places to Tee off.

The Club in Gasburg, Virginia has bowling and other adventures at their resort location. If you need to relax, Lake Gaston Lodges or Brunswick Mineral Springs Bed and Breakfast are perfect places to unwind after all your adventure.

Still hungry? Visit the Brunswick Byways Visitor Center and Brunswick’s first ever LOVEwork located at 13516 Christanna Highway Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868 or visit our websites at www.brunswickco.com / www.visitbrunswickcova.com for more ideas to satisfy your taste buds.

We hope you savor the flavors of Brunswick and we hope to see you back at our table soon!

ROOT ROOT ELECTRIC LLC LLC ELECTRIC

GENERAC GENERATOR SPECIALIST

Sales/Service

Licensed in Virginia & North Carolina 1300 Park Side Road, Skipwith, VA 23968

434-372-5442 pat@rootelectric.net

www.RootElectric.net

Generac Automatic Standby Generator

County Lifestyle Magazine

9

Kyle Highsmith gave this painting to Michael Lopresti who built the home.

Southside Contractors, Inc.

Quality Building and Remodeling

By Sylvia Allen Editor SOUTH BRUNSWICK- Michael “Mike” Lopresti is a Class A Contractor and the owner of Southside Contractors, Inc. He takes great pride in his company and the services he provides. He enjoys all aspects of the construction business, including new construction and remodeling, and constantly strives to stay up to date on the latest trends and available customer options. Mike has been in business in Brunswick County since June 1996 and has worked hard to build a strong and loyal customer base.

“I consider customer referrals the best advertisement a company can have. At times we are blessed to have more work than we can handle, but this is a wonderful problem to have. Often customers contact me for work and the price of the job doesn’t even come up. This is mainly due to the trust we have created with the community and this means the world to me.”

Southside Contractors, Inc. has been serving Southside Virginia for over 24 years and examples of their work can been seen in a variety of forms, including new construction, small and large remodels, additions, and roofing. When asked if he preferred new construction or remodeling, he gave an interesting

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County Lifestyle Magazine

answer- “I’d have to say I enjoy remodeling jobs more than new construction.

Often with new construction there are very few surprises, but with remodeling I try my best to ensure we find the ‘wow’ factor. People are amazed when they see what we can accomplish in the space they already have. The trend lately seems to be replacement windows and large kitchen remodels that include an open concept with granite countertops that allow families the space to gather and fellowship.

Many people call Mike at all hours for advice and guidance that never end with a job. Recently a realtor asked him to come look at a house and recommend what work needed to be done because she trusted his judgment and experience.

Mike said he also has dozens of keys to properties around the county and Lake Gaston because the home owners have trusted him to repair any issues that arise with their properties. Some customers have become very close friends over the years. Mike said that Gloria Johnson is a long- time customer who now considers him her “son.” “She sat in the grandmothers’ section at my daughter’s wedding,” Mike said.

When asked about initial conversations he has with customers, he said that he always encourages them to start with their “wish list” and then they can go from there. “It’s easier to start at the top

and work down. We can make changes to fit almost any budget. I want people to get what they want, and I don’t want them to wish they had done something differently when the job is completed.”

When asked to share a challenge he faces, he said it would be to make sure his customers are up to date on the newest trends and construction techniques.

He shared how one customer wanted vinyl siding on her home but was sad and certain that her late husband’s handmade dental molding would be lost.

However, Mike was able to find the same dental molding in vinyl at Lawrenceville Building Supply and the customer was thrilled.

Mike closed our conversation by again stating how much he enjoys what he does. “I enjoy my work, but I enjoy the relationships with my customers more.

If I can’t do the work, I will help to find another reputable contractor to do it!”

Mike and his wife, Dede, have two children, Joey Lopresti who works at the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and Nikki Kallam who works at Chase City Health and Rehab. They also have four grandchildren.

For more information about Southside Contractors, Inc. call (434) 637-3572 or email them at southsidecontractorsinc@ hotmail.com

(434) 577-9043 Office/Home

(434) 637-3572 Cellular

southsidecontractorsinc@hotmail.com

Southside Contractors, Inc. Since 1996

Voted

#1

5 YEARS IN A ROW Best Building Contractor Best Roofing Contractor

Roofs, Kitchens, Baths, Additions, Windows, Siding & Boathouses Custom Homes

MICHAEL A. LOPRESTI Class A Lic. #2705 027761A For All Your Remodeling Needs County Lifestyle Magazine

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County Lifestyle Magazine

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13

New owner pledges to continue personal service, family atmosphere at Williams Funeral Home

By Christy Mumford Jerding Tommy Peters always wanted to help people in a unique way, and he found his calling helping families navigate the complex and emotional process of planning funerals for loved ones.

“It’s something that I wanted to do since my early teenage years,” Peters, a lifelong resident of Dinwiddie, said in a recent interview. “I went to church and met some people there (who worked in funeral services) and I admired them for the way they conducted themselves. I saw them as role models.”

This interest propelled Peters into a 25-year-long funeral industry career, most recently with J.T. Morriss & Son in Petersburg.

Now he is the new owner of Williams Funeral Home & Crematory in Lawrenceville.

“I knew that Emory (Samford) was thinking about retiring” at the same time Peters had been considering striking out on his own. “It was a perfect match.”

“Williams is a special place, and when you walk in the door you can tell there’s a special kind of energy,” Peters said.

“From the owner all the way down to the person who cleans the building, you can tell there’s a special level of care for the business and the families that we serve.

Williams Funeral Home “is one of the most trusted and wellrespected businesses in Southside Virginia. To be able to continue that tradition … I really can’t express how that makes me feel.”

Peters said that one of the things he admires most about Williams is the fact that it is a true family business. Founded in 1937 by Charles H. Williams, the business was continued by his son, F. Earl Williams, for 45 years. In 1982, it was acquired

by Emory Samford, who was joined in 2004 by his daughter, Katharine Samford.

Operating a funeral home these days is particularly challenging, Peters said, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the business “in a big way.”

“When a person dies, what is the first thing that you do? You gather around the loved ones, you bring them food,” he said.

“When the restrictions started and people could not gather together, folks were not allowed to do visitations and ceremonies were very limited. People really struggled with that.”

Some families even postponed funeral services until the gathering restrictions were lifted.

Now, “there is a large segment of the population that is still not comfortable going into groups of people. We have social dis-

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County Lifestyle Magazine

tancing, and people aren’t giving hugs or shaking hands. I hope that’s temporary.”

Even with these challenges, Peters said that “my approach has always been to simply be human and just try to make a connection with the family that lets them know I truly do care about what they’re experiencing.”

Helping families with funeral arrangements has changed tremendously during his career, Peters said.

“There are no longer cookie-cutter funerals,” he said. “There are lots of choices in ways to memorialize someone now.” For example, cremation is an option that is increasing in popularity and allows more flexibility in the type and timing of services, as well as innovations like commemorative jewelry. Other innovations include video tributes, online condolences options and more. “�������������������������������������������������������� Younger people don’t feel the attachment to certain cemeteries the way folks did in the past,” he said. “Services can be held in different locations, at night or on weekends, in their homes or favorite restaurants, banquet facilities or other special places.”

Peters said that part of his plans for the future include a new logo as well as a new website for Williams Funeral Home, with a fresh design, more information, better obituary navigation, a video memorial ordering system and other user-friendly features.

And although Peters said he will work to keep Williams upto-date with its services and options, the heart of the business will continue to be its commitment to personal service and a family atmosphere.

“The transfer to being at Williams has been great,” he said.

“Everyone has been very gracious and hospitable to me. Emory continues to come over and talk and assists with services.

Katharine is still working at home as she’s on maternity leave right now, but they all feel like family to me.”

Along with these familiar faces, Peter said that clients will see his children start to participate in the work as well. “I have two teenage sons, Thomas and Nicholas, and they will be around helping, washing cars or cutting grass.”

He also looks forward to meeting members of the community through his work with the Ruritan Club, Masonic Lodge, church and other local activities. “I want them to know that there’s nothing I’m not willing to do to help a family in need.”

“Every day I walk into the building and see (Charles Williams’) portrait, and hope that I’m making him proud,” Peters said.

Long time business sold

Thomas Peters is the new owner of Williams Funeral Home and looks forward to serving the community.

(Darian Liles/Brunswick Times-Gazette)

Our family... caring for yours Family Owned & Operated

for More than a Century in Lawrenceville, VA.

Williams Funeral Home & Crematory | Lawrenceville, VA 410 Windsor Ave. | 434-848-2113

www.williamsfuneralhomeva.com County Lifestyle Magazine

15

Martha Dodd-Slippy In the 1970s and 1980s two wonderful Christian, awesome ladies were, unbeknownst to me and them, creating my future.

Jean Clary (Bagley) and Pat Wilkie were, not jointly, setting up real estate offices; Jean in Virginia and Pat in North Carolina.

Jean eventually opened up Century 21/Clary in Emporia and Pat opened Wilkie Real Estate, Inc., in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. It is to them I owe my destiny and vocation.

Blessings to both of them.

Jean initiated the groundwork when her Office Manager, Brenda Pultz, spoke with me in August, 1995, about “coming aboard” as a real estate agent. In January, 1996, I began attending evening classes twice weekly for six months at the Long & Foster School in Richmond, Virginia. June 05, 1996, I was licensed and eager to start working as an agent with Jean and Century 21, Clary. She mentored me, regularly, in several one on one classes; focusing on those things critical to being an honest and successful agent.

My reasoning for pursuing a career in real estate it was and still is people oriented and I could assist people in making sound, home ownership decisions that would impact them and their loved ones for the rest of their lives. Most people have no idea how or where to begin their home ownership process.

As I began growing my business, Jean encouraged me to continue my comprehension of the real estate industry through professional development. I invested additional resources of time and money as I attended additional training throughout the state and endured state required examinations. Ultimately I earned the designations of GRI - Graduate of Real Estate Institute; ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative; SRS -Sellers Representative Specialist; SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist; and SFR - Shortsale Foreclosure Resource. The most challenging designation, with the highest honor which is the ABR Accredited Buyer Representative. No other agents/brokers in the Emporia area have achieved this designation. Additionally, I became certified to teach classes in home ownership, for the VHDA -Virginia Housing Development Authority, which I continue to do.

Due to Jean’s expansion into North Carolina, she encouraged me to attend classes and achieve my North Carolina agent license. Upon passing the North Carolina Real Estate exam, we ended up co-listing a commercial property - which, delightfully sold pretty quickly. I learned a great deal about commercial property from the beginning to end.

Unexpectantly, North Carolina changed their licensing laws; requiring all agents to become Brokers, or lose their license.

This occurred while I was in the middle of attending classes in

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County Lifestyle Magazine

Richmond to earn my Virginia Broker’s license, which required a year to complete. Between the years 2006 - 2007, however, I managed to successfully complete the classes and pass both state exams. 2007 was, at that time, my most productive year in real estate with buyers and sellers. Jean Clary had left the Emporia business.

In November, 2006, I joined Pat and Russ Wilkie’s agency, Wilkie Real Estate, Inc. to enhance my real estate knowledge in North Carolina. Pat and Russ Wilkie’s business acumen, honesty and vision for their role in the real estate industry was contagious. As they shared their strategic plan with me, I saw an opportunity to achieve a wonderful sharing as well as accomplish my own goals.

There are several areas of the business I wish to expand in Emporia, including adding an assistant agent licensed in North Carolina and Virginia. As a member of the Crater Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Team, I am excited by the possibilities created by Emporia and Greensville County’s growth. When I meet newcomers to the area, I provide a free, three-hour, tour of “My Emporia” (including the County, of course); whether or not they are clients.

In an effort to develop peoples (not solely agents), knowledge and understanding of real estate, I have authored a book titled To Real Estate Agents ...Volume One ... Homicide and Other Subjects You Slept Through in Class.

Something not realized by most agents/brokers and the public in general; according to the US Census Bureau, the number one cause of real estate agent’s death on the job is HOMICIDE. This is documented by events provided in 5 chapters: assaults; homicides; attorney and mortgage fraud, misrepresentation and murder, too; real estate agent atrocities; and home inspections. The 419 page book offers many Best Practices, for those in and out of the business, developed after studying the mistakes, presumptions, and errors of others. Buyers and sellers will learn why certain criteria are required; to protect all associated with home ownership. Other interesting stories include attorneys, banking and home inspections.

Volume Two will provide other informative chapters including survival techniques; and the problems, problems, problems of building a home..

My primary goal for Volume One is to alert and possibly save the life of an agent who is unaware of the potential pitfalls and problems within the industry; while donating 51% of the net profits to charity.

The book can be purchased by contacting myself or through Amazon.com.

“

Martha Dodd-Slippy COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • LAND

North Carolina and Virginia Licensed Associate Broker.

Associate Broker (VA/NC) GRI, ABR, SRES, SRS, SFR, AUTHOR

Knowledgeable of Southern VA and North Eastern NC

Real Estate is Financial Wealth

W ilkie Office: 252-537-9012 712 Roanoke Ave. Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870

Call Martha for info on any listing 434-604-4444 MarthaDoddSlippy@gmail.com

Located in Emporia at 111 Baker Street • By Appointment Only

www.wilkierealestate.com

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Suggested Clubs and Organizations to check out in Emporia and Greensville County Emporia/Greensville Chamber of Commerce Emporia Rotary Club Raparian Woman’s Club Meherrin Ruritan Club Veterans of Foreign Wars American Legion 100 American Legion, BULLA POST NO. 46 Sorority Beta Sigma Phi Jarratt Volunteer Fire Department Greensville Volunteer Rescue Squad Greensville Ruritan Club Purdy Boy Scouts Troop #232 Hicksford DAR Greensville Volunteer Fire Department Muddy Water Riding Club Emporia/Greensville Recreation Association Tophand Sports Sadler Fan Club For contact information for these clubs go online or contact your local Chamber of Commerce.

Suggested Clubs and Organizations to check out in Lawrenceville and Brunswick County Brunswick Mayfield Recreation Center Lawrenceville Lions Club Brunswick Chamber of Commerce Lawrenceville Rotary Club Alberta Volunteer Fire Department Lawrenceville Volunteer Fire Department 18

County Lifestyle Magazine

Ebony Volunteer Fire Department Gasburg Volunteer Fire Department Triplet Volunteer Fire Department Central Volunteer Rescue Squad Brodnax Volunteer Fire Department Dolphin Volunteer Fire Department Brunwick Garden Club Rawlings Neighborhood Watch Brunswick Dixie Youth League Red Oak Ruritan Club Central Ruritan Club For contact information for these clubs go online or contact your local Chamber of Commerce.

Jessica H. Taylor, Broker 757-334-3039 Keith Prince, Realtor/Agent 434-637-1397 Kathy Coward, Realtor/Agent 757-653-7871

Specializing in: Residential, Commercial, Farms & Property Management 23211 Main Street, Capron, Virginia 23829 & 202 Hicksford Avenue Ste D, Emporia, Virginia 23847

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