Western Tidewater Living Winter 2015

Western Tidewater

Living

A pointed approach Affiliates of Sportsman’s Hunting Preserve talk bird dogs and the process of training them

Magical Christmas memories

Reliving childhood memories of meeting ‘The Real Santa’ and the Snow Queen at the Miller & Rhoads department store

Catching up with...

Ann Councill Brown, with her husband, Ryan, has traveled far to give back and help those less fortunate WINTER 2015 • vol. 6, no. 4

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4 western tidewater living

Cover photograph

by Rebecca Chappell ON THE COVER: Kali Fillhart, singer for Same Time Tomorrow, at band practice.

Western Tidewater

Living

Tony Clark Publisher Rebecca Chappell Staff Writer Stephen Cowles Staff Writer Andrew Lind Sports Editor Ryan Outlaw Designer Loretta Lomax Editorial Assistant Mitzi Lusk Advertising Director Sameerah Brown Advertising Representative Shana Councill Advertising Representative Michelle Gray Office Manager Western Tidewater Living is published four times a year by Tidewater Publications, LLC P.O. Box 497, Franklin, VA 23851 757-562-3187 Advertising rates and information available upon request to ads@tidewaternews.com.

Subscriptions are $20 annually in-state, $24 annually out of state and $30 annually overseas.

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Bird Dogs: The more stylish ones

26

Catching up with..

Ann Councill Brown

Affiliates of Sportsman’s Hunting Preserve talk bird dogs and the process of training them

Ann Councill Brown, with her husband, Ryan, has traveled far to give back and help those less fortunate

western tidewater living

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winter

2015 contents party pix

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Chambermember Fest Left: Chamber President Kim Williams, Ashley Cotton, Mallory Taylor and Matt Tuttle at the 2015 Chambermember Fest in October. Below: A group shot of the festivities.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY TERESA BEALE

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A pasttime of delight

western tidewater living 19

Irving Jenkins annually sets up an eye-catching holiday display

where am I?

In each edition, our magazine staff provides a challenge of sorts for readers, testing how much of Western Tidewater they really know.

We photograph a scene in Western Tidewater that is visible to motorists or pedestrians.

Whoever can identify the location pictured above will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate.

For the summer edition, photo by Andrew Lind

So, if you know where this issue’s photo was taken, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner.

E-mail your answers to magazine@ tidewaternews.com

6

Party pix See what Western Tidewater has been up to this past season.

19

Tell us where our photographer took this photo and get a chance to win a gift certificate.

Go out and enjoy Western Tidewater!

38 western tidewater living

what to do THURSDAY, JAN. 21

‘Tell Me a Story’ series: Children ages 3 to

5 and their families are invited to visit the Isle of Wight County Museum for “Tell Me a Story,” a monthly program designed to introduce youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight County through books, games and crafts. The story times are offered from 10 to 10:30 a.m. The winter/ spring schedule for Tell Me a Story includes Jan. 21, Feb. 18, March 17, April 21 and May 19. Call 356-1223 or visit www. historicisleofwight.com for details.

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FRIDAY, JAN. 22

DMV2Go: DMV2GO will be at the Isle of

Wight County Administrative Building, 17090 Monument Circle, Isle of Wight (Admin Parking Lot) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, JAN. 23

NSA art show and sale: The opening recep-

tion of the annual exhibition and sale begin this day, and continues to Sunday, Jan. 31. Call 539-8789 or visit www. nsacademy.org for details.

TUESDAY, JAN. 26

Reliving the magic

Christmas memories shared with former Snow Queen of Miller & Rhoads

SoCo knitters and crocheters: Come knit or

crochet with us. Novice beginners to advanced are welcome every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Walter Cecil Rawls Library, 22511 Main St., Courtland. For more information, call 653-2821.

THURSDAY, JAN. 28

Frosty crafts: Children will make a sparkly

snowflake and a snowflake painting. They will also created a scratch-art snow globe.

FRIDAY, JAN. 29

Seafood buffet: The Airfield 4-H Confer-

ence Center will have a Sizzlin’ Seafood Buffet from 5 to 8 p.m. The cost per person is $26. For reservations call 899-4901.

Come and enjoy a large variety of seafood and vegetables and a huge selection of desserts. All proceeds from this event support the 4-H summer camps.

be country/oldies/Motown featured by BJ Norwood and The Desert Dust Band.

There will be BBQ, homemade desserts and soft drinks available for purchase. In case of snow, the event will be on Feb. 5, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, JAN. 30

Baseball signups: The Hunterdale Ruritans

will have baseball signups from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Hunterdale Volunteer Fire Department. Teams sponsored will be for T-ball, Coach Pitch, Mustang Bronco and Pony. All teams participate in the Southampton-Sussex Baseball Leagues.

For more information contact Murray Turner at 569-8607.

SUNDAY, JAN. 31

Fundraising lunch: Boykins Lodge No. 287

will hold a fund-raising lunch from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Boykins Baptist Church.

The grilled pork chop meal will be $9, eat in or take out. For more information, call 354-2751 or email info@boykinslodge287.org.

Health care enrollment: The Jan. 31 open

enrollment deadline is quickly approaching to enroll in insurance through the Affordable Care Act! Find out how to get health coverage through the Marketplace, and avoid getting a penalty for not having coverage! Claressa Strawn, a certified In-Person Assister will be holding several workshops at the following locations. Please call to schedule an appointment at 434-316-4197. Every Monday in January from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ruth Camp Campbell Library, 280 N. College Drive, Franklin and Thursday, Jan. 14 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Courtland Community Center, 25499 Florence St., Courtland.

THURSDAY, FEB. 4

Artful Thursdays: The Rawls Museum Arts

program will be from 3:30 to 5 p.m. for ages 6-10. Tuition is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. The library is located at 22376 Linden St., Courtland. For more information, call 653-0754.

take place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Bethlehem Ruritan Community Center, 140 Manning Road, Suffolk. There will

SATURDAY, FEB. 6

Walter Cecil Rawls Library from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and learn how to make warm vanilla sugar scrub from simple and inexpensive ingredients. Makes a thrifty gift for yourself or a friend. Registration is required. The library is located at 22511 Main Street, Courtland.

TUESDAY, FEB. 9

Book Lovers Sale: The Walter Cecil Rawls

Library will have a Book Lovers Sale on Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library is located at 22511 Main Street, Courtland.

SATURDAY, FEB. 13

Valentine’s dance: Grab your sweetheart

and come out for great music and dancing featuring Silver Street and Hickory Knoll from 8 to 12 a.m. at the Southampton County Fairgrounds. Tickets will be 425 per person. All proceeds go to support Courtland Youth Athletic Association. For tickets or more information, email info@courtlandyaa.org Steak supper: The Courtland Ruritan Club

will host its annual steak supper on Saturday, Feb. 13. Tickets are $20 and are available from any club member, Edwards Hardware and Nottoway House. Seatings for the meal are 5:30, 6:15 and 7 p.m.

Takeouts are available from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 17

African folktales: Walter Cecil Rawls Li-

brary will present African Folktales by Bright Star Touring Theatre at 5 p.m. Join two storytellers as they share wonderful stories. For more information, call the library at 653-2821.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

Spring craft show: The annual Spring Fling Newsoms Ruritan bingo: Come play bingo

Bethlehem Ruritan Jam: This event will

be on sale at 6:30 p.m. and calling begins at 7 p.m. For more information, call Betty Darden at 654-6355.

Warm vanilla sugar scrub: Come to the

on the first Thursday of each month with the Newsoms Ruritans. The event takes place at 29204 Main Street at the Ruritan Building. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will

Craft Show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Farm Fresh in Franklin. Spaces are $30 and the fees go to Children Hospital of the King’s Daughters. For more information, call Shirley Billups at 620-5499.

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Looking for something to do?

Check out our calendar of events.

6 western tidewater living

party pix

Chambermember Fest Left: Chamber President Kim Williams, Ashley Cotton, Mallory Taylor and Matt Tuttle at the 2015 Chambermember Fest in October. Below: A group shot of the festivities.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY TERESA BEALE

western tidewater living

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Franklin-Southampton Concert Series Top right: Ann Bain and Helen Gillette of Capron before the performance of “The Wonderful Wizard of Song.” Bottom right: Theresa Applewhite with Brock and Grant Applewhite in front joined by J.B. McCrickard. Below: Louise Harrup of Courtland with friends Cully and Connie Culpepper from Deep Creek in Chesapeake. They attended the Walter Noona Trio’s holiday concert on Dec. 6.

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

western tidewater living

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Congressman Randy Forbes visits area students Top: Courtland Mayor Danny Williams and Chamber President Kim Williams with Congressman J. Randy Forbes at the Congressional Comments and Conversation event, held at Southampton High School on Nov. 13. Students from Franklin High School and Southampton Academy joined Southampton High School students in the auditorium for the program. Bottom: Congressman Forbes with Debra Holt and the Culinary Arts Students.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY TERESA BEALE

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western tidewater living

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Congressman Randy Forbes visits area students Top: Congressman Forbes greeted by student ambassadors. Bottom: Community Electric Co-op President Steven Harmon and Congressman Forbes PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY TERESA BEALE

western tidewater living

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16 western tidewater living

party pix

Small Business Saturday Participants in Small Business Saturday shopping were invited to take selfies while visiting area small businesses. Left: Claudio Visconti, Harold Burkett, Victoria Macedo, Renato Macedo and Kimberly Burkett at Hubs. Bottom left: Ned, Sedley Ann and Rose Jeter at Hubs. Bottom right: Kim Williams, left, and Nancy Brock at the Peanut Patch in Courtland.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

party pix

western tidewater living

Small Business Saturday Participants in Small Business Saturday shopping were invited to take selfies while visiting area small businesses. Left: Gerry Patnesky and Dodi Thompson at Alphabet Soup. Right: Santa, Mrs. Claus and Gerry Patnesky of Alphabet Soup.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

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party pix

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40 Under 40 Pictured are Maryann and Brad Turner at the Inside Business Hampton Roads 40 under 40 event held in Norfolk on Oct. 14. Brad, who The Chamber nominated is a Board member of the Chamber, was selected for this honor.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY TERESA BEALE

western tidewater living

where am I?

In each edition, our magazine staff provides a challenge of sorts for readers, testing how much of Western Tidewater they really know.

We photograph a scene in Western Tidewater that is visible to motorists or pedestrians.

Whoever can identify the location pictured above will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate.

For the summer edition, photo by Andrew Lind

So, if you know where this issue’s photo was taken, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner.

E-mail your answers to magazine@ tidewaternews.com Go out and enjoy Western Tidewater!

19

20 western tidewater living

western tidewater living

BIRD DOGS The more stylish ones.

O

ne of the most popular things to do in fall and winter in the Western Tidewater is to hunt.

Most articles and stories you read, are about deer hunting and hound dogs.

However, another very popular hunting that goes on in this area is bird hunting.

Although there aren't as many bird hunters in the area as there are deer hunters, those who do bird hunt say the dogs are fascinating to watch.

Carl Outland, owner of of Sportsman's Hunting Preserve in Carrsville, and his son Taylor, who is a guide for the preserve, say it's their favorite type of hunting and they love working with the dogs.

They own several bird dogs that they use on their preserve and for their own hunting. The kind of bird dogs they own are English setters.

“English setters are easy going, but so are most bird dogs,” Taylor said. “Many people have them doubled as pets and hunting dogs.”

Carl said, “You have to think of the dogs as companions if you are going to use them as bird dogs though.”

Any kind of pointing or retrieving dog can be a bird dog. Some other kinds of these dogs are Boykin Spaniels, Chesa-

story and photos by Rebecca Chappell

peake Bay Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, English Pointers, English Springers and more.

The dogs have to be trained to point at the birds, which is a long process.

“I start training the dogs from the time they are about 10 weeks old,” Jeff Scott of Chesapeake said. He is another guide for the preserve and is also a bird hunter and bird dog owner/trainer.

Taylor explained the actual process of training the dogs.

“When they're a puppy you start off with letting them smell birds and see birds. They will try to chase and catch the birds at first, but eventually their natural instincts will take over when they realize they cannot catch them,” he continued. “That's when they start pointing.

This takes a lot of time and a lot patience.”

The next part of the training takes the dogs out of the pens, and puts them in the field.

“You take them out into the field, put pigeons out and get the dogs good and used to pointing at them.

You then move them over to quail. Once they get their style good with quail, they are considered broke. It just takes a lot of birds and a lot of time,” Taylor added.

Carl said,“You let the dogs see birds

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22 western tidewater living and they learn that's what they are going to hunt. Eventually their natural instincts kick in. They just know to start pointing.”

This process generally takes about two years, but for some dogs it takes longer.

“Typically, it takes a year and a half to two years to get a dog officially broke.

You can work a young dog everyday, but it still takes time. You have to let them go at their own pace. But you can't expect much if you don't get them out a lot,” Scott said.

Taylor added, “The more they are worked and the more birds, the better.”

All bird dogs point, however, not all of them retrieve.

“They can be natural retrievers or force broke to retrieve,” Taylor said. “I've never force-broke a dog to retrieve because it takes even longer to do that than it does to train them to point. Some of

Jeff Scott, a bird hunter and guide for Sportsman’s Hunting Preserve, sitting with his dog on his tailgate after they finished a hunt.

western tidewater living

our dogs were trained to retrieve before we got them.”

Regardless of the type of training, the dogs trainer has to have patience and the dogs need repetition.

Carl said,“You always want to end each session on a happy ending. You don't want to get upset with the dog or yourself.”

Scott added, “You have to have a lot of patience and a lot of time. You can't rush them.”

Qualities that make a good bird dog are a good listener, a close worker and one that is stylish. For a bird dog to be stylish, it means that they have a straight tail when they point and they have a good hunt pattern.

“Style and stamina are qualities of a good bird dog,” Carl said.

Scott added, “Good natural instinct and class are other good qualities.”

Right: Taylor Outland, bird hunter and guide for Sportsman’s Hunting Preserve, waiting for the dogs to catch the scent of a bird.

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24 western tidewater living

On the other hand, bad qualities are when they're gun shy, they don't listen and when they do the worst thing imaginable, eat the birds when they run to retrieve them.

Some bird dogs like to work together, while others work better alone. If they are good at working together, many hunters like to run more than one at a time.

“We normally run our dogs two at a

time, but you could run as many as you want if they are trained well and listen. I wouldn't go over three personally though, because then the dogs might get spread out,” Taylor said.

Typically the dogs can last on a hunt for a couple of hours as long as it is not too hot and for several hunters, they are fascinated each time the dogs show off their skill.

When asked why he loves bird hunting and bird dogs so much, Taylor said, “I love watching them. There's just nothing better than seeing one point.”

Carl added, “I love seeing the dogs work and having the birds fly good.”

Scott said, “I love watching the dogs. It's all about the dogs. Especially if you start with a puppy and train them and bring them along yourself.” 

26 western tidewater living Ann Councill Brown, with her husband Ryan, , son Owen, daughter Julia, and Jonas Roa, a boy from the Dominican Republic they hosted while he was having several surgeries performed.

Ann Councill Brown A

nn Councill Brown, a native of Franklin, has traveled far and wide giving back and helping those who are less fortunate in recent years along with her husband, Ryan Brown. Ann, daughter of Jim and Bambi Councill, grew up on Boxwood Farms on Hunterdale Road.

She attended Southampton Academy all through her school-aged years, and is a proud graduate of the University of Virginia where she met her husband.

Ann and Ryan have two children, Owen, who is six and a first grader, and a sweet

story by Rebecca Chappell Photos submitted by Ann Councill Brown

pre-schooler named Julia, who is three.

Ann completed three years at UVA before taking two years off to serve a religious mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was assigned to serve for 18 months in Colorado Springs.

This spurred her love for the west, which would eventually become her home.

“Leaving the comfort of UVA and venturing out on a mission was difficult, but one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It was the greatest growing experience of my life,” Brown said. “I learned a great deal of

patience, the joy of service to others and a lot of perseverance.”

While on the mission, Brown and her future husband at the time, who were merely friends at UVA, kept in contact through old-fashioned letter writing. They shared their individual experiences and their relationship developed while she was gone.

“You really get to know someone when you write letters back and forth every week. We became best friends and shared everything, good and bad, about our current experiences,” Brown continued. “He

western tidewater living

was a trusted confidant, as he too had served a mission and could relate to my challenges and successes. The moment I saw him once I returned, I knew we had cultivated more than a friendship.”

After the mission, Brown returned to UVA and finished up her undergraduate degree in Sociology with a minor in Urban Planning, while Ryan finished up his graduate medical degree. They soon married and moved to St. Louis, Missouri, for five years, while Ryan completed his Ears, Nose and Throat residency.

“St. Louis was such a wonderful part of our life. We loved living there. Being married to a resident was difficult but it brought us closer together. Our first years of marriage were there, my first job was there – Big Brothers Big Sisters – doing non-profit event planning, and we began our family there. St. Louis will always hold a special place in our hearts,” Brown said.

They then moved to Ft. Worth, Texas, for Ryan’s dual fellowship, one year intensive medical training in two specialties, Head and Neck Cancer surgery and Plastics and Reconstructive surgery. As part of Ryan’s plastic surgery training, he learned how to fix cleft palates and cleft lips, which was one of his life dreams. After completing all of the medical training, they moved to Denver, Colorado, where they have been for the past three years.

It was Ryan’s life dream to get involved with cleft mission work. At a medical conference in 2012, Ryan learned about an organization called Healing the Children (HTC). Healing the Children is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children all over the world who are in need of specialized medical and surgical care that is not available to them in their own country. As of today, there are 17 chapters in the United States. The organization has three components: medical missions abroad, local charity work and inbound children, this is where the organization brings children to the United States and have them stay with a host family while they receive medical care. Soon after this conference Ryan was invited to participate in a medical mission in Peru, and Ann found a way to tag along.

“I went on an ‘alternative spring break’ trip to Nicaragua in college. It was the first time I had seen real poverty and people in need in a third world country,” Brown continued. “I knew then that I wanted to be a part of helping those people, but had no idea how to do so. When Ryan and I first started talking about medi-

Owne, Ann’s son, wearing matching Superman shirts with Jonas.

Julia, Ann’s daughter, playing at the park with Jonas.

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28 western tidewater living Ann and Ryan holding a child, during one of the mission trips, before going into surgery

The anesthesiologist from one of the mission trips, checking out a patient’s heart for screening.

Ryan holding a child he operated on with her before photo.

cal mission work I knew I wanted to be involved, but how? I’m not a doctor and have no medical training. However, I am very organized, I worked in event planning and I can handle logistics. So, I found my niche and a way to help, but had a lot to learn first.”

On their first trip with Healing the Children Ryan and Ann went to Lima, Peru, in April, 2013.

Ryan went as a surgeon and Ann as the team photographer. In those roles they learned everything they could about how the organization functioned and what it took to run a mission. The team leader of that mission offered to let Ryan and Ann take over the following year. Eight months later they were running the whole show, Ryan as the medical team leader handling all the equipment, supplies and recruiting all team members.

Ann handled everything non-medical: flights for the team of 30, food, hotel and transportation, all the government documents for the team, patient charting and reporting.

“We thought it would be years before we ever ran our own mission, assuming one day we would form our own non-profit. But this opportunity literally fell into our laps,” Brown added. “How do you say ‘no’ to a well-run machine on a silver platter? So we accepted the invitation to take over the Lima, Peru, site, bring our own team and began making plans to form our own chapter of Healing the Children in Colorado. It has been quite a learning curve, and this little ‘side project’ is much more like a full time job. After the kids go to bed and during nap times everyday for six months out of the year, its pretty all consuming, but worth it.”

Ryan and Ann officially formed Healing the Children Rocky Mountains, which has jurisdiction over Colorado and Utah, in May of 2014.

Their team of nurses, surgeons, pediatricians, anesthesiologists and administrative staff volunteer to participate in these medical missions. They pay their own way, use vacation time to go and work harder and longer hours than a regular work week.

“Ryan and I don’t get paid anything to do what we do – and that’s how we want to keep it. Everyone pays their own way, us included. One hundred percent of the donations people send in to us go directly towards the patients for patient travel and lodging, some travel great distances to come

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see our team, and to general mission needs like purchasing medications and supplies,” Brown said.

The most recent medical mission Ann and Ryan led was the week before Halloween. They took a team of 27: six surgeons, five anesthesiologists, one pediatrician, seven nurses, two surgical techs, three speech therapists and three administrators.

During the one week-long mission, the team was able to screen 107 patients, operate on 68 children and perform 105 procedures, many children receiving more than one procedure.

“Cleft lips and cleft palates are very common in third world countries. The reason for the defects are multifactorial so not entirely predictable or preventable in these countries. We see it more in countries that have poor nutrition, poor pre-natal care and there is a genetic component,” Brown continued. “If a parent had either or both clefts, it is likely a child will have it too. The cleft defect affects these children’s whole life. It affects the way they speak, eat and look. These kids are socially ostracized and sometimes aren’t able to go to school and are hidden away. Sadly, there are a lot of myths that these defects are a direct result of some sins of the parents. That is absolutely not true. Ryan loves this surgery and always wanted to do these medical missions because in the matter of two hours he can change a child’s

whole life.”

Having no intention to engage in the other two areas of Healing the Children’s mission until their own children were older, Ann and Ryan were recently given the opportunity to participate in the Inbound program, bringing a 4 year old boy from the Dominican Republic to the States to receive major surgery. HTC’s New Jersey chapter takes an annual trip to the Dominican Republic each fall and in October of 2014, Jonas Roa came into their clinic looking for help.

“Jonas drank lye (main ingredient in Drain-o) when he was 1. It burned his esophagus and left him unable to eat, drink or even swallow his own salvia. For the three years Jonas ate through a Gtube in his stomach. On top of his own condition, Jonas’ mother has advanced breast cancer – so the need to get this child fixed quickly and returned to his mother was crucial,” Brown explained.

Unable to find someone in New Jersey to perform the surgery, HTC Rocky Mountains was able to make a connection with Children’s Hospital Colorado and the head of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Fritz Karrer, who preformed his surgery for free.

The next step after finding the right doctor was to find the right host family for Jonas. The host family is just that – a family for the child during their stay. The parents are to attend all doctors appointments, stay in the

A mother from one of the mission trips, who is from a poor mountain region in Peru, wearing a traditional dress, and carrying her baby in a blanket, while holding her toddler, who has a cleft lip and was later operated on.

Ryan holding Jonas Roa before his surgery. Also pictured are his surgeon, Dr. Fritz Karrer, his resident and his anesthesiologist.

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Ann, Ryan, Owen and Julia

hospital with them, and whatever else is needed to care for the child for the duration of their stay.

“Having never participated in the inbound program it didn’t feel right to ask someone else to take on such a big burden without having done it ourselves,” Brown said. “And ultimately, we felt like Jonas was supposed to be in our home with our family. The very reason I thought it was a bad idea, we still had small kids at home, ended up being the greatest blessing – he fit right in.”

Jonas came to live with the Browns on July 12. His surgery, on Aug. 20, lasted six hours. All of his medical fees were waved

by Children’s Hospital of Colorado – as free medical care is a requirement for the organization.

“The surgeon found that his esophagus was scarred all the way down, so he removed all of it and replaced it. They performed a gastric pull-up procedure where

they pull his stomach up and reshape it into a tube and attach it to his throat, it then functions as his esophagus from now on. All went well with the surgery and his recovery was smooth,” Brown continued. “Fourteen days after surgery, Jonas drank for the first time in over three years.

I gave him an array of drink options but his favorite was apple juice. It was such a wonderful moment to see him drink for the first time. It was as gratifying as seeing your own child take their first steps. He’d come so far, the surgery worked and it was the beginning of the rest of his new normal life.”

Jonas began intensive swallow therapy one month after his surgery. This particular therapy was setup to teach him how to eat and swallow. There were lots of miracles that accompanied Jonas’ recovery.

He flew through therapy and astonished everybody. He was not interested in eating baby food per recommendations, he

wanted to eat an apple, chips and pizza like all the other kids.

“Eating is such a social part of life – it’s what brings people together and especially in our family. Jonas always chose to not sit with us during meal times because he could not participate. It was hard to see, but his comfort zone was away from the food and the family at those times,” she said. “After his surgery there was a very real change that took place with Jonas’ personality. Once he began to eat and drink, it was as if felt he was ‘normal’. He didn’t shy away from other kids and seemed to be so much more confident. I couldn’t have asked for a better unexpected outcome to his surgery.”

On Monday, Dec. 7, he got the G-tube taken out. Another great milestone for Jonas, and another step to being “normal”.

“This too was an interesting emotional experience. Having the G-tube caused him pain when he would wrestle with the kids

western tidewater living Ann’s family had family photos taken while Jonas Roa was staying with them. Pictured are Ann’s children Julia and Owne, and Jonas.

or if it got bumped it would pull on his stomach,” Brown said. “When the doctors determined he didn’t need it any more, he was surprisingly hesitant to lose it.

“Taking out his G-tube was interesting for all of us. We were so excited to get rid of this thing that caused him pain at times, that reminded him of his ‘old life’ and that was a tie to a rather uncomfortable part of his past,” she added. “Yet, losing it was losing part of his identity. When we took it out I could see on his face that he wasn’t really sure how to act or feel about it. It was part of his identity. But…we moved on past it pretty quickly.”

Ann and Ryan have gotten to see Jonas Roa experience a lot of firsts, and that has been one of the most rewarding experiences for them.

“Watching Jonas eat his first popsicle was one of the happiest moments for me,” she said. “He sat between my own two kids and we all cheered!”

Jonas returned home to the Dominican Republic just before Christmas so he could be with his mother and family for the holiday. Jonas’ mother’s health was up and down the whole time he was with the Browns, but currently she is stable, though with cancer nothing is guaranteed.

“We were so sad to see Jonas leave our family, and simultaneously thrilled with the idea that he’d be back in his mother’s arms,” Brown said. “He came, had the surgery, flew through therapy and learned everything he needed about eating and drinking, grew to be part of our family – just another one of our own kids, and then it was time for him to go. It was very difficult to let him go, but the timing was right for him to return to his own family.”

Ann and Ryan wanted to make sure they returned Jonas home to his mother as soon as they could, so that him and his mother were able to spend as many good days together as possible.

“Ryan and I have been so truly blessed in our lives. We come from good families who taught us to love and serve others. We were both blessed to get a great education and have good jobs. Doing charity work is just a way to give back, to share what we have and take care of others, but more importantly we feel divinely guided to do this work,” she continued. “We talk about service to our kids a lot, and with the mission trips our kids see that it’s important to us.

But having Jonas in our home – that was a way they could participate first hand. It was a teaching moment and a blessing for us all.”

To learn more about Ann and Ryan’s non-profit you can visit www.healingthechildrenrm.org or www.htcrm.org. To make tax-deductible donations to help with their medical missions abroad, please see the Paypal link on their website or email Ann directly for contact information at annbrown9@gmail.com. 

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story and photos by Stephen H. Cowles

Appropriately, the spectacle of lights and decorations at Irving Jenkins' home on Knoxville Road in Windsor began simple enough 30 years ago with a manager scene. Well, that and an elf riding a bicycle, courtesy of his daughter, Melissa Davis.

"She'd always help me," Jenkins recalled. Today, when his granddaughter Aubrey, 2-1/2, visits, she'll inspect them.

"She's got to look at every one of them and give them hugs," he added with a big smile.

Today, it's 21,000 lights — correction, over 21,000 lights — but who's counting? Jenkins, of course, knows, but the number has become irrelevant. What is important, though, is the enjoyment derived from the extensive display.

His neighbors are among those people, and when a work schedule didn't permit him to set up the display a couple of years, they would call, "Why haven't you done your Christmas yet?"

Often he sees people slowing down as they drive by to take a closer look.

Having children get out of their parents' cars to have pictures taken is not an unusual request, and one that Jenkins welcomes.

Setting up the decorations begins two or three weeks before Thanksgiving, and they're usually ready by

that holiday. Everything comes down within a week after Christmas.

They used to stay up until Jan. 6, a date better known to some as the 12th Day of Christmas; to others it's the Feast of the Epiphany, which is when the Three Magi visited Mary, Joseph and Jesus. Call it what you will, that electric bill got to be a little too expensive. He figured it's $200 for the entire time the holiday lights are illuminated.

Incidentally, six circuit breakers are required to accommodate all the lights. Jenkins said the hardest part of all the arrangements, though, is putting them on the roofs of his home and garage.

Later he said the number is closer to 22,000, and 5,000 to 6,000 must be replace annually. This year, Jenkins added LED lights instead of the regular bulbs; a tugboat with an elf at the wheel is also new.

Over the decades, help in setting up would come from his daughter, who now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.

As to what motivates him in putting up all the lights and decorations year after year after year, Jenkins shrugged with a smile and said, "I just enjoy it ... it's a hobby."

It's a pastime that continues to delight. 

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Reliving the Magic story and photos by Stephen H. Cowles

Anyone who’s lived in Virginia long enough can tell you that for decades the real Santa Claus could be found in Richmond at the old Miller & Rhoads department store. It’s where families from throughout the commonwealth, and even surrounding states, would venture annually for a holiday experience they’d remember for a lifetime.

Recently, many were able to share their memories in the presence of someone who helped shape them: Donna Strother Deekens. What start-

ed out as a part-time holiday job for Deekens became a personal tradition that’s made a lasting impression on her own life. For many years she was a Snow Queen with “The Real Santa” at the store.

On Nov. 28, Deekens was the guest of The Peanut Patch in Courtland for a book-signing party. Her experiences are preserved in four books that she’s written over the years: • “Christmas at Miller & Rhoads: Memoirs of a Snow Queen;” • “Santaland: A Miller & Rhoads Christmas,” with illustrations by Sandra Jett Ball; • “Virginia’s Legendary Santa Trains,” co-written with Doug Riddell; and • “The Real Santa of Miller & Rhoads: The Extraordinary Life of Bill Strother.”

Dressed in a white sparkly gown much like she wore for her role, Deekens wasn’t there just to peddle her memoirs. She took the time with each person, each family, to answer questions and listen to their own recollections.

“Many remembered me and several brought the photos and asked if could identify the Santa,” Deekens said in a follow-up phone conversation. “So

many wanted to share about going to the tearoom and the elegance of the experience that they had with their children.”

One tradition was Santa giving out the Rudolph cake, which Chuck Arrington of Capron remembered fondly.

“We loved it,” he said with a smile.

Chuck and his brother, Kevin of Virginia Beach, were there at the signing with their families, including their mom, Jackie Arrington of Courtland.

“We took them [to M&R] from 1969 to 1974 until they got too smart,” she added while standing in line to meet the royal ambassador.

Another feature that people remembered was Eddie Weaver playing a piano or Hammond organ in the Tea Room during lunch with Santa.

“He is an icon,” Deekens said, adding that Weaver also played the Byrd Theatre in Richmond.

Others from the area who came for the signing were Amy Streich of Drewryville, Mary Stuart Alfano of Norfolk, formerly of Hillsboro, North Carolina, and Mary Patterson Vick of Courtland. Streich, for example, remembered getting on the Santa Train that ran from Richmond to to Ashland. Alfano, who lives in Norfolk

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now, said her family went up every holiday and spend all day to visit Santa, the Snow Queen, and get lunch and Rudolph cake in the tea room that had white and green sparkly decorations.

Deekens said that as some people told her their stories that day, they would tear up, the emotions are that strong.

“It’s just really incredible the connection that everyone has,” she said. “Not just with the store, but the whole grand department store era.

People dressing up and going downtown and making it a destination.

“I just think it was an amazing time. It really was.

It’s certainly engrained in the memories of those who experienced it. The romance of the era is like going back in time. Riding the [Santa] train was something very special. I don’t think we’ll ever see it again.

“Everyone who wanted to share something. They did so so sincerely. They felt a connection with me, even if they didn’t know me.”

••• A student at the Westhampton College of the University of Richmond in 1971, Deekens was majoring in journalism and theater when she applied for a Christmas job at the store. She found that a young lady was needed as a Snow Queen to assist Santa Claus.

“My background was in

theater and music and I thought maybe I was good fit,” Deekens said. “As a child, I visited Santa there.”

She added that “everybody from Tidewater,” and even busloads of people from North Carolina would come up to see this particular jolly old elf. Herself dressed in a bridal-style dress and equipped with a bit of training, Deekens also met with the youngsters as they waited their turn.

One Christmas followed another and Deekens continued in her role, which she evidently grew to love.

“It just kind of special helping Santa,” she recalled.

“I got the bug and I just continued it on.”

In fact, Deekens served as the winter royalty through 1989; the store closed in 1990, but she continued playing the role at Thalheimer’s from 1990-1991.

In her time at the store, Deekens worked with two Santas. One was Arthur “Chuck” Hood, who she remembered from when she was a child, and Dan Rowe.

Nor was Deekens the only Snow Queen; there were three and they’d alternate.

One of the notable features about this store’s Santa was that he would say the child’s name when he or she approached.

“Knowing names was the thing,” Deekens said. “The Snow Queen was the key.

Kids were amazed.”

This was a tradition started by Bill Strother, the original “Real Santa Claus,” who became the subject of one of her books. At one time he was known as “The Human Spider” because he climbed buildings. His reputation attracted the attention of silent film comedian Harold

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36 western tidewater living Lloyd, who used Strother in his film, “Safety Last.”

Tracing the genealogy, Deekens’ family learned he was a distant cousin.

“It was sort of ironic that I would end up becoming a Snow Queen,” she said, adding that the role was also originated

by Strother.

“He set the state literally and figura-

tively on the map,” Deekens said from her home in Midlothian. “The store was looking for something magical.”

As mentioned, she continued the role for just two more years at Thalheimer’s “I was busy being a mom, but would do it for a few private parties,” Deekens said. “After 20 years, I had quite a few stories. People kept talking about it as

Mary Stuart Alfano, left, and Sandy Vick of Ivor visit Deekens during her recent visit at The Peanut Patch in Courtland, which hosted the book-signing.

Kevin Arrington of Virginia Beach, left, and his brother, Chuck Arrington of Capron with the Snow Queen. Their young men’s mother, Jackie Arrington of Courtland, remembered the family driving up to see Santa Claus at Miller & Rhoads each Christmastime from 1969 to 1974.

if it were just yesterday.”

The impetus for writing a book came in 2008. Deekens and one of her girlfriends went to a book signing for “Under the Clock: The Story of Miller & Rhoads,” by George Bryson, an executive vice president at the store for many years, and Earle Dunford, who wrote for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and is a journalism professor.

“I said it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Deekens told them about writing her own memoir, and they replied, “Why don’t you?”

She observed that “Under the Clock,” did quite well because people wanted that nostalgia.

After contacting History Press, a proposal was submitted in February 2009.

“It was not just the stories that I remembered. I interviewed other Snow Queens and Santas and customers and what it meant to them,” Deekens said, who added that “Christmas at Miller & Rhoads: Memoirs of a Snow Queen” was dedicated to her father, who died that July.

The success of that book encouraged her to write a children’s book, “Santaland: A Miller & Rhoads Christmas,” which came out in 2010.

The book on the Santa Trains, written in 2013 with Doug Riddell, features a chapter on the train that ran Sedley from the late 1940s to the mid-1950s.

Deekens had participated in one that ran from Richmond to Ashland, where Santa and the Snow Queen would await the arrival of the children and parents, often numbering in the hundreds and up to 1,500.

“I’m happy to say they’ve [the books] done well,” Deekens said.

Today, she and her husband, Bill Deekens, have two grown sons, Brent

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and Greg, and their dog, “Missy.” She owns and services as director of her traveling tea party business, Teapots, Treats & Traditions.

••• Judy Riddick of The Peanut Patch said that Deekens was already familiar with Western Tidewater through her college roommate, Donna Kingery Hudgins, formerly of Franklin. Deekens’ visit comes through her own contact with Riddick. She herself also has fond memories of trips to the Miller & Rhoads with her children and grandchildren to see whom Riddick also called “The Real Santa Claus.”

Up until last year, the family photos taken at the store were used in past holiday catalogs.

“It brings back many, many fond memories for a lot of people,” Riddick said of the store. “That was just part of Christmas. Miller & Rhoads was such an icon. It was the epitome of old-time shopping.”

When she was learned of Deekens’ books and offer, Riddick said, “It just had to be. I had to make it happen.”

Deekens spoke highly of the visit afterward.

“I had a wonderful time at The Peanut Patch. I think everyone had a great time,” she said, adding that recounting their memories took them to a “warm and fuzzy place they can go back and feel really good.”

Several people showed her pictures of their trips, and some were very surprised that there were four Santas.

“Every child was important,” Deekens said. “Santa never rushed.”

She also observed that in other places now, “It’s all about the numbers today. How much money can we make. I never got that sense at M&R. The children and the customer service were

what would make for a memorable experience.”

“As some told me,” she added, “they could have gone to Norfolk, but they knew that they could have that magical

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experience at Miller & Rhoads.”

To obtain copies of her books, visit www.snowqueenmagic.com, or contact Deekens directly at 804-240-8436, or donnadeekens@verizon.net. 

Mary Stuart Alfano came up from Hillsboro, North Carolina, to meet Donna Strother Deekens, who was one of the Snow Queens at Miller & Rhoads in the 1970s through most of the 1980s. A few years ago, Deekens not only wrote her memoirs of that time, but also about Santa Trains in Virginia and Bill Stother, who was the first “real Santa.”

Deekens autographs copies of her memoir, “Christmas at Miller & Rhoads.” At the table are, from left, Mary Patterson Vick of Courtland, Amy Streich of Drewryville, Cameron Francis, 16, Lisa Francis and Riley Chandler, 11.

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what to do THURSDAY, JAN. 21

‘Tell Me a Story’ series: Children ages 3 to

5 and their families are invited to visit the Isle of Wight County Museum for “Tell Me a Story,” a monthly program designed to introduce youngsters to the symbols of Isle of Wight County through books, games and crafts. The story times are offered from 10 to 10:30 a.m. The winter/ spring schedule for Tell Me a Story includes Jan. 21, Feb. 18, March 17, April 21 and May 19. Call 356-1223 or visit www. historicisleofwight.com for details.

FRIDAY, JAN. 22

DMV2Go: DMV2GO will be at the Isle of

Wight County Administrative Building, 17090 Monument Circle, Isle of Wight (Admin Parking Lot) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, JAN. 23

NSA art show and sale: The opening recep-

tion of the annual exhibition and sale begin this day, and continues to Sunday, Jan. 31. Call 539-8789 or visit www. nsacademy.org for details.

TUESDAY, JAN. 26

SoCo knitters and crocheters: Come knit or

crochet with us. Novice beginners to advanced are welcome every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Walter Cecil Rawls Library, 22511 Main St., Courtland. For more information, call 653-2821.

THURSDAY, JAN. 28

Frosty crafts: Children will make a sparkly

snowflake and a snowflake painting. They will also created a scratch-art snow globe.

FRIDAY, JAN. 29

Seafood buffet: The Airfield 4-H Confer-

ence Center will have a Sizzlin’ Seafood Buffet from 5 to 8 p.m. The cost per person is $26. For reservations call 899-4901.

Come and enjoy a large variety of seafood and vegetables and a huge selection of desserts. All proceeds from this event support the 4-H summer camps.

be country/oldies/Motown featured by BJ Norwood and The Desert Dust Band.

There will be BBQ, homemade desserts and soft drinks available for purchase. In case of snow, the event will be on Feb. 5, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, JAN. 30

Baseball signups: The Hunterdale Ruritans

will have baseball signups from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Hunterdale Volunteer Fire Department. Teams sponsored will be for T-ball, Coach Pitch, Mustang Bronco and Pony. All teams participate in the Southampton-Sussex Baseball Leagues.

For more information contact Murray Turner at 569-8607.

SUNDAY, JAN. 31

Fundraising lunch: Boykins Lodge No. 287

will hold a fund-raising lunch from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Boykins Baptist Church.

The grilled pork chop meal will be $9, eat in or take out. For more information, call 354-2751 or email info@boykinslodge287.org.

Health care enrollment: The Jan. 31 open

enrollment deadline is quickly approaching to enroll in insurance through the Affordable Care Act! Find out how to get health coverage through the Marketplace, and avoid getting a penalty for not having coverage! Claressa Strawn, a certified In-Person Assister will be holding several workshops at the following locations. Please call to schedule an appointment at 434-316-4197. Every Monday in January from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ruth Camp Campbell Library, 280 N. College Drive, Franklin and Thursday, Jan. 14 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Courtland Community Center, 25499 Florence St., Courtland.

THURSDAY, FEB. 4

Artful Thursdays: The Rawls Museum Arts

program will be from 3:30 to 5 p.m. for ages 6-10. Tuition is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. The library is located at 22376 Linden St., Courtland. For more information, call 653-0754.

take place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Bethlehem Ruritan Community Center, 140 Manning Road, Suffolk. There will

SATURDAY, FEB. 6

Warm vanilla sugar scrub: Come to the

Walter Cecil Rawls Library from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and learn how to make warm vanilla sugar scrub from simple and inexpensive ingredients. Makes a thrifty gift for yourself or a friend. Registration is required. The library is located at 22511 Main Street, Courtland.

TUESDAY, FEB. 9

Book Lovers Sale: The Walter Cecil Rawls

Library will have a Book Lovers Sale on Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library is located at 22511 Main Street, Courtland.

SATURDAY, FEB. 13

Valentine’s dance: Grab your sweetheart

and come out for great music and dancing featuring Silver Street and Hickory Knoll from 8 to 12 a.m. at the Southampton County Fairgrounds. Tickets will be 425 per person. All proceeds go to support Courtland Youth Athletic Association. For tickets or more information, email info@courtlandyaa.org Steak supper: The Courtland Ruritan Club

will host its annual steak supper on Saturday, Feb. 13. Tickets are $20 and are available from any club member, Edwards Hardware and Nottoway House. Seatings for the meal are 5:30, 6:15 and 7 p.m.

Takeouts are available from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 17

African folktales: Walter Cecil Rawls Li-

brary will present African Folktales by Bright Star Touring Theatre at 5 p.m. Join two storytellers as they share wonderful stories. For more information, call the library at 653-2821.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

Spring craft show: The annual Spring Fling Newsoms Ruritan bingo: Come play bingo

Bethlehem Ruritan Jam: This event will

be on sale at 6:30 p.m. and calling begins at 7 p.m. For more information, call Betty Darden at 654-6355.

on the first Thursday of each month with the Newsoms Ruritans. The event takes place at 29204 Main Street at the Ruritan Building. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will

Craft Show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Farm Fresh in Franklin. Spaces are $30 and the fees go to Children Hospital of the King’s Daughters. For more information, call Shirley Billups at 620-5499.