The Buckingham Chamber of Commerce celebrated its successes and recognized award winners at its annual banquet, which this year was held at the Dillwyn Volunteer Fire Department in mid-January.
From left: Robbie Maxey, Jessica Moss & Ben Moss of Moss Tree Service – Best Business Award;
Kimberly Page– Volunteer of the Year Award; John O’Bryant– Lifetime Achievement Award.
NOMINATION LETTER ABOUT IRENE STONEMAN ELLIS
for Life-Time Achievement Award
Irene Stoneman Ellis came to Buckingham almost 70 years ago as R. S. Ellis, IV’s bride. They worked with his parents to continue and expand the family farming operation that began around 1900, which including raising and selling Yorkshire hogs, Angus cattle, grains, hay, and timber. With a B.S. degree in Home Economics from Virigina Tech and a M.S. in Education from Longwood, she filled the position as a farmer’s wife and partner perfectly. Irene and her husband, Dick, were named Young Farmers of the Year in 1958.
The Ellis farm is widely known for their quality livestock, Angus seedstock cattle. Since her husband’s untimely death in 1995, she has kept the family farm operating for over 30 years. Irene has been active in various farm organizations. She served on the Soil and Water Conservation Board and with the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association’s Cow Bells, for example.
Irene always finds time for community service. She has served Maysville Presbyterian Church in many ways, including as a Sunday school teacher, nursery attendant, pot-luck dinner assistant, being the church historian for many years, regularly cleaning sanctuary windows and still, polishing collection plates.
Chosen as a Virginia 4-H All Star, the highest honor for a Virginia 4-H’er, as a teenager, Irene has followed that organization’s motto of “Service” throughout her life. She was a state officer. Many of her former club members are All Stars. The Chapter recognized her with its Hall of Fame Award.
Irene was a volunteer leader for the Buckingham Senior 4-H Club for many years. In that role, she mentored many youth. Many of her club members earned a trip to State 4-H Congress, and National 4-H Congress in Chicago. She was Buckingham’s 4-H Treasurer for about 30 years. Regularly attending conferences of the Virginia 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association, Irene also served on its board of directors. She served on the Board of Directors of Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center from January 1991 through 2013. She was instrumental in seeing that many needed projects at the Educational Center were done.
Irene is a charter member of Historic Buckingham. She helped establish that organization in 1974 and served on the Board of Directors as an officer for over 30 years. During this time, the Housewright House became a museum, and the Buckingham Historic Village and Adams Museum opened. Whether preparing for the annual stew, hosting a museum, or working on newsletter mailings, Irene has been very active.
Appointed to the Buckingham County School Board in June 1976, Irene was the second woman to serve on that board and the first since the 1920’s. During her 12 years on the board multiple building and renovation projects were approved.
Irene is a true Virginia Tech fan and enjoys watching or listening to all Tech sports. She served as a VT Hokie Club Representative, and she hosted a picnic for her VT dorm mates for over 50 years. Her volunteer and appointed work has made a difference in Buckingham County and Virginia. She is a very quiet, private person, but highly deserving of this award.
Submitted by Wes Saxon and Friends
NOMINATION LETTER FOR TREVOR AGEE
I would like to nominate Trevor Agee for the Volunteer of the Year. Trevor is a third-generation volunteer within the fire department.
He started volunteering at an early age alongside his grandfather, Pete Agee, and his dad, Keith Agee. He volunteers for both Glenmore and Dillwyn Fire Departments. He serves on Dillwyn while working during the week to make sure there is coverage whenever there is an emergency. If there is a call and he is within the county, you can count on him responding.
He also volunteers for the tractor pulls, chicken BBQs, and many other events that the fire department sponsors. There are long hours for not only the event but the preparation beforehand that goes into having them. He has recently been helping clean up the land that was obtained for the Firefighters Association.
Not only does he volunteer his time on the fire department, but Trevor also helps many people in the community. Whenever someone calls and needs help, he answers the call without hesitation.
Recently, after a fire in the Glenmore area that threatened a home, I received multiple messages from the family letting me know just how much they appreciated him and how he is “top notch.” This is just one of the many compliments I receive about him whenever I am out in the community and they know he is my son-in-law.
Trevor truly has a servant’s heart, and I hope the county will join me in recognizing all that he does for our community. Without volunteers like him, our county would not be what it is.
Submitted by Stephanie Baird
NOMINATION LETTER ABOUT CHRIS HUCKS, N.P.
Nothing is more exciting than seeing a brand new business begin and to see that business become successful! For some businesses, success comes slowly. For others it moves more quickly! Then there is the old sayin, “If you build it, THEY (meaning customers) will come! And that is exactly what has happened in the business I’m talking about.
I tried my best to keep the name a secret until the final paragraph, but it turned out to be impossible. Troublesome Creek Medicine began in March of 2022. The founder, Chris Hucks, Nurse Practitioner, certainly had the background and the qualifications to start such a business. He built his dream and THEY (in this case the patients) certainly came.
Chris pulled together a staff of 8 local individuals and Troublesome Creek Medicine took off. Within less than a year, the practice had 1000 patients.
One patient said, “Chris’s practice is reminiscent of the days of Dr. Garland Dyches and Dr. William & Dr Margaret Pennington. He makes house calls! This is practically unheard of in this day of telemedicine and sometimes waiting for several days to see a doctor”
One of his nurses shared that Chris truly listens to his patients and goes above and beyond to provide old-fashioned service with up to date technology!
It gives me great pleasure to nominate Chris Hucks, NP and Troublesome Creek Medicine as Buckingham’s Business of The Year!
Sincerely,
Sandra Moss
NOMINATION LETTER ABOUT NOAH JONES
A hardworking, intelligent young man could be a way to describe Noah Jones. He is the son of Seth and Jessica Jones and II am nominating him for the 2024 Youth Achievement Award.
Noah Reid Jones is a 2024 graduate of Buckingham County High School. Noah is a well-rounded, young man who is passionate about hard work. His passion can be seen in his academics and personal life. I believe that he is deserving of the Youth Achievement Award.
Noah graduated as an honor graduate this past spring. Not only did he maintain a 3.87 GPA, he was very active in extracurricular organizations throughout his high school career serving in many different leadership positions and putting in many hours of community service. He served as Treasurer of the FFA his senior year, and was a member of the FBLA, Skills USA, Beta Organization, National Honor Society, and SCA. Noah was the State Winner for his Proficiency Application in the area of Forest Management and Products. His application went on to be judged at the National FFA level and received a silver rating. Noah also received multiple awards for his achievements playing soccer multiple years. He was recognized as a Senior of the Month for his scholastic and personal achievements and community service.
Personally, Noah is active in Mulberry Grove Baptist Church’s youth group. He has volunteered at 4H Camp as a Teen Leader multiple years. Noah is also passionate about his career. He has been working at S.R. Jones Logging for several years where he has grown his love for the logging industry. He plans to receive his degree in Agribusiness through Southside Community College and continue working at S.R. Jones Logging company.
It has been an honor for me to watch this young man work hard in so many different areas of his life. I believe that Noah is someone who deserves the Youth Achievement Award.
Sincerely,
Casey Davis
Please note the qualifications and accomplishments of these outstanding Buckingham County citizens in the nomination letters above. Nominations for these awards are accepted throughout the year, ending Dec. 31st. If you know of someone, or a business, deserving of recognition by the Buckingham County community, please call 983-2372 or send your letter to the Buckingham Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 951, Dillwyn, VA 23936.
The banquet also included the installation of officers and the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
From left: Eddie Slagle (Director), Margaret Stout (Director), Jewel Harris (Director), Tyler Wallen (Director), Sandra Moss (Newsletter Editor), Ruth Lyle (Treasurer), Barbara Wheeler (Director), Brother Maximilian Watner (President), Gil Ragland (Director), Justin Midkiff (Director). Not present, Brenda Jones (Director). Faye Shumaker (Director). At lectern, Kathy Midkiff.
2025 Buckingham Chamber of Commerce Officers
Brother Maximilian Watner, President
Barbara Wheeler, Vice-President
Sandra. Moss, Newsletter Editor
Faye Shumaker, Secretary
Ruth Lyle, Treasurer
Directors
Eddie Slagle
Brenda Jones
Jewel Harris
Margaret Vance
Justin Midkiff
Tyler Wallen