(dates subject to change due to COVID19 pandemic. For up-to-date information, call 983-2372.)

Plan to attend the 5th Annual “Vino in the Village” to be held on Saturday, Sept. 19th , 2020 from 11 am.-3 pm. at The Historic Village at Lee Wayside, 2 miles west of Sprouses Corner. (84 Lee Wayside Village) Vineyards from all over central Virginia will bring their finest bottles for tasting. 

Attendees are invited to sit back and enjoy live music on the Village stage from bluegrass to jazz .A fine art show will add to their enjoyment of this special event held under the beautiful shade trees at the historic village. This family friendly festival also has a children’s activity area sponsored by the Buckingham County Library.

For more information, contact Martha Louis at marthalouis60@gmail.com

This event is sponsored by Historic Buckingham Inc. All donations go toward Village development and up-keep. HBI is a 501 (C )3 organization.

Admission: Tasters-$15 (includes glass). General admission-$10 (non-tasters). Children 12 and under free.

Previous Scenes

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Plan to Attend These Fun Events!

Other special events not pictured here:

Primitive Technology Day is April 18, 11–4

Vino in The Village is Sept. 19, 11-3 (see page 86)

Indian Relic Show Oct 10

Indian Relic Show (TBA)

Bill & Judy Kemp, Donna McRae-Jones, Trevor Agee &
Windy Hill Pet Care Receive Accolades

by Thomas Jordan Miles III

The Buckingham Chamber of Commerce honored four community leaders and one business during its Annual Awards Banquet for Chamber Year 2019.

Bill and Judy Kemp received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Donna McRae-Jones was named Volunteer of the Year. Trevor Agee received the Youth Achievement Award and Windy Hill Pet Care owners Jon and Kristen Ober received the
Business of the Year Award.

The event was held Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 at the Buckingham VFW Hall. The annual event celebrates businesses, Chamber accomplishments, new members, year-long activities, among the award winners.

“It is with great pleasure that I nominate Bill and Judy Kemp for the Buckingham Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award,” wrote Sue Miles, who nominated the couple. The letter was read by Piedmont Area Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Jayne Johnson.

“The story of Bill and Judy Kemp is one that is guaranteed to inspire others. Their drive and determination to serve their fellow men and women is obvious as you hear about their life journey and volunteer work. Whether it’s here in Buckingham County or literally across the United States, they have a story to tell,” Miles wrote.

While the Kemps moved to Virginia in 1974 and Buckingham in 2008, their service to their communities has spanned many decades.

“In 1988, after learning about the national Habitat for Humanity program, through a Reader’s Digest article, both Judy and Bill agreed that this program and its principles worked for them. Working with Presbyterian minister, the Rev. Greg Gregory, in Ashland…they began laying the groundwork for Hanover Habitat for Humanity. They also became involved with volunteer work in Appalachia, with an encumential organization called Christian Appalachian Project. This project brought volunteers into Appalachian communities for home repair and reconstruction,” Miles wrote.

Miles said the couple became involved in Habitat ‘builds’ and started caravanning with others who
were known as Habitat Care-a-Vanners. “A bit like gypsies, they traveled from coast to coast. South in the winter, north in the summer; building Habitat houses
in 29 states.

“When the Kemps decided they needed a home base, lucky for us, it was Dillwyn. Along with continuing their volunteer work in Appalachia, the Kemps now are working with the Piedmont Area Habitat for Humanity (formerly known as Farmville Area Habitat for Humanity) and specifically the Buckingham County affiliate.”

“The Kemps are a great example of what caring people can do to make our community a better place.” Miles wrote. “Simply put, there are well over 100 families throughout the United States that are now living in decent homes because of the Kemps.”

Donna McRae-Jones was nominated by Thomas Jordan Miles III for the Volunteer of the Year Award.

“Donna’s selflessness, her dedication to her fellow man, and her willingness to donate her time for the betterment of the lives of others, “serves to meet the measure”, as President John Kennedy stated, when we sought to put a man on the moon,” said Miles, who serves on the Buckingham County Board of Supervisors representing District 4/Maysville District and serves as Chamber Vice-President.

“Kennedy said this nation chose this goal and many others, “not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills.” And the community engagement and involvement of Donna McRae-Jones embodies this call”, Miles said.

McRae-Jones has volunteered with and belongs to more than 10 local organizations, churches and civic groups, including the Chamber of Commerce, Relay for Life, Salem and Sharon Baptist Churches, Friends of the Buckingham Public Library, the former Ruritan Club of Buckingham, Central Virginia Regional Library, Piedmont Area Habitat for Humanity, 4-H, Central Virginia Arts, and Historic Buckingham Inc.

“She’s played an integral role in her 10 years in helping restore the Buckingham Chapter of Relay for Life,” Jordan said. “During the time of the Buckingham Ruritan Club, and even after it’s folding, Donna has continued to keep the Buckingham Memorial Day Ceremony going, organizing and collaborating with other groups to make this annual event happen, including Buckingham JROTC, the American Legion Post, and the VFW Post. She’s worked alongside many great men and women to keep this great
tradition alive.”

As leader and Chairman of the Habitat for Humanity Buckingham Build, Donna has assisted with and overseen the fundraising and public relations for the construction of five new homes and one home rehabilitation, literally helping put vulnerable people in secure and safe homes, helping our neighbors in Dillwyn and across Buckingham succeed, Miles said. “And, this month marks her initial term in the office of President of the Board of Directors for the Piedmont Area Habitat for Humanity, one of few Buckingham residents to hold this leadership position.”

Betty Shapiro nominated Windy Hill Pet Care as the Business of the Year.

“Windy Hill opened in early 2017 and I must say they keep growing and growing,” she said, noting “word of mouth has been letting people know the super place, great service, and comfortable feelings you get when you board your dog at their facility. Jon and Kristen Ober, the owners, are the keepers of the troops. I have used their services several times a year and can truly say my dachshund is always sad to go home.”

She said their kennels are state-of-the-art and the play yards are separated by who can play with seniors, who just mill around and need extra attention, or the jet set who need lots of running space and exercise time. If you come at any time you are apt to see Jon or Kristen or both out there playing catch, sitting and holding, petting, rubbing, and giving love and snacks to their boarders.”

Shapiro concluded by noting that “Buckingham was lucky when the Obers decided to move here and open Windy Hill Pet Care (and) their facility and their care of the animals make it the place to be.”

Agricultural teacher Casey Dunkum-Davis nominated Trevor Agee for the Youth Achievement Award.

Davis said she has seen Agee, a Glenmore resident, “grow into a leader and respected friend among his peers” when he was in the Buckingham FFA.

“Trevor is a young man who has worked hard academically and outside of the classroom.  Trevor graduated from Buckingham County High School as a honor graduate in 2019 with a 3.8 GPA. Trevor is also an active member of the Glenmore Fire Department following in his grandfather and father’s footsteps. Trevor was Glenmore’s first junior firefighter to join the department in November of 2018. Trevor continues to improve his firefighter knowledge by taking EMT classes. Trevor aspires to grow in the firefighter profession throughout his life.”

Davis noted Agee was an active member of the Buckingham FFA, holding several officer positions with the highest being president his senior year, accumulating several accolades.

“Trevor was in middle school when he started working after school and summers at his family’s business, Dillwyn Repair Service. Trevor is currently employed there where he works alongside his father. Trevor and his father also operate a firewood business in the fall and winter and lawn care in the spring and summer. He has grown in his knowledge of the business and has taken on greater roles and responsibilities as he has gotten older,” Davis said.”

Davis said she has told (Agee) several times that he “is the type of young man that I want my son to be like when he gets older. Trevor is humble, has a servant’s heart and does not do things for recognition.”

Pearson Construction Recognized For Community Pride Award

Pearson Construction Inc. was recognized in October 2019 by the Buckingham Chamber of Commerce for their contribution to the Buckingham County community. The family-based business employs local workers and has completed many projects all over the state. Pictured, from left: David Perkins, Lynn Perkins, Penelope Perkins, Chad Perkins, Thomas Jordan Miles, Barbara Wheeler and Eddie Slagle.

New Bakery/Party Venue Open in Dillwyn

Buckingham County native Chanita Ayers has opened a new bakery/event center, the Cake Place, in Dillwyn.             

Asked how she learned her baking skills, Ayers said “I’ve always been crafty and good with my hands. I dabbled in baking and cooking as I grew up. God put me into a position at my former church to be the “Hospitality Manager”. There is where I fell in love with wanting to be of service to people by preparing foods and dressing up the atmosphere to create experiences that would make them smile.”

With frequent requests from family and friends and a need for extra money, Ayers decided to start charging for some things. This led to her opening a little side business, and she started to gain more interests in weddings and event planning, including her own wedding!

“A couple of years ago the company where I worked 10 years closed, but the experience I had gained managing people and logistics stayed with me, skills needed for the success of my new business,” Ayers said. For more information, please see the ad on page 5.

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New Health & Beauty Spa Open

The Sunshine and Roses Spa opened last Fall in the village of Buckingham Ct. House.  Owner Jane Lann is a native of Buckingham County and is the former Jane Hamlett.

Lann received her training at the Prince Edward School of Cosmetology, where she earned her State Board license in 2020. She also received her Reflexology Certification last year at Mandala Healing Arts, in Northern Va.

Asked how she became interested in the health and beauty profession, she said that  “I wanted to open my own spa ever since i was licensed. I would go to spas and leave feeling better and just over- all relaxed. I wanted to do the same for other people. It’s nothing like helping others and connecting with people.

Associate Lindsey Wells received her Massage license at Miller-Motte Technical School, in Lynchburg, In 2017.

For more information, see their ad on page 4.

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Truck & Tractor Pull Scheduled to Return (subject to COVID restrictions)

About 2500 attended the first Truck & Tractor Pull in 2019, and it was a shame that it had to be canceled last year. But plans have been made to have it again this year unless COVID restrictions prevent it.

The 2021 Buckingham County Volunteer Fire Department Truck & Tractor Pull is planned for Sat., July 24, at the same location as it was in 2019, 364 Wingo Rd., adjacent to the Dillwyn Volunteer Fire Department. The exact time was yet to be determined at press time, but the rain date will be the next day, Sunday, July 25. Ticket prices will be the same as in 2019, $15 per person over 10 yrs. old, and free for those 10 and under. Proceeds from this popular event will go to all Buckingham County fire departments.

For more information, contact Jason Wharam at (434) 547-5031

SALLIE MOWBRAY AND CALVIN BACHRACK HONORED AT ANNUAL 2015 BUCKINGHAM COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDS DINNER

The Buckingham Chamber of Commerce, in 2003, began honoring county residents who have unselfishly contributed their time and talents to the greater community. At the annual Chamber dinner each January, two awards are presented, the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Volunteer of the Year awards. If you know of someone deserving of either of the awards below, please send your letter to the Buckingham Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 951, Dillwyn VA 23936.

Nominee Sallie Mowbray: Buckingham Chamber Volunteer of the Year

Submitted by Martha Louis

What is a volunteer ? Webster says it is a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task without being paid.

I will add to that by saying it is a person in this case who has a huge heart and a need to share it with her neighbors and friends .

The person I am nominating for Volunteer of the Year is not a stranger  if you live in Buckingham County. She pops up everywhere there is a need.She is the real deal. She as they say…walks the walk. I recently had someone say , oh, I work full time – I could never find the time to volunteer. Isn’t that just for retired people?  After I calmed myself down, I said no that is not true. The good Lord gives us 24 silver dollars each day and how we spend them is up to us.

I work closely with this lady as she is a member of the Historic Buckingham Board of Directors and Vice President of that organization. Her usual question is “ What do you need me to bring” or What do you need help with?  Just in our organization I can always depend on her to be at almost all of Historic Buckingham’s  event s – even if she can only stay a little while because she is playing music for someone funeral or helping out with some other fundraiser. She is a tireless volunteer for groups like Anti-litter, Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, and more. She plays piano for Mt. Zion Baptist Church. And I hear that she is the maker of the a famous  Rum Cake. Anyone in here had the pleasure of that cake?

In conclusion, I would like to nominate Sallie Mowbray as the Buckingham Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year …an honor long overdue.

I present to you: SALLIE MOWBRAY!

Bob Toney for Lifetime Achievement Award

Submitted by Betty

I would like to nominate Calvin Bachrack for Lifetime Achievement Award.

As those of you who know Calvin will agree, he hates to be the center of attention or have people give him “at-a-boys” for all of the things he does.

Calvin looks after a lot of organizations in the country from the fire departments to churches to non-profit groups to people who simply need a hand up.  I have seen the stacks of Girl Scout cookies he buys from every little girl who stops by, to the banners and signs at events he does for no charge-and nothing in return.  In his words “no big deal”.

Calvin sponsors ads in every publication that passes his way and he places multiple ads under his different businesses in many of them.

One only has to go to the Gene Dixon Park to see Calvin’s work.  There are signs everywhere done by him and redone by him for no money.

In one family’s darkest hour he stepped forward and offered housing and power bills for a year.  Simply because he too felt the family’s pain and stress.

People like Calvin are few and far between.  Giving back above and beyond and hating every moment someone talks about it.  I have spoken with many a person and everyone will say there is no one like Calvin.  The world could use people like him who care, really care about their fellow man today, tomorrow and all of the tomorrows ahead of them.  He deserves to be awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award because that is how he lives his life – caring about fellow man’s life.

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First Annual Buckingham Chamber of Commerce Photo Contest a Wild Success!

 

The idea for a photo contest was originally suggested to the Buckingham Chamber of Commerce by Rebecca Cobb, Zoning Administrator for Buckingham County. She felt it would be a good way to obtain photos for both the Buckingham Chamber and Buckingham County website.  A committee was formed in April, and rules and regulations were determined, and it began to be advertised through the Buckingham Chamber, Facebook, flyers and word of mouth.  The deadline for submitting photos was Aug 15th.  Judging was done outside of Buckingham and the winners were honored at the Buckingham Chamber picnic.  The grand prize was $50.00, with ribbons given in each category to 2nd and 3rd place winners.

There have already been a number of inquiries about this year’s contest.  Entries will be accepted from May 1st to Aug 15th for this year’s contest.  The photos must be taken in Buckingham County, and both the Chamber and Buckingham County must be given permission to use them.  Last year’s categories were Landscape/Rural Image, Points of Interest, Events (local festivals, sporting events, charity events, etc ) and Wildlife/Domestic animals. We will have the applications/rules ready to distribute possibly at the March membership meeting.

The winners last year (some with multiple photos) were Meghan Allen, Chris Anderson, Nancy Owen, Phyllis Senn and Betty Shapiro. For an application and/or rules for this years’ contest, call the Buckingham Chamber at 983-2372 or e-mail Sandra Moss at sandrafmoss@yahoo.com.

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B.A.S….170 & Going Stronger!

Submitted by Kristen Queen, Program Director

The Buckingham Active Seniors (B.A.S.) group was formed in late 2010 by a core group of members that wanted more opportunities for area seniors to have an engaging, active outlet that met the needs of senior citizens in our community.  This small group of about 20 members has now grown today in what is a membership of over 170 members!  The B.A.S. has the largest active membership of any seniors group outside of corporate (J.A.B.A.) entities operating within a 5 county radius.  The B.A.S.  members have continuously strived to work with the Buckingham County Dept. of Parks and Recreation to offer the best opportunities for area seniors as possible, and looks forward to the continued growth and development of the program. The B.A.S. is run through the County Recreation Department, led by program director Kristen Queen, Assistant Director of Buckingham Parks & Recreation.  The B.A.S. also consists of Board members that include current Chairman Dot Ragland, Secretary Carol Luke, Treasurer Naomi Gause, and additional committee members.

The Buckingham Active Seniors (B.A.S.) comprises of senior citizens age 50+ that reside in or nearby Buckingham County, and is FREE to join. The B.A.S. holds monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 1:00pm at the V.F.W. Hall located on Rt. 60.  Each month there is a specific theme to take part in.  Themes have included Valentines, St Patrick’s Day, Funny Hat,  Cinco De Mayo, Annual Outdoor Picnic, Country Western, Patriotic, Luau, and Halloween. Annually,  in November the B.A.S. hosts a Thanksgiving Luncheon as we end the year.  At each month’s meeting formal program business is discussed, followed by an informative program, activity, or guest speaker. Members also participate in group crafts and activities after each meeting that is member led by those wishing to share their skills and talents.Members have also formed a recreational bowling group that attends Main St. Lanes in Farmville for bowling outings at least once per month.  There is also a group that visits nursing homes, and participates in community services based activities.  We are planning to offer exercise classes for seniors as well, and are looking into expanding with more programs in 2015 with some exciting new possibilities in store.

There are no annual membership fees, or dues, but there are costs for special events or trips taken, but these fees are kept as low as possible to ensure that every member can afford to participate.  We take special care to take into account all the needs of our senior citizen population. The B.A.S. members take several trips throughout the year.  Past trips have included a trip to Richmond Capitol, Virginia State Fair, Lewis Ginter Gardens & Holiday Light Tour, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Washington D.C. National Mall & Potomac River boat tour, Natural Bridge, Poplar Forrest & D-Day Memorial, Riverside Dinner Theatre, local day trips, and McGuire’s Veteran’s Hospital to deliver donations members collected.  The B.A.S. also participates in community service projects that include a dedication flower garden that was installed at Ellis Acres Memorial Park and is maintained by the group, and members also volunteer throughout the community.

As the demographics change we will continue to see a growing number of seniors that are looking for fun, active programming that puts their needs first.  This creates an interesting challenge for those of us in the recreational field, for what meets the needs of seniors today will be different than those of the seniors of tomorrow.  This is one reason the B.A.S. strives to have a diverse offering of programs and activities, and looks only to further expand as the needs change for the upcoming seniors generations.  It is interesting to note that over the next 35 years as the “Boomer” generation ages, we will have for the first time more senior citizens involved in recreational/leisure activities than youth.  The ability to recognize these coming trends affords the Buckingham Recreation Department the opportunities to adapt and expand our programming for a very diverse demographic sector in our community.

New members are always welcome, so come and attend a meeting on a second Tuesday as this is a fantastic time to come see what we are all about!

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ANNUAL EVENTS

Historic Buckingham Inc. invites you to Annual Spring Meeting

April 27th 2:30pm at Brown’s Chapel

Fall “Stew” Membership meeting

Sept. 18th, 2014 at 5:30pm at The Historic Village at Lee Wayside