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Discover Emporia & Greensville County

2020 SUMMER

www.emporiaindependentmessenger.com

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Emporia and Greensville County Visitor and Newcomer Guide

The Independent-Messenger

is the successor of four newspapers previously published in Emporia.

The Independent-Messenger is the successor of four newspapers previously published in Emporia. www. The first newspaper was The Messenger. A.M. Potter joined with several civic-minded Emporians to found the paper in 1896. Potter was the father of the I-M’s publisher Walter B. Potter and the grandfather of Walter B. Potter Jr., the paper’s editor and general County SinCe 1896 manager in 1987. nd greenSville Serving emporia a $2 23, 2020 In 1902, a second local newspaper, The Virginian, was founded. NDAY, FEBRUARY SU No. 16 123rd Year A third newspaper, The Quiver, was also published around this time, but details are sketchy. Virginia Senate In 1909, The Independent was founded. It was organized by W.R. shelves “Assault Cato, C.F. Johnson, W.W. Green and Dr. L. Lofton. In 1912 A.M. Potter took over The Independent until 1918. Weapons” ban voted The committee S In 1919, Cary P. Flythe acquired The Messenger and The By MARK MATHEW ay to delay the Mond 10-5 ia Editor bill to allow the Virginto Commission Independent and called the paper, the Independent-Messenger. He Four Demo- Crime issue. Greensville the crats on the study Senate Representaty Virginia Sen- Coun Louise Lucas-D votbecame the first editor and ran the newspaper for the next 42 years. L. ate Judiciary tive delay. bill’s against the C o m m i t t e e ed e, Del. Mark H. Levin delayed unIn 1961, Walter B. Potter bought the Independent-Messenger. xandria, sponsored til 2021 a bill D-Ale as a part of gunwould HB 961 that l measures backed Francis L. Edens Jr. was editor. have banned contro Ralph Northam. It ar AR- by Gov. the sale of the popul other few a 2 15 rifle and See SHELVES, page In 1971, Keith Mitchell joined the newspaper and became its third ns. weapo semi-automatic editor. He left in January 1987 and Walter B. Potter Jr., grandson of A.M. Potter, became the fourth editor. Report concludes Day Care Center at Thurman Adult d Opening celebration ty In 1989 Kip Rudge became editor, a position he held until 1991 un Co in during the Gran file e to s ill begin sv The crowd Green Tuesday afternoon. a when Tom Buskirk became the editor. ri po m g E in ar in so s finances business open rman Adult Day Care ew N es recomIn May 1991 the I-M was purchased by Byerly Publications, the LEY financial polici at least 15REM ORIA Thu at VICT By s ribbon mended having Staff Writer meal proMayor Mary Person cut 25% reserved. There is a catered hot snack is publisher of the Southside Sun in Emporia, Brunswick Times Gazette very in “That’s obviously place to get involved to Fork. A a ty e Farm Coun peopl by sville vided fiS most The Green g crafts, exBy MARK MATHEW and after lunch. re- favorable to what activities such as makin r provided before Board of Supervisors - nancial policies would recEditor ed through the and singing songs. Earlie licens is ng, r in Lawrenceville, and Tidewater News in Franklin. Coun ercisi Cente sville The aren said. ceived Green , adults made Valentine’s Virginia Department of Social Sert for ommend,” McLe of Revis now a this month ty’s Financial Repor on The Statement John Thurman’s dream ng vices. Care Day cards. s and 2019 at its meeti participants The two papers, the Independent-Messenger and the Southside . Thurman Adult Day ty was a key compoday, enues, Expenditure l activi reality typica The a On ces ess. g the Tuesday. h an Changes in Fund Balan Center is open for busin People joined in shakin 9 a.m. and go throug care veteran nent. Matthew McLearen from chart showed an increase in ties hute while arrive at The 50-year health Asouter-portion of a parac dropping hour and a half of daily activi our Sun merged into one twice-weekly publication. Susan Kerns, editor Robinson, Farmer, Cox re- Greensville County’s genadministrator for from half-h the a balls as for keep ing to served before break rial Hospital trying chute to the floor. sociates said the three ed eral fund of $3,578,656. Another hour of acGreensville Memo the ol and founded from ra Thur- snack time. ports in the audit includ noon The Internal Contr from 1971 to 1996 ors’ Thurman’s wife, Barba retire, tivities will be followed by a of the Southside Sun, became the I-M’s new editor. Health Care 1 to the Independent Audit ol Report disclosed no sigat e Home ready resum Touch was nal will she Perso events an had a man, said nd’s na- lunch. The Report, the Internal Contrrm nificant deficiencies or 2 p.m. snack. Services in 1992. Thurm day care but it just isn’t in her husba p.m., followed by a in adult Report, and the Unifo will end at 3 material weaknesses revision of opening an Kerns was replaced later that year by Tom Buskirk until 1993 when ture. The day’s activities ty’s ning,” Guidance Report. Coun begin the center. Au- Greensville “I wasn’t for it in is my first t. But p.m. The Independent the facility “The main reason said. “I have to be hones ng said porting structure. nce reThe employees of Report with us about she ditors’ round he is worki Frank Lamm filled that position. Uniform Guida wife’s mother stayed toJohn is only happy if required to meet a backg train,” are porch be the will on he Greensville County’s to quired Greensville County sat things. I guess two years and just CPR and first aid man Adult and doing forever. screening, tal fund balances came Federal Coming, employee referthings from now to Thurman said. “Thur June to receive a , and ing, TB screen assessment trainplace where doing Later that year Lamm was replaced by D.K. Thomas-Lamb, editor for FY19. $12,049,097 as of it with Personal Touch Day Care will be a s, skill $12 pliance Audit proize with oth- He did for him ence check 30, 2019. Out of the Greensville County people can go to social hot meals. now this too. I thank God drug test. They are also sum a t and larges ing, ed the select million, were have activities, and I really do.” grams insured. Volunteers ers, day. and worth every d , for a few months. and bonde igned ra and was unass hing my wife Barba tested in detail, have the opportunity and somet ipants It’s Partic hout an ununity.” 2 $11,305,719. I can do for the comm Care is a to socialize with others throug of McLearen issued opinion See OPENS, page A total of 56% ed or clean an Adult Day modifi Thurm Jamie Brown, editorial supervisor for Byerly, filled in as editor day. funds the ty’s older giving Greensville Coun site for adults 18 and their on the audit. were reserved to pay Most operating budget. from November 1993 until March 1996 when Don Dibley was hired. ral Reserve Bank of Dibley left in 2002 just before Womack Publications purchased the Squad Fede ct tri is its Emporia I-M. l-D Al s er iv Tri-R Richmond rep. vis suon, bank The second core functi involves the LEY tion, By VICTORIA REM pervision and regula Debbie Broughton became the editor before being replaced in writing regulations Staff Writer Board of Governors districts working to 12 and , banks for ria Rotary Money fell into Empo l bank took enforce the regulations. the third core December 2004 by Don Dulin, who was replaced in December 2007 centra Club’s lap as the U.S. Payment services is with cash, on. The FRBR works center stage Tuesday. ents. On iate region- functi Roisin McCord, an assoc al Reserve checks and electronic paymVirginia’s by Don Koralewski. Mark Mathews, the current editor came aboard Feder day, Richmond, al economist with the spoke on any given hes receive over 12,000 R), (FRB ond Richm Bank of ng sys- three branc million. in 2014. banki $233 stable about foster cash, how they my bundles of 0 buna healthy growing econo sends out about 13,50 er.com

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Mark Mathe n left are T.J. Walto ients pictured from r of the Rivers District recip s (Greensville, Playe First Team All-Tri w View), Zykeem Field (Park Boyd swick), Ahlaunte Outla Josh (Greensville), ), Jermonta James (Brunred is Tavon Jones (Susswick (Brun an . Not pictu Year), Jadan Firm ony Joyner (Park View) See story on page 10. (Southampton), Lanth l Alford received Second Team honors. sex). Greensville’s Danie

tems and The FRBR given day. or $258 million, on any through core functions. first core func- dles, FRBR plays a central role in Monetary policy, the es adjusting The involv government and tion of the FRBR, Washington D.C.’s The . around prices Banks izing ve interest rates and stabil 12 independent Reser The FRBR involves bank suU.S. These banks allow around the second core function to check bank the pervision and regulations core function to gather more viewpoints operations, and the third U.S. al District is involves payments. The Richmond Feder ors the FRBR, District conU.S. Congress monit fifth Federal Reserve D.C., because mon- the Maryland, Washington of but not monetary policy sisting with be conducted ina, South Caroetary policy needs to Virginia, North Carol ia. and most of West Virgin FRBR a long-term view. tary policy is lina, entatives from the repres “The thing about mone Three of bank world at what is going that you need to look now and what keep the company aware on in the economy right based off of 2 made See VISITS, page decisions should be said. rd McCo that,”

habilitation Center Re d an lth ea H e ill Greensv t-term rehabilitation. Specializing in shor 500 residents back e discharged nearly We are proud to hav tient therapy. inpa g win follo e hom to their | 434-348-2150 Emporia, VA 23847 214 Weaver Avenue

2 • Discover Emporia and Greensville County

Francis Edens Keith Mitchell Walter B. Potter Jr. Kip Rudge Tom Buskirk Susan Kerns Frank Lamm D.K. Thomas-Lamb Jamie Brown Don Dibley Don Dulin Don Koralewski Mark Mathews

Welcome from the editor... The Virginia Peanut Festival brings thousands of people each year to our community, but that is only one part of what makes the Emporia-Greensville area so attractive to so many. The people are the main attraction to the Emporia-Greensville area. Some names are recognizable just about anywhere. EmporiaGreensville produced National Football League Hall of Famer Henry Jordan, as well as NFL players Willie Gillus and Maurice Hicks. The Sadler brothers, Elliott and Hermie, made names for themselves on the Nascar circuit. Greensville County High School girls basketball coach Sharon Randolph was a star player for the Lady Eagles, an Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament MVP at North Carolina State University and star WNBA player. Manning led the Greensville County Lady Eagles to a 2A state-runnerup finish in March. The main highway in the eastern United States, Interstate 95, runs directly through Greensville County and the City of Emporia, bringing thousands of travelers every day through our community. The 2010 U.S. Census recorded a population of 12,243 citizens

residing within the boundaries of EmporiaGreensville. Localities within the county include the towns of Jarratt and Skippers. Emporia was established in 1887 when the municipalities of Hicksford and Belfield merged. Greensville County was established in 1781 when our nation was still fighting for its independence against England. It has a rich history dating back to when it was a part of Brunswick County in the early 1700s. Emporia-Greensville is located within a one-hour drive east to the beach, north to Richmond, south to Raleigh, N.C. and a quick trip west to the mountains. Whether you are visiting, passing through or contemplating a permanent stay in our community, we are happy to have you here and hope you enjoy your stay in Greensville County and the City of Emporia. Mark Mathews Editor, Independent-Messenger

Contents

Sharing love on Easter Sunday................ 4 Get moneysmart with Benchmark Community Bank.................. 5 MAMaC................................................... 6 EGRA..................................................... 11

Cover

Features

Riparians celebrate True Heroes............ 12 Emporia-Greensville served by Sheriffâ€™s Office since 1781............... 14

8 MEHERRIN RIVER ARTS COUNCIL

YMCA.................................................... 18

Virginia Peanut Festival......................... 20

16 TREE GIVEAWAY

Greensville County Views..................... 24 River Adventures................................... 25 Local Attractions . ................................. 26

celebrates Earth Day in Emporia

Emporia-Greensville Community Directory............................ 29

Lexi Jones Photography

Kayaking down the Nottoway River.

Restaurants............................................. 30 Lodging.................................................. 31

About Discover Staff www.emporiaindependentmessenger.com Mark Mathews, Editor editor@imnewspaper.com Darian Liles Advertising Specialist

Victoria Remley Writer Graphic Design Susan Lambert

Magazine Layout Lizbeth Nauta

Discover Emporia & Greensville County is published bi-annually by The Independent-Messenger, a newspaper of the Womack Publishing Company. For more information contact The Independent-Messenger 111 Baker St. Emporia, VA 23847 434-634-4153 Discover Emporia and Greensville County â€˘ 3

Sharing love on Easter Sunday By MARK MATHEWS Editor

Easter Sunday 2020 was different than any previous Easter Sunday ever experienced in Emporia-Greensville. Emporia City Councilman Woody Harris and his wife Carla had a loved one living at Greensville Health and Rehabilitation Center. They knew there would be no Easter baskets, no Easter dinner, or an opportunity to go inside and visit. They came up with a solution. “City Councilman Harris came up with the idea of putting Easter Lilies in front of everyone’s room so they could see them on Easter morning,” Carla said. “We wanted to give them a ray of hope

and a reason to smile.” Shortly before 8 a.m., they started placing the plants in front of the rooms of the residents. Residents began looking outside of their windows, and immediately smiles donned their faces. “Easter is about hope,” Woody said. “If we can brighten someone’s day, that’s the whole idea.” Mission accomplished. The councilman said they received an excellent price to purchase the lilies from Wooten Brothers Nursery. With church services and other activities canceled, local nurseries are hurting. The

4 • Discover Emporia and Greensville County

opportunity to buy the plants from a local business brought another plus to the endeavor. Carla said those in the health care field are working extremely hard during the pandemic. She encouraged those working at Greensville Health and Rehabilitation Center to take one of the Easter Lilies home with them after their shift. “I have a doctor friend who gives the advice, control what you can. Let go of the rest,” Carla said. “We can’t control the coronavirus. We can’t control what is going on in the world. But, this is something we could do, and we could control.”

Get MoneySmart with Benchmark Community Bank By Helen Person, VP/Director of Marketing How does personal financial responsibility contribute to a more robust quality of life? Here’s how: Developing a plan for money management - setting goals for your financial future and building a strategy for getting beyond the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle that dogs too many of us – will go a long way toward helping you gain the upper hand on other aspects of your life. When you’re in control of your financial future, you’re likely to become more confident, more engaged, and more pleasant to be around. Think you’re too old and set in your ways to learn new financial management tricks? Think again. Changing money management, eating, exercise, or sleep habits gets harder as you get older. It’s not easy to shift gears in the middle of life when our habits are so set – but many of us know that needs to happen to make a difference in your quality of life. Enter MoneySmart by Banzai, Benchmark Community Bank’s new online financial education program for adults 18 years of age and up. MoneySmart is exactly what it sounds like: a program that helps users learn to get smart about money management. Banzai was one of five Finovate 2018 “Best of Show” winners for content and presentation of financial education information using a digital platform. And it’s provided free to Benchmark’s online visitors at www.bcbonline.com/ MoneySmart. MoneySmart uses Banzai’s award-winning library of modules with categories including: Smart Living, Buying a House, Borrowing and Credit, and Starting a Business. The “Life Changes” category offers quick reads with calculators on topics like Out of Work, Dealing with Illness, Identity Theft, Property and Divorce, and Death. Being prepared in the event you encounter these situations will help you weather them much better than if you pretend they cannot happen to you. When you log into MoneySmart the first time, you can set up a free account and complete “The Game.” The Game assigns situations like those you have in real life: a job with paycheck, household and automobile costs, recreational expenses, and the inevitable unexpected event that wreaks havoc with your cash flow. By the time you’re finished, you will have completed several pay periods with expenses you assign, track, and decide how to allocate from your paycheck. It’s easy, beneficial, and fun! Diving deeper into the MoneySmart library, you can find simple, yet valuable, tools and tips to help you plan for student loan payback, determine what types of insurance you need for different phases of life, and figure out what you might want to include in your last will and testament. There’s even a section on taking care of your health, along with one about working with a realtor to sell or buy a house. Why would Benchmark provide this online library for the public? Simple. Helping you become better informed about how to manage different ages and stages of life – from teach38 • Discover Emporia and Greensville County

ing children to save to planning for retirement living – is all part of what Benchmark provides to our customers. Emporia’s Branch Manager Gloria Robinson sums it up. “We aren’t just about products and services. Every bank has those. Benchmark really focuses on learning how best we can help our customers with the different situations in which they find themselves.” The impact development of a strong financial future can have on an individual and a community is huge. Robinson says it best. “We’re part of the community. Helping them create a better quality of life for themselves and their families helps everyone.” A better quality of life no longer needs to be a pipe dream; it’s a goal. In concert with developing effective money management skills, you may find yourself creating new diet and exercise programs, and finally getting that 8 hours of sleep you’ve heard for so long you need to be getting. Once you don’t go to bed worrying about money, you may find sleep coming easier and easier. Taking the time to learn new money management techniques will help improve your quality of life. That’s what Benchmark is all about. MemberFDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Get Smart about Money Money with Benchmark’s FREE online online financial education program! program!

www.bcbonline.com/moneysmart www.bcbonline.com/moneysmart Visit MoneySmart today to to check check out out valuable financial topics like: topics like: Taxes • Retirement • Insurance Insurance Life Changes • Budgeting • • Smart Smart Living Living

316 W. W. Atlantic 316 Atlantic Street Street in in Emporia Emporia Discover Emporia and Greensville County • 5

MAMaC

The Mid-Atlantic Advanced Manufacturing Center Greensville County, Mecklenburg County and the City of Emporia are partners in the Regional Industrial Facilities Authority created to support the development of the Mid-Atlantic Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMaC). MAMaC holds a CSX certification as well as a tier 4 site certification from the Commonwealth. These certifications ensure the lowest possible level of risk to a client thanks to a predictable project schedule and pre-calculated development costs. Businesses can become operational more quickly, giving them an edge over the competition. A dependable timeline combined with Virginia’s award-wining business climate is a blend that is highly sought after in economic development. Similar mega-sites across the country have been sold, with each site averaging more than $1 billion in investment and creating an average of more than 1,000 jobs. MAMaC is a 1,600 acre “Mega-Site” located in Greensville County just north of Emporia with direct access to the CSX mainline rail and approximately 1.3 miles of frontage along Interstate 95. MAMaC is approximately 40 miles from the Rolls Royce campus in Prince George. MAMaC is also in close proximity to the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing as well as the new Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems. The site is also located within 1.5 hours of the Ports of Virginia, the Only US East Coast port with Congressional authorization for 55-foot depth channels. The development of this project will be transformational for the entire 60-mile radius surrounding the site. Regional economic impact analysis indicates an economic benefit ranging from $2.8 billion and 2,487 permanent jobs for an advanced manufacturing center, to $3.7 billion and 3,297 permanent jobs for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) such as Volvo or Volkswagen. The development team has taken great strides to ensure the lowest possible level of risk to a client, The progress of the site continues due to the Regional Industrial Facilities Authority. Utilities are now in place to the site with grant assistance from the Virginia Tobacco Revitalization Commission, The Virginia Department of Transportation, the US Economic Development Administration and Go Virginia. Already attracting international attention, the MAMaC site will have an enormous impact on the area’s economy and holds the potential to drive economic growth for decades to come. For more information please visit www.mamacva.com.

6 • Discover Emporia and Greensville County

Discover Emporia and Greensville County â€¢ 7

Meherrin River Arts Council By MARK MATHEWS

The Meherrin River Arts Council has been bringing remarkable concerts and shows to the EmporiaGreensville area for 42 years. The Meherrin River Arts Council continues bringing remarkable shows and concerts to Emporia-Greensville. It is now 42 years and counting. In January, the 2020 Meherrin River Arts Council Concert Series got off to a great start with the Texas Tenors, followed by Country Music star Rodney Atkins on Feb. 8. This year’s series appeared to end when the pandemic swept through Virginia, canceling the March 21 “1964” Tribute to the Beatles, and April 25 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy performances. Those cancelations may turn out to be postponements. Meherrin River Arts Council President Wilson Clary said the shows are rescheduled for the fall. The dates and

times have not been confirmed, and the rescheduling is contingent on where Virginia is with the pandemic. On the Meherrin River Arts Council website, www.mrac-arts. com, Clary left a positive message for the community. “If the Coronavirus has demonstrated anything, it’s that our communities are small but resilient,” Clary wrote. “We all have big hearts and truly care about each other. It is our hope that the fall shows will be a time when everyone can not only enjoy these amazing performers but reconnect, catch up, see bright smiles, share laughter and enjoy being together once again.” The pandemic put a wrinkle into the 2020 Meherrin River Arts Council Concert Series. Still, this year’s series is only on delay for a halftime intermission if everything works out. For more information please visit www.mrac-arts. com.

Meherrin River Arts Council officials hope to have Big Bad Voodoo Daddy perform in the fall. (contributed photo)

8 • Discover Emporia and Greensville County

Rodney Atkins delivers country rock to Emporia By Victoria Remley

Rodney Atkins entertains an Emporia crowd with rocking country music at the EmporiaGreensville Performing Arts Center.

Kevin Rupillo, Rodney Atkins, and Justin Smith perform “It’s America” at their concert Feb. 8.

A packed auditorium accompanied Rodney Atkins as he rocked out to his greatest hits about the Lord, family, and friends at the EmporiaGreensville Performing Arts Center Feb. 8. Atkins’ energetic performance sparked joy in audience members, bringing smiles to their faces. While Atkins’ music made the audience want to dance, his humor kept them laughing as he talked about his musical journey and making his first album. He informed audience members that the first song he sang at home before his career started was “Going Through Hell.” Atkins wove Emporia happenings and his own life into his performance. He dedicated “Figure Out You” to his wife, and during “He’s Mine,” the stage lights shut off and turned back on when Atkins sang “shut off like electricity.” Atkins asked the Jarratt and Greensville Fire Departments to stand so everyone could thank them for their service before performing “It’s America.” Adkins went on to say, “God bless the men and women defending this country,” receiving a round of applause from audience members. Throughout the performance band members Ben Miller, Justin Smith, and Gideon Klein walked around as purple and yellow lit up the stage keeping audience members on their toes. Levon opened for Atkins with a half-hour set. This beat-heavy band’s energetic presence put people in a dancing mood. Lead vocalist, Michael David Hall’s vibrato, countered Ryan Holladay and Jake Singletons’ melodic voices well. Together, the trio created beautiful melodies and appealing love songs. One catchy song by Levon was Why Oh Why. A love song with an energetic beat, this tune had band members jumping on stage and audience members clapping along. During their performance, Hall dedicated a song to his uncle. The latter died of brain cancer a year ago, informing audience members to tell people you love them every day. Atkins was the second performance of the Meherrin River Arts Council’s 47th Concert Series. The Feb. 8 performance was on Atkins’ Caught Up in Country tour. Atkins performed at 7:30 p.m. Brie Vassil from Richmond, Virginia, thought the concert was absolutely amazing. “I’m not really one to listen to country music, so I felt like I was going out of my box, and it was surprising how much I really liked it. I found a common theme in the songs that I really enjoyed,” Vassil said. Vassil attended the performance to spend time with past coworkers. Anna Gauldin, from McKenney, Virginia, thought the performance was remarkable. “He sounds just like he does on the radio. I’ve seen a lot of older people perform, and they don’t sound as good as they used to, and it was really good,” Gauldin said. Gauldin came to the concert with friends. Discover Emporia and Greensville County • 9

Texas Tenors Stun Emporia By VICTORIA REMLEY Staff Writer

The Texas Tenors graced Emporia with beautiful harmonies, wicked charm and an exciting show at the Emporia Greensville Performing Arts Center Jan. 11. The trio sang music ranging from classic country to Italian arias to original songs while being accompanied by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Music flowed out of JC Fisher, Marcus Collins, and John Hagen as they bent melodies to their will. Not one wrong note could be heard throughout the concert. The Texas Tenors’ dynamics were precise as the group simultaneously changed back and forth between forte and piano. Their performance of You Raise Me Up stood out. During the song Fisher, Collins, and Hagen demonstrated immense control over their voices. The men blended well while making sure each voice could be heard. Fisher, Collins, and Hagen all genuinely Victoria Remley/Independent-Messenger looked to be enjoying themselves. From Pictured from left, JC Fisher, John Hagen and Marcus Collins making jokes on stage to conversing and entertain hundreds at the Emporia Greensville Performing Arts dancing with audience members, this trio Center Jan. 11 with classic songs and original works. involved the audience throughout their performance and had a splendid time doing it. They connected with the audience in an Motley-Fitch would attend another concert by The Texas emotional way making them laugh, cry and sing along on Tenors. more than one occasion. “Without a doubt. I’d bring 20 friends, Motley-Fitch said. When The Texas Tenors sang God Bless America they Amelia Brandon said The Texas Tenors were one of asked audience members to sing with them. Not only did the better performances the Meherrin River Arts Council the audience sing, but every person in the audience stood brought in. in respect to their country. “[I liked] their choice of music, their harmony and they’re A memorable moment from the night was Fisher meneasy on the eyes,” Brandon said. tioning an Emporia, Virginia classic, White’s Shoes, saying Brandon attended the event for cultural reasons. She said they bought shoes from the store after losing their luggage culture is limited in the Greensville County area and called during their flight. the Meherrin River Arts Council one of the nicer arts counCathy Motley-Fitch called The Texas Tenors phenomenal. cils. She watched them on America’s Got Talent before attendDanny Bolin thought the concert was pretty cool. ing the performance and could not believe the Meherrin “I like that it’s a group and not just one person singing,” River Arts Council programed them in their season schedBolin said. ule. Bolin first heard of The Texas Tenors when the Meherrin “I was blown away. Not only are they gorgeous, they River Arts Council announced the group was coming to sound amazing,” Motley-Fitch said. Emporia. 10 • Discover Emporia and Greensville County

The Emporia Greensville Recreation Association provides athletic and recreational opportunities for area youth and adults. The group was originally founded in the 1950’s as a civic recreation organization put together for the purpose of opening a swimming pool on Lee Street in Emporia. It was in the 1970’s that EGRA was formed. EGRA later built an athletic complex on Lee Street, which it outgrew in the 1980’s, leading to a move to what we know now as the “Meherrin River Park Complex.” EGRA is proud to provide several team sports for the youth in the Emporia-Greensville County area. The organization offers the most comprehensive youth sports activities in the area, which include baseball, softball, basketball, football, soccer and adult volleyball. Past President Rick Franklin stated “Some people do some sports, but we do it all as far as team sports. We’ve given a whole lot of kids a whole lot of entertainment and recreation over the years.” EGRA draws youth together from all over the region and from all races and every socioeconomic strata of society. The Meherrin River Park Complex is the organizations signature facility today, with five ball fields, two pavilions, concession stand, and playground, which has recently been upgraded adding a handicap accessible swing. The football program utilizes the Lee Street practice field as well as the Greensville County High School football field. The basketball programs utilizes several area gyms for

practices and the Greensville County High School gym for games. The adult volleyball program utilizes the YMCA gym. EGRA is proud of the park and operates programs successfully and diligently with the help of many volunteers. We are fortunate to have par parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors who dedicate their time and talents to coach the many sports we offer. Several teams in our baseball, softball, basketball and football programs have competed in tour tournament play across Virginia and ultimately won, bringing the trophy home to the Emporia-Greensville area! The motto spoken years ago, “EGRA works for our kids” still rings true today, as the Board of Directors meet monthly to discuss and strategize ways to improve the services and programming being offered by EGRA. EGRA serves a vital role in the community, and the funds allocated by the City of Emporia and Greensville County reflect the necessity of organized youth sports in our area. For more infor information, and sports signup dates – check out www.egra.org or the EGRA Works for Our Kids Facebook page.

Lexi Jones Photography

EGRA SOCCER

EGRA TEAM PHOTO

Discover Emporia and Greensville County • 11

Riparians celebrate

The COVID-19 pandemic brings to the forefront of the service of law enforcement, firefighters, healthcare work workers, and emergency medical personnel. As a community, many of us took for granted the essential tasks they per perform every hour of every day to improve the quality of life in Emporia-Greensville. The Riparian Woman’s Club never took first responders for granted. In 2016 the organization erected the “True Heroes” mural, at the intersection of South Main St. and Briggs St., to honor local law enforcement, firefighters and emer emer12 • Discover Emporia and Greensville County

gency medical services. The painting is the latest of several Riparian Paint the Town mural projects that began in 2005. In July of 2019, the Community Improvement Committee traveled through Emporia to check on the condition of the murals. It discovered severe deterioration of the “True Heroes” mural. The committee deemed the mural’s dilapidated condition unacceptable. The Riparian Woman’s Club found artist Ross Trimmer, of Richmond’s Sure Hand Signs. He was contracted in January to re-do True Heroes. No one was thinking of the pandem-

True Heroes

By MARK MATHEWS Editor

Pictured front from left are, Dr. Theopolis Gilliam, Yvette DeVaughn, M. Mann, Christian Rodriguez, back, Art Bardeau, Derrick Mckenzie, Keith Prince, Madison Phelps, Tim Jarratt, Kyle Wells.

ic’s arrival, but it would strike in Washington, then spread throughout the U.S. On April 29 the Riparian Woman’s Club unveiled the mural. Members of the Greensville and Jarratt Volunteer Fire Departments, Emporia Police Department, Emporia and Greensville County Sheriff’s Offices, Virginia State Police, Lifestar, Greensville Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Emporia-Greensville health care community were on hand for the unveiling. “The Riparian Woman’s Club is deeply thankful to the True

Heroes in our community who go to work every day to provide a safe and healthy community where we can live, work and raise our families,” Riparian Mary Woodruff said. “Their tireless commitment is commendable, and for their service, we say thank you from our hearts.” The club expressed thanks and gratitude for Mark Yeattes for allowing the mural on his building. Mic Topping placed the painting on the building, and David Yoda did the site’s landscaping. It also expressed its thankfulness to those honored in the mural — the True Heroes of Emporia-Greensville. Discover Emporia and Greensville County • 13

EmporiaGreensville served by Sheriff’s Office since 1781 By MARK MATHEWS Editor

If you believe Sheriff’s Office deputies will make an arrest or write a traffic citation, you are correct. That is only a small fraction of the Greensville County Sheriff’s Office’s services provided to the public. The full-time patrol deputies are the most visible to the public eye. Still, when you see a fire truck or an ambulance with flashing lights as they travel on county roads, the call that set them in motion likely came from one of the eight full-time sheriff’s office deputies. All of the civil processing in the county is from the work of public process deputies. When a civil process deputy delivers a subpoena to a citizen to appear in court, the courtroom security is provided by a court security deputy from the Greensville County Sheriff’s Office. Three full-time detectives investigate criminal activity in the county. Three resource officers work in the Greensville County School Division to keep students safe. The Greensville County Sheriff’s Office was founded in 1781 when Greensville County was carved out of Brunswick County. James Wall was the first sheriff of the county. W.T. Jarratt, the current sheriff, is the 53rd sheriff in county history. The Sheriff’s Office ran the jail until Southside Regional Jail began servicing the area in 1996. “Our mission is to provide quality public safety service to our community by promoting a safe environment through police and citizen interaction with an emphasis on integrity, fairness and professionalism,” Jarratt said. Thirty-eight people work for the Greensville County Sheriff’s Office. Nineteen positions are funded by the State Compensation Board. The other 19 are financed by highway safety. Jarratt said Emporia-Greensville’s reputation as a speed trap is not well-deserved. He said receiving a ticket for driving 56 miles per hour in a 55-mile per hour zone is a speed trap. Though the law is broken in that circumstance, 14 • Discover Emporia and Greensville County

Sheriff W.T. Tim Jarratt discusses the history of the Greensville County Sheriff’s Office as guest speaker of an Emporia Rotary Club meeting. (Mark Mathews)

local law enforcement is not issuing citations in that circumstance. Those receiving speeding citations are driving well above the speed limit. Sheriff’s deputies serve Greensville County citizens and residents of Emporia. There is crossover with the Emporia Police Department and Virginia State Police. The law enforcement agencies work well together. “We could not serve our community without each other,” Jarratt said. “It’s critical we keep and initiate a tremendous relationship, and I think we do that with all the agencies, including the surrounding agencies.” The Greensville County Sheriff’s Office received more than 34,000 calls last year. Not all calls are for suspected criminal activity. Emergency and fire department calls are included in the number. Deputies made 403 arrests last year. Domestic disturbances accounted for 42 arrests. Jarratt said deputies dealing with people suffering from mental illness is one of the top current issues. “We deal with it daily,” Jarratt said. “It has effects on us. If we have to do an emergency custody order or detention order with someone with mental issues, we have to get them evaluated. We have to bring them to the hospital and get them medically cleared. If we are lucky, we can do that in 12 hours.” During those 12 hours, the community loses a deputy or police officer off the street. If the officer has to transport the person to Staunton or Newport News, more time passes with the officer off the beat. Jarratt said he is blessed to have a great staff working for him. “People fuss about our community,” Jarratt said. “We have a great community. We have issues as everybody else has. Some places are worse. Some places are better. It takes all of us to make this thing come together.”

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Discover Emporia and Greensville County â€¢ 15

Tree giveaway celebrates Earth Day in Emporia By VICTORIA REMLEY Staff Writer

Taylor Hawkins prepares to plant her silky dogwood seedlings with her family.

16 • Discover Emporia and Greensville County

The Greensville/Emporia Virginia Cooperative Extension gave trees to the Emporia community in honor of Earth Day. 4-H Extension Agent Hannah Parker said the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s annual Growing Kids and Trees Annual Hardwood Seedlings Project was created to improve water quality by restoring forest cover to residential and riparian lands. “Through this project, local youth and their families learn about the importance of trees, how to properly plant them, and how to properly care for them,” Parker said. The project encourages youth to take home free hardwood seedlings to plant at their homes and in their neighborhoods with their families and involves a tree-planting demonstration. Growing Kids and Trees Annual Hardwood Seedlings Project usually takes place in local schools, but because schools closed, the Greensville/Emporia Virginia Cooperative Extension partnered with Jarratt Hardware in Jarratt.The trees were given out at the Greensville/Emporia Virginia Cooperative Extension office the week of April 6. “It’s so important to keep our Earth clean and safe. It provides so much for us and it’s so beautiful,” Parker said. The Greensville/Emporia Virginia Cooperative Extension reached out to over 100 youth and their families through the project while still following the Center for Disease Control’s social distancing guidelines. The tree seedlings given out were Eastern Redbuds, Silky Dogwoods, and Red Maples. Parker packaged and labeled the tree seedlings. Some seedlings were delivered to homes, and some were picked up at the local Extension Office at staggered times to ensure social distancing and safety. “We are happy to have been able to help our community families in this small way. We hope that the tree seedling will bring you and your family joy, and that all of our community youth and families stay safe during these difficult times,” Parker said. The Greensville/Emporia Virginia Cooperative Extension asked people who received a tree seedling to share their tree planting photos on the GreensvilleEmporia 4-H Facebook page. Earth Day was April 22.

Alexander, Eli and Chloe Boyce (left to right) work together as a family to figure out the best way to plant their Eastern Redbud seedling.

Andy Jones, left, teaches his son, Silas Jones, how to properly plant an Eastern Redbud tree seedling.

Stephon Woolfolk smiles for a photo before planting red maple seedlings with his family. Discover Emporia and Greensville County â€˘ 17

18 â€¢ Discover Emporia and Greensville County

Discover Emporia and Greensville County â€¢ 19

Virginia Peanut Festival

20 â€˘ Discover Emporia and Greensville County

The Virginia Peanut Festival organizers faced a dilemma when COVID-19 swept through the nation. Should the pandemic become a memory by late September, it could go off without a glitch. Plans are already developing for Emporia-Greensville’s signature event. “We continue to work on the 58th Annual Virginia Peanut Festival,” The Emporia-Greensville Chamber of Commerce announced in May. “We are excited to share that we have selected Southside Virginia 2020 graduates to serve as this year’s Grand Marshal. This includes all graduates in the Emporia-Greensville Community - Greensville High School, Southampton Academy, Brunswick Academy, and Southside Virginia Community College, as well as our neighbors, Sussex, Southampton, and Brunswick.” The majority of exhibits and entertainment are free to the public. There are storefront displays, a parade, arts and crafts, antique farm equipment, a quilt show, a peanut cook-off, music, and great food. The carnival appeals to the young and young at heart. In 1949, the Emporia Chamber of Commerce, under the leadership of President T. Gunter Cook, sponsored the first Southside Virginia Peanut Festival. It was held to recognize the work of area peanut farmers and the economic impact their crop had on the area. Records fail to show why the festival did not continue for several years. In 1962, the Chamber of Commerce once again sponsored the festival. Through the years, the focus always remained on The Virginia Peanut and the farmers of the peanuts.

Vendors ...

and car show

Discover Emporia and Greensville County • 21

Parade

The festival names changed from the Southside Virginia Peanut Festival to The Emporia Festival to The EmporiaGreensville Peanut Festival to The Peanut Festival. In 1981 the Chamber of Commerce franchised the name of the festival to The Virginia Peanut Festival. The peanut grown in Greensville County-Southeastern Virginia is the Virginia-type peanut making the festival name more specific to the area. The Virginia Peanut is world-renowned, and a large part of the culture in Emporia-Greensville.

The peanut, also known as the groundnut, goober (US), or monkey nut (UK), and taxonomically classified as Arachis hypogaea, is a legume crop grown mainly for its edible seeds. Peanut - Wikipedia 22 â€˘ Discover Emporia and Greensville County

and Mr. Peanut

Discover Emporia and Greensville County â€¢ 23

Greensville County views

Photo courtesy Amy Owen

Meherrin River Sunset

Photo courtesy Mary Jarrell

24 â€˘ Discover Emporia and Greensville County

Lexi Jones Photography

River Adventures

Nottoway River Photos courtesy Lexi Jones Photography

Greensville Gr ille County

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Discover Emporia and Greensville County • 25

Local

Klugel & Son

Faith Crystals and downtown strip

Meherrin River Trail and sign.

26 â€˘ Discover Emporia and Greensville County

Attractions Logans Diner and Vapor Arcade

Sitting area and dog park

Emporia Railroad History on Halifax Street

Halifax St Downtown Strip

Emporia Train Depot

Veterans Memorial Park Playground Discover Emporia and Greensville County â€˘ 27

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1781 Greensville County Circle Emporia, VA 23847 434-348-4205 www.greensvillecountyva.gov 28 • Discover Emporia and Greensville County

Emporia-Greensville Community Directory City of Emporia

Greensville County

Greensville County High School 434-634-2195

Animal Control 434-634-2122

Animal Control 434-348-4200

Private Schools

Building Inspector 434-634-6315

Building Official 434-348-4232

City Clerk’s Office 434-634-3332

Clerk of Circuit Court 434-348-4215

City Manager 434-634-3122

Commissioner of Revenue 434-348-4227

Commissioner of Revenue 434-634-5405

Commonwealth Attorney 434-348-4205

Community Services & Engineering 434-634-4500

Circuit Court 434-348-4215

Administration 434-634-3332

Emergency Services 434-634-3332 Family Violence Prevention 434-348-0100 Police Department 434-634-2121 Public Works 434-634-4500 Sheriff’s Office 434-634-4671 Treasurer’s Office 434-634-2349 Voter Registration 434-634-9533 Waste Collection 434-634-3808

Administration 434-348-4205

Brunswick Academy 434-848-3779

General District Court 434-634-5400 Dept. of Social Services 434-634-6576 Health Department 434-348-4210 Planning Department 434-348-4232 Sanitary Landfill 434-348-3379 Treasurer’s Office 434-348-4229

Greensville County Public Schools 434-634-3748

Water Department Business Office 434-634-2349

Belfield Elementary School 434-634-5566

Zoning Administration 434-634-3332

Greensville Elementary School 434-336-0907 E.W. Wyatt Middle School 434-634-5159

Faith Christian School 434-634-9313 Meherrin Regional Christian Academy 434-336-3195 Southampton Academy (757) 653-2512

Colleges

Southside Virginia Community College (Alberta) 434-949-1000 Southside Virginia Education Center (Emporia) 434-634-9358

Industrial and Economic Development

Natalie Slate Director of Economic Development 1781 Greensville County Circle Emporia, VA 23847 P: 434.348.4205, Fax: 434.348.4113 nslate@greensvillecountyva.gov Beverly Hawthorne Emporia Economic Development Manager 201 South Main Street Emporia, Virginia 23847 434-634-5056 (O) 434-634-0003 (F) bhawthorne@ci.emporia.va.us Emporia-Greensville Chamber of Commerce 434-634-9441

Discover Emporia and Greensville County • 29

Restaurants Arby’s of Emporia 109 Market Drive Emporia, VA 23847 434 634-8693 Blimpie 908 Market Drive Emporia VA 23847 Phone: 434-336-9991 Bojangles of Emporia 929 W. Atlantic St. Emporia, Va 23847 434 336 1118 Burger King 100 Market Dr. Emporia, VA 23847 434-634-6247 Cafe Cuisine 321 Halifax St. Emporia, VA 434-634-2757 China Garden 603 W.Atlantic St. Emporia, VA 23847 434-336-5375

Dunkin’ Donuts 781 Moores Ferry Rd. Skippers, VA 23879 434 -336-9100

Logan’s Diner 414 S. Main St. Emporia, VA 23847 434-634-5512

El Ranchero 921 W. Atlantic St Emporia, VA 23847 434 -634-1119

McDonald’s of Emporia 606 West Atlantic Street Emporia, VA 23847 434-634-9695

Five Guys Burgers & Fries 916 W. Atlantic St. Emporia, VA 23847 434-348-3483

McDonalds (Skippers) 770 Moores Ferry Rd. Skippers, VA 23879 434-3369022

Fo Sho 916 W. Atlantic St. Emporia, VA 23847 434-348-1057

Pino’s Pizza 923 W. Atlantic St. Emporia, VA 23847 434-348-7466 (Pino)

Hardees 101 Market Dr. Emporia, VA 23847 434-634-4988

Pizza Hut 301 Market Dr. Emporia, VA 23847 434-634-6445

Homeplate Grill 769 N. Main St. Emporia, VA 23847 434-634-1050

Quizno’s Sub/Race-In 932 W. Atlantic St. Emporia, VA 23847 434-348-7827 (SUBS)

Huddle House 1589 Skippers Road Emporia, VA 23847 434-634-2829

Elliott & Hermie Sadler Resturant/ Sadler’s Travel Plaza I-95 & US 58 W. Emporia, VA 23847 434-634-6709

IHOP 683 Moores Ferry Rd. Skippers, VA (434) 634-0185

Cracker Barrel #50 103 Sadler Lane Emporia, VA 23847 434 336-9115

KFC/Taco Bell 107 Cloverleaf Dr. Emporia, VA 23847 434-634-3122

Dunkin’ Donuts 908 Market Dr. Emporia, VA 23847 434 -336-9991

Emporia 434.634.2828 Hopewell 804.458.1213

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30 • Discover Emporia and Greensville County

Shoney’s 1201 W. Atlantic St. Emporia, VA 23847 434-634-4199 Subway 501 W. Atlantic St. Emporia, VA 23847 (434) 634-1186 Subway 781 Moores Ferry Rd. Skippers, VA 23879 (434) 336-1400 Wendy’s 900 Market Dr. Emporia, VA 23847 434-348-0274 Wongs Garden 301 Market Dr. Emporia, VA 23847 434-336-0888

Lodging Best Western 1100 W. Atlantic St. Emporia, Va. 23847 434-634-3200 Country Inn and Suites 107 Sadler Lane Emporia, Va. 23847 434-336-0001 Days Inn 925 West Atlantic St I-95 and US 58 (West Exit 11-B) 434 634-9481 Econo Lodge 454 Moore’s Ferry Rd. Skippers, Va. 23879 434-634-6124

Fairfield Inn & Suites 104 Cloverleaf Drive Emporia, VA 23847 434-348-3800

Sleep Inn 899 Wiggins Rd Emporia, Va. 23847 434-348-3900

Hampton Inn 898 Wiggins Road Emporia, VA 23847 (434) 634-9200

Red Carpet Inn 1586 Skippers Rd. Emporia, Va. 23847 434-634-4181

Holiday Inn Express 1350 West Atlantic Street Emporia, VA 23847 434-336-9999

Reste Motel 3190 Sussex Drive Emporia, Va. 23847 434-535-9100

Spring Church Road Bed and Breakfast 928 Spring Church Rd. Skippers, VA 23879 434-634-2724 Super 8 Motel 1411 Skippers Rd. Emporia, Va. 23847 434-348-3282

Knights Inn 3173 Sussex Drive Emporia, Va. 23847 434-535-8535 Quality Inn Emporia 1207 W Atlantic St, Emporia, VA 23847 434-348-8888

Voted Best Fitness Center in Independent Messenger's 2020 Readers' Choice Awards FAMILY YMCA OF EMPORIA-GREENSVILLE

212 Weaver Avenue, Emporia, VA 23847 434.348.9622 emporiagreensvilleymca.org

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WE HAVE THE MEATS

Emporia 109 Market Dr, Emporia, VA 23847 Franklin 1504 Armory Dr, Franklin, VA 23851

Discover Emporia and Greensville County • 31

The Worldâ€™s Largest Manufacturer of Intermodal Chassis is excited to announce our recent expansion. The CIE Manufacturing Industrial Park will encompass The Worlds Largest Manufacturer of Intermodal Chassis 43 acres in Greensville will full chassis production capabilities. We are Weâ€™re proudCounty to be aand part offacilitate the Greensville County/Emporia Community proud of our growing commitment to the Greensville/Emporia community.