Issuu

DISCOVER 2021 EDITION ONE

EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNTY

FEATURING VILLAGE VIEW MANSION GETS A MAJOR RESTORATION TO PRESERVE IT’S HISTORY

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNTY 3-PAGE DIRECTORY

The

C.A.R.E. Building (434) 584-CARE (2273) 1755 N. Mecklenburg Avenue | South Hill, VA 23970 | vcu-cmh.org

The name reflects the services offered in this comprehensive medical center. The C.A.R.E. Building, adjacent to VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital, is home to a wide variety of physician practices and offers convenient access to primary care and specialty physicians. CMH Cardiology Services

Bethany Denlinger, MD Jayanthi Koneru, MD M. Khalid Mojadidi MD Cardiologist Cardiologist Cardiologist Electrophysiologist

CMH Family Dental Care

CMH Dermatology

Natasha Grover, DDS Dentist

Jade Kindley, MD Dermatologist

Nimesh Patel, MD Cardiologist

Kelly Barbour, MD IM/Pediatrician

CMH Pain Management Services

Manhal Saleeby, MD Anesthesiologist Pain Management

Peggie Powell Nurse Practitioner

CMH Urological Services

Stephen Ortlip, MD Urologist

John Pearson, MD Urologist

Binyam Dessie, MD Pediatrician

Saleem Naviwala, MD Otolaryngologist / ENT

Lynnette Reville Audiologist

CMH Orthopedic Services

CMH Family Care Services

Ahmad Jafar Ali, MD Family Medicine

CMH ENT & Allergy Services

Steven Foster, DO Family Medicine

Teresa Parham Nurse Practitioner

Mari Adams Physician Assistant

Khalid Hasan, MD Orhopedic Surgeon

CMH Women’s Health Services

CMH Surgical Services

Desiderio Rimon, MD General Surgeon

Michael Tozzi, DO General Surgeon

CMH Neurological Services

Yasir Al-Khalili, MD Neurologist

Vicky Kennedy Sreenvasulu Metikala, MD Madan Vallem, MD Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner Orthopedic Surgeon Surgeon

Yi Wei Zhang, MD General Surgeon

Darrell Brown, Jr., MD Ramesh Seeras, MD OB / GYN OB / GYN

Indu Shivaram, MD Pulmonologist

Terry Wootten Nurse-Midwife

Off Campus Locations

CMH Pulmonology Services

Amy Hobbs, FNP-C Nurse Practitioner

Katie Vemireddy OB / GYN

Jenea Bennett-Talley Nurse Practitioner Chase City Primary

Charles Nwoakocha, MD Kirk Hasenmueller, MD Family Medicine Internal Medicine Clarksville Family Chase City Primary

WELCOME How times have changed... COVID-19 brought hardship to Emporia-Greensville as it did in communities throughout the nation. It also brought hope when seeing how business owners, public officials, and people in the community banded together to help each other navigate through this dire period. It gave confirmation to what I already know. Emporia-Greensville’s greatest asset is the people. With the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccines, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully, we will soon put this pandemic behind us. The citizens of Emporia-Greensville have persevered through dire times in the past, and I have no doubt it will happen once again. 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, North Carolina, 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

from the editor...

EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 3

E m p o r i a Established 1967 City of Emporia 201 South Main St. Emporia, VA T: 434-634-3332 www.ci.emporia.va.us

EDITOR Mark Mathews editor@imnewspaper.com

WRITER Owen Fitzgerald

DESIGN LAYOUT Jess Ingram

GRAPHIC DESIGN | ADVERTISING Mary Beth Wellborn Jasmaine Motley Amanda Meadows Lindsey Mason

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, CONTACT: Darian Liles Marketing Consultant 434-594-7167 advertising@imnewspaper.com Discover Emporia & Greensville Magazine is published bi-annually by The Independent Messenger, a newspaper of the Womack Publishing Company.

COVER PAGE: Shown is Golden Retriever, Rylee Jane, hanging out the window of a classic car. Rylee’s owners are Adam and Kelly Byers of Jarratt, VA. Cover & contents page photo by Alexis Jones | Alexis Jones Photography www.lexijphoto.com

06 08 10 12 16 18 21 22 24 26 28-30

GREENSVILLE-EMPORIA RANKED NATION’S BEST

LOOKING INTO GREENSVILLE AGRICULTURE THROUGH JSF FARMS

Contents

SLAGLE’S GIFT FROM THE HEART

FEATURE: VILLAGE VIEW FOUNDATION RESTORING HISTORY

COMMUNITY SEEKS RETURN OF MEHERRIN RIVER ARTS COUNCIL CONCERT SERIES

58TH VIRGINIA PEANUT FESTIVAL HELD AMIDST PANDEMIC

EMPORIA-GREENSVILLE RECREATIONAL ASSOCIATION

EMPORIA-GREENSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNTY MAPS

DIRECTORY

EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 5

GREENSVILLEEMPORIA RANKED NATION’S BEST

Bureau of Economic Analysis report says utilities industry responsible for rapid growth

by Owen Fitzgerald Photo by Bobby Connor

reensville-Emporia led all U.S. counties in gross

growth in the county to the new Dominion Energy Greensville

domestic product (GDP) percent increase in 2019,

Power Station.

according to a Dec. 9 report released by the Bureau of

on Dec. 8, 2018, making 2018 the first full calendar year of

Economic Analysis (BEA). The 62.5% increase made Greensville-

The station began commercial operation

utility provision.

Emporia the fastest-growing small county in the nation. The report

“We appreciate Dominion Energy’s investment in our

states that the utilities industry was the leading contributor to the

community and the cooperation we received from the City

county’s growth.

of Emporia in completing this major economic development

GDP by county is the value of goods and services produced by the county’s economy less the value of goods and services used in production.

The new Dominion power station allowed the GCWSA to complete construction of several new utility extensions, three

BEA places all counties into one of three groups based on populations: large, medium or small.

project,” Gibson said.

pump stations and a new elevated water tank in late 2018.

Small counties, like

“Greensville County strives to deliver utilities and other needs

Greensville, are classified as having populations less than

in a timely manner to industrial clients,” said Natalie Slate,

100,000 in 2019. BEA listed 2,5017 small counties in its report.

the county’s director of Economic Development.

Jackson County, West Virginia reported the largest percent

and GCWSA staff worked tirelessly to ensure the Dominion

decrease in GDP with -34.2%.

Generation plant had all the required resources for their

Glen Gibson, assistant director of the Greensville County Water & Sewer Authority (GCWSA), attributed the GDP

“County

operation to begin in 2018. This report shows the positive result of our hard work and successful partnership.” ///

Shown are workers put the final touches on Dominion’s gas-fired power station in Greensville County in 2018. 6 | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y

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

Kidney Stones Urologic Cancers Urinary Tract Infections Urinary Incontinence Pelvic Organ Prolapse Overactive Bladder

Kidney Stones Urologic Cancers Urinary Incontinence Vasectomy & Vasectomy Reversal Erectile Dysfunction Prostate Health

When the Signs Point to a Urological Problem... Rely on the Experts at

State-of-the-Art Medical Expertise with Compassionate, Individualized Attention. 1-800-828-7656 1-800-828-7656 Call 1-800-828-7656 1-800-828-7656 or visit www.uro.com

for appointments or more information.

Richmond • Mechanicsville • Midlothian • Tappahannock • Prince George • Emporia

24/7 Kidney Stone Hotline When you’re experiencing a kidney stone attack, you want relief as soon as possible! Call Virginia Urology’s Kidney Stone Hotline 804-560-7866. We offer rapid care and convenient onsite diagnostic & treatment for kidney stones that is available Monday - Friday.

Looking into Greensville Agriculture through JSF Farms Words & photos by Mark Mathews

im Ferguson and his son Jamie operate JSF Farms off of Brink Road in Greensville County. Jim has been a full-time farmer since 1975, but he’s worked in the trade for longer

than that. Hurricanes brought difficult times for Greensville County farmers in 1971 and 1972. The Meherrin, Nottoway, and James Rivers flooded those years. Storms in 1999, highlighted by Hurricane Floyd, brought a disastrous result to many farmers in Greensville County and neighboring regions. Jim did not cite those years as the most difficult for harvesting crops. “This year is probably the toughest harvest season I can remember,” he said. “We had so much rainfall. Most years, we are finished before December. We were still picking cotton in December. There will probably be some growers picking cotton in early January.” The JSF cotton crop harvest was completed before Christmas and sent to the Mid Atlantic Cotton Gin. It was planted in May, and Jim said the heavy August rainfall from a tropical

depression saved the crop. Unfortunately, the spicket never stopped dropping water on his land. Earlier in the year, JSF Farms harvested Runner Peanuts. The peanuts were transported to Georgia. Following the cotton crop harvest, the next step on the schedule was helping a neighbor with their cotton, followed by a return to JSF to harvest the soybean crop. Jim said Greensville County farmers grow 8,000 to 9,000 acres of cotton, many soybeans, and a little bit of tobacco. The largest crop in the county is the approximately 2,000 acres of peanuts grown annually. Last year, JSF Farms grew 670 acres of cotton, 600 acres of soybeans, and 200 acres of peanuts. He described JSF Farms as a small operation. It has grown over the years. Farming, in general, has not as far as the number of people in the trade. “I moved back to Greensville County in 1973,” Jim said. “There were probably about 200 farmers at that time. Now there is probably 25-30.”

8 | DISCOVER M AGAZINE | EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y

Pictured: Burke Moeller interviews Jim Ferguson and Jamie Ferguson about the JSF Farms peanut growing operation. At left: Jim Ferguson discusses cover crop and how it is needed to protect the land from wind and water erosion.

He cited costs in labor and equipment as a significant culprit in forcing many farmers to other trades. Most Greensville County growers were small-scale operators in 1973. Jim said the number of farmers dramatically decreased throughout the nation that time-frame. According to Jim, Jamie now heads the operation. His son helped with the family business when he was growing up. When he graduated from high school in 1988, he took up farming full-time. “It was fun growing up here in Greensville County,” Jamie said. “My parents helped the farming operation get ahead. We did it all together. I always wanted to do it. I like everything about it. It’s a way of life.” Jamie’s seen dramatic changes in his 32-years as a full-time farmer. The tractors are bigger and more powerful. The grain combines are larger. Growers now use GPS systems and other technological advances that were not available in 1988. Conservation plays a critical role in the agricultural practices of JSF Farms. Jim said protection is a practice for most growers. Cover-crops cover the fields during the winter to protect the soil from wind and water erosion. The cover crops ad another benefit. They assist by feeding nutrients to the ground. The Real Virginia television program featured JSF and other

farms in the county in December. The Virginia Farm Bureau represents Virginia growers as a non-profit agricultural agency in Virginia. Its Real Virginia television show airs throughout the Commonwealth. “It’s a show dedicated to features on different aspects of agriculture in Virginia,” Real Virginia Video Producer Burke Moeller said. Moeller travels to sites throughout the state to interview people in agriculture-based industries. Cooking and gardening segments are part of the broadcast. Moeller’s recent trip to Greensville County brought the discussion of a rapidly changing sector in Greensville County. When Moeller asked Jim about changes he sees in farming in the next 10 years, the local grower did not give him a definitive answer. “It’s hard to look into a crystal ball and tell what is going to happen in the next 10 years,” Jim said. “In the last 10 years, it has changed tremendously. A lot of growers have gone to bigger equipment. They’ve gone from 8-row to 12-row using GPS on the tractor. I don’t know where we can go from here because there have been so many changes in the last 10 years.” Whether discussing the past, present, and future of life in Greensville County, agriculture remains at the top of the list. JSF Farms plays a vital role in that discussion. ///

EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 9

SLAGLE’S GIFT FROM THE HEART TO LONG-TIME FRIEND NOT SURPRISING

Words & photos by Mark Mathews

mporia’s Peggy Fajna enjoyed a well-deserved

with the doctor,” she said. “He’s looked after me all these years.

vacation at the beach last summer. She had a surprise

We’re like sisters and brothers. There isn’t a thing he wouldn’t do

in store for her when returning home.

for me, and there isn’t a thing I wouldn’t do for him.”

“When I drove up I liked to have fainted,” she said. In a good way — Fajna’s long-time friend, Kenneth Slagle,

rebuilt her deck and added a wishing well in the yard beside her Linda Lane home. Fajna was surprised, but maybe she shouldn’t have been. She previously discussed with Slagle that she wanted a new deck built in front of her home. Both found the estimates to complete the work a little steep. They ran between $5,000 and $7,000.

Fajna does her best to help people at her place of employment, the Eugene H. Bloom Center in Emporia. She said she loves working with the residents and staff at the retirement center. Both are dear to her heart. Despite the pandemic tearing away the fabric of normalcy of life in the community, Fajna still sees good things happening every day. She views the good in people while at work and in her friend that completed her deck and wishing well.

“I thought, no way,” Slagle said. “I worked some construction

Slagle said he lives to help people in the community. His labor

a long time ago, and I told her I would do it. It took me about

on Fajna’s deck is what he described as “work derived from the

three weeks. While I was at it I cut some trees down and built

bottom of his heart.” ///

her the wishing well.” Fajna bought the supplies. Slagle went to work to accomplish the task. When he completed his mission, he told Fajna he had a big surprise for her when she got home. It’s not the first time Slagle did something to help his friend. Fajna said he has helped her through the years.

Shown, top right, is Kenneth Slagle, left, standing beside long-time friend Peggy Fajna and the deck Slagle built while Fajna was on vacation. Bottom right, Peggy Fajna and Kenneth Slagle stand by the Wishing Well.

“I was blinded back in 2005 and he took me to all my visits 10 | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y

EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 11

12 | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y

Village View Foundation restoring history Words & photos by Mark Mathews

he Village View mansion house at 221 Briggs St. has survived The War of 1812, the Civil War, and two world wars.

gutters up. That has helped tremendously in getting the water

The historic building dates back to the 1790s but is the

last few years. Suessmann and Foundation Vice President Jerry

centerpiece of a 200-acre plantation founded in 1726, a half-

Wozniak restored two basement doors that sustained rot damage.

century before the U.S. became an independent nation. The

The doors were epoxy-repaired and are ready to be installed.

Village View Foundation is determined to save the historical site for future generations.

away from where it is causing rot.” The rain gutters are one of several renovation projects in the

Near-future projects include replacing a pair of windows with rot damage and getting rid of mold in certain areas. Once

On Dec. 19, the completion of a vital preservation step

the tasks get completed, the rain gutters will play a vital role

forward happened when Billy Shelton of Shelton Seamless

in keeping rot damage and mold to a minimum. Suessmann

Gutters installed gutters on the mansion house. It is a needed

said the gutters are already making a noticeable difference in

step in preserving the structure’s 1837 appearance.

protecting the structure.

“We couldn’t put them up before because we were getting

While its age alone makes the Mansion House a historical

state money,” Village View Foundation President Steven

place, it also gained a measure of historical notoriety during

Suessmann said. “They cut that out, so we were able to get some

the Civil War. Confederate generals used its front parlor for a

EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 13

council on defending a strategically important railway. The Petersburg and Weldon Railway was a primary supply line to the Confederate army in Petersburg and Richmond. Because of its importance, the Union army made an effort

CALL US TODAY fOR YOUR CUSTOM SHED ORDERS! WE HAVE qUALITY SHEDS TO fIT EVERY NEED!

MONTHLY PAYMENTS STARTING AT $80/MONTH + TAx

to destroy the line in Hicksford (now Emporia). The episode became known as the Hicksford Raid or the Apple Jack Raid. On Dec. 7, 1864, Union general Governor K. Warren, with 26,200 infantry and cavalrymen, moved from Petersburg to destroy the rail line, striking it below Stoney Creek. Confederate

We look forward to seeing you soon!

forces, led by Hampton, were organized to resist the advancing

WE HAVE THE SOLUTIONS TO YOUR STORAGE NEEDS!

Union column. A decision was made to establish the main line of defense along the Meherrin River at the railroad crossing

CUSTOMIZED CARPORTS AND SHEDS

and around the villages of Belfield (north bank) and Hicksford (south bank). Dec. 9, the Union cavalry appeared at Belfield and attempted to reach the railroad bridge at midday. It was stopped by the entrenched Confederate cavalrymen. These defenders burned the nearby wagon bridge to prevent the Union from crossing the

Design your own to meet your needs.

EAST COAST BUILDINGS 201 Market Drive, Emporia 434-634-2424 24538 New Market Rd, Courtland 757-516-8887

river. Later that evening, Warren ended his attack. About 16 miles of track were destroyed in the raid. This initially was a severe blow to General Robert E. Lee’s supply line. By early March 1865, the line was reopened as far as Stoney Creek, where supplies could be sent into Confederate lines by wagon. In the late nineteenth century, rooms in the Mansion House and its dependencies served as a doctor’s office, dentistry, an apothecary, and an academy for boys. The plantation grew from its original 200 acres in 1726 to its full 4,990 acres in the late 18th century. In 1986, the Mansion House and its remaining four acres of land were given to the community by its last private owner, Sidney Briggs. “I’ve been giving tours,” Suessmann said. “We don’t charge anything, but we appreciate donations. People have been very generous when they’ve gone through.” To schedule a tour at Village View, call Suessmann at 434-594-6810. If he doesn’t answer, leave a message. /// 14 | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y

@YMCAofEG

Community seeks return of Meherrin River Arts Council Concert Series by Mark Mathews Shown, from top left, Four tops, The Temptations, crowd enjoying the entertainment at Meherrin River Arts Council Concert Series. Photos by Mark Mathews. Pictured, far right, Rodkey Atkins. Photo contributed by Independent Messenger.

he Meherrin River Arts Council Concert Series was humming along before the pandemic swept through Emporia-Greensville and forced the cancellation of

the final two shows of the 2020 season. COVID-19 didn’t go away, ending the 2021 season in its entirety. The mission of MRAC is to produce an annual concert series that features nationally known entertainers who perform a broad genre of music at a reasonable cost to patrons. It provides various performing arts programming in the local schools as well. MRAC has accomplished its mission annually, providing such artists as Crystal Gayle, Temptations, Platters, Kenny Rogers, and many more. In 1978, after perceiving a tremendous need for a performing arts series in the Emporia-Greensville area, a group of concerned citizens formed the Meherrin River Arts Council (MRAC). The MRAC is named after an old river that runs right through the heart of the City of Emporia and Greensville County. It

16 | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y

took on the unusual task of bringing national-quality arts

viewing capabilities from all of its 906 seats; it also boasts

entertainment to a small-town setting in Southside Virginia.

theater-quality sound and lighting systems, highly unusual in

The group’s goals have been two-fold: create a series that showcases various entertainment styles and genres while keeping tickets affordable to all segments of the population.

any school setting. Besides, the MRAC produces a performing arts series for students in the local schools.

The students have seen

In fulfilling this mission, an annual concert series of four

performances that have featured ballet, opera, theater,

performances was begun in 1979. The series is developed and

chamber orchestra, and plays. Many of these programs show

administered by an all-volunteer board of directors.

children the importance of math, reading, and science through

For more than four decades, the MRAC has hosted more than 100 performances.

the performing arts. Students experience programs that are both challenging and entertaining.

Local audiences have enjoyed everything from opera and ballet to plays and musical concerts.

“If the Coronavirus has demonstrated anything, it’s that our communities are small but resilient,” MRAC President Wilson

National and international stars have brought the sounds of jazz, country, contemporary, and popular music to the region.

Clary said. “We all have big hearts and truly care about each other.

The Emporia Greensville Performing Arts Center has

The pandemic put a wrinkle into the 2020 and 2021 Meherrin

dramatically enhanced the concert series. The facility, located

River Arts Council Concert Series. Still, MRAC fans know it’s

in a local elementary school, not only provides exceptional

only a short-term delay. ///

EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 17

THE58thSHOW MUST GO ON Virginia Peanut Festival held amidst pandemic

Words & photos by Owen FitzGerald lthough it may have appeared to be a “shell” of its

Purdy, the procession stretched well over a mile on Main St.

usual self, the 58th Virginia Peanut Festival brought

It began at Greensville High School and proceeded south to

joy to the Emporia-Greensville community on

Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center. Parade participants

Saturday, Sept. 26. While crowds were small, spirits were high

included Miss Virginia 2020 Dot Kelly, the Greensville County

in anticipation of the days’ events.

Board of Supervisors, 75th District House Delegate Roslyn

The morning began with a 5K run/walk hosted by Strong

Tyler, the Khedive Shriners, Greensville County Fire & Rescue,

Temple Fitness. The race started at 8 a.m. and was free to all

and graduates of Greensville County High School, Brunswick

entrants. All participants received a Virginia Peanut Festival

Academy, Sussex Central High School, and Southampton

T-shirt, along with other small goodies.

Academy. Graduates of the four schools served as marshals for

The festivities then moved to the star attraction of each year’s festival -- the parade. Led by Boy Scout Troop 232 from

this year’s festival. New to the festival was the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’

18 | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y

level (50g) of protein per serving (one ounce of peanuts or two tablespoons of peanut butter) • Current research supports a connection between a diet rich in plant foods and reduced disease risk, especially heart disease and cancer. Peanuts are an essential plant food that can be substituted for animal protein, which is higher in saturated fat; and, among other facts on the Road mobile exhibit. VMFA on the Road coordinator Sukenya Best said there was plenty of excitement in being a part of the festival. VMFA on the Road currently features the exhibition A View From Home: Landscapes of Virginia. The paintings, photographs, woodblock prints, and engravings from the museum’s permanent collection represent various styles and periods. The night was capped off by a dazzling fireworks display that

• Eating peanuts, peanut butter, and nuts five or more times per week can cut heart disease risk by up to 50 percent, based on a large number of extensive population studies. These include Harvard’s Nurses Study (British Medical Journal, 1998) and Loma Linda’s Seven Day Adventist Study (Archives of Internal Medicine, 1992).

could be seen from several spots across the City of Emporia. The show began with fireworks colored to represent each of the 2020 graduating classes serving as marshals for the festival. The festival concluded Sunday following a drive-in gospel concert by Marquise Harris, the Emporia native who was recently a top 5 finalist on BET’s singing competition program “Sunday Best.” Other local artists joined Harris for the concert at Tucker’s Pond.

ABOUT THE PEANUT According to research, as provided by the Virginia Peanut Grower’s Association (and originated through the U.S.D.A): • Peanuts and peanut butter are naturally cholesterol-free • Peanuts and peanut butter are protein powerhouses

–

providing

percent

(7.6g) of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)

EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 19

HISTORY OF THE PEANUT

and took them home. The call, “Hot Roasted Peanuts,” was

The peanut, also provided by the Virginia Peanut Grower’s Association, notes that peanuts were known as early as 950 B.C. They believed that they originated in

first heard in the late 1800s at P.T. Barnum’s circus. The desire for peanuts spread as circus wagons traveled across the country. The peanut was not a significant agricultural crop until

Brazil or Peru and were carried to Africa by early explorers and missionaries. From there, traders took them to Spain

the early 1900s, when the boll weevil destroyed the South’s

and “The New World.” Colonial traders used the peanuts

cotton crop. Today peanuts are a multi-million dollar

as food aboard ship as they were cheap and of high food

industry in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia

value. The first commercial peanut crop in Virginia was

and an essential crop in the Southeastern United States. For

grown in Sussex County (near what is now Waverly) in the

decades in the last century, the peanut was a significant

early to mid-1840s. The first ones in North Carolina were

cash crop in Greensville County and the surrounding area. For more information, visit the Virginia Peanut Festival web

raised in the Wilmington area beginning around 1818. For a long time, peanuts were considered simple fare.

page at www.thevirginiapeanutfestival.com, or contact the

The “War between the States” helped change the peanut

Emporia-Greensville Chamber of Commerce — sponsor of

status when Union Army soldiers found them to their liking

the Virginia Peanut Festival — at (434) 634-9441. ///

Family Owned & Operated Since 1989 Our Family Recipes Have Been Around For Over 30 Years!

We invite you to come You would be Family Owned & Operated Since 1989 shop with us & take a nuts to pass us by! with Mr. Peanut! 5 miles Been South of Emporia Our Family Recipes Have Around For Over 30photo Years! We are following all

Our Family Recipes HaveSalted Been • Gourmet Peanuts Around For Over “Our 30First Years! Original Recipe”

• Gourmet Salted Peanuts “Our• Chocolate First Original Recipe” Covered Peanut Brittle • Chocolate Covered Peanut Brittle • Double Dipped Chocolate • Double Dipped Chocolate • Butter Toasted Peanuts, Pecans, • Butter Toasted Peanuts, Pecans, Cashews, & Almonds Cashews, & Almonds • Boiled Peanuts (Salted and Cajun) • All Natural Peanut Butter • Boiled Peanuts (Salted and Cajun) • All•Natural Peanut Butter • Local Honey Brazil Nuts

You would be nuts to pass us by! 5 miles South of Emporia

COVID-19 Guidelines recommended by the CDC

• Gourmet Salted Peanuts You would be nuts We appreciate • Local Honey Recipe” “Our AndFirstSO MUCH Original MORE! your cooperation! to pass us by! • Brazil Nuts SO MUCH Mile East of Int. 95 at Exit 4 can’t wait to Covered see• Andyou! 334MORE! Skippers Road | Skippers, VA | 800-643-1695 5 miles South of1Emporia •WeChocolate Peanut Brittle • Double Dipped ChocolateWe invite you to come shop with us 20 | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y and take a photo with Mr. Peanut. • Butter Toasted Peanuts, Pecans, - Friday Monday Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm pm Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am -8:00 5:00am pm -• 6:00 Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm 334 Skippers Road | Skippers, VA 800-643-1695 | 1 Mile East of Int. 95 at Exit 4

WE ALSO DELIVER!!!

EGRA Soccer | Photos by Lexi Jones Photography

he 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 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 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 information, and sports signup dates – check out www.egra.org or the EGRA Works for Our Kids Facebook page. ///

EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 21

EMPORIAGREENSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE By Mark Mathews

n addition to serving as the Visitor Center for the EmporiaGreensville area, the Emporia-Greensville Chamber of Commerce is actively involved in the community it serves.

It is engaged daily with its members by providing opportunities for them to increase their visibility in the community through its sponsors. As a non-profit corporation, its members’ dues and sponsorships are returned directly to the community. Some of the yearly events sponsored by the EmporiaGreensville Chamber of Commerce are as follows: • For the last 24 years, the Emporia-Greensville Chamber of Commerce and its members have sponsored the “C.A.R.E.S.” program. This translates into membership getting actively involved with area students in and out of the classroom. Additionally, since its inception, Chamber members have adopted area classes and raised funds to send students to Southern Virginia Community College tuition-free for their first year of college.

• The Chamber sponsors an Afternoon in the Park for the community of Emporia-Greensville every July 4, weather permitting, a gigantic fireworks show is part of this event. Vendors are available to provide food and drink for the crowd, and a band is brought in to entertain. The Chamber Board of Directors offers free slices of watermelon throughout the afternoon and evening. • In September, the Chamber hosts an annual Barbecue Beef Festival, featuring art, antiques, and street music on downtown Halifax Street. • The Emporia-Greensville Chamber of Commerce is cosponsoring the Virginia Peanut Festival, a four-day event held every September. The Emporia-Greensville Chamber of Commerce sponsors several other networking opportunities:

• A Business and Professional Women’s Luncheon is

A monthly luncheon is hosted, which is an opportunity for

held every April on Administrative Professionals’ Day.

Members to network and share. Also, Business after Hour

Upwards of 300 guests are entertained and fed, and

Socials is held to provide further networking opportunities

appreciated for their tremendous input in our community. Vendors are also brought in to provide additional support and assistance to busy working professionals. During the last luncheon, guests took advantage of

among its Members. The Emporia-Greensville Chamber of Commerce continues to take its responsibility to the community seriously. Communities

personal shopping opportunities through Chamber

thrive with the active participation of the people, organizations,

member businesses. They were provided information

and businesses within them. Together, the Emporia-Greensville

about available health options in our community.

area is becoming a thriving community. ///

22 | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y

Pictured, from top, Chamber sponsored luncheon. Photo contributed by Independent Messenger. Nancy Rose, Chamber Executive Director. Photo by Mark Mathews. EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 23

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Emporia Train Depot

Logans Diner and Vapor Arcade 24 | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y

Klugel & Son

Faith Crystals and downtown strip

Sitting area and dog park

Halifax St Downtown Strip

Meherrin River Trail and sign.

Veterans Memorial Park Playground

Emporia Railroad History on Halifax Street EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 25

Maps

CITY OF

EMPORIA

Interest Areas Within the City of Emporia I-95

107 Sadler Lane Emporia, VA 23847

(434) 336-7360

921 West Atlantic Street Emporia, VA 23847

(434) 348-3800

104 Cloverleaf Drive Emporia, VA 23847

5 Hampton Inn

(434) 634-9200

898 Wiggins Road Emporia, VA 23847

6 Holiday Inn Express

(434) 336-9999

1350 West Atlantic Street Emporia, VA 23847

(434) 248-8888

1207 West Atlantic Street Emporia, VA 23847

7 Traveler's Inn

MAIN

(434) 336-0001

4 Fairfield Inn by Marriot

1 7 58 3

Meh NT

err

C ICK AV E

KE R ST

BRUNSW

NTIC

AVE

ST MA IN

I-95

ST E

AT LA N

MAR KET

ATLA

HICKSFOR

Riv

7 5

AT LA N

Places to Stay and Eat

6 1

ATL A

2 Country Inn and Suites 3 Days Inn by Windom

MAIN

1100 West Atlantic Street Emporia, VA 23874

ST N

Address

(434) 634-3200

HALIFAX ST

Phone

1 Best Western

MARKET DR

Name

BA ST

AT LA N

Historic Districts Belfield Historic District

Hicksford Historic District

Emporia Parks A - Veterans Memorial Park

rri

nR iv

HA LIF AX ST

MA IN

TIC

B - Meherrin River Sports Complex C - Farmer's Market

Emporia City Boundary Meherrin River Trail Water Meherrin River BRUN

Points of Interest

SWIC

K AVE

Trail Head MA IN

Boat/Canoe Put in Parking Playground Government Building Places to Stay Places to Eat

HICKSF

ORD AV E

Created by: Crater PDC 02/10/2021

26 | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y

Maps

GREENSVILLE COUNTY N

LEGEND BOAT LANDINGS RIVERS

E S

STREETS

EMPORIA & GREENSVILLE COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 27