In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress -- at the urging of the veterans service organizations -- amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

A Little More History

Also known as "the War to end all Wars", the First World War is considered today as the event which has had the greatest social and political impact in the annals of human history. It has been estimated that more than 61.5 million soldiers from all nations took part in the war, of which 8.5 million were killed, 12.5 million received recoverable injuries, and 7 million were permanently injured.  The United States, which entered the war late, suffered among the fewest losses, at approximately 116,000. Nevertheless, the impact the war had upon Americans was great. In 1947, just 2 years after the end of World War II, Raymond Weeks, organized a "Veterans Day"

parade in Birmingham, AL, to celebrate all of America's veterans.   After the Korean War (1950–1953), during which over 36,000 Americans died, Congress considered making Armistice Day a day to commemorate veterans of all wars, not only those who served in World War I.  In 1954, Kansas Representative Edwin K. Rees introduced a bill that would change the purpose of Armistice Day to honor veterans of all wars. On June 1, 1954, President Eisenhower signed the bill into law, officially renaming Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

Later that same year, on October 8, Eisenhower issued a proclaimation creating a new "Veterans Day National Committee" and naming the Administrator of the Department of Veterans Affairs as its coordinator. The Committee would be responsible for planning all national ceremonies and to set an example for state and local governments, as well as providing suggestions for Americans on how to celebrate Veterans Day. Today, the Veterans Day National Committee coordinates all federal ceremonies relating to Veterans Day, including the annual ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Tomb of the Unknow Solider is directly connected to Veterans Day.  On November 11, 1920, England laid to rest an unknown soldier in Westminster Abbey, a way to commemorate their losses in the war. France had carried a similar act the same year at the Arc de Triomphe.

On November 11, 1921, the United States followed-up with their own version. An unknown soldier, who had already been laid to rest at a cemetery in Europe, was selected and placed aboard a ship to Washington D.C. It was to fill the new "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier". It was a much hyped and heralded event that received press coverage from coast-to-coast. Thousands of people flocked to see the body laying in state in the Capitol rotunda. There was a funeral procession down Pennsylvania Avenue. Each state sent in floral arrangements to adorn the tomb. President Harding laid a wreath of flowers on the casket. Taps was played. The casket was placed into the tomb at 11:00am. The President requested that all flags be flown at half-mast.

Though this event had been performed a year earlier in England and France, it had a more powerful effect among Americans. That single unknown soldier not only symbolized America's losses, but each American's losses and sacrifices in the war.

On Memorial Day of 1958, two more unknown soldiers were reinterred along side the unknown soldier of World War I. One was a casualty of World War II and the other one of the Korean War. In 1973, a law was passed to add another unknown soldier from the Vietnam war, but none could be found until 1984.

Every November 11, a ceremony is held in Arlington National Cemetery, at the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier". The President recreates the original event by placing a wreath at the tomb, and Taps is played. 

THANK A VETERAN ON VETERANS DAY

So if you voted on November 4th, thank a veteran who has served, fought, and sacrificed that you still have the freedom to cast a ballot.  They are often the ordinary man or woman you pass on the street every day.  Most served their country without fanfare or notoriety, just humbly proud to have done their part to preserve our country's freedom for the next generation.  They will be embarrassed to be recognized and thanked.  But, our thanks are due.

American Legion Post 86 (Adams) - Kilmarnock	VFW Post 7167 - Warsaw
American Legion Post 117 - Reedville	VFW Post 10574 - Colonial Beach
American Legion Post 252 - Montross	VFW Post 8717 - King George
American Legion Post 401 - Warsaw

6 October 2008   AREA DEVELOPMENTS.  “Subdivision largest yet to get approval” says the Northern Neck News front page headline.  Sure enough, a 600-home development on Kilmarnock’s Blackstump Road was approved for development by the Lancaster County Board of Supervisors at their September meeting.  I marvel at the optimism on display with all the developers, developments and big box merchants moving into the Kilmarnock area.  Surely Wal-Mart, CVS, and Walgreens investments signified collective corporate America studied faith that this area is soon to be a high growth area.  The question that comes to mind is just how soon and how expansive this growth is projected to be?

Walgreens

Wal-Mart

CVS

If we assume that the investors of the many developments underway are not just merely trying to reshuffle the current population from their turn-of-the-century homesteads into new residences, then the target population for expansion must be everyone else east of the Mississippi.

Currently the population of Kilmarnock is somewhere around 1,200 and that of Lancaster County is about 12,500. 

16 June 2008 Telework.  I use to be someone before I retired and became a nobody.  There was a day at one time in the past you could do that, but not anymore.  I was sitting on my porch overlooking the Chesapeake Bay reading one of those books that I bought long ago with the intent to read some day.  Today was that day.   The phone rang (just like in the movies) and so began the first day of the rest of my life – adventures in something called “telework”.  I think telework actually is some sort of acronym for “you-can-never-really-retire-and-get-away”.

Someone who I didn’t know, but who knew me through former associates was involved in project that they would very much like my expertise.  The deal was I didn’t have to go anywhere and could do all the work at home.  Everything would be handled by a process and technologies bundled as “teleworking” or “telecommuting”.  I was somewhat familiar with the concept of teleworking when I worked for a company in the Metro-Washington DC area, but typically it was euphemism for someone spending a day at home “working”.  Not anymore!

Teleworking is the breaking dawn for the 21st century work environment – not unlike what the car did for horses, teleworking is doing for the traditional workplace.  The unofficial maxim of the “teleworking” advocacy is “Work is not where you go, but what you do.”  The point is that you don’t go anywhere as a teleworker.   All you need to be a teleworker is a computer, access to high speed internet, and a suite of standard office software products.  B-I-N-G-O! 

Consequently, I was instantly employed as a “telework” consultant from afar (the best kind) working with a bunch of people who I never did see in the flesh, on a project that needed expertise readily available only from a geographically disperse workforce, for a company in Maryland that provided only the project manager and an administrative support person.

It turned out to be a great experience.  I was able to work at my own pace and at times of my own choosing (I like to work at night when the sun goes down and all is peace and quiet.)  At various times we would hold an on-line conference to discuss topics, review work products, exchange ideas and experiences, plan and schedule tasks.   Best I could tell one team member was in Texas, two were in Maryland, two were in DC, one was in Northern Virginia, and I was, of course, sitting on the Bay in tee-shirt, shorts and flip flops, sipping on a glass of Merlot.  Working retirement can’t get any better than this. 

I was thinking about the experience the other day and realized that the teleworking concept has significant potential for the Northern Neck economy.  Rural areas like ours can provide a haven for people who need to work for the government or a large traditional company, but don’t want to put up with the traffic and congestion of DC or Richmond. 

We have budding high speed internet service providers such as Northern Neck Wireless Internet Services that can provide locally available high speed internet access.  There is GGCWEB On-line Conferencing that provides the services necessary for a team of teleworkers to work on papers or conferences in collaboration on-line. 

We have a growing population of highly experienced people with unique expertise and a strong traditional work ethic that still want to share that knowlege and remain involved in their former fields of employment.  Yes, telework maybe the ultimate  retirees dream of being able to work-not work.  Yes, sir .....

Teleworking is coming.  You can bank on it.  I did.  Sweeeet!

16 May 2008  Memorial Day 2008.  Memorial Day - the day once a year we as a country set aside to remember our military men and women - who have died during or after service to our wonderful country, the United States of America.  It's not exactly the "Memorial Day" I remember as a youth.  Then Memorial Day was on the 30th of May, unmoved by a weekend calendar.  Bands played.  Parades broke out.  Politicians spoke of duty, honor, country.  Not so much any more.  Memorial Day has become - like much in today culture - relative, a Federal Government 3-day weekend.  So I thought I would pass along the following memorial day lesson that you carry around in your wallet everyday.  The following is not original from me, but extracted from one of those posts making the rounds.

THE UNITED STATES ONE DOLLAR BILL Take out a one dollar bill, and look at it. The one dollar bill you're looking at first came off the presses in 1957 in its present design. This so-called paper money is in fact a cotton and linen blend, with red and  blue minute silk fibers running through it.  It is actually material. We've all washed it without it falling apart. A special blend of ink is used, the contents we will never know. It is overprinted with symbols and then it is starched to make it water resistant and pressed to give it that nice crisp look. If you look on the front of the bill, you will see the United States Treasury Seal.     On the top you will see the scales for a balanced budget. In the center you have a carpenter's square, a tool used for an even cut. Underneath is the Key to the United States Treasury. That's all pretty easy to figure out, but what is on the back of that dollar bill is something we should all know. If you turn the bill over, you will see two circles. Both circles, together, comprise the Great Seal of the United States.   The First Continental Congress requested that Benjamin Franklin and a group of men come up with a Seal.  It took them four years to accomplish this task and another two years to get it approved. If you look at the left-hand circle, you will see a Pyramid. Notice the face is lighted, and the western side is dark. This country was just beginning.  We had not begun to explore the West or decided what we could do for Western Civilization.  The Pyramid is uncapped, again signifying that we were not even close to being finished.  Inside the capstone you have the all-seeing eye, an ancient symbol for divinity.  It was Franklin 's belief that one man couldn't do it alone, but a group of men, with the help of God, could do anything. "IN GOD WE TRUST" is on this currency. The Latin above the pyramid,  ANNUIT COEPTIS, means,   "God has favored our undertaking." The Latin below the pyramid, NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM, means, "a new order has begun."   At the base of the pyramid is the Roman Numeral for 1776. (MDCCLXXVI) If you look at the right-hand circle, and check it carefully, you will learn that it is on every National Cemetery in the United States.    It is also on the Parade of Flags Walkway at the Bushnell, Florida National Cemetery, and is the centerpiece of most hero's monuments.   Slightly modified, it is the seal of the President of the United States, and it is always visible whenever he speaks, yet very few people know what the symbols mean. The Bald Eagle was selected as a symbol for victory for two reasons: First, he is not afraid of a storm; he is strong, and he is smart enough to soar above it.  Secondly, he wears no material crown.  We had just broken from the King of England    Also, notice the shield is unsupported.  This country can now stand on its own.  At the top of that shield you have a white bar signifying congress, a unifying factor. We were coming together as one nation.  In the Eagle's beak you will read, " E PLURIBUS UNUM", meaning, "one nation from many people". Above the Eagle, you have thirteen stars, representing the thirteen original  colonies, and any clouds of misunderstanding rolling away.  Again, we were  coming together as one. Notice what the Eagle holds in his talons. He holds an olive branch and arrows. This country wants peace, but we will never be afraid to fight to preserve peace. The Eagle always wants to face the olive branch, but in time of war, his gaze turns toward the arrows. They say that the number 13 is an unlucky number. This is almost a worldwide belief.  You will usually never see a room numbered 13, or any hotels or motels with a 13th floor. But think about this:  13 original colonies, 13 signers of the Declaration of Independence, 13 stripes on our flag, 13 steps on the Pyramid, 13 letters in the Latin above, 13 letters in "E Pluribus Unum", 13 stars above the Eagle, 13 bars on that shield, 13 leaves on the olive branch, 13 fruits, and if you look closely, 13 arrows.  (And, for minorities: the 13th Amendment.) I always ask people, "Why don't you know this?"  Your children don't know this, and their history teachers don't know this.  Too many veterans have given up too much to ever let the meaning fade.  Many veterans remember coming home to an America that didn't care. Too many veterans never came home at all.

So, on this Memorial Day, pull out one of those dollar bills and contribute it to a worthy veteran's cause such as the American Legion Post 86 in Kilmarnock or American Legion Post 117 in Reedville.  And don't forget to say, "Thank you for helping to keep this great nation free!"

21 April 2008  SPECIALS. My wife was looking for a special gift for a special relative without much luck for the past couple of weeks.  Time was drawing near when the gift presentation was due.  As luck would have it, she found the special gift she was looking for in of all places, a new Main Street Kilmarnock shop called … what else – “Specials”.

Specials is the brain child of Amy Groh and her father Tom Groh.  Amy is the owner and Tom, drawing on his background in department store merchandising, is the buyer.  I first encountered Amy and Tom last December as they were wandering the Steptoe District streets in search of an appropriate location for the store.  Little did I know they would settle on the former Jim’s Gym which has stood empty for about a year and is just a neighborly few doors down from the NorthernNeck.com office.  For the next 4 months they worked long hours renovating, laying out, and stocking the facility turning it from a sweaty gym to a beautiful and exciting boutique complete with a new exterior front.

Amy named the store Specials because that is what she intends to bring to the region’s residents.  The store offers a little bit for every occasion – the range of merchandise is absolutely amazing – original art, estate and antique merchandise, fun jewelry, dinnerware and dining accessories (check out their wine glasses!), waterfront cottage décor as well as necessities (linens, soaps, aromatic candles) for the unexpected guest that happens to drop in for the weekend.  Tom describes Specials as “a different type of variety store” that will offer quality merchandise at good prices.   

Amy says the items she stocks are “fun” – fun because she stocks what she personally enjoys and, fun, because she know that customers will be excited at opportunity to buy locally, the range and quality of items that currently require a trip to Richmond, DC, or Williamsburg.  Specials merchandise is priced for rapid sale as Amy’s goal is to keep the store presentation evolving so that a customer’s every visit is a fresh, new experience.

The other day, a card arrived in the mail from Specials thanking my wife for her purchase.  Now that was really a unique and special touch.  

By David Mower  31 March 2008   If you need help, the Northern Neck is a good place to live.  Every week as I post the area events to the Northern Neck calendar I am amazed at the number and varieties of local organizations that are available to meet almost any situation of distress or need.  Most of these organizations are small groups that work quietly in donated meeting spaces that provide a personal touch and warmth to humans in need of a little understand, warmth and human touch.  See how many of these fine community efforts you recognize and may even want to consider supporting with your time and talents.  Here are a few of the many Northern Neck organization that were alone listed in just March 2008 calendar:

Support Groups 

Groups providing direct regularly scheduled personal support

Al-ANON meets Mondays at 8:00 PM at Kilmarnock United Methodist Church, 89 Church Street.

Al-ANON meets Thursdays at 8:00 PM at Palmer Hall (St. Francis de Sales Church hall), 154 East Church Street, in Kilmarnock

(Check HERE for all Al-ANON Northern Neck meeting opportunities.)

 Depression Recovery Support Group meets every Thursday at 3:00 PM at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church on South Main Street in Kilmarnock. Call 804-758-8110 for more information.

National Alliance for Mental Illness - The National Alliance for Mental Illness (ANMI) meets the third Monday at 7:00 PM at the Urbanna Baptist Church. The meeting is open to the public.

Northern Neck Grieving Support Group - meets at 7:00 PM at Long and Foster at 387 Chesapeake Drive in White Stone. Call 804-761-1242 for more information.

RGH Cancer Support Group - meets the second and fourth Thursdays at Rappahannock General Hospital from 3:00 to 4:15 PM. Call 804-435-8593 for more information.

Women’s Cancer Support Group - meets at the Lancaster Community Library in Kilmarnock from 9:30 to 11:30 AM.

Alzheimer’s Association Support Group - The Alzheimer’s Association sponsors a support group for family caregivers and loved ones at 10:30 AM at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury, Lancaster Drive, near Irvington. Barbara Swain, 804-758-2386 for more information.

Alzheimer’s Association Support Group - The Alzheimer’s Association sponsors a support group for family caregivers and loved ones at 1:00 PM at The Community Room at The Orchard at 62 Delfae Drive in Warsaw (respite care available).

The Parkinson’s Care Partners Support Group at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury meets the first Monday at 10:30 AM and the third Wednesday at 1:00 PM.  Call 804-435-9553 for more information.

Brain Injury Support Group meets the first Tuesday. The Northern Neck Support Group will meet at the Orchard Senior Living Center, 20 Delfae Street, Warsaw from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.  The group is for suriviors of Brain Injury, family members, and anyone wanting to learn more about brain injury.  For more information, call 804-986-8073.

Free Legal Assistance - John Rellick, Manageing Attorney from Rappahannock Legal Services will be at the First Baptist Church, 3585 Courthouse Road, in Heathsville the second Tuesday of every month from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  Attorney Rellick will meet with persons from Northumberland and Lancaster counties seeking free legal services. Walk-ins are welcome, but people seeking free legal services are asked to contact the Tappahannock Office at 804-443-9393 or 1-800-572-3094 to see if they qualify for free legal service and to set an appointment time. Household income and assets determine eligibility.  Personal injury, divorce, traffic and criminal cases are not handled by Rappahannock Legal Services.

Free General Health Clinic for Uninsured Residents of the Northern Neck and Middlesex County are held in the evening every Tuesday and Thrusday.  Clients must register from 5:30 to 7:00 PM.  The office is off Harris Drive in Kilmarnock

Service Organizations

Organizations providing Gifts, Grants, and As-Needed Assistance

Rotary Club - Every Tuesday - First, The Rotary Breakfast Club meets at 7:30 AM at Lee’s Restaurant in Kilmarnock.  Then The Rotary Club for Kilmarnock, Irvington and White Stone meets at 12:30 PM at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury.

Historyland Community Workshop - The Historyland Community Workshop volunteer craft group meets at the Lancaster Woman’s Club every Monday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Bring a brown bag lunch. Guests welcome. Historyland Community Workshop is a non-profit charitable community organization dedicated to providing support to education, literacy, and public health with proceeds from an Annual Holiday Greens and Gifts Sale.

Kiwanis Club - The Kiwanis Club meets every Tuesday at 7:30 AM at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 435 East Church Street in Kilmarnock.

Interfaith Service Council - The Interfaith Service Council meets the second Thursday at 7:30 PM at Wicomico Episcopal Church, 5195 Jesse Dupont Memorial Highway, Wicomico Church.

Preparing Kits for Local Women’s Shelter - Two Eastern Star Chapters in the Northern Neck will prepare Bath Care Kits for The Haven at Cople Elementary School, working with the YMCA after school program. ALL who wish to help their young people can contact Brad at the YMCA, 804-493-8163 or Cople Elementary School, 804-472-2081.

Lancaster Lions Club - The Lancaster Lions Club meets the fourth Wednesday  at 6:30 PM at Rose’s Crab House in Kilmarnock. Call 804-435-0064 for more information.

Am Legion Post 117 – Reedville, 39 School Street, Meets first Mondays at 5:30 PM for a chicken dinner.   Cost is $8:00 for adults; $4.00 for children under age 13. Call 804-580-8599 for more information.

Am Legion Post 86 – Kilmarnock, 886 Waverly Avenue, every Thursday  Bingo is played at the American Legion Post 86 (Adams) on Waverly Avenue in Kilmarnock.  Doors open at 6:00 PM.  Play starts at 7:00 PM.

Sit & Stitch and Warm Up America - Meets very second Thursday at the Newton Memorial Library in Hague. Bring your own needlework or help knit an afghan for someone in need.  The patrons and staff at Newton Library have been able to donate 20 lap robes, afghan's and baby blankets to Westmoreland Social Services and Nursing and Health Care Centers.  Come join us. We will happily accept any left over yarn or needles you might not need.

Upper Lancaster Ruritan Club - The Upper Lancaster Ruritan Club plays Bingo at the Upper Lancaster Ruritan Center, 3989 White Chapel Road (Route 201), near Lively at every Friday beginning at 5:45 PM. 

Northumberland Homemakers - The Northumberland Homemakers meet at 11:00 AM at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 6807 Northumberland Highway (Route 360) in Heathsville. Northumberland Homemakers Club supports the 4-H camp, the Haven, and various county organizations in the county of Northumberland through raising money by bake sales, quilt sales, yard sales and silent auctions. Call 804-580-8613 for more information.

All of the above doesn’t count the hundreds of church dinners, bazaars, bingo games and assorted activities held to raise funds returned as gifts, grants and community action projects; It doesn’t count the benefit yard sales for the animal shelters; the various fairs, oysterfests and open houses to support the region’s volunteer fire departments and rescue squads; nor are included the many thrift shops and community second hand stores supporting needy causes.  The opportunities list of support, giving and contributing just goes on and on and on.  Northern Neck residents giving of time, talent and treasure surely must be measured in the millions of dollars and thousands of man-years as we look out for the needs of our fellow man in the course of a typical year. 

I have mentioned just a few community support activities documented from one month’s event calendar.  If you know of a group that meets regularly that wasn’t mentioned, please send me the details and I will be only to glad to add it to the event calendar.

By David Mower  14 March 2008  Lancaster Court Houser, A Booming Town.  Lancaster Court House (circa 1793), four miles down the road from Kilmarnock (circa 1804) suddenly appears to humming with new, expanding and exciting opportunities.  I see talk of construction for a new county courthouse actually getting underway.  Maybe one of these days soon, a ground breaking ceremony will get actual construction started. 

In colonial day it might have been an “Ordinary” which the dictionary of Colonial Terms says: “Ordinary - A complete meal provided at a fixed price or a tavern or an inn providing such a meal.” I might add that ordinarily, the Tavern already provides breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Unfortunately, I don’t have any more information about it at the time of this writing, except to observe that the lounge is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 3:00 to 10:00 PM and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 10:00.

NetCruisers Cafe & Oxygen Bar

Lots to Do Here

The place on the Lancaster strip making the biggest splash is the Netcruisers Café and Oxygen Bar (circa 2006).  They enjoyed so much success during their initial years of operating, that they are expanding both their facility capabilities and their offerings.  It’s a perfect fit for a small town offering many of the services that you would find at a large urban metro mall –

A coffee bar
A food “court”
A game room
An oxygen bar
A relaxing lounge
Live Entertainment
A children’s corner
Games Tournaments
Local Artist Offerings
A lending/reading library
A community meeting room
A Community Bulletin Board
Internet access both wireless and plug in
Dedicated PC workstations for visitors
And much, much more.

NetCruisers Café is owned by Holly Pleasant, but the day-to-day staff includes manager Jessica Ercelino; Margie Young, PhD; and Natile Stickel.  The Café is a great place to stop by for a little relaxing idle conversation, or you can discuss bio-physics and traumatic brain injury research with Margie who has a doctorate in the subject.  Margie is also one of the local artist whose watercolors are on display and for sale in the community room. 

Watercolor by Margie Young

Margie Young, PhD

Stainglass by Jane Bishop

According to Richard Pleasant, there will be live entertainment once a month on a Friday and Saturday night. The first such event will be March 21st featuring a comedian from 7:00 to 8:30 PM and the next night will be “Open Mic Night”  from 6:30 to 9:00 PM with local musicians playing their favorite instruments.

The all purpose community / game / reading / computer / children’s corner / TV room can be rented for special occasions, game nights, meetings or presentations.  The room has audio visual-projection equipment installed to support the Power Point rangers who need a presentation place for their audiences.

A unique feature of the Café is its “Oxygen Bar and Aroma Therapy” station – the latest thing in relaxation therapy.  Customers "hook up" individual sanitized plastic tubes to inhale the soothing aromas of their choice such as lavender, orange, eucalyptus, etc. along with fresh oxygen. The effect is general relaxation and relief from stress.

No trip to the NetCruisers Café would be complete without a cup of your favorite espresso, fruit smoothie, flowering or herbal tea, and a great deli sandwich.  Beginning in April, they will also have homemade – yes, made right here – Gelato, Sorbets, and Italian Ices along with expanded outside seating to enjoy the beautiful Northern Neck weather.  The menu is available HERE. 
 

Internet Access Station

NetCruisers Cafe is open 7 days a week, always from 10:00 AM to 3:00PM, but weekdays have longer hours from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.   Look for them in the mall across from Lancaster County High School.

Next time you are passing through Lancaster to points beyond or just going there for county business, check out the progress and offerings of the Lancaster Tavern, Bar Point Seafood and NetCruisers Café.  You just might want to linger in Lancaster at bit longer for some good eats and relaxing times. 

By David Mower  8 February 2008  The Palmer Building, 22 East Church Street.  You have

driven by it a million times.  Maybe even wondered who owned the building and what it was used for.  It certainly is a Kilmarnock landmark, and many have always wanted to go in and look around.  Now is your chance.  Open house 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Sunday, 10 February, hosted by Pam Deihl and her family.

Pam Deihl was given the opportunity to buy the building by the "Peck" Humphreys family in January, and she leapt at the opportunity.  Peck was the owner of the building's last active occupant - American Products Corporation.  The Eubank/Cox/Richard Lee Hotel/Standard Products Corporation/Palmer Building had been standing vacant and neglected for many years and was in need of significant repair just to open the front door.  In fact, the door itself need a little  TCL which has been done and once again present a striking entry way to Palmer Building visitors.

The newly named “Palmer Building”, (named after Pam’s grandfather, John Armistead Palmer, who was the founder of the annual Holly Ball of the Northern Neck that started in 1895 as a private Yuletide party), was originally a wood frame building built as the Eubank Hotel and operated together with the Eubank General store.  In 1909, a fire started in the detached kitchen of the Eubank Hotel.  After initially trying to put the fire out, the fire department volunteers tied ropes around the structure and tried to drag the building away from the Hotel proper, but to no avail.  Consequently, Kilmarnock suffered the first of its three devastating fires (1909, 1915, & 1952) that essentially destroyed the business district.

Welcome to the Palmer Building

Entrance

Lobby

In 1910, the hotel was rebuilt, but this time with brick.  This is the structure that still stands in somewhat modified form today. This 1910 version was the Cox Hotel.  Later the hotel was sold and renamed the Richard Lee Hotel.  As you tour the newly renovated Palmer Building, you can see Richard Lee Hotel room rate cards and room keys on display dated from 1962. 

Sometime in 1962 the hotel was sold to American Products Corporation, which set up offices in the north wing on the building’s second floor.  (Note the “Reserved For American Products Corporation” parking sign still posted on the rear of the building.)

Pam gave me a tour of the unfinished renovation.  Most of the work is being done on the main and second floors with the effort on the third floor mostly restricted to clean up for now.  In some ways the third floor was the most interesting as the rooms still were covered with wall paper.  Every room was a distinctive pattern.  In fact, it looked like someone had a wallpaper book and told the sales clerk, "I'll take one of each." 

Third Floor Hall & Rooms

9 Rooms, 9 Patterns

Third Floor Top of Stairs

Pam has had a crew seemingly working around the clock cleaning up the accumulation of debris cause by years of neglect, replacing walls, removing worn out carpet, shining hard wood floors, painting the interior, and much, much more.  It’s been no small task.  The building is about 8,000 square feet and about 30 total rooms on three floors and a cupola.  The second and third floors each had 9 bedrooms with shared bathrooms.  The main floor consisted of a lobby, public parlor, kitchen, dinning room, a private (“smooching”) parlor, and the owner’s suite.

3rd Floor Stairs to Cupola

The Cupola & Fruit Trees

The question on everyone's mind is, "what does the cupola look like?"  A narrow third floor stair case winds up to the "fourth floor" cupola.  As you go up the passage, it gets noticeably warmer as the sun heats up the tiny space at the top of the stair.  It's obvious why the building’s signature cupola was used during the winter month in the hotel years as a conservatory for house plants and fruit trees.  The sun's warmth even on cold winter days must have kept the temperature quite balmy.  Oranges and lemons (said to be as big as grapefruit) were picked from the fruit trees and used to make pies for the hotel guests.  It is said, that it was hard work carrying water up the narrow winding stairway to the cupola in the winter to keep the plants moist.

Cupola View - North

Cupola View - South

Cupola View - East

Pam stated she doesn’t have any specific plans for use of the Palmer Building at this time.  She may rent it out, sell it, or entertain ideas from the people who visit the building as to potential uses.   She is very fond of the old building and very honored that the previous owner wished her to buy it.  Now with it in her trust, tended with TLC, and confident that a good use for it will eventually arise, she is opening it up for the community to come and tour.  Who knows, maybe the next Holly Ball will gather at the Palmer Building for hor’douvres before moving on to the crowning site.
   

By David Mower  31 January 2008 “Quaint”.  That’s a term I often hear to describe the shops and the town of Kilmarnock; as in “there are a lot of quaint little stores in Kilmarnock.”  The other day I happened to look up the dictionary definition of “quaint” and was surprised to find that the more common application of the term is actually the third definitional usage.  Merriam-Webster’s on-line dictionary has this entry for “quaint”:

Main Entry: quaint
Pronunciation: \ˈkwānt\
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English queinte, cointe, from Anglo-French, clever, expert, from Latin cognitus, past participle of cognoscere to know — more at COGNITION
Date: 13th century
1 obsolete: EXPERT SKILLED
2 a: marked by skillful design b: marked by beauty or elegance
3 a: unusual or different in character or appearance: ODD b: pleasingly or strikingly old-fashioned or unfamiliar
synonyms see STRANGE
— quaint•ly adverb
— quaint•ness noun  

“3a: Unusual or different in character or appearance” - That was the word definition that came to mind whenever I glanced across the street at Kelsick Gardens Too wine and gourmet shop.  Even from the store front decor you know you are in for an unusual experience when you step across its threshold.   Most people are familiar with their wine selections, but the Gardens is much more than just a wine store.

Wine, Food, Gifts

It’s a Catering Service; a Cake Decorator; a Unique Gifts Shop; a Gourmet Baskets Specialty Maker; a Prepared Foods Vendor; an Events Promoter, and much, much more.  The Gardens mini-deli is a great place to get that hurried lunch to go.  You can see their boxed lunch menu HERE.

It’s the perfect place to find all types of unusual foods and unique gifts.  The shelves are filled with gourmet foods and kitchen gadgets; freezers full of prepared foods, cold cases loaded with specialty beverages, beers, cheeses, and meats. 

Specialty Coffees

Carry out is one of their specialties.  Have a party coming up, but no time to prepare?   Swing into the Gardens and pick up a full dinner for any size crowd all pre-cooked and prepared at the main store in Gloucester.  Grab quick and easy frozen appetizers like bacon wrapped scallops or a spinach and Artichoke dip; main entrees such as beef pot roast or turkey tetrazzini; as side dish or two – cheesy stuffed potatoes or green bean casserole; and no meal would be complete without desserts of Texas Millionaire Pie or Yoder’s Ice Cream.  Oh, don’t forget the Alexia dinner rolls.  Of course, if you don’t even have time for dealing with already prepared foods, you can always ask the Garden to cater your event.

Around the World Wines

Choice Cheeses

Gourment Gift Baskets

 
The Gardens is also a hive of planned activities.

Valentine’s Day will be here in a heart beat!  The Gardens is offering a complete (appetizer to dessert)  “Valentine Take Out Dinner” for two that features an entrée of “Petit Beef Wellington” or “Petit Salmon Wellington”.  Your Valentine will marvel that you were able to put together such a fine romantic evening meal after a full day’s work.  (Order by 9 February for pick up on the 14th ; cost is $49.99.  A bottle of fine Wine is extra.)

The Gloucester-Mathews Joseph Bryan Branch of the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities will present Dr. Peter Henriques for a lecture on “The Myths of Washington”.  The event will take place at Ware Church Parish House on February 16th at 6:00 PM.  There will be a wine and cheese reception and dinner with the lecture following.  Kelsick Gardens will be preparing the meal. (For reservations call 804-832-7310; cost is $50.00 per person.)
 
Have you ever wondered what a $100.00 bottle of wine tastes like?  Or have you had a bottle of wine with a huge rating?  Or maybe you are wondering what the current vintage tastes like?  They will be opening six bottles of wine in this league on Sunday, March 9th 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the Gloucester Kelsick Gardens.  (The event is limited to 12 people and costs $50.00 per person.)

Unique Gifts

Kelsick Gardens, Too, at 79 South Main Street in Kilmarnock is owned by Beth Haskell of Gloucester and locally tended by Chris Winstanley and Marian.   Yep, Merriam-Webster would do well to put a picture of Kelsick Gardens next to the definition of “quaint” – as all three usages apply to the Gardens – EXPERT/SKILLED; MARKED BY BEAUTY AND GRACE; UNUSUAL/PLEASINGLY OLD FASHIONED.  Come and See.

By David Mower  11 January 2008  Bishop to Visit Local Church.  It’s not everyday that a real Bishop comes to Kilmarnock, but on the 20th of January, Reverend James Mauney, Bishop, Virginia Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will come to Living Water Lutheran Church right here in Kilmarnock.

Bishop James Mauney

Living Water Lutheran Church, located at 429 East Church Street is a young congregation that is under development.  The congregation was started about 5 years ago through the efforts of Sam and Mary Simonovich of Callao.  About 3 years ago, the congregation had demonstrated sufficient growth that the startup congregation was awarded the status of a “Synodically Authorized Worship Community”, which in essence give it official recognition by the Synod and provided it limited non-cash support.  Last November, the congregation took a big step forward as its status was up-graded to Church Under Development which included substantial support and assistance to aid in moving the congregation to full fledged congregational status within the denomination.

Living Water Lutheran Church as been on fast growth journey moving from the Simonovich’s living room, to the Grace Chapel on South Main Street, to the United Methodist Church on Church Street, to its present rented facility at “church street corner” as the congregation has grown – moving about once a year to larger accommodations.  Now the congregation is negotiating for its own facility and property, hence the Bishop’s interest in meeting with his newest congregation.

Living Water Lutheran Church is the only ELCA-affiliated congregation on the Northern Neck.  Apostle’s Lutheran in Gloucester is the next nearest congregation and is a partner in fostering and supporting the Kilmarnock congregation’s development and growth.

Bishop Mauney oversees the Virginia Synod with headquarters in Salem.  The Virginia Synod is comprised of 163 congregations (44,074 members) throughout the state of Virginia except the an area of Northern Virginia around metro Washington DC.

By David Mower  11 December 2007 "The Kilmarnock Inn"  One nice thing about writing for a website, is breaking news can be posted immediately without waiting for a publication cycle to close.  Today, my curiosity about the "Kilmarnock Inn" was partially sated when a press release came my way.  I thought I would share it with you.

Kilmarnock Inn
For Immediate Release
12.11.2007

Local entrepreneurs vision will be realized in the spring of 2008 with the grand opening of the Kilmarnock Inn.  Located on East Church Street (Route 200) and a building or two shy of the “Crossroads” T bone into Route 3 (South Main Street). The Kilmarnock Inn will be a landmark Mid Atlantic destination for avid weekend travelers, special events and or a wonderful breakfast and lunch for Northern Neck Locals.

Before

After

The Grand Vision of local developer Shawn Donahue will be expressed with the theme that celebrates our Presidential Heritage on the Northern Neck and in the State of Virginia. The Virginia born Presidents of the United States, in order of office are George Washington #1, Thomas Jefferson #3, James Madison #4, James Monroe#5, William Harrison #9, John Tyler#10, Zachary Taylor#12, and Woodrow Wilson#28.

The Kilmarnock Inn will have outside inside and outside dinning, several common rooms, a business center with high-speed internet access, fax and printer.  The grounds will be landscaped to feature beautifully White dogwood Virginias State flower/tree and design with winding brick walkways that connect at a circular courtyard center and then radiate to all eight presidential cottages and the Inn.

Each presidential cottage is themed and designed with attention to details and offered to create an individualized experience unto itself. The Jefferson Cottage will have gathering rooms for special events. Whether you looking for a local facility to produce an Engagement Party, Bridal Shower, or Rehearsal dinner we can take care of all the details for/with you. The Kilmarnock Inn is ideal for corporate retreats with a state of the art meeting space that comes complete with high-speed Internet access, projector and conference like table and seating. Just imagine the Kilmarnock Inn as an motivational training site, corporate classroom, and ideal for board of directors meetings where each member has his or her own inspirational presidential cottage to retire to. 

Most importantly the Kilmarnock Inn will become a destination unto itself, a must see and a regular stop with over a dozen great historic and ecological “Day Trips” within an hour by car, boat and yes airplane. Whether you want to go to See George Washington Birthplace just up Route 3 or walk to shop and dine on Kilmarnock’s South Main Street you will fall in love with The Kilmarnock Inn the Northern Neck and the Chesapeake Bay. The Kilmarnock Inn is ideal destination to experience the birthplace of America and it vast cultural, historic and natural resources.

“Where’d the Name Come From? – In Lancaster County”

For instance, the names listed are generally associated with the establishment of a U.S. Post Office.  According to Mr. Wharton, the (1983) list for Lancaster County cites fifty-two names of record since the first post office – Lancaster Court House – opened in 1793.  Kilmarnock was second to be formed in 1803.

Counted in the grand total of 53 names are various name changes, such as Payne’s Cross Roads, set up in 1830, became Payne’s Shop in 1866, and Ottoman in 1886, while remaining one post office.  Mr. Wharton says the last post office to be commissioned in Lancaster County was back in 1925.  It died along with the majority, the victim of consolidated distribution.

From the Book:

KILMARNOCK. The answer to where Kilmarnock’s name came from is quick and easy: Scotland.  But the answer to when and how is likely to remain slow and difficult.  At least tow old families of the environs, the Kelleys and the Curries, both of Scots descent, lay claim to credit for naming it.  No documentary proof has been adduced.  The date is still in doubt.  If the year of the establishment of a post office is any guide to the age of a settlement, then Kilmarnock is the second oldest in the county.  The first post office was at Lancaster, 1793; Kilmarnock came next in 1804.

Kilmarnock is most strategically placed for doing business.  It has proved successful for years in that respect, even back into the mists of  history before it was named and simply referred to as “Crossroads.”

The Scotland Kilmarnock daily newspaper “The Standard,” once replied to a query as to the origin of the name this way:  ‘The town derives its name from a holy man Mernoc or Marnock, who according to tradition founded a church on the bank of the river.  The exact date is in doubt, some writers stating it to have been in the 4th Century, while others think that Mernoc settled here in the end of the 6th or beginning of the 7th Century.

His church became the center of a community, which in the course of centuries developed into the present town of Kilmarnock.  The prefix KIL was a Celtic word signifying a cell or church, and the name simply means the cell or church of Marnock.

OTTOMAN. When the U.S. Post Office authorities wished to establish a post office here, they inquired, as they always do, what name the inhabitants favored.  “Corotoman.” They replied.  That’s all right,” the official replied.  “It’s Indian, so I’m told, and if the Indians had no alphabet who am I to call you wrong?  But one thing is wrong.  The name you propose is too long.  There’s a ruling now against names of unnecessary length.  You’ll have to do some cutting down.  What’s wrong with chopping off the first syllable?”

Thus OTTOMAN was born.

Wonder about a name?  Email me and I will post what Mr. Wharton poses as the orgin.

DMOWER@NORTHERNNECK.COM 
 

VETERANS DAY is Sunday, 11 November 2007

By David Mower  24 Oct 2007 WAL-MART - KILMARNOCK NOW OPEN Wal-Mart opened this morning at 8:00 o'clock.  The opening featured the nationally renown Lancaster County High School Marching Band.  It was a quietly festive opening with about 200-300 people present (if you count the band members).  Store manager Jim Fryear took the stage shortly before 8:00 AM to welcome the crowd to the opening of the "Wal-Mart Kilmarnock store".  He added "Thank you for making Wal-Mart your neighbor."  I didn't know we had a choice.  Anyway, Wal-Mart is now here for your shopping convenience from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM seven days a week.

I had to run off to work on my house, but reports during the day said Wal-Mart traffic bore a resemblance to Kilmarnock Friday afternoon rush hour with west bound traffic backed up to the Post Office.  I finally got a moment to actually inspect the newly opened store about 8:00PM.  Things had definitely quieted down by then.

I parked 3 spots from the front of the store and ventured inside.  It certainly was bright, clean and fully stocked.  It didn't look like a rampaging crowd had been raging the aisle during the day.  There were plenty of "Associates" manning the various sections.  I chatted with Bonnie for a few minutes.  Bonnie was a transfer from the Gloucester store.  She said about a third of the staff were transfers from either Gloucester or Tappahannock.

I guess the Kilmarnock opening had ripple effect in Wal-Mart workforce as they in turn had to recruit replacements for the transfers.  I envisioned this ripple wave of transfers working its way south until it reached the Mile Post 1 Wal-Mart. 

Bonnie was excited to be part of the Kilmarnock Wal-Mart.  She had been here since they initially started hiring and was part of the workforce that turned barren walls and concrete floors into organized shelves stocked with goods and merchandise.  Bonnie said it looked like an impossible task when they first started - such a big facility with nothing in it and so little time.  Wal-Mart brought in a "Set-up" crew to organize and control the layout, delivery and placement of merchandise.  In true fashion, as Manager Fryear was announcing the opening, the set-up crew was quietly slipping away to its next assignment somewhere in Michigan.

Bonnie was a delight to chat with as was Neil who checked me out at one of sales counters in the rear of the store.  It was nice to know I could check out at a register without having to stand in the 2 and 3 deep crowds at the regular check out aisle up front.  Neil was going to staple my bag shut in accordance with store policy for checkouts inside the store, but his station was yet to be armed with a stapler and staples for the purpose.  Consequently, he found some tape and taped my bag shut – in the spirit of the policy, if not the actual letter.  Neil was working just part time for a little extra money, but liked his full time day job better.  Never the less, both Neil and Bonnie were very conscientious employees and able representatives for the Wal-Mart Kilmarnock.

Oh, my purchase?  In true impulse buyer fashion, I did not intend to buy anything, but just look around.  While chatting with Bonnie about where I could find that Zorro guy who slashes prices I spied a whole rack of doggie treats for $8.00 a bag -- a real deal, as everywhere else I pay over $9.00 a bag.  So, I bought 3 bags. 

As I was wandering around in search of the Sushi Bar which I never did locate, an announcement blurted forth and was repeated reminding "Wal-Mart Kilmarnock shoppers that Wal-Mart will be closing at 11:00 PM" - a mere 2 or 3 hours away.  I decided I had better leave at that point.  I didn't want to wind up spending the night in the Wal-Mart Kilmarnock.  Who knows what goes on in there after closing.  Maybe they would force me to restock the shelves for the next day.

071015   I was in the Kilmarnock Farm and Home Supply store the other day when I spotted a flyer on the checkout counter requesting cards and letters of encouragement for a local Marine stationed in Fallujah, Iraq.  Corporal Benjamin Bryan's parents, Chris and Doreen Robertson of Lancaster, requested prayers for their son who is currently serving as a communications specialist with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines Regiment (DarkHorse), 1st Marine Division.

As I was preparing this article about CPL Benjamin Bryan, I "Googled" his name to see what information might be available.  To my suprise, several article options were presented about a CPL Benjamin Bryan, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 1st Marine Division being killed in action on 13 November 2004, during the original battle for Fallujah.  I thought, what are the chances of two Marine CPLs named Benjamin Bryan being assigned to the 5th Marines, (different battalions - 1st vs 3rd), both seeing action in Fallujah, almost exactly 3 years apart? 

I think I understand why Doreen and Chris Robertson hope and are soliciting prayers for a different out come for the 2007 3/5 Marine version of Marine Corporal Benjamin Bryan.  Will you include CPL Benjamin Bryan in your prayers?  Will you send him and his buddies cards and letters?  Here is the address that was posted on the flyer:

CPL Bryan, Benjamin
3/5 H&S Co.
Comm PLT
UNIT (UIC): 40380
FPO/APO 96426-0380

We are approaching that time of the year when Thanksgiving is being offered and Christmas wishes are being extended.  If you are inclinded to do something for our soldiers, marines, sailors, airmen and coast guardmen standing watch in your behalf, considers some of these opportunites:   

CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS: Cell Phones for Soldiers is seeking used cell phones to recycle. Money raised from the recycled phones will buy phone cards to allow troops to call home. Phones can be any brand and any condition and don't need batteries. Mail used phones to: Postage Due Unit, U.S. Postal Service, P.O. Box 9998, Dexter, MI 48130. You can get a PRE-PAID MAILING LABEL **HERE** to send phones to the Dexter, MI "Cell Phones for Soldiers" collection point.

SOLDIER ANGLES:  Soldiers' Angels was started by a self-described ordinary mother of an ordinary young man turned hero, Sgt. Brandon Varn. Brandon was deployed in Iraq and has since honorably completed his mission and has returned back to his proud and loving family. In the summer of 2003, he wrote home expressing his concern that some soldiers did not receive any mail or support from home. Being a caring and loving mother, she decided not to allow a situation like that to continue. She contacted a few friends and extended family to ask if they would write to a soldier or two. Within a few short months, Soldiers' Angels went from a mother writing a few extra letters to an Internet Community with thousands of angels worldwide. 

FISHER HOUSE: The Fisher House™ program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.  [My favorite] 

OPERATION GRATITUDE:  Hundreds of thousands of American troops are deployed in hostile and remote regions of the world, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, Africa, Guantanamo Bay and on ships throughout international waters. The physical conditions they must endure are difficult and they may be separated from loved ones for long periods of time. OPERATION GRATITUDE seeks to lift troops' morale, and bring a smile to their faces by sending care packages to service members overseas. OPERATION GRATITUDE care packages contain food, toiletries, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation, all wrapped with good wishes of love and support.  Through Collection Drives, Letter Writing Campaigns and Donations of requested items or funds for shipping expenses, OPERATION GRATITUDE provides civilians anywhere in America a way to express their respect and appreciation to the men and women of the U.S. military in an active, hands-on manner.

G.I. PIZZA:  Believe it or not....you can send pizza and Pepsi to Soldiers overseas. Also available is an optional message and certificate to go with your pizza delivery. 

INJURED MARINE FUND:  The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund provides financial assistance to: Marines and Sailors injured in combat, in training or with life threatening illness; Other service members injured while in direct support of Marine units; Their families; Help defray the expenses incurred during hospitalization, rehabilitation, and recovery; Help with expenses associated with the purchase of specialized equipment, adapted vans or vehicles, and handicap home modifications. Our goal is to alleviate the financial burden placed on the family so that their focus can be on their loved one’s recovery.

PEN PALS FOR SOLDIERS:  Pen Pals for Soldiers is a volunteer organization dedicated to the support and morale of our brave men and women in uniform serving overseas, in appreciation of their efforts in defense of our Nation, our freedoms, and our way of life. Soldiers will receive cards, letters, and care packages from individual volunteers who have signed up to be Pen Pals. Pen Pals are screened through address verification, and are informed of Pen Pals for Soldiers policies with regards to sending care packages, mail, and email that would be deemed suggestive, inappropriate, or hazardous. Our purpose is to support you with hygiene, toiletry, snacks, comfort items, and words of support and caring. Headquartered in Simi Valley, California, Pen Pals for Soldiers was founded by Barry Thomas in May 2004.  After reading "US Troops Overseas Need Your Cards and Letters to Boost U.S. Troops Morale" in the local community newspaper, Barry felt compelled to contribute to the cause. Barry  partnered with Simi Valley's local community, including public and private schools, churches, service clubs, and merchants, asking volunteers to write supportive letters to the men and women serving in the military. The letters were then sent to US Armed Forces stationed overseas. In addition to cards and letters, Pen Pals for Soldiers expanded into sending care packages to the troops in combat zones.

OPERATION UPLINK:  Operation Uplink is a unique program that keeps military personnel and hospitalized veterans in touch with their families and loved ones by providing them with a free phone card. Using contributions from supporters like you, Operation Uplink purchases phone cards and distributes them to servicemen and women who are separated from those they care about. 

THANKS A MILLION:  A Million Thanks is a year-round campaign to show our U.S. Military Men and Women, past and present, our appreciation for their sacrifices, dedication, and service to our country through our letters, emails, cards, prayers, and thoughts.

OPERATION SPECIAL DELIVERY:  Operation Special Delivery (or OSD), provides trained volunteer doulas for pregnant women whose husbands or partners have been severely injured or who have lost their lives due to the current war on terror, or who will be deployed at the time that they are due to give birth.  What is a doula?  A doula is specially trained to give informational, emotional, and physical support to women during childbirth.  A doula does not perform medical tasks, but is trained to provide uninterrupted support to a mother in labor. Why military moms?  Because OSD believes that no one should give birth without support, especially the women who are giving birth while these fathers are making such a great sacrifice for our country and our freedom.  We just want to try to give back in appreciation. 

There are many more opportunities.  A little effort on the internet will add a thousand fold opportunities to those listed above.  When you go to sleep tonight and wake up free tomorrow morning, first thank God; then thank the men and women of the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force who are willing to stand in the breach, willingly go in harms way, preform the multitude of thankless tasks that are vital to ensuring the security of our great country, the United States of America.  So, now it's your turn. Do something. Do it now! ... and don't forget to remember Marine CPL Benjamin Bryan, 3/5 Marines in your prayers.  Thank you CPL Bryan.  And thank you Doreen and Chris for raising a Marine!

By David Mower  070914 I received the following press release from Delegate Rob Wittman's Office today.  Thought I would pass it along as it may have an effect on Northern Neck businesses and residences.

Weight Restrictions Placed on the Robert O. Norris, Jr. Memorial Bridge, Effective Immediately
For Immediate Release: September 14, 2007
Contact: Blake Hite, 804-493-0508 

070831 - WAL-MART SATELLITE SHOPS.   Time to check out Wal-Mart site progress, now that they are actually hiring.  The exterior, of course is about done with the parking lot paved and landscaping underway.
   

Actually, the main action visible to passersby now is the on-going construction of the 28,000 square foot Wal-Mart satellite shops being constructed under the watchful eye and management of Erich Kadel, Building Superintendent for Henderson Incorporated, Geneal Contractors. 

The satellite shops don't have an anchor store at the moment of this writing.  May be they ought to go talk to the Kilmarnock Postmaster about room for a new post office in the 28,000  square feet.  The post office could be a long term anchor tenant which would very nicely compliment the open area, spacious parking and traffic controls recently installed. How about it, Mr. Kilmarnock Postmaster?  Where are you going to be when your current lease expires?  How about an address at the prestigous Wal-Mart satellite Shopping Mall. 

31 August 2007  THERE'S NOTHING TO DO IN THE NORTHERN NECK.  Of course that's not true unless you are a teenager, in which case it seems that it doesn't make any difference where you are ... "there is nothing to do."  Have you been scanning the up-coming events in the NorthernNeck.com calendar?  If so, Saturday, September the 8th should be leaping off the screen at you with the overwhelming variety of excellent events and opportunities.  Its almost too bad you can't be everywhere at once there are so many enticing activities all over the Northern Neck.  Here a just a few of the ones I find exciting:

• Northern Neck Antique Automobile Club of America 14th Annual Antique Auto Show will be held at the Richmond County Fairgrounds, in Warsaw.  For more information, contact Steve Lowe, 804-275-2714.  There is a fee to attend this event.
   
• Callao Ruritan Club Antique Tractor Pull on both 8th and 9th.  Call 804-472-3765, 804-580-8856, or 804-529-7480 for more information.
   
• Edwardsville Day on the grounds of Galilee United Methodist Church in Edwardsville.  They are planning a wide array of activities including face painting, praise and dance routines, youth and children activities, horseshoe tournament, and plenty of delicious food.  News Channel 6 Commentator Sandra Jones will serve as the Grand Marshal for the Edwardsville Day parade.  The parade will start at 1:00 PM and travel from downtown Edwardsville on Hull Neck Road to Galilee Church.  Loads of floats will be in the parade along with a flock of politicians.  You, too can be in the parade.  For more information about Edwardsville Day, call 804-580-7256 or 804-580-2477.
   
• Falcons vs. Crusaders Football - Semi-Pro Teams at Drifter Field Colonial Beach High School 7:00 PM - tickets $7.00 - for more information call RJ at 540-907-9398.  (Who knew we even had semi-pro football in the Northern Neck?) 
  
  It appears the Falcons are really "The Fredericksburg Falcons" founded in 2005 when a core group of players from an existing semi-pro team branched off to form a new Mason Dixon Football League (MDFL) team. Led by their former assistant coach turned Owner- Alan Elliot, this team became the Fredericksburg Falcons.  The Falcons play their home games at Colonial Beach High School's Drifte Field, 100 First Street in Colonial Beach.  I believe their season record is 3-6 going into the Crusaders game.
   
• Colonial Beach 41st Annual Arts & Crafts Fair on the Boardwalk rain or shine.  Colonial Beach Boardwalk Arts and Crafts Show is strickly fine arts and handmade items.  This show is held on the boardwalk annually and has always been a favorite of artists, crafters and the public beacause of the fine items available and the river breezes.  For vendor information or for visitor information, call 804-224-8124.
   
• Ladies Only Wine Class at Ingleside Vineyards from 1:00 to 6:00 PM.  Wine is to enjoy! Take out the mystery. Learn the etiquette of wine tasting and secrets of pairing wines with food. Includes souvenir glass. Reservations are required. Cost is $20.00. Ingleside Vineyards is one of the oldest and largest wineries in Virginia. It is part of a 3,000 acre estate which has been owned by the Flemer family for over o­ne hundred years. Charles H. Flemer purchased Ingleside in 1890 and today o­ne of his great-great grandsons is proprietor of Ingleside Vineyards. The Vineyard is located at 5872 Leedstown Road, near Oak Grove and open daily.  Call 804-224-8687 for more information.
    

• Annual Plant Sale - The Northern Neck Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society will hold its annual plant sale from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
  
  The sale will take place on the front lawn of the Thrift Shop adjacent ot the Wicomico Parish Chruch (Episcopal) on Route 200 in Wicomico Church.
  
  There will be a selection of native trees, shrubs, ferns and perennialflowers. New books that focus on native plants to the area and plant experts wil be present to answer questions and help identify unknow plants. 

While the women are off at Wine Class, there is a special opportunity for us men also: 

Free Prostrate Scrreening Clinic - If you are a male over the age to 50 or between the ages of 40 and 50 with a family history of early prostrate cancer, you are invited to participate in the Mid-Rivers Cancer Center FREE prostrate screening clinic today. Please call as there are a limited number of appointments available: 804-493-8880.

14 August 2007  DUCK HUNTING SEASON OPENS EARLY.... for Rubber Ducks that is.

I came across an interesting advertisment last week in the Northumberland Echo for "The Inaugural Rubber Duckie Derby."

It turns out the Kinsale Foundation and Museum will hold its Inaugural Rubber Duckie Derby on Saturday, September 15^th at the Kinsale Bridge at about 1:00 PM.

The schedule of events includes the annual membership meeting of the Kinsale Foundation at 11:00 AM followed by lunch and then, subject to tides, they will hold the first annual Rubber Duckie Derby in Kinsale Harbor near the bridge.

The Foundation has put up for adoption a flock of rubber ducks.  They initially acquired 600 rubber ducks, but one has already been poached by a Foundation member’s dog.  That leaves 599 fowls for adoption.  The ducks are up for adoption only, not purchase.  You don’t get to keep your rubber duckie.  They will be nested, kept safe and trained for next year’s derby. 

The Foundation is offering various adoption options for perspective derby duck sponsors.  According to the Rubber Duckie Derby Official Adoption Form (available HERE) you can:

Adopt a duck for $5.00
Adopt a Quack Pack of 6 ducks for $25.00 (one free duck)
Adopt a Waddle Pack of 12 ducks for $50.00 (two free ducks)
Adopt a Grand Quack Pack of 25 ducks for $100.00 (five free ducks)

You can use cash, check or credit card to adopt your covey of ducks.

The flock of adopted ducks herded down to the Yeocomico River, taken out to the middle of the river and thrown overboard from a ship approximately 200 yards from the bridge. The ducks will race (float) to the finish line on the far side of the bridge. 

Each duck will be numbered.  The first duck to come completely under the bridge will be awarded a first prize of $500.  The second duck's holder under will receive $250, and the third $100.  Eyeball decision of the judge on finish order is final. 

The monies raised by the Foundation go to underwrite the cost of operations and maintenance of the Kinsale Museum.  This looks like the start of a great local tradition.  Adopt your Quack Pack today and we will see you at the bridge on September 15^th.  May the lucky ducks win!

Click here to download the Duckie Adoption Form

Please complete the form after downloading, and mail to:

The Kinsale Foundation
Attn: Joni Lawler
P.O. Box 8
Sandy Point, VA  22577

Questions?? Call Joni Lawler at 804-472-4206

6 August 2007 - THE HOUSES OF KILMARNOCK. We are doing a "re-build".  Re-builds are the "in" thing in Northern Virgina - tear down an existing 50's-ish house; build a mansion on the lot to replace the bungalow that previously occupied the spot.  Soooo... when it came time to permanently move into our cabin on the creek, it was nice as a weekend cabin, but determined insufficient for full time living.   We looked around for about a year, but could not find a parcel as nice as the one we currently owned, thus REBUILD was the option we have taken.    

 During the rebuild, we are renting a house in Kilmarnock on the main street just a few doors down from the business district.  It's a nice old house, one of a string of once proud and stately homes along the east side of South Main Street.  It even has a name - the Old Henderson House.  It's sort of a handyman's special now, but at one time the house must have been very prominent in Kilmarnock with it's carriage house out back and a huge oak tree that look like it must be 300 or 400 hundred years old - at least it keeps dropping large branches like it is 400 years old. 

The block is zoned commercial.  Mostly businesses occupy the neighboring houses on the block and across the street.  The house was last acquired by a developer who had plans to tear the old girl down and build condos or something similiar.  While that effort has past away, the Henderson House's days are surely numbered. 

But what about the other old houses of Kilmarnock?  I started to take notice in my morning walks that the town seems to have a very fair share of these 1920s era homes that gives rise to the belief that Kilmarnock must have been a very stately little community back when steamboats still roamed the waterways of the Northern Neck.

Here is a short tour of homes that I found particularly impressive, at least on the outside.  You can view the full inventory and take the full tour of these wonderful old (and some not so old) Kilmarnock homes in the Photo Gallery.

27 July 2007 - KILMARNOCK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT FESTIVAL.  The KVFD 72nd Festival is underway.  It was an almost perfect summer's evening.  A nearly full moon, arcing up in the night sky, was shining down on the festival taking place on Waverly Avenue. The temperature was in the mid-70's and slipping lower.  The crowd was changing over and growing -- changing over from predominately families with small children to the later evening crowd of teenagers and young (and not so young) adults when I arrived. 

The voice of the festival could be heard blocks away calling out the lucky dime numbers, announcing festival sponsors like "Northern Neck Wireless Internet Services", pointing out the donated gifts available for the nightly drawings, and noting that the festival has been an on-going tradition since 1934 entirely maintained and operated by volunteers - like you!

Crowd watching was as much fun as the rides, games and tests of skill.  THE WALL, of course, was a magnet for the adventurous youngsters, while Bingo appears to be the reigning favorite of the Greatest Generation.   A normal crowd pleaser is "Dunk the Coach" (or whoever happens to be sitting on the spill board) has been moved from last year's center stage to a dark and quiet corner where contestant must battle dim light in their efforts to hit the plunger trigger with a softball.  Still, a splashing sound resounded from that corner with good regularity.

The real reason I always come to the festival several times each year isn't for the games and rides, but the food -- yes, the food!  Funnelcakes with powered sugar; cheezie fries, sweet Italian suasage with fried onions; and tall glasses of lemonade.  Good thing they only do this once a year.  

A sign in one of the games-of-skill booths says "A Winner Every Time!".  This year's Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department Festival is certainly a winner.   Come to Kilmarnock, to the festival grounds on Waverly Avenue between now and August 4th and have a great time with rides, food, games, socializing and crowd watching.  The fun begins nightly at 7:00 PM with closing hours at 10:00 PM on Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.  While there is no admission or parking fees,  rides require a ticket which are $1.00 each; and some rides require two tickets.

Don't forget to buy one of those raffle tickets for that nice, dark blue Dodge Ram pickup truck ... if there are any tickets left.  Check with the Dime-a-Chance booth to see if you are still in luck.  Tickets are only $10.00 and they only had 3,000 to sell. 

Congratulations KVFD on your 75th Anniversary and on another spectacular community festival.  See you at the festival tonight!

3 July 2007 I received this interesting (if you love wine) press release today and thought I might pass it along:  "New Lottsburg Wine Aficionados Host First Meeting" 

Like good wine and comradeship?  The General Store Restaurant in Lottsburg will be hosting the first meeting of the Lottsburg Wine Aficionado Group on Tuesday, July 17 at 6:30 PM. 

 

Wine appreciation will be featured with guest Bill Swain, Ingleside Vineyard winemaker.  Bill is one of the most respected wine makers to come out of California.  A graduate in Viticulture and Enology from the University of California Davis, Bill is guiding Ingleside Wines in their continuing winning ways.  Ingleside Wines have consistently earned top honors in state, national and international wine competitions. 

The General Store Restaurant will serve light fare between the tastings of the evening.  This exciting way to understand and appreciate wine and meet new friends will be the first venture of the new group. 

You must be 21 years or older to join the festivities as wine will be tasted at each group event.  Reservations are required and cost only $25 per person or $45 per couple.  Call 804-529-5938 to reserve a spot at the Lottsburg Wine Aficionado Group.

The General Store which opened in February 2007 was formerly the Cafe Lotte' and before that the "Little Peoples Guild" which was always a treat to visit.  Remember when they sold goats and kids out back, and fresh produce from the garage?  The General Store is now open for Lunch and Dinner.  Here are their LUNCH and DINNER menus.  The General Store is located at 2816 Northumberland Highway (Route 360) in Lottsburg.

20 June 2007 - Grace Hill.  Have you heard of it?  Grace Hill - a Planned Unit Development (PUD) - is a first for this area. The Kilmarnock Town Council gave the "go ahead" for development last Monday night to developer Fred West capping a two year quest for zoning approval.  The 66-unit neighborhood community is a clusted development on 43 acres of land that will leave forty percent of the acreage in common green space.

Fred West, the Grace Hill developer, is very enthusiastic about the cooperation and congenial working relationship established with the Kilmarnock Town Council.  "We are very impressed with what has been happening here since 2005.  There is a lot of positive energy in the town.

The Town Council appears equally impressed with the Grace Hill Planned Unit Development located on Harris Road just past Rappahannock General Hospital.  The "PUD" is a model example of the type of development that the town and county have looked for in their comprehensive plans.

What makes a PUD unique is that the land use regulations can be tailored to provide significant flexibility to the applicant while still providing necessary protection and controls to the county.

For example, the PUD regulations may speak very clearly to the overall density of the project and portions of the development where it abuts neighboring properties. However, it may provide broad latitude for housing types, lot sizes, or other elements that are on the interior of the project. Generally, a special exception is limited in the range of flexibility that is allowed, and the exception process is usually used to impose additional requirements to a project.

The units planned for Grace Hill will be priced from the high $300's.  West said that they intent to start clearing the parcel immediately and will begin construction in early July.  Grace Hill is partnering with Select Properties and Lawler Real Estate in promoting the community's development.  Mount Castle Homes and McMahon Homes are the principle builders for Grace Hill.

8 June 2007  - The time between Memorial Day and Independence Day is a great and wonderful time of the year.  On Memorial Day we remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom's preservation while at the other end we celebrate the birth of the world's greatest Nation that stands for freedom.

I cannot think of a better way to fill in the connecting days between May 31st and July 4th than to visit the new United States Marine Corps Museum in Quantico Virginia. 

What good fortune it is that an opportunity to make a trip is being offered by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, near Callao Virginia.  Good Shepherd will host a bus fellowship outing to the Marine Corps Museum on Friday, June 22, leaving at 9:00 AM from the church parking lot.  Advance reservations are required. 

Cost for the bus is per seat plus driver's tip.  There are 45 seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.  There is no admission charge for the museum.  Lunch will be available in the museum mess hall.  For more information about the opportunity to join the bus fellowship to the USMC Museum in Quantico, call Pastor Mike at 804-472-2890.  Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is located at 1717 Hampton Hall Road about two miles west of Callao on Route 202.

Add your salute to our Armed Forces by visiting one of the many military museums in our area.  Here is just a short list from among many of Virginia's military museum sites for your consideration.

• US Army Women's Museum - Ft. Lee, VA
• US Army Quatermaster Museum - Ft. Lee, VA
• National Museum of Health and Medicine - Walter Reed Amry Medical Center, Washington DC
• US Army Transportation Museum - Ft Eustis, VA
• The Old Guard Museum - Ft Myer, VA 
• Air Force Memorial - Arlington, VA
• Tank Museum - Danville, VA
• Battleship Wisconsin (BB-64) - Norfolk, VA
• Iwo Jima Memorial - Arlington, VA
• Naval Shipyard Museum - Portsmouth, VA

070430 - It’s my favorite time of the year.  The weekends are beautiful, busy and bustling with activities.  This weekend is the best of the best in many ways.  Friday, 4 May is this year’s first Steptoe’s District Walkabout.  Kilmarnock merchants are open late; a whole new venue of sidewalk dining opportunities has sprung up to provide outside lounging opportunities on our beautiful evening; and live music returns to the decks of Smokin’ Joe’s Barbeque.   I hear that this Friday’s treats will include a sneak preview of Rose’s Steakhouse and Saloon which is scheduled to open officially later in May.  Come to Kilmarnock for a Walkabout starting at 5:00 PM, running to 8:00 PM.  Come back the First Friday of every month though out the summer for a bit of healthy walking about.

But the activities don’t stop with Friday’s Steptoe’s District Walkabout.  Saturday is the famous, eagerly anticipated Grace Episcopal Church Annual Yard Sale at the YMCA/Boys Camp located at the end of Route 651 (Boys Camp Road).  Aw, heck…if you don’t know where the place is just follow the ant-line car cars and truck turning left off Route 3 at the south end of Main Street.  

Saturday also sees the return of the Irvington Farmer’s Market to the common grounds in the heart in Irvington.  What a great traditional event this first Saturday of the month May to October has become to stroll the vendor tents, buy fresh picked veggies, and check out a wide variety of arts and crafts mostly made in the region.  The Irvington Farmer's Market is a great opportunity to see your friends, their dogs, and grab a bite to eat and relax. 

If this weekend’s activities don’t exhaust you, then next weekend is the Kiwanis Auction and Flea Market where you can find that boat you always wished you owned, but could never afford at a price you can afford.  I see they have over 40 boats to auction off this year.  The flea market starts at 8:00 AM at Yankee Point Sailboat Marina, 1303 Oak Hill Road (Route 610) in Lancaster County.  The auction featuring mainly boats, but often has other marine equipment included, starts at 10:00 AM. 

If you just cannot get off the couch, I have two websites that offer on-line shopping that I think you will find very interesting.  The first is HAMPTON HOUSE GIFTS, which offers an extraordinary catalog of gift items for any occasion.  The other site specializes in one-of-a-kind jewelry handmade by a Northumberland County gemologist.   Check out AlleyCatDesigns by Megan Jackson.

070316 -  Besides providing wireless internet service to Northumberland and Lancaster Counties, we also assist people design a website.  Recenlty I have had the pleasure of working on a few sites that you might be interested in checking out.  Here are just three that merit a visit.

You all have probably seen the freely distributed Chesapeake Angler Magazine featuring those astounding catches of trophy fish from our local waters.  Well they have a website and message board that will keep your hook filled with prize winning fish.  Check out www.chesapeake-angler.com

My second recommendation is a little bit out of the ordinary -- monster truck pulling.  The Upper Lancaster Vol Fire Dept has a pulling contest schedule for 12 May in Lively.  The event is put on by http://www.dragonpulls.com/ If you like to watch big trucks trying to pull immovable objects, this site is for you.

Many of you know Capt Jeff Adam of Adam's Fishing Adventures and his 42 passenger boat, The Providence II.  Well, Capt Jeff has put up a new site for the 2007 fishing season and is looking to take a boat load of you saltwater ffishmen out to catch the big one.  You can find Capt Adams at www.adamsfishing.net.  Welcome aboard mate!  

WAL-MART 070307 The “walls” part of Wal-Mart are starting to appear.  It’s sort of difficult at this stage to determine exactly what the walls at the Wal-Mart site belong too – Retaining walls? Store facility walls?  Other structure walls?  

Around the lot’s rear parameter, a low wall now rings the back side of the site; while over to the right,  three walls of a structure at least two stories high are visible coming up.  According to reports, the project is running well within schedule and the “mart” part of Wal-Mart is headed for an after Labor Day opening.  I haven’t seen any job vacancy ads yet, but then Sep-Oct are still a few months down the road.

Hogzilla is gone, and so are the trees, debris, and SawDust Mountain.  The forested ground has been cleared and bladed for the Kilmarnock Shoppes.  Work this day appeared centered on cleaning, clearing, and filling in the rather deep ravine that slices into the Shoppes’ construction site.  In the background where Wal-Mart’s parking lot is taking shape, the 20 foot deep ravine that sliced into the parking area has been filled and leveled.  Gravel now covers a considerable portion of what will soon be patron parking. 

There still isn’t much to see expect dirt being pushed around and piled up.  TopSoil Mountain has a couple of cousins for company.  Perhaps more interesting are some of the apparent collateral impacts that Wal-Mart has brought about.  I hear on the street that Ruby may get a Rose; that the Blue Heron may change to a Rose color; that CVS may have a Green neighbor; that Secure Storage is no longer secure, but mini; and that there is an Advanced effort to build a new store in the foreground of Mini Storage.  Who knows of if any of this will come to pass, but signs of change are readily visible. 

The City Council is even trying to get into the act.  They want to get moving on the Town Center concept and are looking for your input as to what should be placed there to support the town for the next 50 years.  You are urged to send in a paragraph or two about your ideas.  Here is a convenient link to their plea for suggestions.  The goal is to review all ideas received on the President’s Birthday, 22 February, so you need to get going on this.  I’m not sure as to the urgency here.  They want to look out 50 years, but have, comparatively, allowed citizen’s about 5 minutes of time to think it out.  Good luck.  I have sent in my ideas.

(070128).  A lot is happening.  And nothing is happening.  I suppose that is how all huge projects appear in the beginning - the Wal-Mart facility being no exception.  Day after day, the earth is gobbled up a bite at a time by large front end loaders and scrapers and push, hauled and tossed, dumped and packed down.  The high areas are made low and the low areas are being built up.  Where once there were modest hills and sharp gullies, there will soon be level fields of earth compacted sufficiently to hold the foundations of the coming Wal-Mart facility.

TopSoil Mountain continues to rise and expand.  Even as I watched this Sunday noon, a large dumper was depositing its load on the height of the mountain.  Maybe the driver of the dumper was Mr. Earl Burton.  Mr. Danny Franklin, the M. Wilton Construction superintendent was waiting for me as I finished snapping pictures.  During our discussion I mentioned my previous conversation with Mr. Burton who I thought was a good representative for M. Wilson Construction. 

Mr. Franklin told me that Earl was working today, but rather than being up front on the project, he was operating one of the heavy machines that were chugging about in the background behind us.  Mr. Franklin told me about half the crew were local hires like Earl and the others were from Richmond or elsewhere.  Mr. Franklin said although, the company was from Ashland VA, he, himself, was born and raised within seven mile of the Wal-Mart site.

He said that it was his goal to make sure all the hires learned all the equipment.  When it came to large construction, he believed that area construction companies could do as good a job as the big city companies.  He pointed out that, like Earl, many of the local construction companies employees originally learned their skills working for the big city companies.  His goal besides safety first, was to cross train the employees to operation each and every piece of equipment.  It gave him flexibility with crews, and it gave them opportunity to learn valuable skills.  It seems like this phase of the construction is in good hands.

Meanwhile, back at the site, TopSoil Mountain has a new brethren rival coming up along side.  This one is made of wood chips.  Most developers clearing land after harvesting the valuable timers, push the stubble up into massive piles and burn it.  In the first days, Wal-Marts contractors did likewise as I you can see from the archive pictures.  Now, however, the new mount rising is Sawdust Knoll. 

Sawdust Knoll is the product of “HogZilla”, a 700 horse power wood chipper and grinder.  (Sort of make my little ole 8hp “commercial” grinder insignificant in comparison.)  HogZilla munches down a front end loader’s worth of tough tree stumps and roots with a roar that I can hear all the way over on Waverly Avenue.  Mr. Franklin said they hired a local contractor, J&J Inc. to haul the chips up to Lively for recycling. 

Progress since the last update also includes the beginning installation of water and sewer infrastructure.  In the few flurries of last week, a trench was dug along east shoulder of Lee Road to bury the new 10 inch water main being hooked up to Kilmarnock utilities.  (I would love to see Wal-Mart’s first utility bill for a 10” water line and sewer hookup.  The city charges me $160 for a tiny, minimal use water line and sewer hookup that provide our employees with one toilet and two sinks.)

Lots is happening. Nothing is happening.  It all depends on where you look,, when you look, and what you see. 

NOTE:  Check out our Photo Gallery of Wal-Mart progress.

WAL-MART (070105).  It’s a misty rainy Friday, but the men and machines are at work on the coming Wal-Mart site.  Top soil is be stripped and moved about.  Trees (about 25 acres) are being cut.  Debris is being piled up and burned.  The site is humming with activity.  

I chatted briefly with Mr. Earl Burton of Lively.  Mr. Burton is a heavy equipment operator for M. Wilton Construction, Inc..  He was operating a Bobcat sweeper when I approached him.  He explained that Bobcat was used to keep the hard surface road (Lee Road) clear of dirt and mud from the trucks and vehicle exiting the construction site.  While Lee Road is not exactly a major thoroughfare, it is home to several significant businesses in its short run of about 100 yard – Kilmarnock Animal Hospital being the road’s end occupant.  I have not seen the plans for Wal-Mart, but it’s certainly a possibility that Lee Road will become the main access to its future parking lot. 

Speaking of parking lot, the most obvious visual of site progress is the rising mound of dirt steadily growing load by massive dumper load in the area of what Mr. Burton pointed out would be the future parking lot area.  He explained the dirt pile was top soil being gathered from the acreage and stored here until construction was complete and dirt fill was needed for landscaping.  The dirt pile thus represents the future grass and flower beds of Wal-Marts landscape.  Right now it appears to represent the highest landmass point in Lancaster County.   

The work is going on from dawn to dusk, 7 days a week.  Mr. Burton explained that the pace is required to ensure the doors open on time in September.  M. Wilton Construction wants to take advantage of the good weather now, because last January to mid-March weather storms can steal back many of the work days they now are putting in escrow.  With continued good weather that early January has presented, the store could actually be months ahead of schedule – say ready for opening in July vice September. 

I noticed two companies working the site.  Besides M. Wilton Construction, who appears to be the primary contractor currently on the job, J&J Inc. also has men and equipment rearranging the landscape.  In all, it was estimated that the former had a crew of about 10-15 manning the man-sized Tonka Toys while the latter had about a half dozen.  These two companies appear to be “locals” – with Wilton Construction home-based in Ashland, VA and J&J Inc. from right here in Kilmarnock.   

Wal-Mart is already impacting the local economy.  Of course J&J is Kilmarnock’s own at work, but even members of the Wilton crew are local hires.  The dawn to dusk, seven day a week pace will certainly put money in the pockets of the work crews to spend in and around town.  The restaurants and fast food store owners I have talked to are already seeing an increase in traffic.

 WAL-MART (070104)  By coincidence(?) AOL today posted an article at their "Money" tab about competing with WAL-MART.  You can read it HERE.  Be sure to read the comments posted below the article.  I will have my next WAL-MART update posted tomorrow.

WAL-MART (061227).  On Christmas Eve I visited the 64 acre construction site of the emerging Kilmarnock Wal-Mart Superstore to confirm rumor's I had heard that ground had been broken and the 153,658-square foot "big box" was, in deed, coming to town in 2007. 

Heavy machinary was on site; trees had been harvested; trunk and branch debris was piled high for furture burning; rock had been put down on construction site vehicle entrances; and assorted supplies were being assembled and stockpiled. 

Harper Associates, LLC, appears to be the contractor for Wal-Mart site development.

Some of the earth moving equipment being brought to the site for shaping the terrain.

A perspective of the site in relation to Route 3, and familiar nearby businesses.  Arby's is just out of the picutre on ajoining lot to the left.

The Wal-Mart site is located on Route 3, at the west end of Kilmarnock on a lot ajoining Arby's Restaurant and Chubby's convenience store.   Lee Road appears to be the construction entrance for Wal-Mart.   More site development pictures are available HERE.

Wal-Mart representatives have indicated that the box they put up will compliment the area's ambiance, character, and qualities.  Laurie Smalling, senior manager of public affairs for Wal-Mart, visited Town Council members individually back in January to discuss the company's plans.  Councilman Fletcher Brown said Ms Smalling showed him drawings of a proposed building with a shingled roof and dormer windows in a landscaped parking lot. Accenting the lot were cast-iron lampposts that mirror those being placed downtown as part of a business-district renovation project. 

The site is an empty field now.  In a few short months it will become a beehive of commerce.  In this space, I will be chronicling the rise of the Kilmarnock Wal-Mart over the next seveal months, observing the discussion it brings, as well as looking at the social and economic impact. If you have comments or questions please EMAIL me. I will attempt to find answers to your questions; and I may publish appropriate comments received. 

NOTE: Richmond Times-Dispatch 26 Jan 06, "Wal-Mart coming to rural region?" was used as a source for Smallings-Brown comments.  Read the entire article HERE.