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.

By David Mower  19 November 2007 “Where’d the Name Come From? – In Lancaster County”   I stumbled across this pamphlet by James Wharton, published by “The Occasional Press," Weems Virginia, 1983.  The little time worn tome is a “box of chocolates” of interesting little tidbits about how Lancaster’s Post Office towns came to be named and other associated facts.

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 
 

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.

15 October 2007  Corporal Benjamin Bryan.  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  14 September 2007  Norris Bridge Weight Restrictions.   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 

31 August 2007 - 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.
   

30 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."