Gift of Portsmouth cookbook could be a winner

The “Heart of the Harbor” cookbook is a great gift for foodies and lovers of local history alike. The Portsmouth Museums Foundation project helped fund the expansion and renovation of the Children’s Museum of Virginia and supports programs at the city’s four museums. This cookbook is unique in that pages wipe clean and the book lays flat - something cooks will appreciate. The book contains pictures of Portsmouth landmarks and the stories behind them. Recipes were gathered from around the world and from local cooks willing to share their favorite fare. A few nearby chefs offered dishes as well, including Sydney Meers of Stove and Deon Foster of the Kitchen Koop. Cookbook committee member Bett Cornetta of Hatton Point tells me plans are under way to get the book listed at amazon.com and into Barnes and Noble bookstores. You can get yours at the 18th Century Merchant in Western Branch or any of the sites listed at www.heartoftheharborcookbook.com.

TowneBank employees joined forces with the Salvation Army to make Christmas dreams come true for local kids in need. Staff from the Harbour View, Churchland and Olde Towne offices took part in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. The sponsors were asked to give a full outfit of clothing but most went above and beyond that by adding both outerwear and toys to their donations. TowneBank organized an online sign-up system and all of its offices and affiliates joined the donation drive. In the end, bank employees provided for 350 of the 1,200 children helped by this season’s program. “TowneBank’s involvement this year has been absolutely amazing,” said Lt. Sarah Steele of the Salvation Army’s Portsmouth office. “The children are going to feel blessed beyond measure.”

The Olde Towne Farmers Market was scheduled to end its season last weekend, but the vendors and customers have decided to keep the good thing going. Organizer Terry Danaher says the public response has been terrific and that the vendors have become a close-knit group who look forward to meeting with the public each Saturday morning. What began in April with a handful of sellers has grown to more than 30 - all committed to the Buy Fresh-Buy Local theme. This year’s move to weekly sales instead of the prior years’ twice monthly gatherings is a big reason for the success. Cool weather crops are still being planted and harvested, so there’ll be produce aplenty thru February. Arts and crafts, all local and handmade, will also continue to be offered as long as the weather cooperates. The market plans to host occasional special events, such as last weekend’s bow-making and wreath decorating demonstration. Visit www.portsmoutholdetownefarmersmarket.com for the latest updates.

Members of Western Branch Baptist Church gathered last month for the first Western Branch’s Got Talent show. Church members presented 12 musical and dramatic acts. Windi  King, a member of the church’s praise band, was the event organizer and served as the evening’s emcee. She said all of the acts were great, but she was most surprised by 8-year-old Angelina Flores, who sang with her parents, Cesar and Desiree. The girl’s parents are fellow band members and vocalists, but Windi had no idea little Angelina could also sing. The church plans to have another program in the spring and invites the public to participate. Any church-appropriate talent is welcome. Call the church office at 484-6005 to add your name to the list.

Contact me at 717-0628 or pamelawrites@hotmail.com with Churchland news you’d like to see on this page.

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