Locals share bits of history in Portsmouth

The Civil War Legacy Project made its second stop in Portsmouth last weekend as professional archivists reviewed and scanned Civil War-related artifacts for inclusion in the Library of Virginia. Legacy Project archivist Renee Savits says the project will continue traveling the state through 2015 and another trip to our area is planned for the end of this year. Locals brought letters, pictures, military records and currency to this visit. Sam Wiseman of Merrifields brought in scrapbooks and journals that belonged to C.W. Murdaugh, a Portsmouth lawyer and judge who served in the Confederate army. The history room at the main library is named in honor of Esther Murdaugh Wilson, a Murdaugh descendent who became the city’s first librarian when the building was erected in 1914. Sam says Judge Murdaugh wrote in a journal throughout his life and when called upon to give speeches, relied heavily upon his writings. Olde Towne resident Fleet Morgan is a descendant of C.W. Murdaugh.

The nation’s top middle-school art teacher may be one of ours. Churchland Middle School’s Lisa Gardner was named the state’s best art instructor by the Virginia Art Education Association at a November conference in Roanoke. She is in the running for the national title. Lisa taught art at Churchland Elementary for seven years before moving to the middle school. Division art supervisor Diana Davenport tells me that even though Lisa’s win was a happy surprise, it wasn’t totally unexpected. “She’s a fine educator,” she said. Churchland Middle principal Kurt Kreassig agrees. He says that in addition to her duties as an art instructor, Lisa has started an after-school art club, is the yearbook sponsor and has organized a school-wide recycling club. The national winner will be named at a conference this spring. 

The Elizabeth River Garden Club invites the public to a contemporary floral design workshop 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  March 8 at the Woman’s Club of Portsmouth, 304 Sycamore Road. The $40 registration fee includes the club’s two books: “Styles of Floral Arranging: A Primer” and “Styles of Floral Arranging: Contemporary Designs.” Proceeds benefit The Elizabeth River Project’s restoration of Paradise Creek Nature Park on Victory Boulevard. Register by March 1 by sending your name, phone number, email address and check payable to ERGC to The Elizabeth River Garden Club, Box 7923, Portsmouth, 23707 or by clicking the events tab at www.ergardnclub.org

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

You can help at Churchland pillow sew-ins

It’s amazing how far a good idea can go. When Carol Armstrong made and shipped a small pillow to her soldier son Nick, it was her way of reminding him of home. He asked for a few for his buddies, and then the idea became a hit in his unit. Three years later, Carol has made and shipped 13,000 pillows to Afghanistan through her Operation Pocket Field Pillow. Small enough to fit into a uniform pants leg pocket, the pillow is used when soldiers are on missions away from their outposts. Local groups support Carol’s dream by hosting sew-ins to assemble and stuff the pillows. Carol provides the material and filling, most of which is donated. I dropped in on Resurrection Church’s monthly fourth Tuesday sew-in last week. Also, the Beazley Senior Center has a sew-in every second Tuesday. Carol has started a new endeavor: key chains. Designed from old uniforms Nick wore on missions, the chain has a yellow ribbon embroidered on one side and “I support our troops” on the other. They are $10 each and the proceeds will be used to help offset shipping costs for the pillows. Do you like to sew or want to help? Bring your sewing machine and/or willing hands to either sew-in. Visit http://justforbabygifts.wordpress.com to buy a chain. See pictures from Resurrection’s sewing day at my blog.

            Tidewater Community College’s outgoing president, Deborah DiCroce, gave a presentation to city leaders on the success of Portsmouth’s Fred W. Beazley campus as they celebrated the second year at the new location. It was impressive. The school moved from its longtime Suffolk home to a new Victory Village site just before the spring semester of 2010. Since then, attendance in all categories – college transfer, career and technical, women, men, African-American, and all age groups – has increased dramatically. The news pleased TCC alumnus Mayor Kenneth Wright. The campus is planning a student center. Terry Zenisek of Hatton Point is taking classes in a special-education program that transfers to ODU. “The school is beautiful, and the instructors are great. Everyone should take a class at TCC,” she said.

If you need to thin out your book collection, the Friends of the Portsmouth Public Library can help. The combination of canceled sales after the December 2010 closure of the main branch coupled with robust sales after the August restart has left the group in need of stock. Funds from the first-of-the-month sales pay for children’s programs, new equipment and furniture and all library copiers, supplies and maintenance costs. Paperback and hardback titles in all categories are needed. New magazines, CDs and DVDs are also welcome. They cannot accept encyclopedias, Reader’s Digests and old magazines. Quality, clean books in good condition should be put in small boxes or sturdy bags and brought to The Book Nook at the entrance to the Churchland library. Free pickup can also be arranged by calling Stormy at 686-8034 or Jeanne at 397-8830.     

       Portsmouth offers free group exercise classes at various park and recreation centers throughout the city. The four-year-old program has options for all fitness levels and classes include Zumba, body sculpting, aerobics, line dancing, yoga, step and cardio. Churchland Middle School cheerleading coach Porlicia Brown is one of the facilitators. She teaches yoga, zumba and a class called Instructor’s Choice. The Norfolk State University junior is working toward a degree in heath fitness and exercise science. She’s been involved in fitness for eight years – in Portsmouth’s schools and recreation departments, at NSU and at Norfolk’s Dance Dimension studio. Porlicia hopes to open her own family fitness studio one day, including after-school homework assistance. A list of free classes and locations can be found under the parks and recreation tab at the city’s website.

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

Churchland boys are citywide swim champs

The Churchland High school boys swim team is regular season city-wide champion. Earlier this month, the undefeated team beat rival Maury High school, something it has never done. On Feb. 4, they’ll compete against all Norfolk and Portsmouth high schools in a district contest. Marcy Pronovost coaches both the boys and the girls teams, who practice together but compete separately. She tells me this year’s group is different from past teams. It’s smaller, with 11 boys and 12 girls, instead of the usual 20 kids on each side. The team has two sets of siblings – William and Natalie Wirt, each 100-yard freestyle winners – and Josh and Risa Fly. It’s also a younger team, with only three returning swimmers. Marcy says she has incredible freshmen swimmers, including Scott Harrington, who swam with the Williamsburg Aquatic club last year, and Chandler LeSueur of the Churchland Swim Club. “I’m looking forward to seeing what this team accomplishes in the future,” she says.

Everything Eddie Linnett touches turns to gold. Not quite a year after opening Churchland Jewelry and Pawn in the Poplar Hill Shopping Center, the Greenfield Farms resident has opened a third shop in Portsmouth. His first shop is on the Outer Banks. The economy has boosted his business, but Eddie says his success comes from meeting the needs of his customers and treating them right. His shops are open on weekends when banks aren’t and no credit check is required for services. The boutique-like stores are clean and safe, with video surveillance. Eddie is a fourth-generation jeweler who specializes in repair, appraisals, and casting. Eddie is teaching his children what he learned from his dad, grandfather and great-grandfather. His son Justin manages the Outer Banks store. Daughter Lauren works alongside him at the Poplar Hill Shop. The new Portsmouth location is at 4241 Portsmouth Boulevard in the old Wachovia Bank building behind Big Lots.

Members of Churchland Boy Scout Troop 207 conducted the flag ceremony that opened Portsmouth’s Jan. 10 City Council meeting. It was one of the requirements for the Citizenship in the Community merit badge. The troop, which meets at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, has 40 Scouts and 18 assistant scoutmasters and leaders. Scoutmaster Ward Posey has directed the troop for a year and a half, picking up the mantle from seven-year leader Bill Moore. Ward says Bill created a great program that focuses on scout skills, advancement and community service. Though Ward and his sons have been with Troop 207 for five years, he is hardly new to scouting. He began as a Cub Scout Bobcat and advanced to Life Scout. He’s a member of the Order of the Arrow, scouting’s national honor society. Troop 207 just returned from a winter camping trip at Pipsico Scout Reservation near Surry. They camp again next month while working on map, compass and geocaching skills.

It’s not too early to start thinking about Paint Your Heart Out, the annual community beautification effort jointly sponsored by the Portsmouth and Churchland Rotary. Club members and about 300 volunteers will perform exterior painting, yard cleanup and minor exterior repairs for up to 10 residents of Portsmouth and Western Branch. The program is open to any elderly, handicapped or financially burdened homeowner. There is no cost to recipients as all materials are donated by local businesses and individuals. To nominate someone, or if you feel you are eligible, call 513-3422 and leave a message with the homeowner’s name, address, telephone number by the March 19 cut-off date. This year’s Paint Your Heart Out work day is April 21.

The Churchland Y supports our local schools. Court Street Academy and Christopher Academy students meet there for physical fitness. Swim teams from Churchland and Western Branch high schools use the pool for practice. The Y also hosts the Swim Gym program, which provides water safety instruction and physical fitness to all second-graders in Portsmouth schools. The 3-year-old initiative is sponsored by the Portsmouth General Hospital Foundation. Foundation president Alan Gollihue finds the program both well-written and implemented. “What they’re doing for these children is amazing,” he said. The youngsters receive water safety and physical fitness drills for an hour three days a week. On the morning I visited, youngsters from Churchland Academy answered with an enthusiastic ‘yes!’ when asked if they were having fun. 

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

Three cheers to these Churchland girls

Nineteen Churchland Middle School cheerleaders journeyed to Norfolk State University last month to participate in a dance and cheer competition. It was a first competition for the girls and though they didn’t place, coach Porlicia Brown says they had a great time and learned a lot. Cheering is new to most of the team of seventh- and eighth-graders who perfected their cheers at the school’s basketball, football and volleyball games. This is Porlicia’s second year as cheer coach and she’s molding a well-rounded team. The girls put together and donated a Thanksgiving food basket and will entertain at next week’s Echoes of Joy, a yearly day of caring for those in need. The squad is gearing up for an April competition at Kings Dominion. Porlisha does double duty for the city: she also teaches Zumba, senior aerobics and yoga through the Parks and Recreation department. 

The mission of the Church and Community in Action is two-fold: to improve communities by organizing and supporting the efforts of religious, civic, social and educational leaders and to connect those who’d like to help with organizations already doing the work. The CCIA has hosted an annual Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast for 15 years to honor individuals who’ve made a difference where they live. At this month’s gathering, city councilman and Churchland resident Paige Cherry was honored for his work in the political arena and school board member Costella Williams was lauded for her efforts in education. City fire chief Don Horton was honored for community leadership and pastor D.A. Peace of Zion-Bethel United Church of Christ for faith leadership. Melvin Marriner of Grove Church was the keynote speaker for the event. Elaine Breathwaite and New Mount Olivet Baptist pastor and CCIA president Milton Blount coordinated the event. Elaine gave me a summary of the CCIA’s many programs, which include HIV workshops, two anti-gang workshops with national speakers, summer youth summits, tutoring and scholarships. 

Thanks for sharing your Churchland news. Contact me at 717-0628 or pamelawrites@hotmail.com

Troop 117 and the Portsmouth Humane Society

The Bronze award is the highest award level for Junior Girl Scouts and is given when troop members jointly plan and execute a community service project. The girls of Churchland's troop 117 held a pet angel tree drive for the animals at the Portsmouth Humane Society. They contacted nearby organizations for permission to place a decorated tree in their establishments. Kroger, Pampered Pets, Wags to Whiskers, the Girl Scout store, Western Branch Middle school, South Norfolk Congregational Christian Church, Aldersgate UMC and St. Mark UMC agreed to support their efforts.

The girls made all of the pet-themed tree decorations. They even printed pictures of adoptable animals from the humane society's website and made ornaments out of those. The public responded with nearly 1,000 pounds of donations, including 700 pounds of dog food, 135 pounds of cat food, 139 pounds of pet treats and toys, numerous blankets and towels and gallons of dish detergent, bleach, laundry soap and Pine Sol.

The angel tree drive coincided with the humane society's move into their new building. The excited fourth and fifth grade Girl Scouts volunteered at the shelter's opening day. Below are pictures from the ribbon-cutting and from the donation drop-off.

Girl Scout troop 117 members are Charlotte Ingram, Sarah Olivar, Madeline Firestone, Amadi Turner, Ruth Buchannan, Carrington Diehl, Alexandra Clements and Grace Nichols. Kristi Olivar is troop leader. Tiffany Firestone and Tara Turner are her assistants.

Merrifields Garden Club marks 45 years

When the Merrifields Garden Club met for its annual Christmas gathering Dec. 12, they celebrated the club’s 45th anniversary. Sixteen of the 17 members were present – including charter members Shirley Frenia and Barbara Senecal. Nine in attendance had served as past presidents. The evening turned into a walk down memory lane. Casino night fundraisers were mentioned, as were the Easter egg hunts the club hosted for their children and grandchildren. Someone brought up their work with the children of Grove Church’s STOP program and the numerous clubs they’ve sponsored at Churchland schools. During the years, the club assisted the elderly at downtown’s Effingham Plaza, the old Drum Creek nursing home in Western Branch and now Province Place next to Kroger. They were the first club to have a male member – Dave Emmerick, who was the house husband of a local physician. While cleaning Cedar Lane one year as volunteers with the city’s Clean Community Commission, a member found a fake diamond ring and presented it to then president Betty Osborne. She still has it. To fund their activities, the members sold Stanley products, entertainment books, handmade items and plants, as well as hosting many flea markets and garage sales.

Temple Sinai invites the public to its 36th annual auction Feb. 4. This year’s theme is “Temple Sinai goes to Italy” – with Italian food and décor. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a silent auction. The main auction begins at 7:30 and more than 100 items are up for bids, including furniture, antiques, parties, trips and services. Gail Wolpin of The Phoebus Auction Gallery is returning as auctioneer. Tickets are $20 per person, the attire is casual and admission includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. Stop by the cocktail party preview from 4 to 7 p.m. the evening before for a sneak peak at the sale items and to preregister for the auction. This will be the Reform Jewish  temple’s final auction before the merger with Norfolk’s Ohef Sholom congregation in the spring. Temple Sinai is at 4401 Hatton Point Road. Contact them at 484-1730 or office@sinai.hrcoxmail.com for tickets.

The Churchland library is hosting two events that will appeal to history buffs. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum history curator Corey Thornton will present the history of that museum and explain its artifacts as part of the library’s monthly local history program series. The free program begins at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18. The Civil War 150 Legacy Project makes a return trip to the library Jan. 28. Teams of archivists are traveling the state identifying and scanning original Civil War-related artifacts for inclusion into the Library of Virginia as part of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The group visited last summer, and the team leader told me about some of the material brought in on earlier stops, including diaries, letters, and firearms. Someone even brought in a lock of Gen. J.E.B. Stuart’s hair. If you own an original item you’d like considered, call 393-8591 for an appointment, or visit www.virginiacivilwar.org/legacy.

Thanks for sharing your Churchland news with our neighbors. Contact me at pamelawrites@hotmail.com or 717-0628.

Polar Plunge is a commitment

There’s a joke about a chicken and pig who wanted to start a restaurant called Ham and Eggs. The pig declines, explaining the chicken would be merely involved while he’d be totally committed. When it comes to the Polar Plunge, I definitely fall into the involved category.  Each year, thousands of committed folks rush into the freezing Atlantic Ocean to raise funds for the Special Olympics. Chesapeake Bay Diving Center owner Malena Sharkey and her team will participate for the first time next month. Though she has a few men on board, most of her team are women. The team member’s husbands have signed on to babysit the kids during the event. “I think they’re chicken,” Malena says. The Port Norfolk business got into the holiday diving spirit with its Scuba Santa event at the Churchland Y last month. Santa was dive team member Barry Smith, whose son Ethan is a member of the Special Olympics. If you’re a chicken like me, but you’d like to help Malena’s group, visit www.cbdcscuba.com and click on the Polar Plunge link to make a donation.

Like most places of worship, Calvary Baptist Church offered music programs during the holiday. Carol Rowe of Pinecroft is a member of the church’s orchestra and praise choir and tells me the church had a full slate this Christmas. The musical festivities began with a cantata on the 11th. The next Sunday was a music workshop during the regular morning service followed by a visit later that evening by the Tidewater Community Concert Band. The children of the church presented their “Back to the Manger” musical on the 16th. One of the many things I enjoy about this time of year is the opportunity to reflect and look forward. On Dec. 21, Calvary had a remembrance service for members who’d departed during the year then finished off the season three day later with a candlelight Christmas Eve service.

The Women’s Advocacy Group, made up of members of the Portsmouth alumni chapters of Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha and Zeta Phi Zeta sororities, had a women’s legislative meeting at I.C. Norcom High School last month that focused on health care. More than 100 participants came out and learned how health care legislation impacts communities. Presentations from the American Cancer Society and Bon Secours Hampton Roads were followed by remarks from guest panelists and questions from the audience. Mayor Kenny Wright and state senators Mamie Locke, Louise Lucas, Ralph Northam and Yvonne Miller were in attendance. Barbara Ciara served as moderator. Churchland residents and sorority sisters Yvette Watkins Cherry, Lisa Downey Hood and Cynthia Morrison helped organize the program. A highlight of the event was the lifetime public service award bestowed upon Sen. Miller for her many years of community service.

The Retail Alliance hosts regular gatherings to keep small business owners connected and informed. Last month’s Pastry and Politics gathering was at Bangkok Gardens in the Churchland Shopping Center. Del. Matthew James was the featured speaker and topics centered on the economy and upcoming road tolls. Book Owl owner Nelson Velez was in attendance and says it was good to have that kind of accessibility and to have questions answered directly. Speaking of Matthew James, the 2012 session of the Virginia General Assembly convenes next week. Visit http://legis.virginia.gov to keep atop of the action.

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

Kids give time to seniors in Churchland

Forty-two students from Christopher Academy’s CARES Club (Christopher Academy Really Excels at Service) visited Churchland House recently to spend time with the seniors. The youngsters played bingo with the residents, sang Christmas songs and shared treats. Earlier in the month, the club sponsored two community projects. First, they kicked off a canned food drive for the annual Holiday Mouse Breakfast. The school’s families donated food items that were given to the St. Christopher Episcopal Church food pantry. The group then sponsored a drive to collect new and gently used books for the Children’s Museum. Also, kindergarten students had a drive to collect change, pet food, towels and blankets for the new Portsmouth Humane Society facility. A little more than $100 and four large boxes of pet items were given for the animals. The preschoolers donated 28 pairs of new children’s pajamas for Scholastic’s Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive project. The pajamas were paired with a new book from Scholastic and distributed to low income grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. The students at Christopher Academy are certainly learning the importance of community service and caring for others.

Thirty-three years in public education left Gail Porter with the knowledge that some students need a little extra help. The Long Point resident, who retired earlier this year, started a college scholarship for students whose grade point average didn’t quality them for most awards, but who had no attendance or disciplinary issues. The 3-year-old award is partly funded by her Hampton Roads Wall of Fame calendar, which features 11 prominent local African Americans who are giving back to their community and one recent college  graduate who is already making a mark on the world. The 2012 project features Cradock Middle school principal Dr. Rosalyn Sanderlin, Wilson principal Timothy Johnson and Fredda Bryan of Western Branch, who is the first African American female facility watch supervisor in the history of NAS Oceana. The featured young adult is Churchland grad Clarissa Freeman, a Pennsylvania attorney specializing in public health. The 2012 scholarship recipient will be chosen in May. The Hampton Roads Wall of Fame calendar is $10 and can be obtained by contacting Gail at glbpot@aol.com or 613-9672.

When I was growing up, a trip to Coleman’s Nursery was always on our holiday schedule. It was the same for Sharon and David Caddy, with a notable exception. The Caddys, who live in a house next to the Westmoreland townhome community, traditionally enjoyed a meal then walked down to Coleman’s, where they took in all the sights and sounds of the holiday. Their contribution to the festivities was a big, red sled that formerly sat in their front yard. David, still known for his seasonal yard décor, built the sled as part of the holiday decorations for his yard, but after a while, the couple decided it was too much trouble pulling the large piece in and out of the barn. David offered the sled to Coleman’s owner Floyd Twiford and it was immediately made part of the Christmas show. The sled made the journey to the Courthouse Galleries with the rest of the collection when Coleman’s closed. These days, David’s son Chris takes his sons Dylan and Carson to see the collection and the sled granddaddy built.

Thanks for sharing your Churchland news. Contact me at 717-0628 or pamelawrites@hotmail.com.

Home-schoolers have their own party in Churchland

The TEAM home-school group had its annual Christmas party at the Churchland library Dec. 8. TEAM, an acronym for Together Everybody Achieves More, is a group of homeschoolers who meet regularly for physical education and fellowship. During warm weather, the youngsters meet at Bennett’s Creek park. Now that cooler weather is upon us, they’ll begin meeting at Portsmouth’s West Side Church of Christ. Helen Stanphill of Western Branch coordinated the Christmas party, which included crafts, games and cookie decorating stations. Debbie Wynn and her children played guitar and led the group in caroling. More than 40 kids and their moms enjoyed the party. The homeschoolers weren’t the only ones who benefitted. Last year, the families bought canned goods to donate to the food bank. For this party, each family contributed toward the food and craft purchases and the extra money was donated to Samaritan’s Purse to be used toward the purchase a bicycle for a Japanese tsunami victim.

You really do eat an elephant one bite at a time. After a fire closed the main library last December, the basement reopened in August for the monthly Friends of the Portsmouth Public Library sales. Now comes word the history room has also reopened. This is wonderful news. I’ve always received great assistance from historian Edie Carmichael when I’ve visited the room for research. Hours are by appointment only, on Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 393-8501, ext. 39 or email localhistory@portsmouthva.gov to arrange an appointment. Plan to enter the building through the Friends of the Library book-sale entrance. The room is also open during Olde Towne’s monthly First Weekend celebrations. Friday hours are noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Churchland resident and city councilman Paige Cherry received the 2011 Still Serving military retiree and veteran award from the Flagship military newspaper. The award honors those who have served our country and continue to serve the Hampton Roads community. Paige was in great company when he and nine others received the honor at a Dec. 1 program at Nauticus. Other award winners included a Vietnam vet who leaves the country next year to begin a children’s home in Haiti and a retired chief petty officer who directs the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. A retired Army captain and Desert Storm Bronze Star recipient, Paige serves in many capacities locally, including co-chairing the Portsmouth Personnel Committee, vice chair for the Portsmouth Democratic Committee and board member for both the Southeast Virginia Community Foundation and the Westmoreland Children and Youth Association. The inaugural award recognizes the volunteer efforts of highly skilled former military personnel who lend their expertise to better our communities.

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

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.