Rappahannock Record Kilmarnock, Va. • Dec. 23, 2004

Crafter’s ‘small’ creations make Christmas special

By Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi KILMARNOCK—Gail Griffi th’s chaotic fi rst attempt at crafting an old-world Santa Claus was humorous to her family. She turned the kitchen of their home in Maryland into a make-shift workshop, pouring molds, sewing tiny velvet suits and shaping beards. “I desperately wanted an old-fashioned Santa, but didn’t want to pay the $1,000 price tag,” said Griffi th. “So I decided to make one. I had stuff everywhere. It was the biggest mess and my husband and son thought I was so funny. But I was determined to do it.” Her persistence paid off in a big way. Since that fi rst attempt in 1983, Griffi th has made an estimated 2,000 Santas, gaining national recognition in decorating magazines and books. Her Santas were sold in Eddie Bauer’s 1991 holiday catalog. Friends so admired Griffi th’s fi rst handcrafted Santa Claus that she had requests for three. “I thought, if my friends want them, then maybe I can sell them. So I put them in my booth,” said Griffi th. She and her husband made wooden wagons and Noah’s Arks for a booth at the Country Heritage Market in Valley Forge, Pa. They added a few Santas and at that fi rst showing Griffi th took orders for over $70,000 worth of Santas, at a price of $75 each. “I went home and cried,” she said. “How was I going to fi ll all those orders, I thought. And I didn’t.” Santas come in all shapes and sizes and no two are alike. It took about two years for Griffi th to fi ll those original orders, but the show created a whole new career, a career that allowed her to move to the Northern Neck. “We found that we could ship the Santas from anywhere, so they were really the reason we were able to move here.” Picked to be on the cover of the advertising postcard for Country Heritage Market, the Santas are all handcrafted. Most wear velvets or antique fabrics. All have hair and beards made of sheepskin and wool. And every face is hand- painted, one at a time. “Some are long and skinny, some short and fat, some have tilted heads,” said Griffi th. “But they are all unique. They have their own characters and they are all individuals.” It takes about 20 hours to complete a Santa. Several years ago when she operated a store in Burgess and with the help of six employees, she made 700 Santas in one year. (continued on page 12)

The old world Santas have handpainted faces and are adorned with velvet and antique coats and beards of Gail Griffi th (right) fl uffs Santa’s beard before displaying him at her booth at the Kilmarnock angora goat and sheep skin and hair. Antique Gallery. D2 • Rappahannock Record, Kilmarnock, Va. • Dec. 23, 2004 Letters to Santa

Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Hello, my name is Jacob Revere Greetings! I am almost 7 years My name is Adam Perry and Taft and I am 3 years old. I just old and have been working really this year I am 41/2 years old. You can’t wait until you come to visit hard in school and helping my may notice a “brief note” in the me this Christmas. My mom and mom with my sisters. I know you newspaper earlier for me (from dad tell me that I have been a and your elves are working hard school), but this list should help pretty good boy this year. to make toys, but if you could fi nd you a little more. I would please like you to bring the time I would love for you to I would like as many Power me a Big Tonka Truck and Loader, make me some special things. Rangers and Spiderman things as some Power Ranger fi gures (I like First of all, I would like a your bag will hold for me, Trans- the White Ranger best), an Imag- big remote-control airplane. I also formers Energon (that’s the BIG inext Castle with knights, Trans- want some Play Station games, ONE Santa), Spiderman Stunt formers and I need a new bike. some Hotwheels cars, a Hummer, System, the new Sponge Bob Please don’t forget to bring my a remote-control Monster truck, and Power Rangers games for baby sister, Rachel, some toys and books, a volcano racetrack, some my Playstation 2, some board don’t forget my bubba and sissy. DVD’s and an army set. games, and anything else you’d Thanks Santa and I will be sure Tell Mrs. Claus and Rudolph like to toss my way. Please to leave you a nice treat. “hi” and make sure you have a bring Jacob some skateboard Love, Jacob Revere Taft safe fl ight! stuff this year (he’s getting really White Stone, Va. Love, Tyler Jones Dear Santa, good Santa). Please don’t forget Reedville My name is Kaleb Michael Mommy, Daddy, GaGa, PopPa, Dear Santa, P.S. Don’t forget my sisters! Wells and I am 1 month old. I Aunt Dee Dee, Uncle Jamie Hello, my name is Rachel Kath- have been a very good boy. I and all my friends and relatives. ryn Taft and I just turned one year Dear Santa, want for Christmas toys, a swing, Please be good to Uncle Frankie, old this month. I was too young How is Rudolph? I’m trying to a bouncer, clothes, a jacket and Aunt Jenny, Josh and Addie last year to really know who you be a good girl this year, although anything else you want to bring this year as usual (they are in were, but not this year! I just can’t mommy and daddy might not say me. Mathews but they will be look- wait until you come to visit me so. I will leave cookies and milk ing for you). Don’t forget Miss this Christmas. My mom and dad For Christmas I would like a for you. Susan, Miss Kendra, Miss Helen, tell me that I have been a very Jeep. I also would love Kaleb Michael Wells Miss Beth and Miss Paula. They good girl this year, even though I some more food for my kitchen put up with me everyday at like to explore and get into every- set, a Play-doh set, a Barbie curl- Dear Santa, school, so they deserve a little thing that I am not supposed to get ing iron, a Gameboy and Barbie Hi, my name is Berkeley and something extra. into. game and a baby doll crib and I just turned one year old. I just Please Santa, don’t forget our I would like you to bring me my little clothes. A Digi-Draw would started walking and am trying to soldiers overseas and their fami- own blocks, and some other toys also be great! be a good little boy, but mommy’s lies here. Make sure they have a that make noise and have lights. Chase Osborne, 4, visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus after the I need “zip up” pajammies, and Christmas tree looks so pretty, I good Christmas too. Please don’t forget to bring Kilmarnock Christmas parade. any clothes that you think would just have to touch it along with I hope you’ve overlooked a my big brother, Jacob, some new look pretty on me. I will leave other things I’m not supposed to few weak moments that I may Power Rangers, my other big some reindeer food in the yard for have. I will try to stay away from have had this year. Sometimes brother, Eric, some new CDs, and Rudolph and cookies and milk for things I’m not supposed to have it’s so hard to be a good little boy. my big sister, Cassie, a new baby too big now to write to you so I would like for you to give you on the kitchen table. I love with mommy and daddy’s help. Thanks for grading on a curve hamster. could you please bring her some Memaw a Power Ranger (a pretty you Santa and Rudolph. I would like a little four- and letting a few things slip by. Thank you Santa and I will good stuff too. She hasn’t been yellow one) and give Papa Butch Reghan Jones wheeler, baby blocks and a big toy I’ll try to do better next year. leave you and your reindeer some- very good but maybe next year a Rudolph that sings like mine 4 years old box for all my toys. Please don’t We’ll leave cookies and milk for thing good to eat. she’ll do better. and Mommy’s. Give Mommy a Reedville, Va. forget my friends that stay with you this year on the table. I love Love, Rachel Kathryn Taft I will leave you milk and cook- teacher tool called a ruler and me at my Grandma Pammys. you Santa, be careful! White Stone, Va. ies on the table by the Christmas Daddy a tool like a hammer. Dear Santa, Love, your little boy, Love, tree. Hope you like them. Thanks Please give Andrea and Elyssa a I am getting really excited about Berkeley Kellum Adam Perry Dear Ho Ho, again Santa and tell Mrs. Clause I new dollie. I would like for you to Christmas this year. I try so hard Lancaster, Va. Lively, Va. My name is Sarah Amanda said HI!. give Amanda and Leanne a neck- to say your name, but I’ll just keep Hinson and I live at Farnham. I am Love always, lace, Auntie Wanda a thermome- calling you “Nanna” for a while. 3 years old. I would like for you to Brooke Stevens ter and Auntie Chele a kind of toy Although mommy’s wallet is Merry Christmas bring me for Christmas this year a Burgess, Va. and I want it to be a yellow Power my favorite toy of the moment, baby doll swing, John Deere Jeep, Ranger. Please give Auntie Dee- I think I would like some Bar- to all of our customers John Deere Gator, clothes, games Dear Santa, dles a toy called Debbie Do and bies, babies and bottaloes (a.k.a. and any toys dealing with Dora I would like you to remember Aunt Becky a Pink Power Ranger. bottles) to feed them. Books and and friends. the Explorer. If you can fi nd any- two young boys in Reedville. I would like for you to get Uncle music would be great too! Don’t thing else in your sleigh that you Their names are Daniel and Shane Bubbie and Uncle Robert a new forget my “Bubby” and “Sissy.” think I might enjoy, you can leave Bunting. We have been as good tool and give Grandma Judy and Merry Christmas! that also. as we could. We have made a few Grandpa Vinny a dough machine. Your sweet gal, McKenna Jones I will leave cookies and milk 16 months old Dixie Deli mistakes this past year. We would Please give cousin Matt a new car, Closed Mon., Dec. 20 through Christmas on the counter for you. I will also like for you to stop at our house on cousin Dennis a Christmas train Reedville, Va. leave some carrots for the rein- Fairport Road. We would appreci- like ours and cousin Jessie a mag- deer. I have tried to be good, but at ate anything you think we would nifying glass. Please give Gabby Dear Santa, 50 Irvington Rd. • Jo Jo’s Place • 435-6745 times it is hard. Please don’t forget like. I also would like for you and Emily two new and Hi, my name is Camden Brooke about leaving something for my to remember our Mom and Dad. my friends, Will and Brett, Poke- Elbourn, and I am 2 years old. Thank you for all your dog, Lassie. They have been wonderful to us mon cards. Please give Grandpa I think I have been a good girl Love, Sarah Amanda Hinson this year and we would like for Waverly a new present that is a this year, and I know you have Farnham, Va. them to have a wonderful Christ- kind of an angel suit that he can been watching me and sometimes support and friendship. mas. We love you Santa. Be care- wear that has pretty angels with I have not been good, but if you Dear Santa Claus, ful and don’t get sick. God on it too that can fl y to heaven could fi nd it in your heart to for- My name is Davis and I am Shane and Daniel Bunting with wings. And last, but not least, give me I would like a few things 2 years old. I have been a very Reedville, Va. please give my doggie Jordie a for you to bring me. nice boy this year. Please bring new chew toy. And that’s all. First, my mommy and daddy me a John Deere Gator, a basket- Dear Santa, Thank you, say I am growing like a weed, and ball hoop, a tee ball set, a guitar, I have been a very good boy Marty Bristow I would love some new clothes a green tractor and a combine like this year. I made all A’s on my and shoes. I would also like some Uncle David’s for Christmas. My report card. Right now I am in the toys. I like to help my Maw clean, baby brother Grant has been a 7th grade. For Christmas I want so I would like Dusty the talking nice boy too, so please bring him Shrek 2 on DVD, Spider Man 2 on vacuum cleaner, nice toys too. DVD, Harry Potter and The Pris- talking doll house, a play kitchen Don’t forget we are in my new oner of Azkaban on DVD, surf so I can fi x my daddy some treats, house and I will leave chocolate shirts, Gator shirts, and Red Sox Fisher Price Little People, some chip cookies by the hoho tree. shirts. I am continuing to do good books so my mommy can read me Love, Davis Biddlecomb in school. I listen to my Mom stories before I go to bed, McDon- Reedville, Va. and Dad and do as they ask. I am ald’s cash register, because I love hardly ever in trouble and am a to go eat at McDonald’s, and any- Dear Santa, good boy. thing else you think I might like to My name is Brooke Stevens Your friend, have. Now, I have a lot of people I and I’m 7 years old. I live in Bur- Chase don’t want you to forget, because gess. This year mommy says I’ve they love me so much. Maw and been very good so I’d like a bunch Dear Santa Claus, Pop-Pop in Weems, Mom-Mom in of stuff. I would love to have a I like toys, but I want to have White Stone, all my aunts, uncles, new stereo, Barbie stuff, clothes, incredible crash dummies. Also, cousins, and friends. Please do not a Barbie head, some Bratz, CDs, I would like to have a new toy forget my mommy and daddy, I a few movies, a new coat, a called Power Rangers. I would love them very much. I will leave Panda Luv cub, 5’ies, new boots, love a new ornament that’s a pretty some chocolate chip cookies and a new game and whatever else you angel. Please give Nana a Teddy a nice tall glass of milk for you, would like to bring me would be Bear for her to sleep with and because I know you will be very fi ne. Brooke Elbourn, 2, wasn’t quite busy. Hope you have a safe trip and Papa Bill a kind of toy like a sure what to think about Santa My sister Britney thinks she is stuffed Koala Bear. tell Mrs. Claus Merry Christmas. Claus when he came to Kilmar- Love, your little angel nock. Camden Brooke Elbourn White Stone, Va. Heathsville/Kilmarnock & Warsaw Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Animal Hospitals and Staffs Karen Stickel’s pre-k Thank you for the sleigh bell Hi, it’s me Shane, and I am in the and all the toys you left me 6th grade this year. I am 11 years last year. Please say “Hello” to old and attend Lancaster Middle at Lancaster Primary Rudolph and Bernard. School The list tells you what I I have been a very good want for Christmas. I want 2 Fast boy this year! I would like a Go- 2 Furious, Jurassic Park 3, Shrek compiles a wish list Cart, cabover fl atbed tractor trailer 2, Nascar Thunder 2004, Nascar trucks, the game “Don’t Wake 2005 Race for the Cup, Computer, Dear Santa, size color for my kitty. Daddy” and a Gameboy. Please give me a pink Thank you, Santa. 280 watt compact system, 10-mile My Big Daddy has been espe- range walkie-talkies, digital camera doll and a yellow doll Joseph George cially good this year so please like a princess. Thank you 4 years old and clothes. bring him something special that I would also like to get a ham- Santa. White Stone, Va. we can play with together. Please Katelynn Dawson ster. Please don’t forget Jack my bring Poo Dog a new bone and dog and my family. Thanks Santa. 5 years old Dear Santa, a stuffed animal for her to sleep Kilmarnock I want Spiro for Play Your friend, Shane Hammell with. My Nanny has been really Lively, Va. Station, Play Doh, Legos sweet this year so bring her some- Dear Santa, and a real fish in a fish thing extra special. Can you bring me a bowl. I love you. Dear Santa, I will leave special cookies and My name is Shirmeya Butler. I Power Wheel, a Sponge James Franklin milk for you beside the fi replace. Bob chair, a swing, and a 5 years old am 6 years old and am in the fi rst Don’t be afraid of Poo Dog...she grade. Mrs. Hudnall is my teacher train with a track. Thank Kilmarnock will just kiss you! you. this year. She is very nice. Please Love, Sterling Russell remember her and all of my class- Roman Smith Dear Santa, Williamsburg, Va. 5 years old I want a Play Station and mates. Santa, please don’t forget P.S. Don’t forget to leave some- my Moma, Daddy, Grandma, all Mollusk, Va. a doll baby. Love to you. thing special for mom and dad. Lanaisha Dameron my aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. Dear Santa, 4 years old Dear Santa, I want Santa to play with Mollusk. I would like some toys, clothes, I would like you to bring me for a bike and a DVD player. Please me outside. Christmas a Walking Winnie the Love, Tusani Tyler Dear Santa, don’t forget my dog, Nipsey. Bring Pooh and the Elmo that spells his her something nice please. I hope 4 years old I want a Play Station, name. Kilmarnock Spiderman and a Batman that everyone has a nice Christ- I will leave cookies and milk for mas. Dear Santa, car. Hugs to you Santa. you again. Thank you and Merry How are you doing? I Terren Hardin Love, Shirmeya Butler Christmas. Lancaster. want a Scooby Doo set. 4 years old Emily Sanders Brown Please bring me the right Lancaster P.S. I will leave you some cook- 3 years old ies and milk. I hope you enjoy Warsaw, Va. them. Letters to Santa Rappahannock Record, Kilmarnock, Va. • Dec. 23, 2004 • D3

Dear Santa, who live in Lottsburg. I will leave Hi Santa! I’m a 4-year-old little girl. For you cheese and milk. Have a safe Our names are DeShawn and trip. DeJour, yes, we are twins. We Christmas I would like a new baby 1 doll, some learning books to help Love, are 3 /2 years old. We are getting me to learn to read, and some M.J. Fletcher ourselves ready for Head Start new clothes. I would also like for Heathsville, Va. schooling next year. you to bring my little sister Kayla P.S. Don’t forget my friends For Christmas we would like some toys and some clothes too at Ms. Kimmy’s house and also learning books, a basketball goal and don’t forget my Mam-Maw don’t forget Mammy and Papa. for us to play with inside the and Pop Pop and Mommy and house, a Etch-a-Sketch to teach Daddy. They have been good this Dear Santa, us to draw, we need winter coats, year. I hope you have a good Hi, my name is Berkeley and gloves and boots. We want you Christmas. I have been a really I just turned one year old. I just to bring all of our many aunts, good girl this year. started walking and I am trying to uncles, cousins and grandmas a India Veney be a good little boy but mommy’s little something and don’t forget 4 years old Christmas tree looks so pretty, I to look out for our mommy and just have to touch it along with don’t forget Aunt Nay for writing Dear Santa, other things I’m, not supposed to our letter. How have you been? I have been have. I will try to stay away from Love, things I’m not supposed to have all kinds of things. DeShawn and DeJour Bea really good this year. So I would Matt Pall, like a scooter, Kidz Bop 6, digital with Mommy and Daddy’s help. Taylor I would like a little four-wheeler, 4 years old Edwardsville, Va. camera, a school from Sweet Street, Weems, Va. Jojo’s CD, something from Polly, baby blocks and a big toy box for all my toys. Please don’t forget Dear Santa, Doll clothes, a couch Hi Santa! for my room, a high-heel shoe chair, my friends that stay with me at My name is Taylor and I am 6 my Grandma Pammy’s! Our names are Armani and years old. We have moved and I a desk, movies Agent Cody Banks Avontae. Yes, we are twins, the 2, Elf, Princess Diaries 2 and a Santa Claus brought some extra Christmas for four-year-old Love, hope you will be able to fi nd me Your little boy, sister and brother to DeJour and white Christmas and a white Christ- Alyssa Booth (left) and Caroline Somers, 4. 1 this year. Berkeley Kellum DeShawn. We are 2 /2 years old For Christmas I would like a mas eve. this year. We are learning our Lauren Brent, Lancaster, Va. bike with helmet and pads, a Dora colors and love to read books. We doll, Groovy Girls, new clothes 9 years old Dear Santa, shaw and I am 10 years old. need new books and would like Heathsville, Va. Dear Santa, because I am growing so fast, My name is George Trevor For Christmas I would like you I think you should use an air- for you to bring me (Armani) a Johnson and I am 8 years old. to bring me Mario games for my books, arts and craft projects, plane instead of a sleigh. I would big doll baby, lots of clothes and learning toys, and anything else Dear Santa, For Christmas this year I would game cube. a bed for her, and for me (Avon- Hi, my name is Kayla and I am like my baby doll, Bitty, for Christ- you can think I may like. Don’t like a portable CD player, some I would like Star Wars fi gures mas and I would like a stroller for tae) I would like cars, trucks and a 3 years old. I would like some video games for my X-box, PS2 and a case to put them in. I would rocking chair. We both would like forget my granny and granddaddy new toys and some new clothes her. Packey and all my friends at and Game Boy. Also bring me a like a Darth Vader Voice Helmet I would like my kitty cat, Joshua a Etch-a-Sketch board, a winter and some learning toys so I can be Sgt. Slaughter wrestler and a new and anything else you think I coat, boots and gloves. Please, school. Please don’t forget my ready for school next year. Any- to come home. I love you Santa. Mom wants a new coffee maker wrestling ring, my little brothers would enjoy. Love, Santa, don’t forget to bring Aunt thing will be ok, I’m not picky. seem to break them as fast as my Bring some nice things to my Nay something and leave our and some nice things and Dad Bring my big sister something Virginia Demario wants a pool table, oops, please daddy can put them together. I mommy and all of my family 2 years old other aunts, uncles, grandmas and nice. Her name is India. We have want some Sponge Bob stuff and and friends. Don’t forget my dog, mommy something too. bring my dog Lady a few bones been really good girls this year. and Sara my cat something too. I anything else you think I would Teddy. Dear Santa, Love, Don’t forget my Mam-Maw and like. Please remember to bring Love, will leave you some cookies and I have been a good boy this Armani and Avontae Bea drink by the tree. Pop Pop and Mommy and Daddy daddy, mom and my three little Dustin W. Crenshaw 1 Taylor since they have been good too. I year. I am 5 /2 years old and attend Love, brothers something nice and send Kilmarnock, Va. kindergarten at Chesapeake Acad- Edwardsville, Va. hope you bring me and my family my love to all my family in the Taylor Marie Selph some good things Christmas day. emy. I would like an ESPN Game Northern Neck, I miss them all. Dear Santa, Center, Spiderman toys, Bionicle Kayla Veney Thank you Santa, I hope you and Hi! My name is Jessica. I’m 9 3 years old stuff and a couple of Lego sets. Mrs. Claus have a nice Christ- months old. Mommy and Daddy I love to play sports and build mas. said I’ve been a good girl. For things. Dear Santa, Love, Christmas I would like some baby I am in Louisiana. I have been Please bring something special George Trevor Johnson Einstein video’s, Little Touch Leap for all my family, especially my The gift of love, doing very good in school and Virginia Beach, Va. Pad, a learning table and anything really have been a good boy. My cousins Sam, Emily, Miranda and the gift of peace, else you think I might like. Mason. Also bring something nice name is Tyler Wilmoth. I would Dear Santa, Don’t forget my two dogs the gift of happiness..... like for you to visit my home on for my teachers and my friends My name is George Tré John- Ginger and Fleeton. They’ve been in kindergarten. Please bring a May these be yours at Christmas Eve and leave me a son and I am 61/2 years old. I don’t good also. I’ll leave some cookies few things. I would like a scooter, couple of chew toys for my two Christmas want much for Christmas this and milk out for you. dogs Hershey and Buttercup. This some Game Boy games, a DVD year. I want a portable CD player Love, player and all the things you would always helps them stay away from (one different from Trevor’s). I Jessica Haynie my toys. And as always please like to bring. Please don’t forget would also like Jake the Snake Reedville, Va. my Mommie, Dad and brother, bring something extra special for wrestler, some board games, any- my Mom and Dad, because I love Ryan. Please be good to my Mom thing Sponge Bob and whatever because she is a wonderful Mom them very much. Allison’s ACE Hardware else you think I would like. Please Love, and I love her a lot. I am looking remember my Daddy, Mom, little 3010 Northumberland Hwy. • Lottsburg, VA 22511 forward to Christmas to get here. Billy Williamson brothers and all my family in Kilmarnock, Va. Love, Tyler Wilmoth the Northern Neck. Have a great 804-529-7578 • 800-457-7578 • FAX 804-529-7544 Louisiana Christmas Santa. Dear Santa, Love, www.allisonsacehardware.com Dear Santa, I have been really good this year George Tré Johnson and I want a Razor E200 Deluxe I can’t wait for Christmas this Virginia Beach, Va. year. I would really, really like a Electric Scooter. I also want so, so much for Christmas a Game Boy real pony this year but mom and Dear Santa, dad said not this year. So I would Advance SP and an aluminum My name is George Thomas case to put all of my game boy like some eye-link communica- Johnson and I am 3 years old. I’ve Eckhard’s games in. Also, I want a Sonic X tors, planet frog, either a Game been a good boy this year, well as Boy SP or DS, either a X-box SP game and the Sonic 3 Advance good as I can for my age. I want SP Game, too. Remember I really or Game Cube. If I get the Game lots of Sponge Bob things and lots International Restaurant Cube I would like Pokemon Col- want the Game Boy Advance SP of wrestlers if you can fi nd some and the aluminum case. Oh, yeah, German, Italian and Other Fine Foods osseum or if I get the X-box I I don’t have already. That’s all for would like Shrek 2. I would also I just thought of it, I want the me Santa. Thanks! Spyro Orange Cortex Conspiracy like to get Yu-gi-oh Reshef of Love, Destruction and Zoids Legacy for game boy game and that’s all I George Thomas Johnson want for Christmas. And Christ- Game Boy. If you could I would Virginia Beach, Va. like some Pony Pal books and mas is my favorite holiday of all Happy I would like a schooling riding times. Merry Christmas Santa! Dear Santa, Ryan Haynie helmet for my riding lessons. I My name is George Tyler John- also would like some Lord of the 8 years old son and I am 10 months old. I Eastern Shore of Virginia Rings action fi gures. Mom and don’t know much about Christ- Dad said I should only get coal mas yet but I have heard Mom and Holidays Dear Santa, for Christmas but I know you will Dad talking about it and they say I Jhamari Gordon, 5, holds tight Time to book your holiday parties! bring me something really nice. My name is Jackson Gage want some peek-a-boo blocks and to his wiggling, frightened Hogge and I am 2 years old. Make Your New Year’s Eve Reservations Soon My brother, Ryan, would like clothes. I am thinking about food sister, Nyjhria. The nine-month a Game Boy DS this year and Mommy and Daddy say that I Gift Certifi cates Available because I love to eat but I guess I old wasn’t happy about her have been a very good boy this some games and whatever else shouldn’t ask for that. Have a nice fi rst visit with Santa. Open daily 4:30 – 9 p.m. • Sun. 12 noon – 9 p.m. • Closed Tuesdays you think he would like. year. I would like a John Deere Christmas Santa. bedroom set for my new big boy Open Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day Don’t forget my Grandma and Love, Granddad in Virginia Beach and bed and lots of tractors too. I love (804) 758-4060 • Rt. 3, Topping George Tyler Johnson Dear Santa, John Deere tractors just like my my Grandma in Kilmarnock and Virginia Beach, Va. My name is Kaleb Michael please bring my kitten, Tiger, Poppa Timmy. He takes me on P.S. I see my brothers didn’t Wells and I am one month old. I rides all the time on his tractor some toys to play with. Also, don’t tell you but we will have milk have been a very good boy. I want forget to bring some treats for all and he even lets me drive some- and cookies for you on the dining for Christmas some toys, a swing, times. I will also need a new John the ponies I ride at Paige’s. room table. I will try to save you a bouncer, clothes, a jacket and I will leave some milk and cook- Deere hat. I can’t ride my tractor some! anything else you want to bring without it and the one I have is ies by the tree for you. me. I will leave cookies and milk Love, Matthew Joyner on the last latch. The only thing for you. that I want is a TV for my play- 8 years old Dear Santa, Kaleb Michael Wells White Stone, Va. My name is Dustin Whay Cren- room so I can watch all my favor- Reedville, Va. ite movies and give Mommy and Daddy a break. Dear Santa, Please don’t forget my cousins, My name is Calvin Jackson Jr. Trace Pittman and Berkeley I also go by CJ. I’m 3 years old Kellum. They love John Deere and have a sister named TaJa. She tractors too. Uncle Bubba and is good sometimes. I would like Aunt Ashley say that Trace has to say “Merry Christmas!” to you been a good boy this year and and Mrs. Claus, and say Hi to all would also like an airplane bed- the reindeer and elves and “Merry room set and lots of tractors and Christmas” to them too. airplanes. Aunt Kelly and Uncle For Christmas I want some Spi- Brandon say that Berkeley is start- derman things, my fi rst Leap Pad, ing to walk now, so he needs his David, Carol, Mary, Carolyn, remote control motorcycle and own John Deere to ride on too so cars, trucks, Elmo, Blues Clues, that we can ride together. Coulbourn, Bob and Stacey fi re truck, a talking Spiderman and Please also be good to my can you also bring some things for Mommy and Daddy, Mee Mee, mommy and daddy, grandmom Poppy, Poppa, KK, Uncle Bubba, Maxine, Aunt Carolyn and Pamela aunt Ashley, Uncle Justin, Aunt Send our best wishes for a and Uncle Joe. Thank you. Tiffany, Aunt Paige, Uncle Shawn Calvin Jackson Jr. and Jen and everyone else in my Kilmarnock, Va. family and my kitty, Morris. Happy Holiday and a P.S. I have a gift for you and I will leave you milk and cook- some cookies and milk and some- ies to enjoy since you have such New Year full of travel adventures. thing for the reindeer too. a long night and will probably be hungry. I love you! Dear Santa, Love, My name is M.J. Fletcher and Jackson Gage Hogge I’m 2 years old. I live in Heaths- ville. For Christmas I would love Adventure Travel Dear Santa, a big dump truck and I would I want a real motorcycle and Chesapeake Commons, Kilmarnock love the Wiggles new guitar, danc- a hummer with a radio. I want ing mat, keyboard and the stuffed a play kitchen and stuff to draw 436-9200 1-877-436-9200 Wiggles characters. I have been a with. I want some trucks and more good boy this year. Please remem- cars. I want a mat that you can “Come join us–we’re going places” ber my big sisters K.J. and Jessica bounce on and do tricks on. I want D4 • Rappahannock Record, Kilmarnock, Va. • Dec. 23, 2004 Letters to Santa

Sutton. I am 1 year old. For Christ- really like to go to Disney World mas I would like doll babies and to see Mickey and Minnie. Be clothes. I am looking forward to good to my twin sister Madison seeing you this year. My brother and don’t forget my sisters Brandi and I will leave out the milk and and Kaitlin, Mommy and Daddy, cookies for you. my teacher Mrs. Green, Nana and Elizabeth Nevala Sutton Da in Kilmarnock, and all my 1 years old friends. Have a safe sleigh ride. Love, Dear Santa, Tyler Lewis My name is Kaylee and I am P.S. Hope you like the milk and writing again this year to let you cookies I will leave you. know what I would like for Christ- mas. I would like a DVD player, Dear Santa, a bike, movies, arts and crafts I don’t know what I want for projects, helmet for my new bike, Christmas. I don’t know what I some new clothes, books, art set, want because there are so many games, a game called plug and neat toys this year. Since I don’t play and maybe new shoes and know what I want, then you anything else you think I would can surprise me. Thank you very like to have. Don’t forget my much and say “hi” to all the rein- friends at school and my big sister deer. Holly, granny and Granddaddy Love, Aniyah (left) and Khanija Waters, both 5, listen to Santa at the Packey, Mom and Dad and my Katherine Leanne Keyser Lancaster Union Masonic Lodge in Kilmarnock. dog and cat. I will leave you some P.S. I really like books. The sleigh is loaded with cookies by the tree. best wishes and gratitude, too Love, Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Club doll, Barbie movie camera, Kaylee Anne Selph I love you, Santa. I wish I had For each and every one of you, How are you? I am fi ne. I think DVDs, and any other surprises a sleigh. I will give you one of And now that Christmas is I have been a good girl this year, you think I might like. my toys. I want you to spend the getting near, but others might not agree. All I Please don’t forget my little night with me one day. I just want We’d like to thank you for can say is “I tried!” sister, she has tried very hard to be to know when your birthday is. sharing the cheer! I want everything I see, but good this year. I will leave some Please bring me a Pogo Stick. I know that you can’t bring all that milk and cookies for you and a will make something for you. I to me. I would like a Talking snack for your reindeer. have been a good boy. Barbie Kitchen, a doll house, Leap Love, Korty Swift Love, Erik DeMario Kilmarnock Volunteer Frog Leap Pad, movies and any 61/2 years old 41/2 years old other surprises you think I might Reedville, Va. P.S. I would like a cotton candy Fire Department like. machine and some other pres- Please don’t forget my big sister, Dear Santa Claus, ents. she has tried very hard to help My name is Xavier Andrew me be good this year. I will leave Sutton. Everybody calls me Zay Dear Santa, some milk and cookies for you for short. I am 3 years old now. I really like Silly Putty. I love and a snack for your reindeer. For Christmas I would like some you. I would like some pretend Love, Brantly Swift candy and some blue toys. I bananas to look at. I know that 31/2 years old, also like anything that has to do I already told you that. I would Reedville, Va. with Spiderman. Please give Mrs. like a doll house but I also want Claus, the elves and the reindeer a blue robe. Please bring my big Dear Santa, hugs and kisses from me. brother, Mickey, some cool stuff How are you? I am fi ne. I Xavier Andrew Sutton too. Thank you. have been a good girl this year. I 3 years old Dear Santa, Love, Macie Daniel am counting down the days until P.S. Don’t forget my little sister I hope you and everyone up at 4 years old Christmas eve! and Mommy and Daddy. the North Pole have a good Christ- Saluda, Va. I would like a Princess Erica mas. I’ve been a very good girl doll, PS2 games, Junie B. Jones Dear Santa Claus, this year. For Christmas, I would Dear Santa, books, computer games, Wings My name is Elizabeth Nevala like a camping set and a rope. I Can I have a motorized scooter, would also like a new bath set, a bike helmet and I want a Ameri- some new craft supplies and some can Doll named Kit. Can I please new clothes would be nice too. have a four wheeler, a monster Thank you and please have a safe truck remote control and anything trip. else you think I might like. Love, Brooke Daniel Love, Bethel Methodist 5 years old Shelby Townes Saluda, Va. 7 years old Dear Santa, Preschool posts My name is Hannah and I’m 4 Dear Santa, years old. I’m very excited about My name is David Hall. I am Christmas this year. Everything I 3 years old. I would like some letters to Santa see I want, but I will be really toys for Christmas. Some John happy with whatever you decide Deere tractors, trains, Spiderman Dear Santa, bring Laurel a surprise. toys and anything else you would I want some roller-skates, Love, Haydon Davenport to bring me. I’ll just give you a cxtvx tÇw _Éäx like to bring me. But mostly I some blocks and a book. I 4 years old few ideas. I would like a new bicycle, karoke machine since I would like lots of tools to fi x my want a puzzle and a computer tractors. I love you. too. Dear Santa, love to sing and dance, a princess tent, a new baby doll with all the David Hall Love, Abrianna Lowery I want a motorcycle, a toy Weems, Va 3 years old tractor, and some more pres- accessories and anything else you Imagine a world as peaceful as our ents. think I’d like. Please bring my Creator intended it to be and as full Dear Santa, Love, Mears Pollard big brother Brandon some new I want a toy pony, some mini 3 years old things and don’t forget mommy Lazy Days of love as the heart of our Saviour. In dolls like I got for my birth- and daddy. I love ya! that spirit we offer you our best wishes day, another dress-up dress, Dear Santa, Hannah R. Fischer Pools & Spas some dress-up jewelry, and a I want a Transformer, and a 4 years old for a Christmas filled with joy. new folder for school. I also McDonald’s Stand. Dad needs Bertrand, Va. want a real horse. Mommy some new shaving stuff and P.S. Don’t forget my Nene and wants something shiny and my mom might want a new my Mamaw. pretty. Daddy needs another dress. I think I have been kinda pair of shoes cause his are good this year. Dear Santa, RANSONE’S NURSERY really, really dirty. I want you Love, Chase Osborne My name is Jonathan Michael to give Pa a new shirt. I will 4 years old Smith. I am 19 months old. I & MAINTENANCE, INC. leave you tons of cookies and have been a very good boy this milk and the rest is for me. year. Would you please bring and EMPLOYEES Love, Skylar Vanlanding- Dear Santa, me a John Deere Tractor of my ham I want a sparkly thing you own, a workbench and tools so I 5 years old hang up on your roof, a dress, can fi x things, a Spiderman and some mittens, a teddy bear, a Elmo. Don’t forget my new puppy Dear Santa, new baby doll with a bottle and “Scrappy.” Bring her something Malcom (Mal) Ransone to chew on. I want a green bell, a robot food and some baby clothes Here’s hoping that your game for my Playstation, some she can wear. I also want a Have a safe trip from the North Pole. I will leave you some milk holidays are safe more clothes and some more new lunch box for school and and cheerful. Kilmarnock, Va. 22482 shoes. a bunny I can sleep with. and cookies. Take care of your- Phone, Home (804) 435-3788 Love, Adam Perry Love, Kelsi Ashburn self. Time to book 4 years old 4 years old Love, installation of your Jonathan Smith in-ground pool! Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Warsaw, Va. 435-2136 I want a little 4-wheeler and I want a toy airplane with a Route 200 North • Kilmarnock a new folder. man to fl y in it, a helicopter Dear Santa, Love, Whitney Barrack with a man, some Legos, and Hi, my name is Madison Lewis. 3 years old the X-man, Gambit. I am 6 years old and in kindergar- Love, Richie Failmezger ten in Florida. I used to live in Vir- Dear Santa, 3 years old ginia. I have been a real good girl.   I want a tractor with dual I want you to bring me Disney’s wheels, some pixie sticks, col- Princess Game for my Leap Pad, P  Q  oring books, logging equip- Dear Santa, Fisher Price Little Mommy Shop- ment and that’s all. I want a new baby doll with ping Cart, Bratz Tokyo-a-go-go Love, Jayson Gill a bottle and nurse stuff to sushi lounge, dress up clothes,        4 years old take care of her, some writing Disney lighted scooter, Polly paper and markers and cray- Pocket dolls and stuff, tea set,          Dear Santa, ons, and a Fairly Odd Parents V-Smile and V-Smile games and I I want a Santa Claus movie, pinata or a Sponge Bob pinata want to meet Mickey and Minnie.     some blocks, puzzles, a new like we have at school, and 2 I want my Me-Maw and Pe-Paw folder for school and a ball bones for my doggies. I have to come to see me for Christmas. Please leave goodies for my game to play. been good this year. I will • Grandi Groom Carpet Rake Love, Camryn Pittman leave you some cookies and brother Tyler, sisters Brandi and 4 years old milk. Kaitlin, Mommy, Daddy, my • Industry approved Spotting Kits teacher, Nana and Da and all my Love, Emilie Webster • Carpet Cleaning Gift Certifi cates Dear Santa, 4 years old friends. I want a new Barbie, a Love, your sweet girl, • Upholstery Cleaning Gift Certifi cates puzzle and a real puppy. I also Dear Santa, Madison want some surprises. Please I want a toy pickup truck, a Cathryn Marie Whittington, Granddaughter bring Brandon a new game. I toy dumptruck, some puzzles Dear Santa,      have been a good girl. and a snowman. Hi Santa, my name is Tyler of Rosemary & Gil Whittington Love, BreAnne Selph Love, Austin McCarty Lewis and this is my fi rst letter to   !    3 years old 3 years old you. I now live in Florida and am in kindergarten, but I used to live P" #\ Q Dear Santa, Dear Santa, in Virginia, so I would really like I want the Spyro 2 game for I want a dollhouse with to see my Me-Maw and Pe-Paw my Playstation, some Ninja some dolls and furniture for it. for Christmas. I have been a really Turtles, the Spiderman 2 I also want a stuffed kitty and good boy this year, please bring me State of the Art In-Plant Cleaning • Furniture, Orientals, Area Rugs • De odor iz ing movie, a boxing game and the a teddy bear. I want a new hat, a Hotwheels game for my X -box, Pickup and Delivery • Leather Cleaning • Water & Smoke Damage Resto ra tion Jack and Jackster game. I want and some new clothes. I have kids 6-piece camp combo, Shrek a Tatoo game, a Slide 2 game been a good girl this year. game for my Leap Pad, Elfun Hwy. 17/360 • Tappahannock, Va. and a Teddy bear. I have been Love, Gwen Wichard games for kids, Lego Harry Potter Call (800) 321-4751 or (804) 443-4751 a good boy this year. Please 3 years old Knight Bus, Teenage Mutant Ninja Sewer Lid Launcher and I would Letters to Santa Rappahannock Record, Kilmarnock, Va. • Dec. 23, 2004 • D5

could be an auctioneer when I Wishing You & Yours a grow up! But I’m real excited and these are the toys I’d love to have: Happy Holiday Season color Pixter, Play-Station 2 and 2 games, a stuffed horse that I can sit on, Sponge Bob Kids Sofa, Barbies Electronic Purse Kit, play donk’s dress up shoes, ballerina set, VHS movies, Fur-Real Bear-Cub, kids THEATER camera, Barbie Designer, play ROUTE 198 at HUDGINS food, any doll babies and doll baby accessories and lots of stuffed IN MATHEWS, VA - (804) 725-7760 dogs and stuffed cats. Virginia’s Lil Ole Opry Don’t forget about my brother, Travis, who is 17, and in 11th grade. He wants a system for his car (whatever that is), Play Station 2 games, DVDs, CDs, and he is a good big brother so I’m hoping you are good to him. Also leave some treats for my dogs “Pete, Sassy, CC, my two rabbits would Mrs. Claus holds six-month- like some carrots and so would old David Vaughn during a my hamster Harry. My two birds visit to Kilmarnock. like Fruit Loops cereal and my two cats Shoney and Roo, like lots and lots of cat food. Thank Dear Santa, The Doctors and Staff I am 5 years old and will be 6 you Santa, Please don’t forget my on December 29th. I am a very brother Justin and Laurie and all at the good boy and am doing good in my school friends. I love you Northern Neck Eye Center school. This year, please bring me Santa, a remote control Hummer. I would Kinsey Nicole Hogge wish all of our valued Village, Va. like the yellow one like they have patients and friends a very in Radio Shack. Also, I need help to clean up my toys so I would Dear Santa, like a Robotics Robot and bring I would like a new binder. The Merry Christmas lots of batteries because I can be ones that have a clear pocket in front and a ring lock. I would also Dear Santa, loon one, a real one), a glow in messy sometimes and he can help My name is Seth Hughes and and a me clean up my room. I would like like a pet! You know what kind of the dark ball for my sister Renee. I pet I want? Well, I want a bunny. I am 17 months old. This year I want Mommy to have a new sing- some video games and games to have been a good boy. I would like Prosperous New play basketball, soccer and base- I want a brown bunny so I can ing Christmas tree because hers name it Brownie. May you send lots of Little People and a Little broke. My Daddy wants one day ball. People barn. I would also like big I almost forgot Santa, I like a sweater to Bubba, not grandpa off next year. I want a new video Year! and maybe a few surprises. Legos to play with. I would like game and some games to go with dinosaurs, bay blades and Power some new toy trucks and cars. Rangers and maybe you could Love your friend, it. How is Mrs. Claus? I bet Mrs. Kristine Cralle Don’t forget my parents and my Claus is a good cook. I want a We look forward to bring me some Pokemon cards. big bubby Grayson. I collect them and have a whole P.S. Could you give me some joke kit like Sissy’s, and a horse. bunny food and a cage? Please! Love, I would like to ride on Santa’s serving you in 2005. box full and I share them with my Seth Hughes friends. sleigh. What would you like for Well, I guess that is enough . Christmas? I love you Santa and Dear Santa Claus, thank you for the presents. Santa. But please don’t forget my My name is Cintaisa Jackson family, friends and my teachers Dear Santa, Love, Kayme My name is Brandon Keith Ross but everybody calls me Ta Ta. 4 years old Mrs. Clarke and Ms. Johnson. I I’m 4 years old. I have a brother will leave you some cookies with and I am 3 years old. I’ve been White Stone, Va. pretty good this year. I would like and his name is Calvin Jackson The families of icing on them and a glass of choc- Jr. We call him CJ. I want to olate milk, but don’t drink all the an airplane, a choo-choo, a Leap Dear Santa, Pad, anything with Spiderman 2 wish you and Mrs. Claus a very This is my fi rst Christmas, as I Rappahannock Internal Medicine would like milk cause I like it too. I will leave “Merry Christmas” and a happy you a little present under the tree or Shrek 2. I would also like a am only 8 months old. I’ve been car and a truck. Please remember new year. I would like to tell a good little boy, and would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas from me. you about my wish list. I’d like a Your big boy, my Mom and Dad, brothers and for you to bring me a few things. and a Happy New Year! sisters, all my grandparents and Magic Dora Doll, my fi rst Leap I would like some clothes in sizes Cameron Taylor Arnett Pad, a fun phone, Serafi na cat, P.S. My turtle ran away so if cousins. 12 and 18 months, Leap Frog We would like to remind you to I will leave cookies and milk dress up treasure set with shoes, learning toys and movies for my you fi nd one on the way to my My Real Newborn Baby, some start your new year off healthy house, bring him in and I will take for you. age, and anything else you think I Love, Brandon Keith Ross Bratz dolls. You can bring some could use. care of him cause I really miss my things for my Mommy and by getting your annual physical. other one. Lively, Va. Also, bring something nice for Daddy, Grandmom Maxine, Aunt Daddy and Mommy, Grandma and Dear Santa, Carolyn, Pamela and Uncle Joe Grandpa Washington, Grandpa Dear Santa, and my brother. I have a gift for Hello, again this year (time I have been a good boy most of and Grandma Kelley, Grandpa the year. I would like Aladdin on you. and Grandma Smith, Grandma fl ies!). My name is Kinsey Nicol Thank you, Hogge and I am 6 years old, in DVD. I want lots of Legos, bin- and Grandpa Mayo, great-grand- oculars, and He-Man toys. Please TaTa parents Kelley, great-grandma kindergarten and I live in Village, P.S. I will have cookies and Va. My family says they think you don’t forget my Mom, Dad and Haynie, all my aunts, uncles and little Bubby Seth. I will have cook- milk and some food for the rein- cousins. By the tree will be cook- are going to be very good to me deer. this year. I’m doing real good in ies and milk waiting for you. ies and milk for you, and carrots school. My mom says I let my Love, for your reindeer. Merry Christ- Grayson Hughes Dear Santa, mas, Santa! energy out at home, and my step- All I want for Christmas is My dad says I talk so much that I 6 years old Love, Seth Kelley Little Pony, Rudolph (not the bal- White Stone, Va.

Joan Marple’s fi rst-grade class Rappahannock Internal Medicine Dr. Vikas Maan, Dr. Vicki Kinsel at Chesapeake Academy asks 117 Irvington Rd. • Kilmarnock • 435-2255 Santa for a variety of new toys

Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Dear Santa, I hope you have a Happy May I please have Spiro. It I love you a lot. I hope I Christmas. I love you Santa is a game. After Emmaline has get a lot of stuff this year. I Claus and all your reindeer. a ride on your sleigh may I be want a scooter to ride, I would When you come to my house next? also like a stuffed animal that I am going to give you a piece Hank Selby looks like a German Shepherd. of chocolate. Santa, could you Thank you. please bring me a new ice skat- Dear Santa, Skylar Dixon ing dress? My mom would like I hope you and Mrs. Claus a pretty diamond ring and my are doing well. Santa I hope Dear Santa, brother wants a special watch. you can get me a CD player I would like Tony Hawk Thank you. and have the color be pink. Playstation. I would like Mad- Patricia Davie I would like a bean bag in dens 2005. I would really like any color and a purple stuffed a lap top computer and another Dear Santa, animal. I would like a new game I would like is 007 For Christmas I would like DVD player that is electric. Golden Eye. I love you Santa. a picture of Rudolf and a Could you please bring my You are the best giver of gifts. real camera with two boxes new baby sister a rattle? Patrick Kelley of fi lm. I would also like a Deanna Mangano computer for my desk. By the Dear Santa, way how are you and Mrs. Dear Santa, I like you. I would like Claus? I would dearly like a I hope you are having a good a Leap Frog and some little cuddly kitten and a guitar for time with Mrs. Claus. I want boxes to put my jewelry in. I my brother Charlie. Charlie a drum set to make music. I would like some white paper and I would like a Zip line to would like a cell phone to call and pens to make pictures. I play on. Thank you Santa. my friends. Thank you. am going to art class. I will Grace Gaenzle Austin Revere send you a picture Santa when I make it. I hope that makes Dear Santa, you happy. When you come to my house Dear Santa, Olivia Major I am going to give you some I love you Santa. I hope you cookies and milk. Can I please have a safe trip around the Dear Santa, have a NCAA football game? I world. Santa, please bring me I love you. Please can you Christmas is the perfect time to give would also like a CD player and a baby doll and a bike. I would bring me a stuffed reindeer? I a new bike. I would also like also like a Playstation for my will put it under my Christmas the Rappahannock Reocrd a Cowboys Football and please room. I would also love it if tree. My mother would like a give me new sunglasses, skis you brought my mom a pretty photo of you Santa to show to to family and friends far and near, and a new laptop. Thank you. dress. my Dad. Can you leave one Brendan Brown Abagail Foster for me? Brittney Hendrickson The Gift that comes “all through the year”. Dear Santa, Dear Santa, You are cool and brave. I Please bring me a football Dear Santa, One call does it all ! want Spyro 2, Madden 2005 shirt. I like the Dallas Cow- Please bring me Spiro 2. please. I like computer games. boys. I want a Playstation and I have a baby brother Kyle just call 804-435-1701 Ext. 16 or Could you leave me a few? a dirt bike. I like to play video and he would like a brightly My mom would like some new games and I like the Legend of colored ball. My mom would fill out one of the forms in the paper and send turtle-neck sweaters and my Zelda. Could you please bring like a drip coffee pot and dad dad some tools to build with. my baby sister a ball? Thank would like cleaning materials it to P.O. Box 400, Kilmarnock, VA 22482. Thank you. you. for his truck. Parker Kirkmyer Kyle Thomas Keith Fisher They even take credit cards...isn’t that cool ! D6 • Rappahannock Record, Kilmarnock, Va. • Dec. 23, 2004 Letters to Santa

girl but I try so hard. It’s just not Dear Santa, easy. There are a few things I’d I am Karas Smith and I am almost really like to have for Christmas 4 years old. This year I have been and I promise I’ll do better next a good boy except when I get time Merry Christmas year. out. I’d like to have a train table with By the time you get this letter I and a train. That’s pretty big but I’ve will be a big brother. My baby sister even cleaned up my room so it’ll will be born soon and I have been Happy New Year fi t. I’d also like to have a Talking waiting and waiting for her to come. Stove, My Little Pony baby, Baby Please bring her a mobile that plays Born doll, S’mores maker, a Boo music for her crib and anything else from Everyone Bah doll, Teletubbies playhouse she might need. As for me I would set, and a few games for me to like to have some new games for at play (you know my favorites). I’d my Play Station and Game Boy. also like a scooter that’s my size Also, bring me some big trucks like because the one I play with now my Dad’s and lots of surprises. THE RIVER MARKET is just a little bit too big for me. Don’t forget to stop at Maw Maw If you could, I’d also like a small and Chubby’s house. They live on DVD player so I can watch my the hill next to my house now Thanks for all your support! movies in the back of the car when and please be good to all my teach- we go on those long shopping ers and friends at the YMCA pre- trips of Mom’s. How boring! school And don’t forget Ninnie, Rt. 3, White Stone, Va. • 435-1725 Please be good to everyone in Grandadddy, Grammy Ree, Pappy, Toll Free 1-888-273-7019 my family and bring them all Tyler, Laura Jo and my new puppy, Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. something good. Be extra special Sassy. to my Mom, Dad, sister Megan, I will leave you some cookies Lunch & Dinners to go ! and Daniel. He’s my sister’s boy- and a Coca-Cola and some treats friend and he’s so good to me. for your reindeer. Bring James Michael and Braiden Karas Smith lots of toys to play with because Kilmarnock, Va. I love going over their house. See you at the mall Santa! Love, Taylor Webb Corey Palubinski, 2, was surrounded with Christmas cheer at White Stone, Va. the Lancaster Union Masonic Lodge 88 in Kilmarnock. Also pic- JOY TO tured are Santa himself and Santa’s helpers Katelyn (left) and Dear Santa, Katherine Keyser. Hi! I’m Lane. I am almost 7. This THE WORLD year I would like to have a Game Boy Advance SP with some games, Dear Santa, everything that she wants. I also Tune up for a great have a little boy named Chase a trick bike and some more Play My name is Elizabeth. I am four Station games. Have a safe trip. holiday! We’re glad to months old. I don’t really under- that lives next door to me. Please make sure that he gets some toys Lane Brocklebank express our appreciation stand Christmas yet. My brother Hidden Cove told me that you might bring me a also. He is a good little boy all of for your business and the time. I am sure he would like new toy if I am good. I would Dear Santa, support. like a new teething toy for my some big trucks that make noise, his mom really likes them. Well Hi! I’m Olivia and I’m 14 months brand new teeth. Could you also old. I love books, baby dolls, shoes bring me a toy that makes noise? Santa, I better let you move on to the next letter. I will try to be a and pocket books. Please bring Trip Please, don’t forget Rachel and some shampoo and a big dog bone HARVEY’S Taylor, they have been good this very good little boy next year. Love, so he can come in the house to play year. Merry Christmas. with me. Lots of love! AUTO PARTS Elizabeth Woolard Trenton Hayden Burgess, Va. Olivia Brocklebank Rt. 360, Heathsville • 580-5900 White Stone, Va. Hidden Cove Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! My name is We have tried to be very good Rachel. This is my third Christ- this year. We are so excited about mas. I am a little scared of you. I Christmas! Even though we are too can’t say Santa yet, so I call you scared to sit on your lap, we wanted With sincere best wishes to our neighbors, patrons and friends. “Ho-Ho-Ho!” When I saw you, I to make sure you knew what we Your support means everthing to us. Thanks! forgot to tell you what I wanted wanted. We would really like a bike for Christmas. I would like a new for each of us that’s just our size, kitchen for my new playroom, some baby dolls, an Interactive TV some puzzles, Play Doh, and some game or Learning through Music Dora pajamas. Please don’t forget game, some Barbie dolls and any- my sister Elizabeth and brother thing else you think we would Taylor. like. Don’t forget Daddy, Mommy, Love, Rachel Woolard Bradley, Papa, Nana, Papa Dewey, 2 years old Granny, Uncle Matt, Aunt Meme, White Stone, Va. Cole, Jacks, Uncle Jeremy, Gaga, Matthew Seawood, 2, listens and Colby. They have all been very Dear Santa, good this year. These are the things that I wish closely to Santa Claus during a stop in Kilmarnock after the We will leave you some milk and for Christmas: a mini CD player cookies and carrots for your rein- with CDs, lots of spending money, Kilmarnock annual Christmas parade. deer! gel pens, boots, jewelry string, Love, stained glass materials, Bratz dolls, Sydney & Lyndsey Hudson Merry remote control Hummer, Uno 4 years old & 2 years old Attack, Mary-Kate and Ashley White Stone, Va. items and collection, and skates. Dear Santa, Your friend, My name is Haley B. Hayden Tatyana D. Mitchell of Burgess, Va. I have been a very 9 years old good girl this year. I am doing very Heathsville, Va. well in school this year. There are Kindergarten a few things that I would like for Dear Santa, Christmas. I understand if I can’t have everything that I ask for. You teacher pens Christmas What I wish for Christmas is a fi re truck, monster truck, an ice- do have a lot of girls and boys cream maker, learning games for to make toys for. Some things class letter my computer, a toy reindeer, a I would like are CDs, books, Dear Santa, Spiderman lamp, lots of drawing Bratz, ’s, a purse, My kindergarten class has and writing paper, a lot of dino- new clothes, Timmy Turner Tape, been very good this year, saurs, books, a remote control race computer games, binoculars, play so please try to bring them car track, paint, shoes, super hero house shoes (clogs), Game Boy some thing nice for Christ- movies and toys, and Power Rang- and games, Vetch computer, play mas. Every-one has a special ers. Merry Christmas. cell phone, tapes, and a swing request to put at the top of his Denzel C. Mitchell set for all the kids in my neigh- or her list. 4 years old borhood to play on. Please don’t Brandon Hill would like a Heathsville, Va. forget my Daddy, brother, nanny lit tle toy race track with two and Marie might want something motorcycles. Dear Santa, also. Diamond Taylor would like My name is Trenton M. Hayden Love, a Barbie Car, so she could and I live in Burgess. I am only Haley B. Hayden ride in it. 2 years old so there is not much I Burgess, Va. Donovan Gregory would want. I would like a tractor to ride like a four-wheeler. on outside with my daddy. Maybe Dear Santa, Jakeyce Weaver would like some clothes and other toys. My My name is Taylor Webb and I a bike. sister has a pretty big list this year am 5 years old. My mom says it’s Karen Beltran would like a so if you can try and bring her a real struggle for me to be a good bike. Kathryn Herring would like a CD player. Mary Frere would like art supplies. Mason Mills would like a little motorcycle, so he could ride around the house. McKenzie Mason would like a Barbie Hair Salon. Michael McGrath would like a Formula Photo by Kelly Fueler. Special Thanks to Picture Me RayQuawn Ball would like an X-Box and a game. Rodney Wiggins would like a basketball goal. Shermya Hudnall would like a bike. Shykeila Brown would like a doll baby. Trevor Smith would like a dragon race track that’s from RITTENHOUSE fl oor to ceiling. Vilesha Waller would like a Barbie guitar. Wyatt Kemp would like a Spiderman exercising thing with Spiderman wrists and feet. I hope you and Rudolph have a good fl ight this Christ- SALON mas eve. Barbara Watson kindergarten class Lancaster Primary School Letters to Santa Rappahannock Record, Kilmarnock, Va. • Dec. 23, 2004 • D7

reindeer for me. Thanks! 3 years old this year. Mommy and Love, Daddy said I’ve been an angel Melissa Schomer this year..most of the time. I hope I’ve behaved enough for you to OFFICE SUPPLY Dear Santa, come visit us. I’m a big girl now My name is Trinity Balderson and think I’m old enough to drive. of and I am 3 years old. Please Daddy says I’ll get his truck some- NORTHERN NECK bring me for Christmas My Little day, but I think I need something 33. N. Main Street Pony, a baby doll with a bottle smaller. A nice pink jeep would Kilmarnock and clothes for her, dancing Blues be great. That way I can go visit Clues, a few books and some Mama and Pappa Joe and Granny. clothes. A pink bear would be nice to ride I have been a good girl this with me. If it is possible, I think December 24th - Closing at 12:30 year, and also Santa, please Mommy would like a new house. December 25th & 26th - We will be closed remember my baby sister Kiyah, I’ll leave lots of milk and cook- and Mommy and Daddy and ies. Please have a Merry Christ- December 27th-31st - 8:30–4:30 please do not forget my Aunt Di, mas and fl y safely. Also God bless great grandma and my Me Me! our troops and watch over them Your little friend, for the holidays. We hope you have a great Holiday!! Trinity Balderson Thank you very, very much Jayson Gill gets a little encouragement from his dad, Don, Riley Brooke Molineaux Annie & Kristen during a visit with Santa. Jayson didn’t mind sitting on Old St. Irvington, Va. Nick’s lap. He just didn’t want to look at his face. Dear Santa, Thank you for listening to what Dear Santa, carrots for your reindeer by the I wanted. I did Christmas cookies My name is Luke and I am step on Christmas eve. I wanted for you. almost 2 years old. I can’t wait to leave them on the roof but I want a big blue and big green for you to come to my house, and Mommy explained how some- shovel, a real super hero button this year I promised Momma and times you land in the yard too!! I and a real magic wand. I love DaDa I’d play with more than just will be leaving you some milk and you. the wrapping paper. chocolate chip cookies because Love, Tanner Fitzgerald In case you didn’t already know, Daddy says they are your favorite. 4 years old I love big trucks and tractors, so if I love you Santa and have a safe Weems, Va. you’d like to bring me those that trip. We’ve got a lot to celebrate would be fi ne. I also like books Joseph Henry George Dear Santa, Dear Santa and Mrs. Claus, and Legos. I’ve been really good White Stone, Va. I have been very good this year. Here is what I want for Christ- including your valued patronage. this year, or at least I tried, so my P.S. And Santa, I don’t have My teacher is Mrs. Wildenstein. mas: a big dog, some highlighters, Our best holiday wishes to you. Momma says I deserve some fun a chimney but Mommy says she I want a tarantula toy and a a Harry Potter set, a elf’s picture, a stuff. will leave the front door open for Game Boy for Christmas. We will baby Hermit crab, a locket of you Cindy, Carolyn, Ida Please don’t forget Gramma you. have a treat for you and your rein- and Mrs. Clause, a adult Hermit Karen and Jordan and Dandaddy, my Uncles Matt deer when you visit our house. crab, a story bear, a jewelry box. and Ray Ray, Big Daddy, Nana, I hope it snows for Christmas. Love you Santa, and a great Mammie and my great Memaw Happy Holidays Santa! Christmas to all! and Happy New Hang-Ups & Gallery and Pawpaw and all my other Cole Schomer Year. 114 School St., Kilmarnock family here and in Roanoke. I love 7 years old From Courtney Smith them all and they are so good to Lancaster, Va. 8 years old 435-6669 me all year long. Weems, Va. I’d also like you to bring my Dear Santa, Dad a big buck on Christmas day, My name is Shane. I am 6 years Dear Santa, since that is the only day of the old. I have been a good boy. I My name is Austin McCarty year he gets one. He needs all the want a new BMX bike, Too Fast but I’m really Spiderman. I have help he can get. Too Furious cars, new bike shoes, been real good this year. I would Thank you Santa and sorry I and catcher equipment for base- like anything with Spiderman or NECK CHEVROLET wouldn’t sit on your lap the other Jasmyn Tomlin, 5, ponders her ball. My sister and I are going to Superman. I also would like John THERN day. wish list. bake you the chocolate chip cook- Deere tractors or some boats. NOR Love, Lucas Kyle Dooley O ies you asked for. I would also like I will leave you cookies and T 22 months old a Wal Mart tractor and trailer, a milk. I am 3 years old. Dear Santa, White Stone, Va. new bike ramp and either a drum Love, COMING I would like a doll baby, a learn- set or a guitar. Have a safe trip. Austin McCarty IS Hi Santa, ing table, some peek-a-blocks, and Love, Shane H. Pittman CLAUS It’s me Joseph and I am now some books. Also, I love anything Lancaster, Va. 41/2 years old and I think I’ve been musical. Please bring me some- ANTA pretty good this year but I tell you thing for our pugs Shelby and Dear Santa, S Northern Neck Santa the older I get the harder it’s Odie and our cat Dot. I love ani- My name is Micaela and I am 9 Chevy getting to be good ALL the time. mals! Thank you Santa. Maybe years old. I would like a golf cart, This year for Christmas I would next year when I visit you I won’t and a Video Now. I will be sure to With like the Scooby Doo set and Mys- cry. leave you a coke with your cook- tery Machine, a giraffe (not a real Love, Emma Oliver ies. I know you must get tired of Our one, a play one), the Slimcano Hot 8 months old milk. I hope you have a safe trip. Wheels and Mommy says every- Hardyville, Va. Love, Micaela R. Pittman Thanks thing I see on TV commercials. Lancaster, Va. The key to our My cousin Skylar wants a horse (a Dear Santa, NORTHERN NECK real one not a play one) but you How are you? This year I have Dear Santa, success is you, our might want to talk to Nanna about tried my best to be good. For As you know I’ve had my customers. CHEVROLET PONTIAC that fi rst. Christmas I would like to have a moments but I really do try to Have a very happy Please don’t forget my grandma puppy, an I Pod, CD’s, a com- be good. This year I would like A Full Service Dealership and grandaddy Sliakis, my nanny puter, and some duck stuff. Also I a digger because I love to dig holiday. and pops, my sister Ashley, my want everyone to stay healthy this in the sand and anything Thomas teacher Mrs. Stickel and all my year! My mom would love a vaca- the Train. Please remember all my We look forward to 804-493-8901 • www.nncp.com other family and friends. They tion, a Rolex watch, and some cousins, they have tried to be good seeing you again, deserve something really special Call...1-800-883-8901 funky socks. My dad would like also. soon. under the tree too because they a huge yacht! My brother Weston Love, Noah Booth are very special to me! The Used Car Toll Free Hotline For The Make & Model You Want! would love a Game Boy SP and 2 years old Jamie, Billy, Will & Whitney Oh, I almost forgot to ask about so would my other brother Cole. Kilmarnock, Va. Northern Neck’s Largest New & Used Outlet! Mrs. Claus and Rudolph. How My dog would love a big bone. Dear Santa, J.B.’s Hair Care & are they? I am going to leave Say Hi to Mrs. Claus and all the Merry Christmas! I’m a whole Virginia Farm Bureau Ins., Services Cats and dogs are the hope of some in Kirsten Eder’s second-grade class at LPS

Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Dear Santa Claus, This year I’ve been great. So This year I am very excited? This year I want a real puppy can I have a lot of toys this My family has been good this and my cousin wants a little year? One of the toys I really year. Last year I wanted a three- motorcycle. And I want a little want is a train because last feet-tall doll. Do you think I am motorcycle and a game box year I didn’t get to get a toy good every year Santa Claus? and a X-box. train so can you please give I want a doll house. The best Love, Antonio me a toy train this year? thing I wanted in my whole Love, Sadacia life is a big friend and that big Dear Santa, friend is you Santa Claus. And This year I have been super Dear Santa, you are a big friend. I want a good! I want an army set and This year I’ve been good. X-box and a bike and a kite. a trampoline and I want a cha- How do you make your reinder Sincerely with love, meleon or beagle. I wish you a fl y? Can I have Yu Gi Oh pack- Frantasia Merry Christmas Ho! Ho! Ho! ets. I want to give my mom an Sincerely, Vance X-box and Halo 2 and 1. May Dear Santa Claus, I have a motorcycle. This year I would like a Dear Santa Claus, Love, William bike and some dolls and some Santa I want a CD player winter clothes and a new bed for Christmas. Last year I got Dear Santa, and a dog. I want a radio too the thing I wanted for Christ- Can you give me a TV game and some Barbie books and mas but I got toys that I did of Lord of the Rings Battle for some friends and some books. not want but I liked them. I Middle Earth, a cat, a CD, a Love, Rodesha Veney enjoyed them a lot. I love the toy ring and wish bone. toys so much I could not stop Wyatt Dear Santa, playing with them. But the I want a four wheeler, a pool thing I love the most was cel- Dear Santa Claus, table, a dirt bike and a pool and ebrating with my family and I would like a real puppy. a motorcycle and a toy for my you. ChristmasChristmas isis thethe timetime toto celebrate,celebrate, thethe timetime forfor love,love, I would like a hair beader. I sister and brother and my cousin Love, Tina laughter and merriment with family, friends and neighbors. would like a four wheeler, a and I want a trampoline. laughter and merriment with family, friends and neighbors. trampoline, a pair of black boots Love, Jonathan Dear Santa, WeWe wouldwould likelike toto expressexpress aa sinceresincere wishwish forfor aa warmwarm andand and I would like an X-box. This year I want a blue bike Love, Heather Cutting Dear Santa, and a diamond ring for my lovelylovely holidayholiday seasonseason toto allall ofof ourour wonderfulwonderful customerscustomers This year we want a race- mom. I would like a wrist Dear Santa Claus, track, a bike, car, two wheeler, watch for my dad. whowho helpedhelped makemake thisthis yearyear soso successfulsuccessful forfor us.us. This year I have been good. dirt bike, motorcycle, suit, Love, Brittany Merry Christmas! How do your reindeer fl y? Can dress shoes and dress hat and I have 1000 Polly Pockets? I gloves and pets and a three Dear Santa, From all of us at want a present for my teacher wheeler and four wheeler and I have been good so you can From all of us at and I want my cousins to come fi ve wheeler and six wheeler give me a west coast chopper HUBBARD INSURANCE AGENCY, Inc. down for Christmas. and seven wheeler and eight bike. How do you make your Sincerely, wheeler and a gift for my birth- reindeer fl y? Established 1928 Maddie M. Simpson day. Love my big family. Love, Taylor Lee Honaker Main Street, Kilmarnock D8 • Rappahannock Record, Kilmarnock, Va. • Dec. 23, 2004 Letters to Santa

wonderful Christmas and that God been as good as any two year blesses everyone everywhere! old can be. I would like you to Love, bring me some big trucks, diggers Braiden Kent and John Deere tractors. Mom and White Stone, Va. Dad say I am growing like a weed so I guess I need some new clothes Dear Santa, too. I like any kind of books and My name is Jay Bryant and I stuff I can take apart. This is about am 6 years old. Mom and Dad say all I am asking for this year, but I’ve spent a lot of my life work- please don’t forget all my friends ing on being good this year (and I and family. I hope you and the think I’ve done a pretty good job reindeer have a nice Christmas myself). I haven’t asked for a lot too! of things, but you’re always great Love, about knowing what I would like. Chase Withers I would like a motorized scooter, Burgess, Va. some military men and vehicles, some wrestling men, TMNT lair Dear Santa, and some new turtles, roller blades, Hello! How are you? My name a new skateboard, some Play Sta- is Ashleigh Sanford and I am 4 tion 2 and Game Boy advance years old. I would like a Barbie games and any surprises of your house, new Barbies, a doll, color- own. ing books, crayons, a doll stroller, Santa, I sure do love my brother, and whatever else you think I Braiden, a lot. But could you would like. Santa, do not forget please bring him some cool toys my brother, my big brother and so he’ll quit fi ghting with me my big sister and my Nanny and over mine? Be good to all of my Paw-Paw. family, friends, relatives, teachers Love, Ashleigh Sanford and classmates. Also, please bring Alfonso, Va. our kitten, Bogey, some neat toys. P.S. Merry Christmas! He likes to play. We’ll leave you and your rein- Dear Santa, deer some milk, cookies and Hi! My name is Joey Sanford apples by the tree. Watch out for and I’ve been a good boy this Big kid, big wish Braiden. He is like the cookie year. I really would like to get Star Lancaster High School band director Robbie Spiers gives Santa monster. I hope you and the Wars stuff, Play Station 2 games, a big holiday request during the “Swimming with Santa” event Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Mrs. have a Merry Christmas and books, a stereo, CD’s, Yu-Gi-Oh at the YMCA pool December 12. His wish? Suffi cient funds to My name is Madison Hinton and I have been good. I want a rain- that God blesses everyone every- stuff and new DVD’s. Don’t forget send his band to London for a New Year’s Day parade. With I am one year old. I have been a bow shovel and a set of fl ower where. my Mom and Dad, or my sisters, support from throughout the community, his wish was granted good little girl this year and despite seeds and a set of tools with some James Michael Bryant they too have been good this year. and the band members are packing for the trip of a lifetime. being scared of you, I hope you snowmen that light up. I love you White Stone, Va. Merry Christmas. still come to visit. Santa. Love, Joey Sanford I would like a doll baby, a CD We will bake some cookies for 7 years old player for my room and some you. Alfonso, Va. clothes. Please remember to visit Love, Mackenzie Smith P.S. Don’t forget the rest of my all of my cousins, Na-Na and Pa-Pa 6 years old family. Hinton, Grandma and Grandpa Weems, Va. Mayers and my doggy Chipper. Dear Santa, Love, Madison Hinton Dear Ho-Ho, My name is Amani. I am three Glen Allen, Va. My name is Braiden Kent and years old. I have tried very hard I have just turned 2 years old this to be a good girl this year. All I Dear Santa, year. I’m sorry I didn’t like you want for Christmas is a Care Bear I look a little different this year. very much at the WSVFD break- Fit and Fun, shoes, bike, Sponge I have lost 4 teeth. I am 71/2 years fast. I hope my quick kiss made Bob DVDs, Dora the Explorer old and in the second grade now. it all better. I’m good most of the clothes, and a lot of toys. Also I have tried real hard to be a good time, but I get stubborn every now don’t forget about my baby sister boy. and then. Here area few things Zaire. She has been a good girl Here is my list of things that I that I’d like to have this year. I too. would like for you to bring me. would like the Geo Trax Rail- Amani I would like a Yu-Gi-Oh deck, a road, Thomas the Train, Dora the Tabitha Foulks, 4, had a cheery big transformer, a guitar, and some Explorer backpack (don’t laugh), visit with Santa in Kilmar- Dear Santa, Game Boy games and videos. I a cozy coupe car, a play horse my nock. My name is Zaire and I am would also like a few DVD movies, size, lots of books, and anything 20 months old. I have been a a small mini bike, a blue stretchy you bring for my big brother, Jay. good girl this year. All I want for belt, a gold necklace with a cross, He has great toys! Be especially Christmas is a lot of toys, shoes, Legos and anything you can fi nd good to him because I love him Dear Santa, clothes and DVDs. Harley Davidson. sooo much. Please be good to all I liked having breakfast with Also don’t forget about my big I would like for you to leave the rest of my family, relatives you at the White Stone fi rehouse. sister Amani, even though she has something purple for my Mom and and friends. Also please bring our I have been a good girl this year. been mean to me the last couple something Harley Davidson for kitten, Bogey, one of those laser I got my yellow belt in Karate. of months. I forgive her. my Dad. Please don’t forget about pointer toys. He’s silly! I have good grades and got an Love you Santa, my Pop Pop Chris, Grandmom, Jay and I will leave you and award for my attitude. Zaire Grandma Elizabeth, Pop Pop Joe, your reindeer a little snack near I would like for you to bring Ms. Virginia, and my Nana. Also, the tree, if I don’t eat it fi rst. I me for Christmas a secret passage Dear Santa, My name is Haley Davis and I please remember all my friends at love cookies and chocolate milk. diary, a chalk board, a rainbow ll the Best to Our Customers! school and my best friend Justin. I’ll try harder to be a good boy. bracelet, a guitar, a skateboard, live in Farnham. Mommy said I’ve T been a big girl this year so if you Help yourself to anything in the Hope you and Mrs. Ho-Ho have a some chocolate money and a horse Merry Christmas & refrigerator for you and the rein- poster. could please bring me a Barbie deer. I will leave some chocolate cup- Jeep and some Sponge Bob stuff. Happy New Year Love, Joey Charland cakes for you and carrots for the My mommy has been good this Newport News, Va. reindeer. year so bring her something nice. Love, Don’t forget my friend Harley and TCH Oil Co. Dear Santa, Emily Sage Haydon cousins Poote and Lexi. They like Chris Mart, Inc. I have been a good girl this year Dora the Explorer. I’ll leave some and I would like for Christmas a Dear Santa, milk and cookies for you and the Barbie Lap Top computer, a four Please can I have Dash Incred- reindeers. wheeler, a Luv Cub, a pogo stick, ible and an airplane and Gambit Love always, your little girl, a few fun games and anything else and a helicopter and Legos. Haley Davis, you think I might like. I am a good boy. I can write my 4 years old, Please remember to bring Mom name. Thank you. Farnham, Va. a new coffee maker and my dogs Richie Failmezger some treats. Thanks for waving to 3 years old Dear Santa, me at the Christmas Parade. I love Lancaster, Va. My name is Harley Dunn and I you! live in Callao. I’ve been a good girl Your little girl, Dear Santa, this year so can you leave me lots Harley J. Haydon My name is Chase Withers and of toys. I like to make things like 5 years old I am 2 years old. I think I have beads and things and I also want a scooter. And my cousin Taylor wants a Barbie Jeep for her and Haley to ride in. Haley also wants a jeep. Mom has been nice to me so bring her a surprise. I’ll leave you a Jessica Griffi n’s pre-k class coke and cookies by the fi replace. Love always, Harley Dunn at LPS drafts Santa letters 10 years old Callao, Va. Dear Santa, Dear Santa, My name is Taynen and I always have lots How are you doing? Are you ready for your of smiles for everyone. I love to paint so please big sleigh ride on Christmas eve? This year I bring me some paints and paint brushes. I also have been very good and would love some new like to dance so please bring me some new Sponge Bob toys and Dora the Explorer videos. music to dance to. Hope you are doing ok. I hope that you have a safe trip. Love, Taynen Williams See you soon, Dwight Nickens Dear Santa, Dear Santa, My name is Kayona and I have been a very I’ve been a good boy this year. Is Rudolph’s good girl this year. I hope that you can come by nose really red? I would like an easel and wash- and see my Christmas tree and maybe leave a able paints so I can paint. I would also like

couple of presents. For Christmas I would like a a Lion King book to read. Thank you for last It’s Christmas-trimming doll baby and stroller to put her in. I also would year’s toys Santa. It was nice seeing you at the time, and we’re sure No matter what the occasion, good like a tea set, some warm clothes, winter boots mall. this season will be a cut above the rest! and a pretty purse. Most of all, I would like to Keith Roland Best wishes, and . . . friends always come in handy. spend time with my grandma. Hope to see you soon. Dear Santa, At this very special time of year, we Love, Kayona Laws Hi, this is Premie. I think I have been a good boy this year so I would like a big boobah and a thank you all for being ours. Dear Santa, Game Boy. I only want a Game Boy because my How long is your beard? I want Harry Potter brother has one and he never shares with me. So We will be closing at 3:00 pm December 23 and and Prisoner of Azkaban Playstation. If I get it if I get one I can play with him. will be closed December 24, 25, & 26. We will I’ll have to face millions of dementors. I want Also Santa I want a lot of books because I like to reopen December 27, and will be open December Spiderman and friends playset. Get lots of rest throw them and maybe this time I will read them. so you can ride on the sled. Well, that’s all I need right now. I’ll write you again 29 through 31. We will be closed January 1 and Love, Robert Stickler next year. Thank you for my toys last year. open January 3. Love, Csapreme Redmond Dear Santa, Specializing in Service I have been a very good boy this year. I would Dear Santa, like you to bring me a power wheel, cars and I wish I had the Jak 3 video game, the Ratch- URBANNA LUMBER CORP. trucks, basketball goal, clothes, shoes, books, ets and Clark 3 video game, a Sponge Bob and Sponge Bob video game and a desk where I can Mr. Krabbs toy ship and some Power Rangers Open Monday-Friday 7-5 • Saturday 8-12 do my homework. My sister has been a good and Dino thunder toys. Thank you Santa, and girl too. Merry Christmas. Urbanna Thank you, Ivan Walters Jr. Love, Dominic Fantozzi Rt. 3, Kilmarnock 758-5347 435-0277 Letters to Santa Rappahannock Record, Kilmarnock, Va. • Dec. 23, 2004 • D9

Dear Santa, mommy told me not to talk to I love you and I want to ride in strangers, and well, I really don’t your sleigh. I love your reindeer. know you (you only come around I want a Barbie doll, Sponge once a year). I’ve been really Bob Square Pants cards, a doll good this year and am learning baby, a jump rope, scooter and so much. I’m only 2 years old whatever else you want to bring. I so there aren’t many things that I need a jump rope cause I need to want right now. Of course, I’d like practice jumping. I can’t control it some more cars! There are never too good. enough cars! Also I saw on TV I not ever see you Santa. I want these things that are like alien to have a picnic with you one cars that crash and stuff. I think day. those are really cool. Mommy Maybe you can bring golf balls has me using the potty now so I and a tie to Dada cause he needs guess I’ll be needing more “big lots of ties. Bring jewelry to Mom, boy” underwear, no more diapers. The Upper Lancaster Volunteer a hat and boots for NaNa, some- Don’t forget Mommy and Daddy, thing to hold Papa’s pants up, a tie my kitties Simba and Buc and for Pop, and slippers for Me-Me. also make sure to take extra spe- Fire Department Don’t forget Madison and the cial care of the rest of my family. new baby, Hannah-banana, Zoe, My big brother Ben will be at There will be NO Bingo Fri., Dec. 24 or Fri., Shelby, Kaeti, Jacob and Alexis. his grandma’s this year so please Love, Rachel Valdrighi don’t forget him. Merry Christ- Dec. 31, 2004. The first Bingo for 2005 will be 4 years old mas and thank you for everything Fri., Jan. 7. This is $1000 guaranteed Bingo. Weems, Va. the past two years. Love, Spencer Wojtach See you then! Dear Santa Claus, 2 years old How are the reindeer and elves? Kilmarnock, Va. Was I good this year? Macie, 4 (left), and Brooke Daniel, 5, were all smiles with Santa Claus after the Kilmarnock Christmas parade. ✳ I want a electric scooter with Dear Santa, knee pads and elbow pads, some I am just a little boy of 2 years ✳ ✳ headgear and wrestling shoes. I old but I am fi nally beginning to want Game Boy Advance, the cookies. I want you to give a piece 5, McKids McFlurry maker and know what you are all about. I Incredibles Game Boy Advance to each one of your reindeers. the real cotton candy machine. have been going shopping a lot✳ game, and Mortal Combat Play- Merry Christmas. Thanks, Santa. and seeing all the pretty decora- Wishing you a joyful station video game. Give me what- Your best friend, Love, tions in the stores and all of the ever you want to give me. Don’t Philip R. Harrison Daniel Harrison toys too. Holiday Season & a forget Mom, Dad, Rachel, Nana, This year I am really into Bob Pa-Pa, Pop, Me-Me and everyone Dear Santa, the Builder and Sponge Bob so ✳ else I know. Hi, my name is Samiya Reed. I would like a lot of tools and Happy New Year! Your friend, I hope that you are doing fi ne. something to put them in. I really Shawn Valdrighi I am 7 years old and have been like puzzles and books. I got a P.S. How do you watch every good this year. For Christmas I Story Reader for my birthday and kid in the world and how long is would like a Game Boy Advance, would like to have some more your list? a Video Now player, a Barbie doll books to go with that. I like ✳ ✳ head, a Disco Bratz doll, a Tokyo movies too so a new movie would Dear Santa, Bratz doll, a Winter Bratz doll, be nice. Oh, I really want a Cab- Hello! How is the North Pole? some clothes and boots. bage Patch of my own like my Have you had any bad boys or Santa, please bring something Dad had when he was little. I girls? I really do believe in you. nice for my Mommy Gwen, Pop really like playing with his. I May I please have a juice box, Pop Irvin, Daddy Bruce, Grandma want a Little People Construction a McKids McFlurry maker, a real Darlene, God-mommy Robin, set and maybe some things to go cotton candy machine, a skate- Kevin and Darnell. Please don’t with that and a Leap Frog Flying ✳ We will be closed on Dec 24, 25, 31 & Jan 1. board, some elbow pads, some Dear Santa, forget my aunt Shawn, my cousin Friends toy. I like surprises too! knee pads, a pair of skateboard How are you? I am fi ne. Have Ronaysha and my baby cousin Oh, I have been looking at a train shoes and some pencils for school I been good this year? I think Daunte in Newport News. Ronay- set called Geo Trax that is really for Christmas? I have. For Christmas I would ✳ sha would also like a Game Boy neat. It has lots of extra things I will give you some milk and like the movie Shrek 1, the whole Advance and please bring Daunte that you can get to go with it. cookies and I will put a piece of Goose bumps collection, Harry a Elmo doll. Santa leave some- I really want one of those with 31 North Main Street, Kilmarnock, VA 22482 vegetable on the plate with your Potter books numbers 2, 4 and thing nice for Mrs. Wildenstein, maybe a few of those extras. Book Online www.citravel.com all my friends in the fi rst grade Please remember to bring my and all the other good boys and Daddy something nice as he✳ ✳ ✳ girls everywhere. Merry Christ- really takes good care of me. He A pony makes the wish list mas. XOXOXOX works hard but we do a lot of Samiya Reed stuff together. Oh, you can bring ✳ Kilmarnock me a chain saw so I can help in Lynn Bowles’ second-grade P.S. I will leave you some milk him cut down trees and limbs. He and cookies. says mine has to run on batteries. at Chesapeake Academy Please remember Uncle Kis and Hello Santa, Uncle Et as well as my GaMa and Dear Santa, Dear Santa, My name is Amber Davis and I Nanee. They are really good to I want a real pony. I want Can I please have a TV in am 5 years old. I have been a very me and take a lot of my stuff and a real phone, real guitar, real my room and forty books and a good girl this year, at least that is they all spoil me rotten. GaMa computer and a real golf place motor scooter. My sister wants what my mommy says. says that you will most likely at our house. I want a real a motor scooter too. Also I This year for Christmas I would make a visit to her house and sister, a real robot dog, a real want something for my nice like some new Barbie dolls, a My leave me some goodies there too. reindeer, fl ying broom and a teacher, and a kitten and my Size Barbie, a new doll baby and Just look for the house with all real friend that I can play with mom and dad want a trip some clothes for her, some Breyer the big snowmen in the yard and forever and a video now. Thank to Hawaii please. And Santa, horses (I collect them), a animated that’s her. She says I need to ask you! Merry Christmas. please don’t go on a diet. musical stick pony, a Leapster for new clothes as I am growing Kaitlyn Duryea Anna Leigh Moore book, and two books to go with it, so big and I was told to be sure a music box and a water globe. I to drop a hint for lots of batteries Dear Santa, Dear Santa, like anything princess. Also some and fruit snacks to fi ll my stock- I want a game cube and a I want a mini motor go- new puzzles and coloring books ing. Nintendo DS. And a Pokemon cart, I want lots of wrestlers and clothes. I can always use Daddy says that he will help and a nut-cracker and a pack of and the ring. I want G.I. Joe them. me put out milk and cookies for Yo-gi-oh cards and my drivers valor vs. venom collection. I really enjoyed seeing you at you and some food for the rein- license! You are the best of all. I want a nut-cracker, I want the mall. Also I saw you in Kilmar- deer. He promises not to build a And don’t go on a diet. And a Playstation 2 and I want nock but I didn’t get a chance to fi re in the fi replace so it will be do not forget anything. And do a new skate board. Happy talk to you because I was on a safe to use. We are all decorated not go down the chimney. Christmas! fl oat in the parade. My goodness and just waiting now for you to Peace on Earth Jamerson Robertson Jonah Bruehing Santa, I can hardly wait for Christ- come. They keep telling me that mas eve as I am so excited about it will be here before I know it but From His birth comes hope for a kind and gentle Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Christmas this year. I go to bed as I don’t think so. Time is moving I have been very good this I want a real phone, Pikmen early as possible because mommy slow for me and I am getting so world. Together in faith we can make it happen. year. I want a new cat and a 2, all the packs of Yogioh cards says that you are watching to see excited so please fuel up the rein- small dog, and a video now and Exoda. Then I want a real if I am naughty or nice. But Santa deer and let’s get moving. See in color. I want a Spy Kit bunny. Then I want my driv- I do know the true meanings of you soon. CURRIE FUNERAL HOME and a magic kit and a new ers license. and then I want a Christmas, and that is the birth of Love, bike. And a new room and Playstation 2 and a real TV. Jesus. Troy Gabriel-Voss Allen Kilmarnock, Virginia the movie Second Chance and Daniel Thomas Santa, don’t forget my Mommy Weems, Va. Gerald W. Sellers Thomas W. Gale the Sponge Bob Square Pants and Daddy and step-mom Ziggy, movie and another stuffed cat Dear Santa, because they are so good to me. and dog. I would really have Can I please have a bearded Also don’t forget all my friends fun with a toy horse and a dragon, a humongous nut- at school and my teacher Mrs. wind-up mouse and a sleigh cracker and 300 Yugioh cards Chism. My big sister Brittany rose, and reindeer and a broom that and Pikmin 2 and Playmobil please be good to her, even though can fl y. I would like some animals and a 22 rifl e and a she teases me. Also remember my candy, a DVD player and some bow and arrow and ducks. My Pop Pop Rose who is so good play dough and a new lap top name is Brent Altaffer and I to me. I love him so much. He and a four wheeler and a play am in the second grade. takes me shopping and plays with We extend our sincerest house. I want a cat toy for my Brent Altaffer me. And I love Grandmom Rose cats and a dog toy for Sage. too and Mi-Mi and Pop-Pop Dale, Madison Owens Dear Santa, Grandmom Linda and Granddad appreciation to the May I please have a Under- Jerry, and Becky and Clyde. Dear Santa, ground 2 computer game? I Please bring my dog Midnight Kilmarnock Garden Club Can I please have some new also want a G.I. Joe valor vs. a big new bone and my cats Yu-Yi cards?, a Game Boy, a big venom Duke. I want a Red- some treats. But most of all please for decorating the outside of the air ball tower and take 2, the stuff skins jersey that says Noah. I remember my horses Jet-I and of dreams, and 2 spy lasers and a want all the Redskins cards. I Chances Are. They love cookies hospital with beautiful greenery this kick stand and a derby bike. will leave lots of cookies out (no Santa, not human cookies) Grant Rollins for you. I love Christmas. Horse cookies and peppermints. Holiday Season Noah Johnson They also love carrots and apples, Dear Santa, Dear Santa, so I will hang a stocking on and to I want a motor scooter and I want a motor scooter and their stall doors. Until next year, I a game for my Playstation a game for my Playstation remain your little girl with lots of 2. I want an American doll 2. I want an American doll love. the Rappahannock Garden Club named Kit. And I want a golf named Kit. And I want a golf Amber Davis set and a new puppy. I love set and a new puppy. I love Kilmarnock, Va. for donating lovely floral arrangements you Santa and I am in the you Santa and I am in the second grade. second grade. Dear Santa, to our patients each month Shelby Townes Shelby Townes My name is Grant Long and I am 6 years old. This year I am throughout the year. Dear Santa, Dear Santa, in the fi rst grade. I would really I want a real Snawzer and I want a golf cart, a Game like to have a trick bike, some a pony that I can ride. I also Boy SP and my sister wants a Yu-Gi-Oh cards, an army com- The Board of Directors, Administration, want a computer and a pan golf cart too, and some more mander set and a remote control with drum sticks with drums stuff too. Please bring us what- bike. Please don’t forget all my and a motorized scooter and ever you think me and my special friends and family. Staff, and Volunteers of a golf cart, a real golf set sister will like. And I like Love, Grant Long and I want a real rabbit and a you when you put stuff in our Taylors Creek, Va. Rappahannock General Hospital real saddle. I can’t wait until stocking and bring us gifts. I Christmas. love you Santa. Dear Santa, RAPPAHANNOCK HEALTH SYSTEM Haley Dull Kyndall James I am so sorry I wouldn’t sit with you at breakfast on Saturday. My www.rgh-hospital.com D10 • Rappahannock Record, Kilmarnock, Va. • Dec. 23, 2004 Letters to Santa

Dear Santa, Dear Santa, We are twins, Aaliyah Marie My name is Justin and I am 8 and Elijah Lamont Wood. We will years old. Even though I try really Season’s Greetings To All be celebrating our fi rst Christmas. hard to be good, it is not always We are both walking and giving easy. I know I haven’t been as our parents plenty of exercise at good this year as I probably should home, not to mention our grand- have been, but my mom told me I parents. They try to keep up with could write a letter to you anyway us. We are wishing for clothes, to tell you what I would like for shoes, Leap Frog Playhouse, talk- Christmas, so here it goes. ing Care Bears, talking phones, Could you please bring me a remote control cars and trucks and Terrain Twister, an air hog, socker anything you feel we could use boppers and a remote control CD to keep us happy and occupied. player. Please don’t forget my little Our sister Summer helps out with sister Shelby, my kitty and my new us a lot at home so bring her puppy Gracie. Also, don’t forget all she wishes for. Also bless to leave something for my aunt Grandma Shirley, Mom, Dad, Pop- Nunie and Uncle Bay, they are the Crawford Pop Larry, Aunt Shalynne, Uncle best, my mom and dad and all my Bubba J., our cousins Trinity, Jus- Dad Jeff Newsome and brother CJ try to console little Kaylee, friends. Have a very Merry Christ- tice, NyJheria, Chyra, DaQuan, who is scared of Santa. mas and the happiest New Year. Moving & Storage, Inc. Samoya and Samone. Bless every- Love, Justin Lewis one in our family and see you at Kilmarnock, Va. Mathews - 804-725-2555 Christmas. Kilmarnock - 804-435-6683 Love, Aaliyah Marie Wood Brian Jr., my family in Scott Town Dear Santa, 573 N. Main St., Kilmarnock 14 months old and see you soon. My name is Shelby and I am 3 Elijah Lamont Wood Love, ya, Chyra M. Boyd years old. Oh boy, am I excited 14 months old 1 year old about your visit this year. My Nuttsville, Va. Lancaster Shores, Va. Mom says that I have been pretty good this year, so she said that she Dear Santa, Dear Santa, would write this letter for me and I want a few things. I want the My name is NyJheria Amoye let you know what I would like for Kenny Chesney Karaoke CD (No Gordon. This is my fi rst Christ- Christmas. Shirt, No Shoes, No Problems). I mas and I am 9 months old. I want everything I see on TV, also would like Princess Diaries 2 I love anything that’s Winnie but since you can’t bring all of it to in DVD, Roller Coaster Tycoon 2, the Pooh for my room. I need me, here is my short list. I want a the Hiliary Duff CD, and the Lind- a Hi-Chair and a lot of toys. Dora doll, a lot of pink stuff, espe- say Lohan “Speak” CD. These I started walking already and I cially anything with Princess on would also be good gifts for me. am so excited. My cousin Gabby it, and a shopping cart and high Make sure my brother Isaac gets calls me Bouncy..so something to chair for my babies. Please don’t presents too. My mom is a very bounce on would be okay. forget my big brother Justin, my good mom so do make sure to Bless my brother Jhamari, my kitty and my new puppy Gracie. give her and my wonderful dad Mommy and Daddy (Nickee and Also leave something for my Aunt A Message Of Gratitude plenty of presents. Boozie), Aunt Tamika, Erica, Dear Santa, Nunie and Uncle Ray, they are the I will leave milk, cookies and Sandy, Aunt Candy, Gran-mas My name is Damien and I best, my Mom and Dad, and all cheese and carrots for the rein- Dorine and Helen, Shirley Mae, live in Lancaster. I’m 7 years my friends. Have a very Merry At The Holidays deer. Have a delightful Christmas plus all my cousins who like to old. I would like a go-cart for Christmas an the happiest New Santa! hold me. Christmas and some Playstation Year. Wishing you a blessed Abigail Clark Love, NyJheria Gordon games. My brother and sister Love, Shelby Lewis and wonderful Christmas. 10 years old 9 months old would like a big red wagon to Kilmarnock, Va. With our best wishes and Weems, Va. Lancaster Shores, Va. share. My mom has been extra good taking care of me and Dear Santa, gratitude to all of you. Dear Santa, the twins, so bring her some- What I want for Christmas is My name is Summer Wood and thing. I don’t know what my a four-wheeler, a dirt bike, a I am in kindergarten at LPS. dad wants but he can use a big motorcycle and a go-cart and a My list is short because I want tool box. Please don’t forget my Spiderman 2 video game and a my twin sister and brother to have other family in Merry Point, the Spiderman 2 DVD. And I had to all that they wish for, Aaliyah and Thomas family. They all have hug Hannah and tell her I love her Elijah. All I want is clothes, shoes, been good this year. because I wanted a baby brother. I of the Northern Neck Barbie Leap Pad, Easy Bake oven, Love, Damien Dandridge will try to be better next year. And and Interactive TV games. See, Lancaster, Va. Hannah wants a fi ve-foot doll- that’s all for me! house and Mama wants jewelry Bless Mom and Dad, Grandma Hello Santa, and Daddy wants a four-wheeler. Shirley, Pop-Pop Larry, Uncle My name is Bianca Nunez and Caleb Aaron Gordon Bubba J. Aunt Shay, Trinity, Jus- this is such a jolly time of year. Kilmarnock, Va. tice, Chyra, DaQuan, Samone, We just love this holiday and so Samoya, NyJheria, Jhamar and all do our parents and grandmother SANTA’S BACK... my friends at school. Gloria. She bakes the best cook- Love, Summer S. Wood Holly Davis, 4 (left), and Lexus ies ever. May the blessings 5 years old Gordon, 3, get a Christmas hug Well Santa, I also have a from Santa Claus at the Lan- `xÜÜç of the season light Nuttsville, Va. sister named Sarah and a brother caster Union Masonic Lodge named Nicholas John. We are all your heart. Hi Santa! 88 in Kilmarnock. really enjoying this holiday and My name is DaQuan Allen have many things on our list. V{Ü|áàÅtá Boyd and I am 2 years old. For We are pretty sure our family is Christmas I want a bunch of toys. looking out for us because we and a I like to eat so bring me some hog Dear Santa, This is Jhamari Gordon. I am 5 all have been really good. So To all a safe, dogs, candy and cookies. Also I Santa, check the list twice and [tÑÑç would like to have a big Scooby years old and I am in kindergarten healthy and at LPS. please don’t forget your cookies Doo so my mommy can hang it and egg nog. enjoyable on my wall, a Leap Frog Learning I would like a scooter, a desk, a skateboard, motorcycle and any- Love, axã lxtÜ holiday Center so I can do my ABC’s and thing Scooby Doo. This will also Bianca Nunez Wohleking 1,2,3’s because being terrible two 10 years old season! isn’t easy for me! be my baby sister NyJheria’s fi rst from Christmas, so be good to her for Sarah Wohleking Bring Mommy (Cathy) and 5 years old Daddy (Dante) something spe- all she wishes for. Bring Amondre whatever he wants. Nicholas Wohleking cial, also my gran-gran Lillie, 2 years old DODSON’S Aunt Sandy, my baby-sitter Chyra, Bless all my family, my mommy and daddy, my grandmas, my my cousins NyJheria, Brian Jr., Dear Santa, Samone, Samoya, Summer, Aali- friends at school, my friend AUTO DaQuan, Tamika, Aunt Candy, Hi, my name is Cameron yah, Elijah, my buddy Jhamar, Brent. I am 8 years old and live Gordon, my cousins in Scott Toe Toe and everyone I play with. We will be closed on Love, Jhamari Gordon in Weems. SALES Town, my God-mother Christine I would like for you to bring Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. and all my family what they wish 5 years old Lancaster Shores, Va. me a Karaoke machine with two M.L. Dodson, owner for. microphones so that my brother Bob Wille Love, DaQuan Boyd Alex and I can sing together. I 2 years old would also like a PS2, make-up, Olive Jean Thrift Lancaster Shores, Va. Hello Santa, Northern Neck Chiropractic We are Samone and Samoya some new DVDs and CDs, a big Ball. I Samoya would appreciate baby doll and a make-up vanity. Hi Santa! My brother would like a set ROUTE 360 Dr. Jeems Love My name is Chyra Monyae anything Bratz, Game Boy, clothes, shoes, Playstation 2 and of new golf clubs, a Orange BETWEEN HAYNESVILLE Boyd. I just celebrated my fi rst County Chopper bike, and any- Joy, Mary, Beth, Chris & Lorin birthday on December 8. This is games for it, stuff for my bedroom and whatever else you can spare. thing with Jeff Gordon/24 on it. & VILLAGE Troy & Jeanne my fi rst Christmas. I really don’t I will leave you some cookies know what to tell you to bring I Samone just want clothes, shoes, bedroom accessories, Play- and milk. Have a safe trip. 804-333-5265 me because I don’t know yet. I Love, Cameron Brent 351 S. Main • Kilmarnock • 435-3333 guess you can surprise me with station 2, a telephone for my whatever you think a sweet little room, and anything Scooby Doo. girl like me would like. Only one Bless our grandma Connie in thing I know I do want and that is Maryland and Peace and Hap- to walk by Christmas. I am still so piness to all. Momma, Daddy, lazy. Granma Lillie, Aunt Cabby, Uncle Bless my family this year, Brian, DaQuan, Chyra, Summer, Na-Na Lillie, Mom and Dad, Aaliyah, Elijah, Tamika, Brian The Reindeer are coming ! Aunt Sandy, Uncle Brian, my Jr., LaTaria, NyJhenia, Chynita, cousin Samone, Samoya, NyJhe- Tyesha, we love you all! Santa©s on his way and Dana is watching the sun go down from ria, Summer, Aaliyah, Elijah, Love, Sisters United Samone L. Ball, age 12 one of the many piers D&L has constructed this year. Samoya L. Ball, age 10 Lancaster, Shores, Va. We appreciate your business, friendship and loyal patronage. We©re Dear Santa, glad to have made more friends after this year©s unusually heavy I am trying to be good this year so you will bring me these things workload, and to those whom we have yet to see, we will see you soon! for Christmas: a Go-cart, a piano, drums, Humvee speedway, and a Power Ranger Megazard. I will Many thanks to all who have referred business our way and leave you chocolate chip cookies and milk. I love you Santa. contributed to our success ! Love, Noah Hamilton 4 years old Reedville, Va. Dear Santa, CONSTRUCTION, INC. I have been very good this year. D Please bring me a Go-cart Knex Marine Contractors ferris wheel, Power Rangers Com- &L mand Center, lifesaver gummy 435-1148 machine, a Home Depot tool set. I love you Santa! SALT TREATMENT SPECIALIST Love, Zachary Hamilton “Worth the wait” 7 years old Dana Stillman, President Reedville, Va. Letters to Santa Rappahannock Record, Kilmarnock, Va. • Dec. 23, 2004 • D11

Dear Santa, Dear Santa, My name is Hannah Gordon and Hi, how are you? I’m doing I am 5 years old. I have been very really good. How’s the Mrs. and good this year. I would like to have all the elves and reindeer? All a big Barbie dollhouse. I would also well, I hope. like a Barbie Head that I can put I’m not going to be picky this makeup on. Please bring my brother year. I fi gure you already know a four-wheeler and a go-cart. His what I’ve been good enough to name is Caleb and he hugged me have. I do have to ask that you yesterday because Mommy made be good to Victoria, Tray, Tippy, him. He also brushes his teeth every- Ally, Trevor, Sebastian, Mommy, day. Please bring something for Daddy and Granny and G-pa. Also Mommy and Daddy. I will leave Nana and Poppie. cookies and juice out for you in the Have a wonderful and safe living room. We are going to put it fl ight. Give the Mrs. kisses and on a table or maybe near the radio. I hugs for me. Thanks for all my love you ! Have a nice day! presents! XOXOXOXO Love, Hannah Gordon Love always, Arieana Love Kilmarnock, Va. 3 years old Morattico, Va. Dear Santa, P.S. I’m leaving you cake How are you? How are the rein- instead of cookies! deer? Hope everyone is well. You have a big job coming up next Santa explains a thing or two about Christmas to Rachel Taylor, Dear Santa, week. I’m sure you, Mrs. Clause, 2, as her dad Steve helps out. Hi, how are you? I’m doing and the elves are very busy getting good. I’m not asking for much ready for all the good boys and this year. Just one big present. I’d girls. I’m sure my sister, brother, like a Power Wheels John Deere and I are on your nice list. rather have the Polar Bear though. tractor and trailer. I can pull sissy My name is Shannon Baker, and She has also said that she would around with it. I am 4 years old. My sister’s name like to have another Baby Doll with I hope you have a safe fl ight. I is Rebecca. She is only 2. We a bottle and a blanket. She loves almost forgot, don’t forget Victo- Yuletide Greetings! have a brand new baby brother babies and kittens. ria, Tray, Tippy, Ally, Trevor and named Samuel. He is beautiful. We Brother doesn’t really need too Arieana need some good stuff too! Hope your holiday is filled with live in Wicomico Church with our much right now because he is so Thanks Santa.XOXOXOXO Mommy and Daddy. little. He would probably like some Love, Sebastian Love I have tried very hard this year of the Baby Einstein music CDs 4 years old peace, joy and laughter. to be good and so has my sister. I and books. We love to read. Morattico would really like to have a Panda That’s all for this year. Have a P.S. Don’t forget Mommy and Thanks for your valued business. Luv Bear and a dancing giraffe. safe journey. Tell Rudolph that I Daddy, too. My Mommy said that the dancing said hello. I’ll leave some carrots giraffe might not fi t in your sled, so for him and the others. Of course, I understand if you can’t bring that I’ll leave milk and cookies for Dear Santa, to me. I’ll take whatever else you you. I’ve been a very good girl this would like to bring me instead. Remember to talk to Jesus. year. Do reindeer really fl y? I want My sister, Becca, would also like Love, Shannon Baker a Barbie house and a Sarafi na a Luv Bear. She would probably Wicomico Church Dear Santa, cat who talks with the movie, the My name is C.J. Thomas and prince doll from Prince and the Dear Santa, I am 8 years old. I have been a Pauper. AMERICAN STANDARD How are you and Mrs. Claus good boy. This year for Christmas Thank you for everything you doing? Fine I hope. My name is I want a Playstation 2, a X-box in gave me last year. INSURANCE AGENCY Elijah and I am 5 years old. I have a Playstation, and a X-man and a Love, tried my best to be a good boy this radio. I will cook for you Santa Nikki Roland 435-1677 year. For Christmas could I please and I will leave you milk. Lancaster, Va. S. Main St., Kilmarnock have the Sponge Bob game, a Your friend, C.J. Thomas Jr. Leap Frog, a bicycle, the Spi- derman game, a remote control Dear Santa, Escalade truck, vice city: San My name is Brianna and I am Andreas, a necklace, some clothes 7 years old. I’ve been a good and shoes. Also could you please girl this year. For Christmas I bring my big sister Endeshia what want a Playstation 2, skate board, she wants and all my cousins. skates, a milk-shaker, a TV, clothes Over The River And Merry Christmas and a Happy and a radio. Please don’t forget New Year to everyone. Grandma and PaPa George. Love, Elijah Haynes Love, Through The Woods... White Stone, Va. Brianna Thomas

Paulette Payne’s second-graders Wachovia Securities at LPS offer Santa cookies, milk Serving Investors Since 1934 Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Kilmarnock, Virginia My name is Austin. I am 8 I have been good this year. I am Alisia Reneé Morris Member New York Stock Exchange, Member SIPC years old and in the second I am 7 years old and am in and I am 7 years old. I do good grade. I like trucks and con- the 2nd grade. How are you in school. I like things like struction equipment. doing at the North Pole? I Care Bears. I also like games. Santa, I like how you ride want a bike and a cotton candy Do you really live at the North your sleigh. Do you like living machine. I like to ride bikes. I Pole? How cold is it at the at the North Pole? want a cotton candy machine North Pole? I want the Care I would like a dump truck because I’ve never had one. Bears because they are pretty. and a backhoe for Christmas. I Have a nice trip. I want the games because I will go to bed early on Christ- Love, want to play with them. I hope mas Eve. Jamea you have a nice trip. Love, Love, Austin Dear Santa, Alisia If I be good will you give Dear Santa, me some toys? My name is Dear Santa, I have been a good girl this Brandon Selph. I’m 8 years Hello, I’m Kelley. I have year. Santa, I hope that you get old. I’m in second grade. I been good and I hope I get a here soon. I have been working like G.I. Joe. Is the North Pole lot of presents this year. I am hard in my classroom. Santa, I very cold? I want a Gameboy 7 years old and in 2nd grade. have been thinking about you. SP and I want Burnout 3. I Do you like to delivery pres- I am 7 years old. Santa, I am want them because I like to ents. I want a motor scooter wondering what you are doing play games. I like you Santa. because they go fast. I also at the North Pole? I hope you Brandon Selph want a Video Now because I are okay at the North Pole. I get bored sometimes. want a pair of skates for Christ- Dear Santa, I’ll leave a glass of milk and We wish you and yours a festive mas, because I want to learn I am Jonathan Seal. I am cookies for you on Christmas how to skate. I hope that you 7 years old. I do good in Eve. get to people’s houses safely. school. I like things like Yu- Love, Love, gi-oh cards. I also like DVDs. Kelley Christmas filled with the best Ivory Do you really have fl ying reindeer? How cold is it at Dear Santa, Dear Santa, the North Pole? How old are My name is Emily. I am in gifts of all: love, friendship I am 7 years old and I want you? second grade and I am 8 years a Gameboy SP and games for For Christmas I would like old. I like horses and other my Gameboy. I know there is cards. I would also like DVDs. animals. and laughter. lots of snow at the North Pole. I hope you’ll be safe on Christ- Santa, is it cold at the North Be careful on Christmas Eve. mas Eve. Pole? Is it fun sleeping all Ahmad Love, winter? I want some Pittsburgh Jonathan Seal Steelers stuff because I like the Dear Santa, Steeler’s team. I would also If I be good will you get me Dear Santa, like some horse stuff because We appreciate all you’ve done some toys. My name is Domi- Hello, I’m Brandon. I am I love horses a lot. I hope nique and I am 7 years old. I in second grade. I like basket- Rudolph can fi nd my house. am in the second grade. Why do ball. I have been a good boy. Love, to help make our year such elves help you make toys? Why I hope I get a lot of presents. Emily Lux do you come at night when we Do you like living at the North are asleep? I want a Game Boy Pole? Can reindeer fl y? I want Dear Santa, a great one, and we because I can play it. I also want a dirt bike because they are I am a good boy. I do good a Fairy Tale Dora. fast. I hope you can fi t through in school. I am Taylor and am Love, my chimney. in 2nd grade. I am 8 years look forward to doing Dominique Love, old. | Brandon Mickles I like game stations. I also Dear Santa, like DVDs. I am 7 years old. My birth- Dear Santa, Do you remember the soccer business with you day is April 14 and I am in the My name is John and I have slippers you gave me last year? second grade. Second grade is been really good this year. I Is the North Pole far away almost easy. I like video games am 7 years old and I like to from here? again in 2005. and books. Do you like taking play. I am in the second grade. I want an X-box because presents all over the world? Is it fun being at the North it has cool games and play Does the North Pole have a Pole? Do your reindeer really CDs. I would also like Yu- lot of ice? I want a Playstation fl y? I want some cars because Gi-Oh cards. You can surprise 2 game because I like to play I am starting a collection. I me with other cool stuff. it. I want a puppy for Christ- also want a Gameboy because I will leave you cookies mas because I have never had it is fun to play with. Be care- and milk on the dining room a puppy. ful Santa! table. Love, Love, Love, Kreig John Taylor D12 • Rappahannock Record, Kilmarnock, Va. • Dec. 23, 2004 Letters to Santa

Gail Griffi th carefully paints the face of a Santa. Dear Santa, ners on it, some Power Rangers, My name is Shelby Wren Rose. a Game Boy and some games for Making special Santas . . . . This is my very fi rst Christmas. it, a Power Ranger on a motorcy- Everybody says what a good girl cle, and any other toys that you (continued from page 1) I have been. I really love the think I would like. Christmas tree and especially all Don’t forget about my sisters Kaya and Zy. My cousins have Featured in Country Living magazine and in the book American the ornaments I can tear down. Country Christmas 1998, Griffi th’s Santas have been shipped all This year I would love the Danc- been pretty good too so bring some cool toys to Joey, Chunk, over the world with deliveries to Canada, England and Australia. ing Blue. I also want the Fisher One was purchased by the Museum of American Folk Art in New Price Music Stand. I love music. CJ, Dorrien, Pun, Trey, R.J., Elijah, Marquis, Raven and Endy. York. New clothes are always nice Most of her 12- to 15-inch-tall Santas are priced between $95 too! Please don’t forget my big Thanks Santa. Merry Christmas and God Bless you. and $300. Griffi th also has made three six-foot-tall custom-ordered brother Dylan, he has been the Santas at $1,000 each. best. Also remember Mommy Your friend, Tyrell LeMarr Henderson Although she has a booth at the Kilmarnock Antique Gallery, and Daddy, Gram, Pop Pop, Mee Griffth doesn’t stock the display with Santas. She makes them on Mee, Gramps, Gee Gee, Dev and 8 years old Kilmarnock, Va. a very limited basis these days, taking special orders from friends all my cousins. Everybody has and customers. been good to me so be good to Dear Santa, “I like it now that I can take my time and use my artistic ability them. Merry Christmas. to create instead of having to produce 700,” said Griffi th, who molds Love, Shelby Rose My name is Tikoya Lyric, I am 9 years old and I’m in the and handpaints each chalkware face. 9 months old “It’s a labor of love, and I do enjoy it.” White Stone, Va. fourth grade. How have you been doing? I’m fi ne. I’ve tried to be Just a big kid who loves Christmas, the 63-year-old Griffi th says good this year but it’s been a her mother always made the holiday special. Dear Santa, “My mother made Christmas wonderful for us. I used to cry My name is Dylan Rose. I am struggle. Could you please bring me a Playstation 2, some games because I was so short and my mom said that the best things come 6 years old. I have been good this in small packages. That’s why every year for Christmas, she’d give year. I want a eye toy camera for to go with it, a kitchen set, some food to go with it, a new Bratz me something special in a small package.” my Playstation 2, Tak 2, Spryo, Griffi th’s Santas are her small, precious gifts to the world. A Heroes Tale, a skateboard, doll, a new Bratz Jeep, some Yu-Gi-Oh cards and a Shark clothes for my doll that I got Tale Video game. Also bring last year, a bed for my doll that me Harry Potter and The Pris- I got last year. Oh yeah, and oner of Azkaban. Please bring could you bring me some more my new sister some fun toys, jewelry. Please! Don’t forget she has been a very good girl. to bring my little sister Zy a Don’t forget about my Mommy, new baby doll and don’t forget Daddy, Gram, Pop Pop, Gramps, my other sisters and brothers Mee Mee, Gee Gee, Devin and Tiko, Tala, TreVon, and Tynasia. all my cousins. Thanks Santa. Merry Christmas Love, Dylan Rose and God bless you. White Stone, Va. Love, Tikoya Lyric Henderson Dear Santa, 9 years old Just thought I’d drop you a few Kilmarnock, Va. lines to let you know I’m think- P.S. Look out for my cousins ing of you and to remind you of Joey, Raven, CJ, Chunk, Endy, my list. I’ve tried to be a good Elijah, Pun and Dorrien too. boy and that’s very hard some- times. I’d like for you to bring Dear Santa, me a Playstation 2, a motorcy- My name is Zyhkeia Amorai cle, some clothes, shoes, a few and I am 6 years old and in the games and please remember all fi rst grade. I’ve tried my best to my cousins and friends. be good this year but believe Love, me it’s been very hard. So could Kevin Gaines Jr. you please bring me a new baby Lancaster, Va. doll, another baby doll bed, a P.S. I’ll leave milk and cookies new Bratz doll, a new Bratz doll for you. jeep, some games to go with my X-Box, a high chair for my baby Dear Santa, doll and anything else that you I have been busy getting ready think I might like. Please don’t for you. I have been a good girl forget Koya and Big Daddy (my and hope you will bring me a Care sister and brother). They’ve tried Bear and whatever else you think to be good too. Thanks Santa. I would like. And don’t forget my Merry Christmas and God bless Mommy for she has been a good you. girl too! Merry Christmas. Love, Hailey Banes Zyhkeia Amorai Bullock 2 years old Kilmarnock, Va. Weems, Va. P.S. I forgot to say don’t forget about my other sisters Yasming Dear Santa, and Jade, and my cousins, Joey, My name is Tristen A. Fuentez. Raven, Chunk, Endy, Elijah, CJ, I’m 3 years old. Mommy keeps Pun, Dorrien and Lil Kenny. telling me that you will only bring me a bag full of switches if Dear Santa, – I’m a bad boy, but Santa, I know My name is Jasmyn and I’m Ho...Ho...Hold The Press better. 5 years old. I have tried my best Could you please bring me a to be good this year, but some- fi re truck, remote control truck, times it’s hard. This year for some hunting clothes, movies Christmas I would like to have from Sesame Street and Blue’s a Bratz movie, Bratz dolls, Dora Clues, E-L-M-O Elmo, new the Explorer doll and Dora the books, Ninja Turtles and some Explorer chair, Sponge Bob It’s Christmas! fi sh for Daddy’s fi sh tank. Squarepants board game, aqua- Santa, could you please also doodle, Barbie lap top computer, Before we wrap up another holiday edition, we’d like to give you bring something nice for the best cheerleader doll, Barbie with Daddy in the world, my Mommy, Scooter, doll baby that skates, Grandma Wanda, Grandpa Wil- game, coat, boots, our greetings right here in black and white, along with our gratitude liam, Uncle Ricky, Aunt Amanda, clothes and anything else you Maw-Maw, Poppy, Bryan, Uncle think I might like. Santa, don’t for your loyal readership. Happy Holidays! Josh and Nanny. Thank you Santa forget my Granny Barbara, Pop and Merry Christmas. Pop Curtis and Granny Hazel, Tristen A. Fuentez please leave them something nice 3 years old under their tree. Don’t forget my From the staff at the... White Stone, Va. Mommy and Daddy, they are doing the best they can in being Dear Santa, good so you can leave them gifts What’s up? It’s me, Tyrell (Big also. Daddy). I’ve tried my best to be I will leave some milk and Rappahannock Record good but it has been a tough job. cookies under the tree for you But could you still bring me some and a special treat for Rudolph toys...Please! I would like a new under the tree also. Playstation 2 (I broke my old Love you Santa, one), some new games, a remote Jasmyn Tomlin control Escalad with the Spin- Ottoman, Va.