Distributed Free Each Friday Since 2009 November 24, 2017 www.pcpatriot.com Locally Owned And Operated Del. Rush chosen as majority whip of GOP RICHMOND - On Sunday, the in me and I am eager to join the River Valley a better place to Virginia House Republican House Republican leadership live, work, raise a family and Caucus elected Delegate Nick team," said retire." Rush (R-Montgomery) as Majority Delegate Nick Rush represents Majority Whip for the 2018-19 Whip Rush. the 7th House District of General Assembly. "There is Virginia, which covers Floyd Majority Whip Rush will join important County, Montgomery County the leadership team comprising work to do, (part), and Pulaski County (part). of Speaker-designee Kirk Cox and I am Delegate Rush serves on three (R-Colonial Heights), Majority ready to get committees: Privileges and Leader Todd Gilbert (R- started. I Elections, Militia, Police and Shenandoah) and Caucus Rush believe that Public Safety and Chairman Tim Hugo (R-Fairfax). this new Appropriations. Delegate Rush "I deeply appreciate the confi- position will help me in achiev- and his family reside in dence my colleagues have placed ing my mission to make the New Christiansburg. Make Christmas memories at Reed Island Tree Farm By LINDA WILLIAMS WEEKEND WEATHER The Patriot SATURDAY SUNDAY Reed Island Tree Farm is a hid- den gem in the Sylvatus commu- Partly sunny, with a high near Mostly sunny, with a high near nity in Carroll County. Owners 56. 41. Billy Cornette and wife, Betty Vornbrock will be open for busi- Saturday Night Sunday Night ness Thanksgiving Friday. Reed Partly cloudy, with a low Partly cloudy, with a low Island Tree Farm is the place to around 35. around 25. make those Christmas memories that families will cherish for a lifetime. The tree farm is located on a 75 acre farm, with 35 of those acres devoted to growing trees. Christmas trees are harvested by rotating the fields yearly. The organically grown Fraser Fir and Canaan Fir trees are beautifully shaped, full, tall or short (whichever you prefer), healthy and lush. If you are especially particular about your Christmas tree, this award winning farm is the place to purchase that special tree. Reed Island Tree Farm, howev- er, is not just a place to buy a Christmas tree. It is a Christmas Linda Williams photo experience with friendly people Reed Island Tree Farm owners Billy Cornette and wife, Betty and friendly service. Vornbrock. Reed Island Farm is located between Hillsville and Sylvatus at you will come to Rt. 769 wooden bridge you are greeted by 715 Peacock Drive. From Pulaski (Peacock Drive). It is the second the Winter King - a magical Lion County, take Rt. 100 South black top road to the left. Follow face sculpture that reminds one of (toward Hillsville). Turn right the signs at each turn. It is approx- Aslan the Lion from the "Tales of onto Rt. 749 (Little Vine Rd.) Go imately 1 ½ miles to the farm. approximately 2 1/2 miles and Once you arrive, cross the See TREES, page A11 Page A2 - The Patriot - Friday, November 24, 2017 17,629 Shoe Boxes Loaded Karen Phibbs reports that 17,629 gift-filled shoe boxes were loaded by volunteers at Pulaski Church of God this week for Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse - an international relief organization. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has delivered shoe boxes to over 146 million children in more than 100 countries. Pulaski Church of God is a regional drop- site for the project. Pictured here are: (L to R) Danny Thomas, Tony Eads, Mike Harrell, Jeramey Fleenor, Danny Quesenberry, Jimmy Phibbs, Ronnie Landreth, Karen Phibbs, The Patriot Caileigh Phibbs, Susan Rooney, 808-3949 Mark Rooney and Steve Horton. The Patriot • www.pcpatriot.com The Patriot - Friday, November 24, 2017 - Page A3 One School One Book program returns to McHarg In January there will be no related activities that make it ing the same book and the fact winter doldrums for the staff and even more fun. Guest readers, that everyone is enjoying it, even students of McHarg Elementary posters, art projects, and pictures the grown-ups, really reinforces in Radford because this is when of families reading the book that reading is fun. they again begin their "One together are some of these activ- A student, now in fourth grade School One Book" program. The ities. Several parents commented remembered that Gooseberry students in the pre-school that they enjoyed reading with Park was fun when the bat through second grade classes, their children and their children got into the house. Another teachers, cafeteria staff, bus driv- were excited about the books. said, "I didn't think I would like it ers, and custodial staff will all But the children also enjoy just but it was really fun. I liked the read the same book. talking about the book at school. raffles and prizes." McHarg has participated in Kelly Wheeler is in the process Kelly Wheeler is in the process this program for six years. Susan of choosing a book for the 2018 of choosing a book for the 2018 DeHart, a first grade teacher, program, taking into account that program, taking into account that brought it to McHarg. It is part students are in the school for students are in the school for of the "Read to Them" initiative three to four years and don't want three to four years and don't want meant to show children that read- to read the same book each year. to read the same book each year. ing is fun for everyone. "We try Her choice will be announced Her choice will be announced to choose books that the whole soon giving everyone a good rea- soon giving everyone a good rea- family will enjoy," notes librari- son to be excited to come back to son to be excited to come back to an Kelly Wheeler, "the main pur- school the holidays. school the holidays. pose is to encourage families to The One School One Book The One School One Book read together." program is supported by the program is supported by the The books that have been read Radford Foundation and the Radford Foundation and the since the program began at Woman's Club of Radford. The Woman's Club of Radford. The McHarg are"The World Woman's Club also supports Woman's Club also supports According to Humphrey" featur- Reading is Fundamental at Reading is Fundamental at Photo courtesy of Woman’s Club of Radford ing a mischievous hamster, "The McHarg and Riverlawn McHarg and Riverlawn Anderson an Abram and their new baby brother listen to their Chocolate Touch" about a boy Elementary and the Babies into Elementary and the Babies into mother Rachel, read to them as part of the One School, One Book whose magical touch turns things Books program at Carilllion New Books program at Carilllion New program. to chocolate, "Gooseberry Park" River Valley Medical Center. River Valley Medical Center. with a dog, a bat, and a squirrel Whether going through the as main characters, and "Keeena cafeteria line, discussing it with Ford and the Second Grade Mix- the bus driver, or passing Mr. Up" about Keena "who didn't Green, the school custodian, in mean to cause trouble." the hall, students often comment The program lasts several on what is happening in the story. weeks and there are a number of The sharing that comes of read- Thanksgiving Weekend 7 Tips for spending less money and more time together Courtesy of EveryDollar.com have more time to spend with the people you love: There's just nothing quite •Decorations. Encourage like Thanksgiving weekend: a your kids to trace their hands to morning prepping turkey and make paper turkeys for a fun learning Grandma's famous roll garland. Go outside and gather recipe, parades and football on pinecones from the backyard the TV, dinner that tastes of for a pretty centerpiece. Or nostalgia, long afternoon naps stretch a roll of butcher paper and . mad dashes to the mall. across the table with prompts In between eating and shop- like "I'm thankful for . ." Place ping, we're sharing moments a bunch of markers or crayons with family as we gather for on the table for your guests to what may be the first time in grab. months. And better yet, we •Dinner. Swap expensive cast know Thanksgiving is just the iron pots and fancy china for The Patriot - 808-3949 start of the exciting season to disposable plates and pans come complete with gift-giving (bonus: easy cleanup!). Focus [email protected] and more food! It's no wonder we shell out See TIPS, page A9 www.pcpatriot.com the big bucks for our time together, right? Unless you wake up from your turkey- induced coma with loads of regret from all the sales you indulged in at the mall. This year try something a little dif- ferent: Enjoy spending more time with one another while spending less money. We'll help you! Check out our tips below. 1-Prioritize your holiday plans. Think beyond Thanksgiving for a moment. Write out all the things you'd like to do between now and the new year. Include travel, gifts, dinners and parties. Take some time to rank your holiday wish list and be sure your budget reflects your decisions. For instance, you may stay home for Thanksgiving so Santa has the cash to do his thing. Or maybe you'll choose to trim your Christmas gift budget and spend that money on a Thanksgiving trip to see family or friends.