Happy Valentine's Day!   The past months have been busy and snowy!  I was remiss in sending out January's update so I will include it in this month's update.   Cristal Evans has resigned as Treasurer but will consult as needed.  Kirsten Self is Interim Treasurer. We are in the process of looking at accounting software that works with PayPal and is inexpensive and easy to use. Our Budget requests for the Town & Richmond County have been sent.   We approved donations of $500 to RHS After Prom and RCC for the Scholarship Program.  We also approved a $550 sponsorship for RCLL for a Pennet and Banner.   Please pencil in March 14th at 6pm for our first 2025 After Hours Networking event.  It is tentatively planned at the Menokin Vistor's Center.  We can't wait to see everyone there.  An RSVP email will be sent out soon!   This month marks the beginning of our 2025 Membership Drive.  The following businesses are already 2025 members and will receive a special letter in the mail to update their information.   Precision Glass & More, LLC Stella-Jones Corp. Willow Stitch Beauty Bungalow Town of Warsaw   I have attached the Membership Newsletter to this email.  You can also renew your membership at: https://www.wrccoc.com/join-or-renew-now   We will mail out the newsletter as well.  Please contact Sara if you have any questions.   We have set the date for the first 2025 Warsaw Fest meeting.  It will be after the Board meeting on March 10th.   WRC Main Street Program has decided to cancel the Red Dress Gala due to low ticket sales.  Considering an event around the 4th of July.   We are looking into creating a Chamber Gift Certificate program for Christmas in July.  Sara plans on reaching out to Tappahannock Historic District to ask about their program.  We also discussed having a restaurant week.   An update on our Shop Local & Win Certificates.  I've attached the reimbursement form to send in or drop off with Sara.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  We are hoping that you have been receiving the certificates!  They should be used by February 28th and reimbursements submitted no later than March 17th.   We are looking for Board Members!  We have 4 vacancies.  If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Sara or any Board member.   Have a great month and we hope to see you at our next Board meeting on March 10th, 6pm, at Town Council Chambers.   Sara Carroll President WRCCoC

Pictured Left to Right- Connie Rosemont, Executive Director for Menokin and Sara Carroll, President WRCCoC ​ Menokin is the site of a historic ruin and a 500 acre park with public trails and kayaking, located on the ancestral homelands of the Rappahannock Tribe in Warsaw, VA. This National Historic Landmark was the home of Francis Lightfoot Lee, signer of the Declaration of Independence. It was also the home of many enslaved people who's descendants are now part the Menokin Descendant Collective. We are currently preserving the 1769 manor house, that has fallen in ruin, in a unique way by supporting the missing portion with glass walls. ​ In addition, we are a Chesapeake Bay Gateway, a part of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, and members of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, Blue Star Museums, and Museums For All.

Thank you to everyone that entered. Picking some of these winners was really hard! Everyone did an amazing job! Message us to arrange pick up of your certificate and prize! Classic Christmas- Williams (157 Riverview Rd) Best Theme- Knight (51 Waterside Dr Apt B "treehouse") Clark Griswold Award for Most Lights in a Display- Napier (851 Resingers Rd) Cousin Eddie Award for Tackiest Display- Sill (31 Maple St) Best Overall- King (139 Folly Neck Rd)

We are excited to recognize The Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck as our December Monthly Member Spotlight.  Pictured Left to Right- Phillip Mumford- BGCNN Executive Director, Jean Light- BGCNN Richmond County Unit Board President, and Sara Carroll WRCCC President The Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck (BGCNN) started in Lancaster County in 2008. After expanding into Northumberland County several years ago, BGCNN found a home in Richmond County most recently. BGCNN found a great partnership with The Community’s Christian Church in Warsaw. Renting the fellowship hall and classroom space, we proudly serve approximately 75 youth and teens from Richmond County daily in that space. Offering STEM programs, SMART Girls, Passport to Manhood, and Power Hour, we continue the learning after school! We also provide dinner to the Club members during school as well as breakfast and lunch on full days (7:30-5:30) As we look to grow and eventually expand, we need the support from the community. Guests are welcome to stop by for a tour with Unit Director, Richie Carter. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.bgcnn.org .

We hope you will join us as we gather together to celebrate our 2024 successes and what we are looking forward to in 2025.  Old Rapp Taphouse has curated a delicious menu of heavy appetizers and desserts, so please come hungry.  There will also be a cash bar.  The Chamber is excited to see all of our members and sponsors there, so please make sure to RSVP!   Where: Old Rapp Taphouse, 130 Main Street, Warsaw, VA 22572   When: Monday, December 9, 2025 6pm-9pm   Contact Sara at 804.832.4307 or warsawrcchamber@gmail.com  for more information   Please RSVP by Fri, December 6th at: https://forms.gle/n3dQgGHJvEbSeYQY7

Do you think you have one of the best decorated houses/businesses in Warsaw/Richmond County this holiday season? Have you been planning your exterior illumination for months? Here is your chance to win bragging rights! Warsaw-Richmond County Chamber of Commerce will be conducting our annual Christmas Decorating Contest for 2024. Participants may enter in one or more of the following categories: Residential A Classic Christmas Best Themed Display Clark Griswold Award for Most Lights in a Display Cousin Eddie Award for Tackiest Display Best Overall Business Best Window Display Most Creative Use of Lights Best Overall To participate, please complete the below form below and return it to the WRC Chamber of Commerce in person at Cuddlebugs, by mail, email to warsawrcchamber@gmail.com, or online at www.wrccoc.com. Or further down complete the online registration. All registration forms must be received before 5:00pm on Thursday, December 12th. Judging will take place after 6pm on December 13th & 14th. Winners will be announced on December 16th.

We survived Warsaw Fest!     A huge shout out to EVERYONE that helped make Warsaw Fest  run smoothly.  The list is a mile long and I don't want to forget anyone.  All of the hard work behind the scenes paid off and it was a huge success.  We want to thank everyone who helped to sponsor the event and let you know your sponsorship thank you packets are on their way to you soon!   Our monthly Board meeting was moved to October 21st so we could recover from Warsaw Fest.  Below is the important information you need to know about!   We are donating $100 worth of candy to MSP for Trunk or Treat   We have begun planning our  Annual Meeting for December .  Please be on the lookout for an official invite by email.   We discussed Warsaw Fest and new ways to bring in more volunteers to help with the event the day of.     The Town update included a reminder about Town Bucks being distributed on 10/22/24 from 3pm-6pm at the Town Office The Main Street Program update included reminders about Trunk or Treat, the Christmas Parade, and the Red Dress Gala (in February)   The Shop Local & Win Giveaway  is coming up November 25th - December 20th.  Please be on the lookout for a poll about participating in the giveaway promotion.   We have received the Warsaw-oply Board and plan on purchasing 4 more to give away to the winners of the Home Categories for the Christmas Decorating Contest .  The Christmas Decorating Contest will be judged on December 13th and 14th and entries are FREE.  Please be on the lookout for entry forms!   Business winners receive a free 2025 Bronze Membership!   Our next meeting will be held on Monday, November 11th at 6pm at the Town Office

Warsaw Fest 2024 Car & Truck Show Winners Truck Stock: Kevin Harrison 1977 Ford F150 Truck Modified: David Hall 1987 Chevy Silverado Work Truck: John Napier 2023 Work Truck Antique Truck: Troy Allen 1962 Chevrolet Pickup Stock 61-70: Melanie Barrack 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stock 71-80: Tom Marshall 1973 VW Thing Stock 81-Present: No Entries Stock 93-Present & Best in Show: Harold Delano 1998 Pontiac Trans Am Hot Rod 61- 70: Scott Schoolar 1968 Chevy Chevelle SS Hot Rod 71-80: No Entries Custom 81- Present & Best Paint: Martel Moore 2017 Ford Mustang GT Best Motor: Tod Caron 2001 Ford Mustang Saleen 281 S/C Best Interior: Lin Barrack 1970 Ford Mustang Mach I Most Miles: Charles Hale 1972 F100

0-6 Month Girls 1st – RaeLyn LaRochelle 2nd- Nova A’Moura Moreno 0-6 Month Boys 1st- Tyler Fisher 2nd- Kayden Taylor 3rd- D’Kari Wilson Honorable Mention- Aries Martinez 7-12 Month Girls 1st- Lainey Butler 2nd- Novah Sandy 3rd- Savannah Rain Montgomery 7-12 Month Boys 1st- River Jaxson Simpson 2nd- Lincoln Belden 3rd- Waylon Coe Hale 13-18 Month Girls 1st- Wynter Phipps 2nd- Alexis Marie Wyatt 13-18 Month Boys 1st- Zaylen Curry 19-24 Month Girls 1st- Paisley Wright 2nd- Norielle Sumiel 3rd- Ivory Dream Carroll 25-35 Month Girls 1st- Naveah Grace Fortune 2nd- Leah Brown 3rd- Harper Hutt 25-35 Month Boys 1st- Jaxen Day 2nd- Liam Harrison 3-4 Year Girls 1st- Charlotte Mellon 2nd- Leighton Winstead 3rd- Emma Claire Barnes 5-6 Year Old Girls 1st – Ainzlee Slough 2nd- Ayvree LaRochelle 3rd- Lorelei Adalynne Jenkins 5-6 Year Old Boys 1st- Grayson Carroll 7-9 Year Old Girls 1st- Khloe Hayes 2nd- Leighton Moskoff 3rd- Waverly Winstead 10-12 Year Old Girls 1st- Alley Kirkland 2nd- Kathleen Adele Schmidt 3rd- Barbie Ortuno Mendez Photos are available for purchase at: https://keepsakeimages.hhimagehost.com/V2/Home/LoginConsumer?EK=286193

Photo right: Allison Cockrell, District Executive Director and Sara Carroll , Executive Director of the Warsaw-Richmond Chamber of Commerce The Richmond County Family YMCA has been serving the local community in Warsaw since 1996. At the Y, strengthening the community is our cause. We do this by focusing on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.   Discover a wide range of fitness options at the Y, from gentle stretching and strength training to yoga, cycling, and pickleball—all designed to support your health and wellness journey. The YMCA offers wide variety of group exercise classes; included free with your membership. Our instructors are certified and will offer alternative methods to meet all levels of intensity and impact. The Y also offers a variety of child care options for families with children of all ages. The Preschool Program, located at Warsaw Baptist Church, serves children ages 2-4 and operates all year-round. For children in grades K-7, the YMCA offers After School Child Care at Richmond County Elementary School, and Summer Camp all Summer long. Youth Sports are offered at the YMCA for children ages 3-15. From Volleyball to Basketball, Soccer to Flag Football, the Y offers programs that keep children active all year long- moving from season to season, teaching fundamentals and instilling important values that will prepare them for life on and off the court. The Richmond County Family YMCA is the only YMCA in the area that participates in Silver Sneakers and Renew Active/One Pass- a free health and fitness program designed for adults 65+ that is included with many Medicare Plans. The YMCA is a vital center to the community it serves because we make it possible for everyone to join or participate. We offer financial assistance so that programs, services, and facilities are available regardless of a family or individual’s ability to pay the standard membership and program fees. This is possible thanks to the generosity of our community partners and donors who contribute to the YMCA’s Annual Campaign. Stop by the YMCA today! Join during the month of September, and pay $0 joining fee!

It's hard to believe that school has already started.  It feels like summer just began!     We are super excited to announce that our September After Hours is going to be at Naylor's Beach Campground again this year.  It will be Friday, September 13, 2024 from 6pm until 9pm.  We are providing crabs with all the fixings,  you bring your own beverages & a business guest.  WiseChoice Healthcare Alliance will be sharing with us about new Healthcare options available to Chamber members. We will have fun giveaways & some awesome swag for everyone attending!    Please make sure to RSVP at: https://forms.gle/3GkXxE91jTd76Xip8   We want to welcome Dominion Energy as our newest member!  Thank you for your membership!   A huge shout out to Deb Newman with Petite Taway Inc for the amazing new website!  Make sure to check out your business directory listing and email me with any updates that you would like to make to it.   Warsaw Fest 2024 is going smoothly.  The Safety Meeting went smoothly.  No big changes to the layout this year, other than Oyster Shoals Music Hall hosting the After Party.  We opened up the remaining event registrations, so please make sure you let everyone know to sign up for the Car & Truck Show, the Baby & Beauty Pageant, and the Parade at www.wrccoc.com/warsaw-fest   We shared that at the Town Council meeting it was announced that there will be a new restaurant replacing the Daily and a new shop potentially going in next to Warsaw Nail.  Main Street Program shared that the Christmas Parade will be on Saturday night this year at 6pm.  It will be a part of the Christmas Town festivities.   We are continuing to look at a business incubator and will be touring a building to see if it is suitable for what we are looking for.  If so, we will be setting up a meeting with other possible stakeholders to discuss further plans.   Christmas in July Shop the Chamber went well, but participation was low.  We discussed ideas to help boost participation next year.   Our next Board Meeting will be September 9th and will be a joint meeting for Warsaw Fest.  We meet at Town Hall at 6pm.   Tiffany Shampine resigned from the Chamber Board, we now have an available spot if anyone is interested in joining.  Please let me know if you have any questions.   We hope the remainder of your month is great!   Sara Carroll President WRC Chamber of Commerce

Where:   Naylor's Beach Campground , 4011 Naylors Beach Rd, Warsaw, VA 22572   When: Friday, September 13, 2024 6pm-9pm   What:  Come join the Chamber and our September After Hours sponsor, The Town of Warsaw, as we network and eat fresh, steamed, local crabs!  We are providing the crabs and all the fixings.  You bring your own beverages & a business guest.  WiseChoice Healthcare Alliance will be sharing with us about new Healthcare options available to Chamber members. We will have fun giveaways & some awesome swag for everyone attending!   RSVP at https://forms.gle/xetmx7G4PAsRTSWo8   Contact Sara at 804.832.4307 or warsawrcchamber@gmail.com  for more information