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I hope everyone is surviving the cold snap today!  Thanksgiving is in a couple of weeks and Christmas follows right behind.  I know Christmas season has already started for the retail businesses and I hope your open houses all went well.   Our November monthly Board meeting was last night and below are the highlights:   We are donating $500 to Christmas Wishes and the Salvation Army.   For Giving Tuesday (December 2nd) we are going to guarantee a total of $250 to the following member non-profits, B&GCNN, Richmond County Family YMCA, Healthy Harvest Food Bank, JArt, and Menokin.  When our Facebook post goes up announcing the donations, if the post gets over 200 shares, we will add an additional $250 to each non-profit.  The Haven & Garfields received $250 during the Christmas in July Grant, but will be included in the additional funds.  We hope that some of our businesses are willing to help our member non-profits as well this holiday season!   We are still planning our December Annual Meeting.  As soon as we have confirmed plans, we will let you know.   Our Speaker Series starts back up in February 2026 with NNK Tax & Acccounting, Glen Sydnor, to update us on important information you need to know about this year's tax season.  As soon as we have finalized plans, we will let you know!   SHOP LOCAL & WIN- please make sure to respond to the Shop Local & Win Participation survey no later than Monday, November 17th.  We would like to make sure everyone that wants to participate is included. https://forms.gle/FXsmfCSwnGxCfQSv7   Christmas Decorating Contest registration is due by December 11th!  Judging for homes & businesses is December 12th.  Enter for free today at:  https://www.wrccoc.com/christmas-decorating   If you are interested in joining our Board for 2026, please reach out.   Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.   Sara Carroll President WRCCOC

We forgot to grab a group photo during tonight’s Warsaw Richmond Chamber Speaker Series event, but we did catch one afterward with NNK Tax and Accounting, LLC! A big thank you to Glen  for an excellent presentation on 2025 taxes and what to watch for as we head into 2026.  The information and insights were incredibly helpful for businesses and individuals planning ahead. And thank you to everyone who came out to join us tonight — it was a great evening of learning, conversation, and community. — at Old Rappahannock Brewing Company

This month the Warsaw Richmond County Chamber of Commerce accomplished the following items:   We are donating $500 each to the RCC Scholarship Fund and RHS After Prom   Our March 2026 After Hours will be held at Healthy Harvest Food Bank on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 6pm.  Bring a non-perishable item to donate with you!   See the attached flyer for more details!  Please make sure to RSVP. https://forms.gle/6s2rRaUz1ks68WBC6   If you missed our Winter Speaker Series, you missed the fun!  Glen Sydnor from NNK Tax & Accounting gave us a full run down on the 2025 Tax Season and some important things to watch for this year!  We ate some delish pizza and learned some new information!   Our 2026 Membership Drive has begun!  Thank you to the 21 businesses/organizations that have already renewed their membership for this year!  We are excited to have you on board and can't wait for another fun year!  If you haven't already renewed your membership, the annual letter is attached.  You can send in your payment by mail or you can submit your membership online at: https://www.wrccoc.com/join-or-renew-now ​   The Town of Warsaw Council Meeting is Thursday, March 12, 2026.     WRC Main Street Program is in the process of restructuring and is working on getting some grant funding for different projects big and small in the community.   Sara will be presenting our request at the County Budget Presentation Meeting on Thursday, March 12th.   We welcomed Tammy Desai as a new Board Member!  Welcome aboard!  There are a couple more spots to fill on our Board.  Please us know if you would like to join us! During our Warsaw Fest 2026 Meeting that followed the Board meeting we discussed the following items:   Grand Marshal ideas... we might have a real good one, but if you have any ideas, please let us know!  Kirsten will be Chairing the Parade and Baby & Beauty Pageants  Patrick will be Charing the Car & Truck Show   We will continue reaching out to organizations for volunteers this year.  It worked out great last year and hopefully we will get even more participation!  If your business/organization would like to volunteer during Warsaw Fest, please let us know- we can always trade your in-kind volunteering for a sponsorship!   We will be reaching out to our regular vendors to confirm the date- Saturday, October 10, 2026. Sponsorship & Vendor forms will begin going out in April/May! We hope you have a wonderful day and we can't wait to see you at our next event!   Sara Carroll President Warsaw Richmond County Chamber of Commerce 2026 Membership as of 3/11/2026 @ noon AmeriCare Plus, LLC. Angie's Strength and Style Boutique Atlantic Union Bank Colonial Collectibles DRP Collision Haven Shelter & Services Jean Light Julie Stanley @ Home Printing Kimberly A King Photography Napier Utilities Construction Naylors Beach & Campgrounds Northern Neck Electric Cooperative Piney Grove Family Medicine Rappahannock Cleaning Services Real Media, Inc. Relish Restaurant & Bar Rice-Packett Real Estate Agency Rise & Set Provisions Roy Rogers Warsaw-Richmond County Main Street Program Willow Stitch

We hope that everyone is doing well through all the ice and snow.  I know I'm thankful for the warmer weather that is starting today! Here are some notes from the February Board Meeting held 2/9/26  We are donating : $550 to the Little League for a Pennant and Banner $275 to the Sherriff's Office for Educational Supplies   We had a request from Amelia Academy, in Amelia, VA, regarding information on Warsaw/Richmond County for a 4 th  grade class doing research on Virginia.  Connie from Menokin was in attendance and she will be sharing some information with them.  If you have anything of note that you would like to share to help a 4 th  grade class do research on Virginia, please let me know and I will share the contact information provided.   Our Winter Speaker Series  will be Wednesday, March 4, 2026  at the Old Rappahannock Brewery, 6pm-8pm.  Chamber Members can have 1 representative attend free.  All other guests will be charged $15/person at the door.  Pizza will be provided and a cash bar.  Glen Sydnor will be speaking on important tax updates for 2025/2026.  RSVP here: https://forms.gle/keKP6FrWZmzPpQBW6     Our March After Hours Networking Event will be held, Friday, March 27, 2026  at Healthy Harvest Food Bank, 6pm-8pm.  We will get to tour their facility and learn about all the good they do for our community.  Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate!  RSVP here: https://forms.gle/v14GqDP74pz18yf17     Our 2026 Membership Drive will be starting soon!  Please be on the lookout for an email and snail mail newsletter.  We hope you plan to continue your support of the Warsaw Richmond County Chamber of Commerce!  We have so many fun things planned!   It's that time... our first Warsaw Fest 2026 Meeting will be Monday, March 9 th  after the Board Meeting.   The Town Council Meeting in Thursday 2/12/26.   WRC MSP is working on a project to bring public Wi-fi to the Town Park.  It also has potential to include a web cam and weather station.  If you would like more information on getting involved with the Main Street Program, contact Patrick Stone at:  wrcmsp@gmail.com   Sara is working on the Budget Presentation for the County.   Patrick discussed the Chamber Day hosted by VA Chamber in Richmond.  There are 3 big things to be watching for in the following months: Minimum wage increasing to $15 by 2028 Paid Sick Leave for nearly all employers (including small businesses) Paid Family & Medical Leave Insurance program that will affect not only small businesses, but employees as well. If you want more information on any of these items, please let me know!   Brandy Kues resigned from the Board.  Thank you for the time you served! Roy Rogers joined the Board.  Welcome!   We are always looking for new members- please reach out to us if you are interested in joining!   As always, we are here to support you!  If there are any business/government concerns you may have, please let us know and we will do our best to address them!  We hope the remainder of your month is successful!   Sara Carroll President WRCCoC   In addition here is a note from the Northern Neck Tourism Commission regarding the ban on polystyrene in Virginia effective July 1, 2026:   This email has particular relevance to restaurants, chambers of commerce, localities, and any food-serving businesses that utilize to-go containers.   The ban on polystyrene in Virginia goes into effect July 1, 2026. Foam-free resources and information are here:  https://www.cleanvirginiawaterways.org/foam-phase-out/#restaurant-and-business-outreach   A virtual meeting with Zach Huntington with Clean Virginia Waterways is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24th at 1pm.  Included in his presentation will be the effort to transition to implement the ban and move to foam-free containers.    You can join the meeting through the link below or if you'd like a calendar invite with the meeting, please let me know.    Zach Huntington with Clean Virginia Waterways on the Virginia Marine Debris Reduction PlanTuesday, February 24 · 1:00 – 2:00pmTime zone: America/New_YorkGoogle Meet joining infoVideo call link: https://meet.google.com/yqv-vsqe-qhm Or dial: ‪(US) +1 502-792-9622 PIN: ‪474 017 354#More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/yqv-vsqe-qhm?pin=5472670401855

Congratulations to John Vontano for winning the People's Choice Award with over 100 likes on his Mustang's picture!

Happy Fall Ya'll!  October has been a whirlwind month!  We are so thankful to all of our members and sponsors that supported us through Warsaw Fest 2025.  It was the smoothest event I have run over the past 10ish years.  We really couldn't do it without all of you!   Here is a run down of our meeting last night...  We approved a $500 sponsorship for Christmas Town   We have begun planning our December Annual Meeting.  Please mark your calendars for December 8 th  at 6pm.  Location is still yet to be determined.   We are excited to be up to 70 Members for 2025!  Every year our membership grows, which helps us to keep this going.  We are thankful to each of you for your contributions!   We went over the budget for Warsaw Fest 2025 and we are happy to announce that this year was a success.  We didn't see as much turn out due to the weather, but it didn't keep everyone away.  We are praying for a sunny day next year!  A big shout out to the RHS Beta Club and the CBGS students for coming out in full force this year and helping!  We are donating $100 to each organization!   Shop Local and Win is coming up Nov 24th – Dec 19th and we want to thank YOU for being a Warsaw-Richmond County Chamber Member this holiday season.  This year, we plan on giving away $25 gift certificates good at any participating business through our Facebook contest featuring Richie the Elf.  This program would be similar to County Bucks.  You will turn in gift certificates you received to the Chamber and we will send you a check for the total amount.  The certificates would be good through March 2025 and you will be able to submit the certificates for payments up to 3 times during that period.  Specific details on reimbursement will be emailed to those that agree to participate. Shoppers will present the coupons when paying.  Spends like cash on goods and services, with NO change given if the full value is not spent.  It has no "cash back" value. We hope you will participate this year! Please click on this link to let us know if you would like to participate. https://forms.gle/rc4g8CNmw7etxeQ97     We are gearing up for the Christmas Decorating Contest as well.  So start planning your decorations so you can win!  Business entries win a free membership to the Chamber for 2026 and we are still discussing what we will give to Residential winners!  As soon as we have our registration up and online, we will share all the details!   We received a request from Mr. Bruce Callis Jr regarding the weather station that used to be operational in Warsaw and how we can get it back to be operational so we can get on the TV weather maps.  We are going to do some reaching out to find out more information!   Just a reminder that Main Street Program is hosting Trunk or Treat on Friday, Oct 31st.  If you need more information, contact them at wrcmsp@gmail.com   Thank you to Lieutenant B. M. Radden for attending the meeting last night.   We are looking for a couple of new Board Members and all it takes is at bare minimum and hour each month to attend our meetings.  Please consider coming out and joining the Board to help support our local community and businesses!   As always have a wonderful month!  If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.   Sara Carroll President WRCCOC

We apologize for the delay in the Baby & Beauty Pageant Winners Official Announcement. The list got mixed into our left-over Warsaw Fest Guides and we didn't find it until yesterday evening. We are just so happy that it didn't get thrown away by accident! Congratulations to all the winners! 0-6 Mo Girls 1. Idabelle Snellings 2. LakeLynn Blackwell 0-6 Mo Boys 1. Chosyn Phipps 2. James Uphold 3. Leopoldo Beltran 7-12 Mo Girls 1. Ezra Lynae’ Comer 2. Sydney Lousie Carroll 3. Madelyn Meany 7-12 Mo Boys 1. Jackson Morse 2. Jaylen Bryce Hence 3. Dax Jenkins 13-18 Mo Girls 1. Raelyn LaRochelle 2. Hadleigh Sams 3. Everly Morris Honorable Mention- Alexis Sharpe 13-18 Mo Boys 1. Tyler Fisher 2. Aries Martinez 3. Kayden Taylor 19-24 Mo Girls 1. Judith Greifzu 2. Thyri Carey 3. Novah Sandy Honorable Mention- Everly Thompson 19-24 Mo Boys 1. River Simpson 25-35 Mo Girls 1. Norielle Sumiel 2. Wynter Phipps 3. Bailey Rubinchak Honorable Mentions: Kenzie Doublin & Paisley Wright 25-35 Mo Boys 1. Khylo Moore 3-4 YR Girls 1. Kinsley Mae White 2. Kai Reign Elmore 3. Eliana Rae Byrd 3-4 Yr Boys 1. Jaxen Isaac Day 5-6 Yr Girls 1. Nellie Chatham 2. Debbie Ahava 3. Daisy Bynum 5-6 Yr Boys 1. Grayson Alexander Carroll 7-9 YR Girls 1. Khloe Hayes 2. Quinn Ball 3. Bethany Oakes

We are so thankful to those that entered into the parade! We know the weather wasn't the best but it was mostly dry! We hope that next year we have more entries, it is free to enter! Below are the Winners of our Warsaw Fest 2025 Parade. Please contact us to arrange pick up of your trophy! Grand Marshall’s Award: Best Presentation of Theme Westmoreland State Parks Mayor’s Award: Best Non-Commercial Entry April's Little Blessing Childcare Judge’s Award: Best Overall Entry April's Little Blessing Childcare Chamber of Commerce Award: Best Commercial Entry C &F Bank Youth Award: Best Youth Entry Showtime MMA Marching Bands 1st Place: Lancaster High School 2nd Place: Rappahannock High School Best Appearing Fire Department Richmond County Volunteer Fire Department Engine 1

We are excited to officially announce our September After Hours. Make sure to RSVP so we can make sure we have enough crabs and all the fixings. The only thing we ask is that you bring your own beverage of choice and your appetite! Please RSVP at this link: https://forms.gle/ytCBANraqKYXm4p1A We are excited to have the team from Virginia Clean Cities to join us and tell us about the project they are working on with Bay Transit and Dominion.

School has begun and summer is winding down.  Our August Meeting was a productive one!  We had no donation requests this month.  We have penciled in Friday, September 19 th  as the date for our After Hours Networking Event.  We will be sending out invitations shortly!   We are super excited about our new Speaker Series.  Deborah Newman is going to be speaking about Social Media and Networking.  We are meeting at Big City Chuckwagon on Monday, August 18 th  at 6pm.  The cost is $15 at the door, which includes dinner.  Please register to attend: http://bit.ly/46bVaZp   Warsaw Fest 2025 is moving along smoothly.  We are less than 2 months away from the big day!  We will be sending out last minute sponsorship and vendor forms to those that haven't signed up yet.  The online registration links for the Parade, Baby & Beauty Pageant, and Car & Truck Show are now live.  www.wrccoc.com/warsaw-fest   We are still looking for submissions for our Warsaw Fest 2025 Guide Book Photo Contest.  Please enter here: https://www.wrccoc.com/guide-book   We are also still looking for volunteers to help the day of Warsaw Fest.  Many hands make light work!  If you have a few hours of time that day, please click here to sign up.  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ICz0OVUWe1kwq1fwAcwqen6AZCVMNqADqr0tNuGZSlc/edit?usp=sharing   And... drumroll please... what everyone has been waiting for, the winners of the Christmas in July Grants We had to make some tough decisions.  We had 9 entries.  3 were non-profits that we will be reaching out to about Giving Tuesday in November. 4 will be receiving $250 Garfield's Rescue, Inc for a new commercial grade washer/dryer The Haven Shelter & Services, Inc- Shoppe for Haven's Sake for barricades & signage The Beauty Bungalow, LLC for a hydrodermabrasion machine Relish Restaurant & Wine Bar for a new sign for Meads on Main 2 will be receiving $500 I Spy Kids Boutique & Consignments for their interior renovation Feather Your Nest for awnings & signs We want to thank everyone that applied and we hope that next year we can give away some more grants to help our members!     We continue to look for new Board Members.  If you are interested in joining us, please reach out!   Our next monthly Board Meeting and FINAL Warsaw Fest 2025 Planning meeting will be September 8th.   Have a great August!   Sara Carroll President WRCCOC

We hope everyone had a wonderful 4 th  of July!  Next year commemorates the 250 th  Anniversary of America and we might have some ideas brewing!   Our Board Meeting went smoothly Monday-   We approved a $250 Sponsorship for Garfield's Rescue event coming up   We set a tentative date of September 19 th  for our September After Hours Networking Event/Crab Feast!   We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Speaker Series on August 18th at Big City Chuckwagon! Join us for an inspiring session with Deborah Newman as she shares powerful insights on leveraging social media and networking to grow your business.  This incredible training is open to everyone—just RSVP to reserve your spot.  The event is $15/person- includes pizza and a beverage  (please note: adult beverages will not be available).  Click on the link for more details and to register:  http://bit.ly/46bVaZp We continue to accept Christmas in July Grant applications.  Only members can apply, click the link for all the details and to register.  Christmas in July | Warsaw-Richmond County Chamber of Commerce We gave away 2 family 4 packs of Richmond County Fair entry tickets on Facebook.  Kayla Ward and Jackie Hinson won! Patrick filled us in on the VA Chamber Right to Work Advocacy group that is forming.  If you are interested in helping to support the continuation of the Right to Work in Virginia, please reach out to us and we can get you  more information on how you an get involved! Warsaw Fest 2025 planning is moving along!  We want to thank everyone that has already sponsored Warsaw Fest 2025!  If you haven't yet completed your membership or sponsorship, please click on the corresponding links below: Join or Renew Now | Warsaw-Richmond County Chamber of Commerce   Sponsorship Opportunities | Warsaw-Richmond County Chamber of Commerce   We have finalized the Warsaw Fest "map" and letters will be going out to businesses & residents on Main St, Belle Ville Ln, and Hamilton Blvd regarding street closures shortly.   We are looking for volunteers to help the day of Warsaw Fest (Saturday, October 11, 2025).  We have created a Google Sheet to sign up for a "job" and a time to help.  We need help with the Chamber Tent, Kids Zone, Judging the Pageant & the Parade, and monitoring Trash.  Please consider signing up for at least 1 shift.  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ICz0OVUWe1kwq1fwAcwqen6AZCVMNqADqr0tNuGZSlc/edit?usp=sharing We have released a photo contest for the front page of the Warsaw Fest 2025 Guide.  We would like to ask you to submit a photo you have taken of the Warsaw or Richmond County community.  It needs to be a picture that captures the essence of our community.  The photo must be vertical in layout.  Submissions will be accepted at the link until September 1, 2025.  https://www.wrccoc.com/guide-book   The winning photo will be featured as the cover photo and the photographer will get a short bio in the guide. We want to thank Brittany Claybourne from the Haven for joining us at our Board & Warsaw Fest meeting!  Our Meetings are open to members or potential members to come and see what we do!  We would love to have you there!  We are still looking for 3 people to join our Board!   Our next Board & Warsaw Fest meeting will be August 11th, 6pm, at Town Hall   Have a wonderful month!   Sara Carroll President WRCCOC

Precision Glass & More, LLC. began in 2010.  Sally Pitts and her husband decided to open their own glass shop. At the time, Sally had almost 18 years of experience, with a current total of 33 years of experience.  Her husband, David, had 10 years of experience with a current total of 25 years of experience. Sally started her business with very little working capital and has grown it into a successful shop.  She worked in the current building under the leadership of Jimmy Poates who taught her the glass industry. He sold Warsaw Glass during a time that she was in another career after a difficult loss of our daughter. In 2011, Jimmy approached her after the new owner vacated the building and asked if I was interested in purchasing the building. To make a long story short he worked with them to purchase the building, and they moved back to where everything began for Sally. Sally and David live in Richmond County where she has lived her entire life.  In her words, “I will say that hard work does pay off. It certainly is not always easy but if you work hard, you can achieve goals that you didn’t think possible.”