COURTLAND
The Virginia Association of Counties in June contacted Southampton County Administrator Michael W. Johnson, as well as administrators in 323 other cities and counties within the state, to request locally-made, handcrafted ornaments for Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s Christmas tree at the Executive Mansion. Johnson asked that Jesse “Bill” Vick, a local woodworker, create an ornament depicting the Southampton County Courthouse, which he presented at Monday evening’s board of supervisors meeting.

“This ornament is made of birch wood from Finland,” Vick said, explaining that it is best for craft work. A member of the Ablemarle Crafters Guild in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Vick maintains a shop at his home where he makes items such as wooden bowls and other delicate items with his scroll saw.

Johnson said that the theme of the ornament was open to the county, but was suggested that it depict some unique feature from Southampton. Other possibilities included a monument, a historic home, a person, an event or natural feature that is or was prominent in the county.

The mansion will open to the public with the Capitol Tree Lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 4.