J. C. Pierce, owner of Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Que, stands in front of the cooking pit.

If you see smoke in the trees along Interstate 64 near Camp Peary at 4:00 a.m., look closer before you join the ranks of concerned motorists who've called the fire department . . . it's probably the pit masters stoking the fire at  Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Que on Rochambeau Drive. They cook 6,000 pounds of the highest quality Boston Butts a day, five days a week.  In a recent interview, owner J. C. Pierce explained that his parents "Doc" and Verdie Pierce cooked 60 pounds of pork a week when they opened the restaurant in 1971. They needed to borrow $40 to make change on opening day. That's a success story by anyone's standards.

Pierce's is the oldest operating restaurant in York County and one of the most beloved. At this family-style eatery you might see construction workers, professionals, families, politicians, or celebrities. They've catered gubernatorial inaugurations and have been featured in lots of food magazines. Pierce's has won Southern Living's Reader's Choice award 10 years running. 

The restaurant is legendary not only for its fabulous Tennessee-style pork barbecue, but also for the Pierce family's commitment to employees, the community and other  businesses across the state of Virginia. J.C. is like a proud father when he describes the loyalty and professionalism of his 64 employees. Many started at Pierce's while in high school or college and have worked there for decades. The staff's dedication has allowed J.C. to use his skills to help other businesses succeed.

An introvert by nature, J.C. nonetheless spent six weeks lobbying state legislators to protect restaurants endangered by changing traffic patterns and strict highway signage rules. When threatened with losing his sign on the interstate, J.C. knew he might lose up to 40 percent of his business. He realized that many smaller restaurants might go out of business completely. His campaign was successful and restaurants' signage rights became "grandfathered."

J.C.'s love for the community was returned a thousand fold when smoke in the trees turned out to be much more than business as usual on July 13, 2008. The home his parents had lived in for decades, which still contained their furnishings and family photos, was on fire! The anguish caused by a frustrated burglar who committed arson is indescribable, but it is the kindness of customers, friends, colleagues, firemen and total strangers that can still bring a tear to J.C.'s eyes. J.C. remembered that Joe Harrow of Middle Peninsula Insurance was there immediately, saying, "don't worry, we'll be here every step of the way." Always more of a giver than a taker, J.C. collected the money donated by the restaurant's many friends after the fire, matched the funds, and donated them to the volunteer fire department.

It wasn't the only time that Middle Peninsula had been there in time of crisis. In 2003 Hurricane Isabel forced the restaurant to close for 10 days; all the food was lost during the power outage. To J.C. it's very important to be able to call someone you know when it counts the most.

Be sure to check out the scrapbook of this local legend at www.pierces.com and stop by for some barbecue, baked beans, sweet potato fries, collards, and mac-n-cheese. If you're inspired by the Pierce's generosity, maybe you'll sign up for the 8K Run-Walk May 21-22, 2011 to benefit Achievable Dream. Pierce's is donating food for the event.

Matt Slye, Commercial and Personal Lines Producer

Matt Slye, a Commercial and Personal Lines Producer for Middle Peninsula Insurance, recently began  the Leadership Historic Triangle class. Sponsored by the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance, Leadership Historic Triangle's mission is "to encourage, develop and support future community leaders."

Participation in Leadership Historic Triangle requires a serious commitment of time and energy. The program includes a two-day retreat, eight day-long meetings and a final project requiring 30 additional hours of work. The group addresses issues of community interest and concern.

Matt says he's excited to be in the program because "we will have a big community service project  after we identify the most pressing need. As an insurance agent, I make my living working with members of this community, so it's a real honor to be able to give back in this way. Our class gets to meet with experienced professionals in Williamsburg who are in positions to understand the inner workings of the community and help us to identify areas where we can do the most good."

Past projects have included building playgrounds for handicapped children, installing indoor plumbing in homes, and providing food for the homeless. Matt also noted that the LHT's work goes beyond traditional charitable endeavors. For example, the group is currently considering ways to attract more young professionals to Williamsburg. Economic development to create more jobs for those young professionals is on the agenda. The big picture, Matt explains, "is to improve the community and its opportunities for all age groups, so that we're not perceived as merely a stopping point between Hampton and Richmond. It's about sustaining and improving this wonderful, thriving, attractive community that we all love."

Jennifer Jenkins and Jennifer Beuchelt of Middle Peninsula Insurance with client John Wendel and his tennis partner Dan Sims.

Bill Morrison (lower right) and partner Ed Steinbeck at the McCormack Nagelsen Center

Middle Peninsula Insurance was honored to be the naming sponsor for the Twelfth Annual Middle Peninsula Insurance Men's Charity Tennis Tournament. Bad weather moved the event indoors to the McCormack Nagelsen Center, but it didn't dampen the generosity of the players and other supporters.

The center was packed as the matches concluded and guests surveyed items donated for silent and live auctions. The delicious food and beverages donated by generous restaurants and suppliers got everyone primed to bid. Good-humored pressure from a very persuasive auctioneer helped ratchet up the bidding competition.

Bill Morrison, Managing Partner of Middle Peninsula Financial Services and Treasurer for Men's Charity Tennis, says, "Our company has always been very supportive of Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg. Men's Charity Tennis gives us one more avenue of support. Since the tournament began 11 years ago, it has raised $400,000."  Bill added, "We are very grateful to everyone in the Williamsburg community who helped make this such a wonderful event - especially our clients who donated prizes and members of the MidPen team who offered their hospitality."