Longtime county administrator Steve Whiteway and his wife Debbie have been selected to serve as grand marshals of the Mathews County’s annual Christmas Parade, "The Gifts of Christmas," which will begin Saturday afternoon at 1 o’clock.

During their 11-plus years in Mathews, the couple has shared a passion for helping to make Mathews an outstanding community.

Mr. Whiteway plans to retire from his position in January, but is excited about staying in Mathews and continuing his involvement in the community. "I have felt very fortunate to have been able to work in a community like Mathews," he said. "It’s definitely a hidden gem and I look forward to spending several more years here."

His wife Debbie will continue to work as a speech pathologist with the Rural Infant Services Program, specializing in children from infants to age two. "Like me, she’s a die-hard Wahoos fan," he said. She also enjoys quilting in her spare ...