01/25/2017

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Inside A4 Mini-Maker Festival set for Feb. 25.

Powhatan, Virginia B1 Powhatan wrestling goes 7-0 for the week

Vol. XXX No. 4

January 25, 2017

Community unites to remember civil rights icon By Heidi Daniels for Powhatan Today

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Prsrt. Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Powhatan, VA Permit No.19

OWHATAN — Smiles seemed to dominate the gathering Monday, Jan. 16, when the Powhatan community gathered to pay tribute to the legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the day designated a national holiday for his birthday. The MLK Youth Day and National Mentoring Month celebration provided several reasons to remember the man who had a dream. Over 300 people came out to take part in the observance. Two youths offered their thoughts on the late Dr. King. Jackson Morris answered the question, “What does Martin Luther King Jr. mean to me?” Jacqueline Hymel wrote an acrostic poem, using the letters of Dr. King’s name to answer this same question. About 80 youth members participated in the musical selections and praise dances. Shell Daniels, a physical education teacher at Pocahontas Middle School, was the keynote speaker. He was introduced by his daughter, Sheyla Daniels, who noted his educational background, including Powhatan High School and Norfolk State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education. Daniels delivered an uplifting message, capturing the attention of the audience from start to finish. He used the word “fire,” with the letters that make up the word guiding the thoughts of his message. A summary of Daniels’ inspirational words follows: Faith: Remember to step out on faith. Don’t be guided by foolishness. However, know that forgiveness will take over to clean up the foolishness. Impact: Dr. King wanted to have impact on this nation. Some can be misguided by ignorance. They need to be

PHOTOS BY HEIDI DANIELS FOR POWHATAN TODAY

There was an atmosphere of pride, with everyone watching the contributions of the youth participants. In addition to celebrating the birthday of Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the observance included National Mentoring Day. More photos are on page 3A.

reminded of the good and wonderful impact that can result of one’s actions. Respect: Dr. King showed great respect; he always operated with love and peace. It is important to always show respect and not hide behind rudeness. Rude behavior is a learned behavior.

Rude people can be redirected by God. Accept their changes and respect their efforts to change. Expectations: Dr. King had great expectations; he wanted to make a change. Many people today make excuses – excuses are simply the tools of the incom-

see MLK page 3A

Melton chosen to serve as BOS chair once again By Roslyn Ryan Richmond Suburban News

DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Powhatan, VA 23139

petent. Lose the excuses and aim for achieving expectations. His use of “fire” filled the room with smiles. Those in attendance were asked? “Why are you here today?” Their answers centered around these themes: to support the event, to support the MLK Youth Group, to keep the legacy going, to celebrate the meaning of the day, and to encourage young youth to get involved. The room was filled with the young and the young at heart. People around the room were smiling, chatting, shaking hands, hugging – demonstrating a true spirit of love and happiness. Daniels concluded by asking the audience, “Will you keep the fire burning in your heart to succeed, or to deceive?”

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n an effort to avoid more upheaval than was necessary ahead of the hiring of a new county administrator, the Powhatan County Board of Supervisors voted in a special meeting Jan. 18 to re-elect chairman Bill Melton MELTON and vice-chair Larry Nordvig to their respective positions. District 3 representative Angie Cabell said in her nomination of Melton that she felt it was a good idea to preserve the continuity of leadership on the board, given the current county administrator, Pat Weiler, will be retiring on May 1 of this year. Melton said he agreed with Cabell’s rationale, and said he was happy to accept the nomination. The vote was 4-0, with Melton abstaining. Melton is currently in his second term as a supervisor for District 4, and prior to taking office served on the county Planning

Commission for 12 years. District 2’s Larry Nordvig was unanimously elected to the vice chairmanship. He is currently in his first full term as a supervisor. Concerning the hire of a new county administrator, Melton confirmed that the goal is to have someone hired by May. They are currently preparing to advertise NORDVIG for the position, Melton said, and expect to have a list of potential candidates by March. Weiler, who was hired as the county administrator in February 2013, said her decision to retire after a 40-year career was driven both by a desire to spend more time with family and the recognition that it was simply time for the change. She said she chose May 1, 2017, for her retirement in part because it gave the county time to find her replacement, and also because the date falls after the fiscal year (FY 2018) budget process will be complete. Roslyn Ryan is editor of The Goochland Gazette.

Powhatan Today offices moving into the Village As of Monday, Jan. 30, the offices of Powhatan Today and Cumberland Today will be in a new location in the Village of Powhatan. The new address is 3835 Old Buckingham Rd., Powhatan VA 23139 (located next to RHB Insurance). The decision to move was motivated by the need to be centrally located to serve customers and readers. Readers, community leaders and business owners are invited to stop by to see the new offices. Business hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For general questions for Powhatan Today or Cumberland Today, call 804-746-1235. To contact staff members, they may be reached by mobile and email: Joy Monopoli, publisher.................................. 804-239-2280 jmonopoli@rsnva.com

Laura McFarland, news editor............... 804-363-1577 lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com William Fellin, sports editor............................ 804-396-1915 wfellin@powhatantoday.com Janet Proffit, advertising sales ......................... 804-347-0929 jproffit@powhatantoday.com Julia Ward, advertising administration ........... 804-248-8264 jward@powhatantoday.com Jenifer Hinton, business office ........................ 804-283-0109 jhinton@mechlocal.com Michelle Wall, customer service representative (distribution and delivery) ............................. 804-775-4610 mwall@mechlocal.com


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