Powhatan Today – 05/27/2020 by Powhatan Today

Inside A5 Resident overjoyed by birthday parade held in her honor

Powhatan, Virginia

B1 For girls tennis, Powhatan’s seniors were leaders on the court

Vol. XXXIII No. o. 47

May 27, 2020

BSH honors top students of 2020 By Laura McFarland News Editor

OWHATAN – James Hawkins and Raymond Avery lead the 2020 Class of Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, with grade point averages of 4.318 and 4.2. Hawkins is the son of Steve and Cindy Hawkins of Powhatan. He plans to attend the University of Virginia but is currently undecided on his major. Hawkins said that being able to attend high school at Blessed Sacrament has been very impactful for him. They have been so supportive that it feels like he has a second family at school, which made being

named valedictorian even more special. “At BSH, everyone truly cares about your well-being as well as your academics. I am very honored to have been able to receive this award. I am very thankful for my family, friends, and all of the faculty and staff at BSH for helping me to get this point in my academic career. I am very eager to attend the University of Virginia next year but I will not forget all of the memories created at BSH,” he said. During his time at BSH, Hawkins served as president of the National Honor Society, a position he still holds, as well as being class president since the sixth grade. He is a member of the National Latin Honor Society and has been a member of

the Latin Club for multiple years. He has been very involved with athletics as a member of the varsity soccer team, varsity football team, and varsity basketball team. He was also the editor-in-chief for Blessed Sacrament’s yearbook this year. Outside of school, he has been a youth soccer referee for the past six years and a soccer player for the Richmond Strikers Soccer Club for the past three years. He also served as a volunteer coach for Own the Goal Elite Goalkeeper Training and has volunteered at various times for the Special Olympics, Backpacks of Love, and Veteran’s Hospital. Avery is the son of Ray and Susan Avery of Powhatan. He will attend Virginia Tech and

focus on university studies. Even though his senior year was cut short, Avery said he feels “incredibly blessed to have been able to attend BSH for as long as I have, and I am very grateful for the friendships and memories I made along the way.” While at Blessed Sacrament, he was the National Honor Society vice president, a member of the National Latin Honor Society, varsity basketball captain, and a member of Latin Club. Outside of school, he was a Sunday school teacher at Passion Community Church, went on a mission trip to Belize in 2019, and participated in the Powhatan 4-H Shooting Club. Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com.

Hawkins

Avery

“In a time where many of us have felt isolated and depressed it has given us something to look forward to as well as the joy of blessing other beautiful women.” Powhatan resident Wendy Meadows

A dusting of

LOVE

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

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

Above, Regan (left) and Charlotte Wilkes help their mom, Jessie, spread some cheer; Right, Jessie Wilkes created the Powhatan Sisterhood of the Traveling Spirits and Treats Facebook group to help brighten the day of local women and build community spirit.

Local “fairies” helping spread joy through secret gifting program

By Laura McFarland

DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Powhatan, VA 23139

Editor

POWHATAN – A dusting of kindness and neighborliness have been sprinkled over Powhatan County the last few weeks courtesy of some friendly “fairies.” Powhatan Sisterhood of the Traveling Spirits and Treats is a private Facebook group started by Jessie Wilkes to bring a little cheer to the women in her county. The concept was simple – put a neighborly spin to the childhood game of ding-dong ditch by secretly placing a gift bag filled with goodies outside an-

other Powhatan woman’s door. They refer to themselves as fairy sisters, and when they drop off goodies to friends or strangers, it is called a “dusting.” Wilkes had seen a similar group with members all over Virginia but didn’t notice any other Powhatan members. Knowing there had to be some women in the county who could use that pick me up, she decided to start a local group. “It is hard because everybody is feeling the isolation right now. I just really wanted to spread some love and find something to do with my time that would make me feel happy,” she said.

“So, I decided why not do this in just Powhatan?” Wilkes started the group on May 2 by inviting a handful of local moms from one of her Facebook groups. They started inviting friends, and by the next day they had 100 people in the group. The day after that, it was up to 300 women. Within a week, they were almost at 900 and she and two other women who stepped up to be group administrators realized they needed to slow it down a little to make sure women weren’t being lost in the shuffle because it was growing too fast. see Dusting, pg. 3

Effort helps brighten lives of area seniors By Laura McFarland Editor

POWHATAN – When the envelope arrived in the mail addressed to her, Mary Eggleston had no idea who had sent it. Opening it up, she pulled out a colorful hand drawn picture of a hamster named Harry Potter. With the picture was a letter from a 10-year-old girl named Charlotte that Eggleston had never met telling her a little about herself and her hamster. Holding the letter in her hand, Eggleston said she couldn’t help smiling. “I said wow isn’t that sweet. I never have gotten anything like this. It really made my day. I was trying to tell everybody ‘I must be special,” said Eggleston, CONTRIBUTED PHOTO 82, of Powhatan. Three of the five Whittington children are writing letters to Powhatan Eggleston and several other seniors in see Grandpals, pg. 4

seniors as part of the Grandpals program started by the department of social services.

Powhatan Today, May 27, 2020

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O B I T UA R I E S DOROTHY L. GARRETSON

MELVIN MIXELL JR.

Dorothy L. Garretson, 78, of Powhatan, widow of Rev. Henry “Bud” Garretson, took her heavenly flight home May 18, 2020. She is survived by her children, Rhonda Hammonds (Tommy) of Amelia, Cynthia Andrews (Rickey) of Powhatan, Ricky Garretson (Korena) of Amelia, GARRETSON Teresa Wade (Edwin) of Chesterfield, Becky Chrisitian (Joe) of Powhatan, Scott Garretson of Amelia, Jason Garretson (Jennifer) of Powhatan; two sisters, Margaret Coleman of Appomattox, Shirley Wright of Richmond; daughter-in-law, Janice Garretson of Powhatan; 24 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Tony Garretson. The family will receive friends Wednesday, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Bennett & Barden Funeral Home, 3215 Anderson Hwy. (Rt. 60), Powhatan. Services will be private. Online condolences may be made at bennettbardenfh.com.

Melvin George “Butch” Mixell Jr., 72, of Prince George, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2020. He was born in Petersburg, Va., October 9, 1947, to the late Melvin George Mixell and Lois Lockett Layden. Butch is survived by wife, Jackie Bowers Mixell; three children, Christy Jones (Bradley), Ricky Mixell (Courtney) and Timmy Mixell MIXELL (Jade); five grandchildren, Braelyn, Jayse, Hunter, Cayly, Skylar; sister, Debbie Mixell; niece, Jenna Brinkley; and great-nephew, Dakota Brinkley. Butch enjoyed NASCAR, where he was a tire changer for Lennie Pond. He graduated from Matoaca High School in 1967, where he was a supporter for the alumni. His remains will rest at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 2020. A graveside service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Dia-

betes Research Foundation at www. jdrf.org. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.

Powhatan, Va. 23139. Arrangements are by Joseph McMillian Funeral Home, 1826 Cox Rd., Blackstone, Va. 23824. www.mcmillianfuneralhome. com.

KATHLEEN PARRISH

William T. “Bill” Pike, 81, of Powhatan, went to be with the Lord May 16, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Pike; three children, William T. Pike (Donna), Kim Richardson, Sheila Hayes; many foster children; brother, Bobby Pike; sisters, Ruby Adams, Nancy Oakes; five grandchildren, greatgrandchild, honorPIKE ary grandchild, many devoted nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Thursday, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Bennett & Barden Funeral Home, 3215 Anderson Hwy. (Rt. 60), Powhatan. Services will be held Friday, at 11 a.m. in the Graceland Baptist Church, Powhatan. Interment church cemetery. Online condolences may be made at bennettbardenfh. com.

WILLIAM PIKE Kathleen Henry Parrish, 69, of Powhatan, Va., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, May 15, 2020, at her home and with her family by her side. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Linwood Parrish; her daughter, Jessica Richardson (Jamey); two sons, Raymond Parrish and Ethan Parrish; seven grandchildren, Wyatt, Weston, BrisPARRISH toe, Donald, Makenzie, Dixon and Mason; mother-in-law, Janiece Dixon Parrish, all of Powhatan; two sisters, Barbara Henry (Kenny) of California and Pat Carver (John) of Michigan; two brothers, Jimmy Henry of Manassas and Robert Henry (Dawn) of Manassas. Private viewing and funeral services will be held at the Rocky Oak Church, 2687 Rocky Oak Road,

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Wednesday, May 27

Relay for Life of Powhatan is holding a virtual Relay Spirit Week that will run from through May 30.

The kickoff event will feature a video to recognize cancer survivors in our communities, raise awareness of the ongoing challenges cancer patients and survivors face because of their disease, and most importantly –celebrate life. Other daily activities include a photo scavenger hunt; “Powhatan Strong” Day to acknowledge our community partners, and a remembrance day in honor of those who have finished the fight against cancer. We will end our Spirit Week with a Virtual Luminary Ceremony and a Solidarity day of “Why We Relay.”

To help limit the spread of COVID-19, the Powhatan County Public Library will be closed to the public until further notice. This includes meeting room reservations. While the library is closed, the book drop will also be closed. Fines accrued during the closure will be waived. Library WiFi and e-branch resources are available 24/7. For details, contact Powhatan County Public Library at 804-598-5670 or library@ powhatanlibrary.net. Powhatan County Public Library will hold Facebook Storytime at 10:30 a.m. on the library’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pg/ powhatanlibrary. Feeding Powhatan will hand out meals for children in coming weeks while schools are closed. The nonprofit food pantry will hand out meals from 1 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays during the school closures at 2408 New Dorset Circle (next to Community Life Church). Income guidelines apply. Visit us on Facebook at Feeding Powhatan or call 804-303-6431. Pre-register at https://docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9VL8V DTKVkjnTvSjnSbjkYUUSmn rm9TSJ4F1DwohdHeH_HQ/ viewform The Free Clinic of Powhatan, located at 3908 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan offers health services (medical, dental, mental health, women's health) free of charge for uninsured and low income residents of Powhatan County. Administration hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. On Thursdays, lab services are from 9 a.m. to noon and patient hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Mondays, registration for new patients is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and patient hours are from 4 to 8:30 p.m. All patient visits are by appointment. For more information, contact 804-598-5637.

Thursday, May 28

Fridays, Saturdays and Tuesdays and 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays at 2500 Batterson Road. Contact the pantry at 804-372-9526 or powhatanvafoodpantry@ gmail.com.

The Powhatan Food Pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursdays,

In response to the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 virus, Passion Community Church’s “Do Good” ministry is opening a food pantry at the Powhatan Campus to support local families. Operating hours during the COVID-19 Event (for both donations and pick-up) will be: 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 3 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The food pantry will currently be open through July 31 but the date is subject to change. suggested items for donation: rice (especially whole grain), oatmeal, pasta (especially whole grain), diced tomatoes, jar or canned pasta sauce, canned vegetables, cooking oils (such as olive oil or canola oil), canned tuna or salmon, canned chicken or other meats, canned beans, dried beans, canned soups and stews, peanut butter, nuts, canned chili, trail mix, and non refrigerated juices. Donations NOT accepted: personal care items, junk food or sodas, items that require refrigeration, and perishables such as breads.

The original Powhatan AA meets from 8 to 9 p.m. every Thursday in the Powhatan Village Building.

Awaken to Hope Al-Anon meets at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday at St. John Neumann Catholic Church.

families in Powhatan County affected by COVID-19. Contact Renee Van Natter at valerie.vannatter@dss. virginia.gov or via cell at 804 814-5332. With school facilities closed, the registration process for students starting kindergarten this fall at Powhatan County Public Schools will be online. Details and required documents for registration can be found on the Powhatan County Public School website www.powhatan.k12.va.us. Online registration forms are available on the division and school websites. After registering, you will be contacted by school personnel to complete the process, share information and answer any questions. Welcome Class of 2033!!

Saturday, May 30

Powhatan AA meets at 8 p.m. every Saturday at Manakin Episcopal Church on Huguenot Trail.

Monday, June 1

A Powhatan Hope Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meeting will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday at PCC Church, 4480 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, Room 102. It is an open discussion meeting. Wheelchair accessible

Tuesday, June 2

The new Bridge of Reason AA meeting is held at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at Powhatan Mennonite Church, 3549 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan. It is an open, decision and literature meeting for Powhatan, Goochland, and Cumberland counties. AA meets at 8 p.m. every Tuesday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Huguenot Trail.

Ongoing

Available now Emergency Housing relief funds to assist with rent, mortgage or other housing concerns. Powhatan Community Action Agency received a donation from Bob and Karla Curtis for emergency housing relief for

The Powhatan Convenience Center is now allowing a modified schedule for disposal of “free loads,” which are small amounts of construction and demolition waste generated at a residence. They may be disposed of at no cost, no more than once per month, provided such waste is limited to the amount contained in one level pickup truck load without supplemental sides. Convenience center employees will track monthly free loads by documenting the vehicle, license plate, and a description of the individual. At this time the convenience center will also resume metal recycling and oil/ antifreeze/paint collection but will NOT accept any fee-based materials such as tires, appliances or materials in excess of the monthly free load. Commercial businesses are NOT permitted to use the convenience center. Free loads will only be allowed Tuesday to Friday subject to available capacity. Any resident attempting to dispose of free load material on Saturday or Sunday will be turned away. The Free Clinic of Powhatan is open and serving the community throughout this pandemic. The clinic has now expanded its mental health/counseling services to be able to serve more folks in the community that are going through difficult times since the onset of COVID-19. If you are having difficulties/issues (sad, anxious, not sleeping, having alcohol issues, etc.) and need to talk to someone, the Free Clinic’s services are available with no cost to you. The clinic has professional counselors and a psychiatrist that are on staff at the clinic. This service is available to our community to help you get through this stressful and difficult time. For more information, contact 804598-5637. Powhatan County Public Schools has found five locations to park school buses that will give Wi-Fi access to students who need it. The Wi-fi enabled school buses are part of

the school district’s plan to help families with poor connection to the internet as they work to continue the 2019-2020 school year while distance learning. The five locations of the school buses are: Little Zion Baptist Church, 5680 Cartersville Road; Muddy Creek Baptist Church, 3470 Trenholm Road; Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Department (Company 5), 5631 Anderson Highway; Providence Presbyterian Church, 1950 Ridge Road; Powhatan Volunteer Rescue Squad Sub Station, 5901 Old Buckingham Road, and Macon District Volunteer Fire Department (Company 3), 6377 Old Buckingham Road.

Although the 25th annual Relay for Life of Powhatan originally scheduled for May 2 was postponed, organizers are still hoping to put it on later in 2020. As part of the 25th anniversary celebration, organizers want to honor the volunteers who started this wonderful event. In 1996, a spirited group of Powhatan volunteers held the first Relay For Life of Powhatan. They worked together to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Some were cancer survivors or cancer patients, and many others were friends or loved ones of people who had suffered with cancer. Organizers are trying to reach the volunteers from that 1996 Relay to show their appreciation for the great event that they founded and passed down. If you participated in the first Relay For Life of Powhatan in 1996, contact Carol Beach at cmasten01@hotmail.com. Visit www.relayforlife.org/ powhatanva. The Riverside Center for Excellence in Aging and Lifelong Health is offering “Caring for You: Mind, Body and Soul,” an educational course at no cost for caregivers of individuals with memory loss, including Alzheimer’s disease. This new program consists of 10 short and informative lessons. Participants will benefit from: learning new skills and tools to increase self-care and confidence as a caregiver; a fully online course with lessons accessible at anytime from anywhere without scheduling or leaving home, and microlearning, allowing caregivers to learn information in brief bursts (five to 10 minutes) that they can apply quickly to their demanding lives. Lessons include: Caring for Your Mind: Guilt and Fear, Frustration, Loss and Grief; Caring for Your Body: Body Mechanics, Sleep; Caring for Your Soul: Spirituality, Being in the Moment Together, Just for You; and Caring for Your Mind, Body and Soul: Identifying and Accepting Help. Register online for this free educational course supporting caregivers at: https://learning. virginianavigator.org/. Contact Riverside Senior Care Navigation at 1-888597-0828 or email: senior.

offer library patrons the opportunity to subscribe to a curated weekly e-newsletter showcasing new library acquisitions. Each newsletter features the latest bestsellers, movies, audio books, children's titles, cookbooks, mysteries, and more purchased by the library. Wowbrary alerts are free and all you need is a valid email address. Visit www.wowbrary.org to sign up. A Powhatan County Public Library card in good standing is required to check out print and electronic items. To obtain a library card, visit the library or apply online at www. powhatanlibrary.net.

carenav@rivhs.com.

No health insurance? Goochland Cares will offer free medical care for adults living in Goochland, Louisa, Columbia, Fluvanna, and Cumberland counties. Goochland Cares is at 2999 River Road West, Goochland, VA 23063. Visit www.goochlandcares.org or call 804-556-6260.

AARP Tax-Aide service has been suspended until further notice. For status updates and current information, visit the AARP Site Locator Tool: aarpfoundation.org/taxhelp.

Ride Assist Services is now accepting ride requests. Powhatan county ambulatory seniors age 60+ can call 804-6980438 or email RAServices. PVA@gmail.com to be registered as a rider in the program. They will then be able to request transportation by volunteer drivers for medical appointments, grocery needs and personal business such as banking.

Ride Assist Services needs more drivers! Join a team of volunteer drivers providing transportation when their schedule permits - for Powhatan County ambulatory seniors age 60+ for basic needs. Call Transportation Coordinator at 804-698-0438 or email RAServices.PVA@gmail.com to sign up or to learn more about the program.

The Coalition of Powhatan Churches has recently been given office space by May Memorial Baptist Church. This office is in the Youth House adjacent to the church. COPC is very grateful to finally have a central location. The nonprofit is now looking for volunteers to receive applications, answer the phone, etc. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If this is something you think you would enjoy a day a week or month, contact Patsy Goodwyn at 804-598-4464 or patsy@goodwynlumber. com. If you have submitted your name as a volunteer before, contact Patsy again as some previous information was lost.

Powhatan Food Pantry is in need of volunteers for AM food pickups at both Food Lion stores for various days of the week or substituting for illnesses and vacations. Vans for pickup are provided. Contact the food pantry at 804-372-9526 or powhatanvafoodpantry@ gmail.com.

No one deserves to be abused. Find safety, options and support. Women’s support group based in Powhatan but open to all women impacted by domestic violence. The group is free, confidential and childcare is available. Contact 804-5985630 ext. 2422 or 2420 for more information.

Powhatan County Public Library is excited to partner with Wowbrary to

Narconon Arrowhead is here to help you. Narconon offers free addiction counseling, assessments, and referral services to rehabilitation centers nationwide. Call 1-800-468-6933 or log on to www.narcononarrowhead. org.

Habitat for Humanity Powhatan depends on volunteers and so many friends and companies have helped in the past and continue to do so. The need is for so many different skills - just showing up and helping, specific talents like plumbing, electricity and drywall, cooking for events, and staffing the new soon to be open Habitat Store. Habitat has hired a part-time volunteer coordinator, Maria Sharples, to set up a data base, respond to volunteer phone calls and assign volunteers to projects. The volunteer hotline number is 804-372-9755. It is an answering machine and phone calls are returned on a daily basis. Call and volunteer!

A box was provided by the National Association of Counties (NACo) to provide citizens a place to bring flags that need to be retired properly. It is located at the County Administration Building in the vestibule area by the front doors. County Administration is working with local groups that hold flag disposal ceremonies and will be routinely transporting the flags collected to these ceremonies. For questions, call 804-598-5612.

Hope Project provides free transportation for Powhatan County residents to court, rehab, job interviews, doctor's appointments, and probation meetings for the those who have lost their driver's licenses due to drug-related charges. see CALENDAR, pg. 3

Fax submissions to calendar to804-344-8746 email to news@powhatan.com, or mail to 8460 Times Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville, Va 23116. Deadline is 3 p.m. Wednesday for the following week’s issue. Calendar announcements cannot be taken by phone. We reserve the right to edit all items submitted.

Powhatan Today, May 27, 2020

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Samaritan’s releases free kids’ Bible game app Contributed Report During this COVID-19 outbreak, parents now have a new resource to help “fill the hours of quarantine” for their children! Samaritan’s Purse (Operation Christmas Child Parent Co.) has released a mobile app, called Greatest Journey, that lets kids beam into Bible history. Players captain a timetraveling spaceship that lets them

visit and observe major events in the Bible, with a special emphasis on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The app is totally free, with no inapp purchases or advertisements. “Our mission has always been to introduce people to Jesus Christ,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “This app helps children learn more about the Word of

CALENDAR Continued from pg. 2

The Powhatan County Cooperative Extension Office and Powhatan Department of Public Works have partnered with Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences (VDACS) to bring a free recycling service to area farmers and horticulture business that were, up until now, without a location to recycle their properly rinsed pesticide containers. The collection site is a shed in the back right corner at Powhatan Volunteer Fire Department Company 1, 3971 Old Buckingham Road. Before bringing containers to the collection site, applicators must triple rinse or jet rinse containers, remove plastic sleeved label and/or label booklets, and remove caps. To schedule a drop off, contact Rachel Grosse at 804-598-5640 or 804385-5370 or Dave Johnson at 804-385-6231. Backpacks of Love, nonprofit committed to eliminating hunger in school-age children by providing nourishing food for their weekend, needs help. BPOL is looking for delivery drivers that would

DUSTING Continued from pg. 1

Wilkes and the other administrators, Callie Van Horn, MaryMay Short, and Cris Godfrey, are trying to add a little more organization to the group to make it easy for people to dust or be dusted. Wilkes said it has made her heart “so happy that these women are coming together in such a dark time and showing such light for one another and just the love that is being spread around.” “I just adore this group and all of the women that are in it. It has changed my life,” she said. Wilkes added she has loved getting her daughters, Charlotte, 6, and Regan, 5, involved in going on dustings and the lesson it is teaching them about giving to others. Van Horn said she joined the group a few days after it started and thought it was a special, wonderful idea because she felt so disconnected from the community with all of the social distancing. She said one neighbor, who she didn’t know well, brought her spices, and a stranger brought her candy. Having people think of her, even if they were strangers, made her “feel that much more a part of Powhatan,” and being able to return the favor by taking gifts to others helps feed that sense of community and belonging, she said. “I posted a quote the other day that said ‘there is no joy other than joy of serving others.’ I think

ifornia specifically with 5 to 9yearold children in mind. “When my grandkids play the games on the Greatest Journey app, they can’t put it down,” said Graham. “I’ve enjoyed seeing how they get excited when stories from the Bible, like David and Goliath, are brought to life right in their hands.” The idea for the app came from the interna-

tional discipleship course created by Samaritan’s Purse for children who receive Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts. After receiving these gifts, many children are invited to participate in a discipleship program called The Greatest Journey. Its 12 lessons include Bible stories and Scripture memorization so children can learn how to follow Jesus Christ in their lives and

share him with others. Nearly 19 million children in more than 100 countries have enrolled in this program since 2009. To learn more about Greatest Journey, visit https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operationchristmas-child/ tgj-game-app/. The app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play in more than 140 countries.

be available to deliver on Thursdays. They are in immediate need of a driver to deliver to Cumberland County. The group also needs help breaking down boxes for recycling. This job should be done weekly, preferably on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursdays after packing days. These are great jobs for students looking for community hours. Contact Brenda Fulcher at 804-5982723.

Contact the Hope Project coordinator at 804-3013324. Give a minimum of 24 hours notice.

God and is another way to reach kids with the message of the Gospel. It’s a lot of fun.” Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2019, the ministry is now sending more than 10.5 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 100 countries. The game itself was designed in partnership with a video game development company in Cal-

Upcoming

The Powhatan Chamber of Commerce Village Vibe 2020 Concert Series’ May 22 concert has been canceled. Organizers are still planning to have the June 19 concert featuring Southern Tide. The concert will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Village Meadow, 3920 Marion Harland Lane, Powhatan. Admission is free, donations are appreciated and be certain to buy lots of raffle tickets for the many great prizes offered by sponsors. Gates open at 6 p.m. Bring your lawn chair and friends! Food and drink will be available for sale. No outside food or drink, pets, or tents are allowed. Visit www.powhatanchamber. org. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact angie@ powhatanchamber.org.

we all like free stuff, but I think we also just really love doing something fun that is meaningful – not only to ourselves but meaningful to the people we are serving in a way,” Van Horn said. A notice placed in the group by the Powhatan Today asking for how the experience of dusting or being dusted has impacted the members received an overwhelming response, most of whom mentioned the joy they feel by participating. Tamara Knight talked about how the group has brought women in the community together to show how a negative thing can be turned into positivity. “I have dusted two women and plan on more to come by dropping a bag full of goodies on their porches. I received my first dusting last night by this precious little girl with fairy wings on,” she wrote on May 12. The group had brought about a connection of new and old friendships throughout Powhatan, said Wendy Meadows. “In a time where many of us have felt isolated and depressed it has given us something to look forward to as well as the joy of blessing other beautiful women,” she said. Stephanie Atkinson’s father died on April 21, and participating in this group has helped her keep her mind off of her loss. “I have focused my pain and turned into a good feeling by giving and allowing myself to

Local restaurant donates food to Corrections staff

The Powhatan KFC team recently donated 200 meals to first responders in Goochland County to thank them for the work they are doing amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. The meals were delivered before lunch on May 8 to staff at Virginia Correctional Center for Women and State Farm Work Center. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

somewhat heal knowing my father would have given anything to help out anyone and everyone,” she said. “Knowing this is a sisterhood group, it’s about just making someone’s day.” Berkeley Bashaw said she moved to Powhatan with her parents in 1981 and has “never known the feeling of connection this experience has brought me.” She was invited to join by a close friend and was dusted twice within hours. “I then spent almost three hours Saturday morning ‘dusting’ others, traveling to areas previously unknown to me. The thrill of doing something out of love and spirit was energizing. To see the outpouring of joy for such small effort provided a sense of assurance that spirit and compassion is not yet broke,” she wrote. Phyllis Morris said was joined by her daughter and sister, who was visiting from North Carolina, as they went out to stealthily dust “six lovely ladies” the day before and followed it up on May 12 with a few more. “It’s a bit addicting would love to be a fly on the wall when the lovely lady walks up on her porch and finds her goodies,” she wrote. Angela Wilkerson said her 9-year-old son, Garrett, usually hates shopping but thoroughly enjoyed helping her shop so they could dust someone. The experience has “taught him that giving is even more fun than receiving.” Similarly, McKenzie

Coley said that dusting has allowed her 7-yearold son Brantley, who is usually very active and is missing his sports and his friends, an opportunity to go out and about in a safe way. “He enjoys hunting for the address as well as having me ‘time him’ to see how fast he can leave the treats on the door step before getting caught. This time is hard on children and the excitement he gets from our adventures out has done this mama’s heart good,” she said. Dusting is not about being blessed; it’s about making someone else’s day better, said Shay Hodges. “I bless because it warms my heart to know I can hopefully put a smile on someone’s face. You never know what they are going through at the time or even that moment, and I have found this to be one of the best ways to spread cheer in our community,” she wrote. Emily Anderson said she joined the group one day and then left it the next because she felt too overwhelmed. But that night, she was dusted and it made her feel so special that she rejoined. “I’ve been out shopping today and hoping to dust a few ladies this afternoon,” she wrote on May 12. Although Chrystal Raynor feels she has grown into a strong, independent woman through the years, she recently encountered immense personal adversity and emotional anguish

that left her questioning everything and wondering who she had in her life. Without hesitation, ladies from her family and friends built her up and supported her while she had to make difficult decisions. She feels the Powhatan Sisterhood group is more than just a Facebook group; it is an amazing group of women who “juggle a million things, they handle an insane amount of stress

and still, they are persistently kind, strong and inspiring to all of the people in their life.” “Surrounding yourself with women who build you up, challenge you, and make you better has a remarkably positive impact on your ability to thrive in this life,” she wrote. Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@powhatantoday. com.

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Cafeteria Eph 4:14 “As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;” Cafeterias are popular because there is something for every taste. “Yum, that looks good, I’ll have some of that … or … Ughh, don’t want that!” Cafeteria-style religion offers every wind of doctrine - pick and choose what you like and avoid what you don’t. But Jesus’ doctrine is different. All of it (whether spoken by Him or His apostles) is needed. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;” (2 Tim 4:3) Sounds like today. If you’re interested in further study of God’s word, meet with us Wednesday evenings at 6:30. Details on our website.

Old Trail Church of Christ oldtrailcoc.com | oldtrailcoc@gmail.com

Powhatan Today, May 27, 2020

Page 4A

Appomattox River project receives grant Contributed Report The Virginia Outdoors Foundation has awarded seven grants totaling $21,150 to conservation projects in the Appomattox River watershed that will reduce pollution and erosion in the river and its tributaries. Powhatan County was among the recipients, receiving $1,500 to increase public awareness of the value of the Appomattox watershed by placing an interpretive panel along a highly trafficked trail in Fighting Creek Park. The project is expected to be completed by late 2020. The grant application was submitted by Powhatan Planning/Zoning. About half of the funding comes from VOFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Appomattox River Fund, which was established in 2019 using mitigation funding from a bridge replacement project in Amelia. The other half comes from VOFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general fund. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are thrilled to be able to support projects that not only improve water quality across the watershed, but also create or enhance public access to outdoor spaces,â&#x20AC;? said Emily White, VOFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grant program manager.

Hey Everybody, My name is Sir Borris, and I am around 10 years old. Let me tell you a little about me. A kind person found me and I was not feeling well at all, I had wounds, was sneezing and underweight. I was picked up by some kind officers who then took me to the vet to be treated. I am on the mend now, and feeling a lot better, and gaining weight, I even have the energy to play and purr really loud. I survived out in this cold, harsh world alone with no food, shelter, and no one to love me, or protect me. I am really hoping someone who sees me will want to give me all that I have missed out on. I am being well taken care of here, but I really want a home of my own, a comfy bed, and lots of rubs from my human. If you would like to meet me please contact 804-598-5672 and the staff will be happy to talk with you, and make an appointment for you to come visit me. Hope to see you soon. If you would like to help the animals in our care you can do so by donating to our Medical Fund at Claws and Paws 4313 Anderson Hwy, Powhatan, Va 23139.

If you would like to help the animals in our care, you can do so by donating to our medical fund at Claws and Paws, 4313 Anderson Hwy., Powhatan, VA 23139 Powhatan Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office | Division Of Animal Control Phone: 804-598-5672 | Fax: 804-598-5109

Juanita Bell of Powhatan holds cards sent to her by a little girl from Midlothian through the Grandpals program. As part of the program, children mail letters, stories they have written, and pictures (coloring book or handdrawn) to seniors with whom they are partnered to brighten their days and further strengthen the fabric of the Powhatan community. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

GRANDPALS Continued from pg. 1

Powhatan County were recently the surprise recipient of surprise mail from children they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know. Grandpals, a new program started by the Powhatan County Department of Social Services, is an effort to connect younger school-aged children with the local senior population, said Jayne Lloyd, Ride Assist Services program coordinator and instrumental organizer of a wide-reaching plan for reaching local seniors, said Children mail letters, stories they have written, and pictures (coloring book or hand-drawn) to seniors with whom they are partnered to brighten their days and further strengthen the fabric of the Powhatan community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To combat the negative effects of isolation and loneliness in seniors, (Grandpals) connects children of any age and from anywhere with a senior. That senior can get mail specifically from them,â&#x20AC;? Lloyd said. Lloyd said she was inspired to start the program in April because she was seeing the isolation local seniors were experiencing. After her father died many years ago, Lloyd had her children send mail to her mother through those first weeks of loss to let her know she wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t alone. Observing local seniors, Lloyd was reminded of that and hoped they might be comfort-

ed by knowing there were children â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether here in Powhatan or living farther away â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who were wishing them well. If parents choose to put their return address on the envelope, Lloyd hopes a conversation will be sparked between the children and seniors. She has them caution the children the seniors might not be able to write back, but it is still having an impact. In April, Juanita Bell, 87, of Powhatan received a cute handmade card from a little girl in Midlothian named Lily. Her daughter Lolita Bell read the letter, which said the little girl was thinking of her during the pandemic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She thought it was really sweet and what the little girl drew. As a matter of fact, she still has it on her table right now. She loves to keep things like that so she wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t move it; it will stay there forever,â&#x20AC;? Juanita Bell said. She added it meant a great deal to her to see a child take the time to brighten her motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day since she has had to stay home. Lloyd said she has also talked to parents whose children were incredibly excited about the program and the thought of brightening someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope it raises awareness in our community for more mutligenerational interaction. I am very passionate about that because our culture doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really have a lot of that compared to other cultures,â&#x20AC;?

she said. Robyn Whittington of Amelia said three of her five children â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Evie, 9, Sawyer, 8, and Delia, 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are participating in the Grandpals program. The family got involved because they know Lloyd, but Whittington said since her parents donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t live nearby, they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have much interaction with older people. The family has enjoyed participating because it has given the children a chance to practice a new skill (letter writing) while getting to know new friends, she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My oldest daughter has shared recipes with her Grandpal, and my son included a picture of his latest fishing adventure when he found out his Grandpal enjoys fishing. The kids look forward to heading to the mailbox each day - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a really welcome activity for all of us,â&#x20AC;? she said. Lloyd said she has recruited some of the children through her volunteers or local program but is open to families who would like their children to participate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To me, it is very important not to underestimate the impact a child can have and to encourage that in them,â&#x20AC;? she said. For more information on the Grandpals program, contact Lloyd at 804-698-0438 or raservices. pva@gmail.com. Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church SUNDAYS 8AM Holy Eucharist (Quiet Service) 9:15AM Christian Formation (Sunday school for children & adults) 10:30AM Holy Eucharist All are Welcome

For more information visit www.stlukespowhatan.org Route 711 at Three Bridge Road 794-6953

The Bridge The Church of Genito Jesus Christ of Church Presbyterian â&#x20AC;&#x153;Building a Bridge of Hopeâ&#x20AC;? Latter-day Saints

Church

Isaiah 58:12

2910 Genito Rd. Powhatan, VA

598-2086 Worship with us this Sunday Church service @ 9:30 AM Sunday school @ 10:30 AM

EVERGREEN COMMUNITY CHURCH (PCA) Proclaiming & Practicing the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Worship service at 9:30 AM Meeting at Flat Rock Elementary School

598-4970

598-8844

Located 1950 Ridge Road (Rt. 627) 2/10th of a mile north of Rt. 13

! " # $ %

Meeting Sundays in Amelia, Farmville, Fork Union, Midlothian, Powhatan and Online. Visit pccwired.net for services times & locations. 598-1174 pccwired.net

Powhatan United Methodist Church Living As Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Disciples Within Our Hearts and Beyond Our Doors 2253 Rosson Rd.

Just off Rt. 13 in the Village

598-4438

Worship: 8:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:45 a.m.

www.powhatanumc.us Weekday Preschool (ages 2-5)

598-6090

Mount Calvary Baptist Church 2020 Red Lane Road

Powhatan, VA 23139 1801 Huguenot Trail Sunday School 9am Pastor, Larry B. Collins Sunday Worship 10am Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study 6:45pm Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study Bryan M. Holt, Pastor 7:30 p.m. 378-3607 www.EmmausChristianChurch.org Office 804-598-2398

Powhatan Christian Fellowship Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

Worship Service 11:00 am Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 am Wednesday Night 7:30 p.m.

www.EvergreenPowhatan.com Rev. Robert Barnes

1957 Capeway Rd., Powhatan, VA

804-403-3963 Sundays: Morning Worship 10:00 AM Patrick Conner, Bishop Wednesday: Sacrament Service â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10 am - 11 am Family Life Night 7:00 PM Gospel Doctrine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:10 am 2480 Academy Road Priesthood/Relief Society â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:10 am 598-7159 Located off Route 60 at Lower Hill Rd. Pastor: Johnathan M. Whichard

Providence Presbyterian Church

Community Church Dr. Cavell W. Phillips, Pastor Where there is Unity, there is always Victory. A church â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where you are welcomeâ&#x20AC;? Wednesday: Bible Study Join Us For Sunday Worship 6:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:30pm ( 60 Minute 11:00AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12:30PM Warm Up To Sunday ) Powhatan Village Building 3910 Old Buckingham Road ucc4me.org Powhatan, VA 804-256-4411

Advertise in

3308 Pleasants Road, 1/4 mile off of Route 711 Russ Cress, Pastor 598-0733

St. John Neumann Catholic Church Rev. Walter G. Lewis, Pastor Saturday - 5 p.m. Sunday - 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m. 598-3754 www.sjnpowhatan.org Located behind Flat Rock Village Shopping Center

Church Directory.

Call 804-746-1235 ext. 2 for details.

Powhatan Today, May 27, 2020

Page 5A

For Williams, the ‘best birthday ever’ CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Helen Williams of Powhatan celebrated her 91st birthday on April 22 with the help of family and friends, who put together a drive-by birthday celebration to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Trenholm neighbors and Muddy Creek church members celebrated in over 20 cars that passed by while she stood in her front yard. One church member played the trombone, and everyone had signs and decorations on their vehicles. Williams told her daughter, Terry Adcock, that it was her best birthday ever.

Rock on

1033686-01

Audrey Lennon, 14, of Powhatan started painting rocks at the beginning of quarantine as an arts and crafts idea to have something to work on. She left them at the base of a few neighbors’ mailboxes on a family walk thinking it would make them smile and found it worked. Neighbors started posting on social media about it and when her mom, Dr. Stephanie Lennon, showed her how happy it made those neighbors, the teenager made it her mission to paint and deliver a special rock to each home. Stephanie Lennon said, “It’s been fun to watch the reactions on social media and people even stop her – and my husband and I - on our walks to tell us how they enjoyed finding theirs, how their ladybug lives in their screenedin porch, how their monster is on their kitchen windowsill, etc. It has been heartwarming to see Audrey find a project that can spread smiles

SECOND ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH

STUDENT NEWS Local residents earn degree from WGU Three local residents have earned a degree from Western Governors University (WGU). The online, nonprofit university has graduated over 178,000 students from across the country since its inception in 1997. Casey Berger of Powhatan has earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing. Shannon Kammerman of Powhatan has earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing. Kimberly Taylor of Powhatan has earned a Master of Science in information technology

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Contemporary – 8:30 a.m. Sunday School – 9:45 a.m. Worship – 11 a.m. Children’s Worship – 11 a.m. Prayer/Bible Study – Wed. 6:30 p.m. 2095 Red Lane Road Children’s Worship (all ages) – 1/2 mile off Rt. 60 on Red Lane Road Wed. 6:30 p.m. 804-598-2455 New Generation Praise & Worship – www.redlanebaptist.org Sunday 6 p.m. Worship Service 9:00 a.m. Lighthouse Youth – Wed. 5:30 p.m. Small Groups 10:30 a.m. Miracles of God Sp. Needs Service: 2 p.m. the 2nd Sat. of each month Wednesday Night Classes for all ages at 6:15 598-3481 • 975 Dorset Road Dr. James Taylor, Pastor www.gracelandbc.org

Praise and Worship Service Sunday School 9:45-10:45 Sunday Morning Worship will begin at 11:00 a.m.

GREENBRIER BAPTIST CHURCH

Holly Hills Baptist Church

“God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. We walk by faith and not by sight” – Pastor Darnell Carruthers

www.HollyHillsBaptist.org

(Independent Bible Believing)

Randy Blackwell, Pastor Sunday School - 10:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship - 11:00 a.m. Youth Ministry 6:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7:30 PM

379-8930 1659 Anderson Highway 3½ miles east of Flat Rock

5680 Cartersville Road Powhatan, Virginia 23139 Pastor Gregory L. Beechaum Sr. “The church where Jesus is Alive” 9:00 a.m. ---- Sunday School 9:45 a.m. ---- Prayer & Praise 10:00 a.m.--- Sunday Morning Worship 5th Sunday at 11 a.m. Hour of Power 7:30 p.m. ---- Tuesday Night Worship & Bible Study

804-375-9404

Hollywood Baptist Church “A Church Where Love Never Fails!” Pastor Otis B. Lockhart, Jr.

SUNDAYS AT 10AM 1348 ANDERSON HWY POWHATAN VA 23139 RISENCHURCH.US

MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH 2591 Ridge Road Powhatan, Virginia 23139 804-598-2051 Rev. Bryan Stevens, Pastor 11 a.m. – Worship Service 9 a.m. – Church School Wednesday Bible Study 10 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Graceland Baptist Church Dr. Ronald Wyatt, Jr., Pastor

Reverend Mark A. Divens, Sr. Pastor

4731 Bell Road, Powhatan, VA 23139 804-598-5491

which measures learning rather than time spent in class. Designed to meet the needs of working adults, courses allow students to study and learn on their own schedules with individualized, oneto-one faculty support. They complete courses as soon as they demonstrate that they have mastered the subject matter, allowing them to move quickly through material they already know so they can allocate time for what they still need to learn. As a result, many WGU students are able to accelerate their studies, saving both time and money.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

1059 Dorset Road Powhatan, VA 23139

Sunday School: 10:00-10:45 a.m. Worship Service: 11:00 a.m.

management. Since Jan. 2, 2020, WGU has awarded 6,313 undergraduate and 4,975 graduate degrees. Graduates' areas of study include business, K-12 education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. The average time to graduation for those earning a bachelor's degree was two years, three months, while the average time for graduate programs was one year, six months. The average age of those who graduated is 38 years old. WGU pioneered competency-based education,

Advertise in Powhatan Today’s Church Directory. Call 804-7461235 ext. 2 for details.

OLD POWHATAN BAPTIST CHURCH 3619 Huguenot Trail Powhatan, Virginia 23139 www.finecreekbaptist.org Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Worship Service: 11:00 a.m. Traditional Rev. David A. Simpson, Pastor

Brad Russell, Pastor 598-4241 First Worship 8:30 am Bible Study for all ages 9:45 am Second Worship 11:00 am Wed. Family Ministry 6:30 pm

2202 Old Church Road www.powhatanbaptist.org

Family Worship Center “Your Community Church”

598-2763

2901 Judes Ferry Road Powhatan, Va 23139 804-379-8223

Sunday School at 9:30 am Morning Service at 11:00 am Bible Study Every Wednesday Night at 6:30 pm 3964 Old Buckingham Road

Sundays 10:00 AM Wednesday 6:30 PM Experiencing the presence, power and person of Jesus Christ

Loving, Investing, Fulfilling, Empowering Senior Pastor Justin Wilson Sunday Service 10:30am 2410 New Dorset Circle www.Communitylifechurchpowhatan.org Feeding Powhatan Open 3rd Wednesday of the month

Muddy Creek Baptist Church

FIRST ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday 10am, 11am & 6pm

Sunday School - 9:45 am Worship - 11 am Wednesday Bible Study & Prayer Service - 7:00 pm

3920 MAIDENS RD., POWHATAN

Wednesday 7pm

Pastor Jeff Beard, MA, MBA 3470 Trenholm Road www.muddycreekbaptist.org

375-9212

804-598-2301 Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Service 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Mid Day Bible Study 11:30 a.m. Evening Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

Travis L. Keith- Pastor Church Office: 794.7054 1530 Cook Road (Rt. 636)

www.glbcpva.org

Just Across from South Creek Shopping Center!

Powhatan Today, May 27, 2020

Page 6A

Despite challenges, Powhatan Extension distributes seedlings via ‘drive through’

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Powhatan’s Shawn Murphy gets to work planting one of the seedlings recently distributed by the Powhatan County Extension Office.

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Contributed Report Most years, more than 2,100 tree seedlings are distributed to Powhatan, Pocahontas and Flat Rock Elementary schools for students to plant at home. The hardwoods were set to be distributed on March 20, but with the COVID-19 closings of the schools that week, the event got put on hold. According to Cathy Howland, Powhatan County 4-H Extension Agent, “We were able to store the tree seedlings in the Forestry Department’s walk-in coolers located in Cumberland for a few extra weeks to see if the situation would turnaround…but obviously this never happened.” Once Howland got the call that the trees needed to be out of the coolers by early April, Extension staff started working on Plan B. Virginia Cooperative Extension’s forestry agent was able to find homes for the majority of the tree seedlings set to come to Powhatan. However, the local staff decided to pick up the remaining 550 seedlings to distribute locally through a “drive by” pickup system at the Extension Office. After running the idea by interim county administrator, Bret Schardein, they got the green light with a few suggested changes to ensure resident and employee safety. Emails were sent to more than 200 families and volunteers enrolled in the local 4-H and Master Gardener programs alerting them that two seedlings would be available for families to pick up if they

happened to be on their way to work or the grocery store. “We didn’t want to encourage people to make a special trip out with the governor’s new stay at home policies in place,” Howland said. The roots were wrapped in wet paper and bagged with instructions by Extension staff. Then a tub of red buds and a tub of red maple seedlings were set on tables in the Village Building parking lot so cars could simply drive by and pick up bags through their car windows. A sign was placed in the Village and county staff was invited to stop by as well. All but 25 seedlings were given out within 24 hours. “It was fun to see some familiar 4-H faces waving out of their car windows,” Howland added. “There were lots of smiles and excitement over the trees!” One Master Gardener took about 20 seedlings to plant along his driveway. Many parents said planting a tree was a great way to get the children outside for a fun, family activity. The annual tree seedling program is a collaboration between Powhatan 4-H and Powhatan County’s Public School’s STEM program in an effort to raise students’ awareness on the importance of trees. Students are encouraged to take seedlings home to plant with the help of a parent. “Studies show that planting and caring for a tree builds community involvement and a sense of stewardship for years to come as the tree

grows,” Howland said. Families are encouraged to take pictures of the planted seedlings so they can compare growth from year to year. Howland added, “One of the best ways to inspire a love of nature and the outdoors is to start teaching it at a young age.” When youth learn the many aspects of tree planting and care, from picking a species to putting it in the ground and everything in between, it becomes second nature

“It was fun to see some familiar 4-H faces waving out of their car windows. There were lots of smiles and excitement over the trees.” Powhatan County 4-H Extension Agent Cathy Howland

to them. Trees also improve water quality by restoring forest cover to residential and stream buffer locations. The seedlings were provided through a grant made possible by Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation, and matching funds from Huber Engineered Woods, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative and Virginia, Maryland and Delaware Customer Owned Electric Cooperatives.

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Powhatan Dems help support food bank Powhatan County Democrats recently collected two carloads of food and grocery donations for the Feeding Powhatan food bank. Drivers Mike Asip and Kathryn Waycaster picked up contributions from over a dozen households across the county to help bolster the pantry’s supply. ‘Our Powhatan democrats were so pleased to be able support the needs of our community during this COVID-19 health crisis,’ noted Mike Asip. The donations were delivered to the Feeding Powhatan collection center at Community Life Church. Above, Kathryn Waycaster and Mike Asip drop off supplies at Feeding Powhatan.

Now that Virginia’s gradual reopening has begun, what local activities are you most looking forward to doing again once restrictions are lifted? E-mail answers to editor@powhatantoday.com or share them on the Powhatan Today’s Facebook page.

May 27, 2020

Page 7A

‘Dusting’ effort has brought joy to so many By Laura McFarland Editor

ometimes you just sit back and let the positivity flow over you. Recently, I heard from a friend about this seemingly random movement going around Powhatan County called dusting. A friend told me about it, and then another friend invited me to join a private Facebook group called the Powhatan Sisterhood of the Traveling Spirits and Treats. When I was accepted into the group and started looking around, I was impressed with the members’ desire to come together and their generosity and kindness – so much so that I decided to write a story for the Powhatan Today (see story on page 1A). For those of you have haven’t read that story yet, the group refers to its members as fairies and they “dust” other women in the county by anonymously dropping off bags of goodies on their porches, ringing the doorbell, and hightailing it. Of course, this positive take on the ding dong ditch was the original concept, but it’s obvious from some of the posts on the page that many have either stuck around to chat and meet their neighbors or been caught before they could get away. For the story, I interviewed Jessie Wilkes, the woman who started the group to bring a little cheer to the women of the county in these heavy times. She shared her desire to see women come together in unity and spread some joy. She expressed surprise at the exponential growth the group had seen – she created the invite-only group on May 2 and by May 13 it had 1,000 members. She also talked about the impact it was having on local women. But the best way to gauge that was to actually ask the women on the page what it meant to them. So, with Jessie’s permission, I posted a message asking anyone who wanted to share their experience dusting others or being dusted to either comment on the post

or send me an email. As I wrote a few hours later when I edited the post to say I had what I needed for the story, the response was overwhelming. Women going through really hard times talked about the needed boost this gave them to get through their day. Mothers shared stories of dusting with their children and their happiness at watching them excitedly embrace the idea of giving. Women shared photos of the great surprises they found waiting on their doorstep or of the bags they had prepared to go brighten someone else’s day. When I told the women I had enough for my story, I joked that the only way I could fit them all was if I filled up the entire paper with their experiences. While I can’t do that, I can share a few more here to continue to show just how important the kindness of a stranger can be to others. On Mother’s Day, Jean Kingery attended the funeral of a family member who had succumbed to cancer at age 36. The date was chosen because the woman’s greatest joy was her children. Kingery said it was a hard, extremely draining and emotional day, and she didn't think she had any more tears to cry. “Then, I came home that evening and saw my dusting, and I was able to end my day with a smile instead of the sadness that had overwhelmed us throughout the day,” she said. Necole Simmons was one of several women who shared a photo of her daughter wearing fairy wings and carrying bags to dust someone. The proud mom talked about her daughter’s willingness to spread love and kindness and focus on “positive things and feelings in this unprecedented time of loneliness and uncertainty.” “This group is easing some quarantine anxieties for our family,” she wrote. Cindy McGruder described her first time out, when she traveled to the homes of four local women to dust them. “I got busted on one of them and had to try to ex-

Memorial Day message is not quarantined By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

As a child, we celebrated Memorial Day in much the same way we recognized other summer holidays — by decorating our bikes and staging a parade. I guess anyone from that generation will recall the importance of bicycles in our daily existence. A pile of bicycles hastily parked beside a playground was a regular sight in our neighborhood. Our bikes became a mystical vehicle that could take us anywhere. If you were playing Cowboys and Indians, the horse below us had two wheels and spokes. On other occasions, the bikes became ships on open water preparing to do battle. And when Memorial Day rolled around, these same bikes became our floats for a neighborhood organized parade. It would be the finale in a day of cookouts, badminton games and runs though the sprinkler. Any backyard would do serving as a prep area, filled with colorful streamers and homemade signs hung from wagons that would be pulled by the little ones who hadn’t crossed the line to two-wheelers. We unwound rolls of red, white and blue crepe paper, and entwined it meticulously in the spokes of our wheels. A clothespin and playing card strategically attached to a fender support provided the roar of a real engine. We placed colorful streamers in the ends of our handlebars, and attached pinwheels to our forks. In a simple truth that becomes apparent to all as years pass, the real fun of the parade was the preparation. The rewards of sharing a common goal with friends, working together and seeing a project through from start to finish are what I remember most about those days. The parade was somewhat anticlimactic, and, by the next day, the bikes had returned to their utilitarian origins, complete with torn seats and rusty fenders. As we prepare to honor those who served on this Memorial Day, an absence of parades is just one of

the things that will seem decidedly different from past years. The coronavirus has taken a tremendous toll on aging veterans, and any consideration of large gatherings for this high-risk group was quickly deemed not possible. But, even in this unusual year of unprecedented challenges, the meaning of Memorial Day remains, and the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for their country are no less appreciated and honored. Perhaps this crisis intensifies our focus and appreciation of those unselfish enough to risk life and limb on unknown soil to preserve our way of life. This virus has caused our nation unimaginable harm and forced us to re-examine things we once took for granted. Making sacrifices has become a daily routine as we struggle to return to some time of normalcy. But, it does not affect our ability to remember and honor those who made sacrifice a way of life in defense of their nation. Do not allow our compassion and respect for our national heroes to be quarantined. We should remember that never have so few sacrificed so much for so many, and unforeseen circumstances shouldn’t dampen our commitment to their memory. So, even minus the parades and memorial services, all of us can take a moment to honor men and women who placed service above personal safety and left their blood on foreign soils across the globe. And, honestly, the message of Memorial Day is expressed in many ways. Marching bands with fancy floats and marching soldiers are certainly appropriate methods to show our appreciation, and we’ll await their return when better days return. But, thinking back, that dog riding in a wagon decorated with an American flag pulled by a kid with a homemade patriotic hat delivered the same message. “Thank You” to those who served and sacrificed.

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plain to him what I was doing and hoped I wouldn't get arrested,” she said. Then she arrived home to find she had been dusted twice. She said the joy she felt at being a recipient couldn’t be put into words. She was inspired to make four more bags and go dusting again. “I believe I am addicted. ... I had to explain to my kids what was happening because my daughter was worried I would get arrested,” she wrote. Erin Aeschlimann said she was in the hospital from April 23 to May 4, and coming home and being dusted twice made her feel so loved. “It made me feel like everything was going to be okay. The creators of this ‘family’ have made a horrible situation not seem so very horrible,” she wrote. Kara Taylor talked about the joy the group has given her. Scrolling through the posts each day to read the dustings and to “see how it has encouraged so many gives us all a sense of community. Powhatan is a great place to live,” she wrote. Being at home so much with just about nowhere to go has been tough, Caitlin Sadler wrote. She has had fun gathering things that she hopes would brighten up someone’s day. “I love how supportive everyone has been throughout this quarantine even though it has been so hard for so many. Being a part of this has given so much light during such a dark time. Women, many who don’t even know each other, showing kindness, friendship, and love is a magical thing. I love our community,” she wrote. It’s hard to say it any better, so I will let Jessie, the group’s creator, wrap it up: “In a time where they have told us to separate, we united. We brought light to a very dark place; giving hope, love, laughs and encouragement. I’m so blessed to be part of such a beautiful thing.” Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com.

COVID-19 crisis’ toll on mental health cannot be ignored By Roslyn Ryan Editor

Let’s be honest: For some, life under lockdown has not been an entirely terrible thing. Among the less painful parts of being told to stay home for some people include the chance to ditch long commutes (and the requisite fill-ups), spend a little more time with family, and even tackle some projects around the house that probably wouldn’t have ever been completed without this recent quarantine. And yet, if we are going to be honest we should be totally honest, and that means noting that the proverbial glass for many Americans these past few months has been tough to view as being half full. Many glasses these days, in fact, are looking pretty empty. It has been estimated by the National Alliance on Mental Illness that one in five adults is battling some form of the condition. If you are among them, there is a good chance that you have been hit hard these past few months. If one were to sit down and attempt to design a scenario that could bring more varied types of stress — economic, health, family — I doubt you could come up with a worse one than what many people across the nation are facing right now. So much of life as we knew it has been upended, and, even as we celebrate moving into Phase One of the recovery in the Commonwealth, so many unknowns remain in front of us. As many have pointed out in recent weeks, the unprecedented measures we have been forced to take to combat the viral threat have left few unsee Mental health, pg. 8

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Powhatan Today, May 27, 2020

Page 8A

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Plant names By Virginia McCown

ply as tupelo or black tupelo. It’s also called the black gum or the sour gum. But this species is called the beetlebung on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. The name is thought to have originated from its use in making the mallet known as a beetle used for hammering bungs or stoppers into barrels. The tough, resistant wood of Nyssa sylvatica is difficult to split even after drying. It is considered to be a premier wood for making railroad ties. Nyssa sylvatica is also a major source of wild honey within its growing range of eastern North America.

Special to the Powhatan Today

illy Balls, Beetlebungs, and Hen Widdies are only some of the weird and quirky names history has given to plants and trees in our landscaping. Here are a few more:

Dog Vomit Slime Mold Fuligo septica is a species of plasmodial slime mold also commonly known as the scrambled egg slime because of its resemblance to – well, you know – canine barf! This yellowish bile-like substance is often found on bark mulch after heavy rain or excessive watering. Fuligo septica grows on rotten wood and plant debris but can also be found on leaves and stems of living plants. It may trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, running nose, or even asthma in susceptible individuals.

Monkey Puzzle Tree Araucaria araucana, the national tree of Chile, is an evergreen growing 3–5 ft in diameter and 100–130 ft in height. Araucaria araucana is the hardiest species in the conifer genus Araucaria. Because of the prevalence of similar species in ancient times, it is sometimes referred to as a living fossil. How did it get its English language name? In 1850, Sir William Molesworth, the owner of a young tree in Cornwall, Britain, showed it to a group of friends. Barrister Benthamist Charles Austin remarked, “It would puzzle a monkey to climb that.” Araucaria araucana was elevated to stardom as Captain Gregg’s prized specimen in the 1947 classic movie, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.

Sneezewort Yarrow Speaking of sneezing, Achillea ptarmica, the sneezewort, sneezeweed, bastard pellitory, European pellitory, fairmaid-of-France, goose tongue, wild pellitory, or white tansy, is a European species of herbaceous perennial once used as sneezing powder. Dried Sneezewort flowers were used medicinally to help clear out peoples’ sinuses. The dried flowers can also be used as insect repellent. Achillea ptarmica can be planted in the windiest and driest parts of hot, sloped gardens.

Billy Balls Craspedia globosus is a globe shaped perennial with yellow blooms atop sturdy stems resembling a Tootsie Pop. Craspedia globosus a native of Australia is commonly used in floral arrangements and for decorating.

Beetlebung Nyssa sylvatica, often known sim-

MENTAL HEALTH Continued from pg. 7

scathed. Even if you have managed, like the vast majority of Virginians, to avoid being physi-

cally sickened by the coronavirus, it’s unlikely you have escaped any impact to your mental health. What’s important to remember, both for those dealing with

Hooded Skullcap or Marsh Skullcap

Lambsquarters or White Goosefoot

Its flowers look like caps! Scutellaria galericulata is a hardy perennial herb in the mint family native to northern regions of the Northern Hemisphere. One of its plant relatives, mad-dog weed, was used in medieval times as a remedy for rabiddog bites.

Chenopodium album is named after Lammas Quarter, a harvest festival held on August 1st in ninth century England. It’s also sometimes called Goosefoot because its leaves look... well, like goose feet! Lambsquarters is prolific and can grow in all soil types. Delicious cooked like creamed spinach, it’s very nutritious and contains more vitamins and minerals than many vegetables.

Turkey Corn or Fringed Bleeding Heart Dicentra eximia is a flowering plant with fernlike leaves and odd-shaped flowers native to the Appalachian Mountains. It is similar to the Pacific bleedingheart, Dicentra formosa. Heat tolerant, it’ll grow throughout the summer as long as the soil doesn’t dry out.

Skunk Cabbage

Its flower looks like an egg yolk. Linaria vulgaris is native to most of Europe, northern Asia, and western China. It’s now common in North America and used for creating yellow dye or as a lotion to help heal insect bites.

Symplocarpus foetidus, also known as swamp cabbage, clumpfoot cabbage, foetid pothos or polecat weed, is a low growing plant found in wetlands and moist hilly slopes of eastern North America. Bruised leaves present a fragrance reminiscent of skunk. Certain parts of the plant were eaten by Native Americans, but severe calcium oxalate poisoning and possibly death can occur if the wrong plant part is eaten. Why do we like skunk cabbage? It’s one of the earliest plants to appear in late winter, a welcome yet stinky harbinger of spring!

Hens and Chicks or Hen Widdies

The Corpse Flower

Often called houseleeks, Sempervivum, a succulent native to southern Europe and northern Africa, consists of about 40 species in the Crassulaceae family. It grows or expands in a cluster. The “hen” is surrounded by smaller baby plants known as the “chicks.” “Hen and Chicks” was the forerunner of today’s lightning rods. No, not exactly…. But it was planted on roof tops for protection against fire as the plant was associated with the Norse god of thunder, Thor.

Rafflesia keithii, found only in the rain forests of Indonesia, is a parasitic organism without visible leaves, stems or roots. It’s actually the largest individual flower in the world. It also holds the highly un-coveted honor of worst smelling flower of all time!

Butter and Eggs or Yellow Toadflax

mental illness themselves and for those who care for them, is that there are resources available to help. In Powhatan, those resources include the Goochland-Powhat-

Virginia McCown is a master gardener living in Central Virginia along with her garden and assorted creatures both great and small.

an Community Services Board (CSB), which can be reached at (804) 598-2200. If you need assistance, please reach out. If you know someone else who might, please pass

these numbers along. The battle against COVID-19 may have forced us to distance, but that doesn’t mean we have to face these challenges alone.

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