Powhatan Today, November 4, 2020
Page 2A
VERA AYERS-KILMER Vera Ayers-Kilmer, 96, of Powhatan, went to be with the Lord and her husbands, Green Ayers and Fred Kilmer, on Thursday, October 29, 2020. She is survived by her daughter, JoAnn Ayers Greene (Parker (Moe)) of Powhatan; brother, Ronald D. Murphy (Margie) of Spencer. Vera was a retired employee of Gulf Oil. Funeral serAYERS-KILMER vices were held Sunday, November 1 at 2 p.m. at Moody Funeral Services, 202 W. Blue Ridge St., Stuart, VA 24171. The family will receive friends Wednesday, November 4 from 11 to 12:30 p.m. in the Bennett & Barden Funeral Home, 3215 Anderson Hwy. (Rt.60), Powhatan, with graveside services to follow at 1 p.m. in the Powhatan Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to CBN at www.cbn.com. Online condolences may be made at bennettbardenfh.com.
NELSON BISHOP Nelson Paige Bishop, 71, of Middlesex, formerly of Powhatan, was met in heaven by his parents, Nelson S. and Doris Taylor Bishop, on Thursday, October 22, 2020. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Virginia Price Bishop; son, Russell M. Bishop (Carolyn) of Powhatan; sister, Dr. Nancy B. Newton (David) of Alabama. Paige was a retired Captain with the Henrico County Fire Dept. and a Chief Bailiff with Middle-
sex County. A graveside service was held Wednesday, October 28 at 1 p.m. in the Powhatan Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to BISHOP an animal shelter of your choice, as Paige truly loved his fur friends. Online condolences may be made at bennettbardenfh.com.
LEANDER SCOTT SR. Mr. Leander O'Neal Scott Sr., peacefully passed from this life on Monday, October 26, 2020, meeting his Lord and Savior. He was reunited with his bride of 71 years, Eva; his son, Tom; his grandson, Cameron; and his parents, Price and Lela. He was 95.5 years old. Leander was a businessman, SCOTT pulp wood dealer, farmer and self-educated historian. He was a true entrepreneur who started multiple forestry-related businesses over the last seven decades, some of which are still in operation today. Leander loved "buying dirt" as he called it. His parents put a tract of land in his name to manage when he was a young teenager, fueling his lifelong drive for timberland acquisition and management. Active in his industry and community, Leander was a 70-year mem-
ber of the Amelia Masonic Lodge No. 101, Amelia VFW Post 8759, Virginia Forest Products Association and a lifetime member of Virginia Forestry Association. He was instrumental in the construction of the Amelia War Memorial Building and the founding of Amelia Educational Foundation and continued support throughout his life and beyond. Leander was born April 26, 1925, in the same room of the house in which he passed. An only child, Leander was greatly influenced by his industrious parents and his namesake grandfather. He often worked for his grandfather and watched as he conducted business. He tried to pattern his life after him. Both humble men had innovative spirits and minds that never stopped thinking, planning and moving forward. A World War II veteran, Leander left school early, telling his principal that the war was going to end and he had to go now. He was one of the Greatest Generation honoring God, country and liberty. He signed up with the Marine Corps, spending most of his time in the Pacific theatre. Leander was in the Marine 4th Division anti-aircraft battery on the atoll providing support for the battle of Peleliu Island. He was part of the first group of occupational forces entering Japan prior to their surrender and was able to be an actual eyewitness to the signing of the surrender by the Japanese in Tokyo Bay. Twenty-year-old Leander returned from the war to Amelia, his family and Eva, the girl he had asked to wait for him. He graduated from Smithdeal Massey Business School and attended the University of Richmond for a few semesters while court-
ing Eva, who was at the Medical College of Virginia. The two were married after their education was completed in 1948. Starting with a borrowed truck and saw, Leander began cutting pulpwood on land he bought from money saved while serving in the Marines. His varied business ventures and land acquisitions grew from there; even on the day of his passing Leander was still conducting business. Leander was disciplined, both in his business life and more so his personal one. He always saw his cup half full, never empty. While some saw problems and obstacles; he saw opportunities. A man of great faith, Leander Scott felt truly blessed for each day the Lord gave him. He was a thankful man; and his gratitude steeled his determination to use every physical and mental asset the Lord had blessed him with until his dying day. And this he did. Leander leaves much family behind that will miss him every day; his children, Jo Anne Webb (Jim), Rebecca Bogese (Jimmy), Lanny (Tammy), William (Stacy). His surviving grandchildren are Michael, Alex, Stirling, Trey, Tom, Tiffany, Lee and Clay; and there are also five great-grandchildren. We ask for your prayers. Visitation and service will be at the Amelia Academy gymnasium, 8741 N. Five Forks Road, Amelia, Va. Visitation is Friday, November 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral, 12 noon Saturday, November 7, with graveside at Amelia Presbyterian Church. Lunch to follow graveside at Amelia Academy. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Amelia Academy, 8741 N. Five Forks Road, Amelia, VA 23002.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Wednesday, Nov. 4
Feeding Powhatan is a nonprofit food pantry that exists to feed people who are struggling financially in the Powhatan community. The pantry will be open from 5 to 7 p.m. on the following dates through the end of 2020: Nov. 4 and 18 and Dec. 2 and 16. The food pantry is located at 2408 New Dorset Circle (next to Community Life Church). Visit us on Facebook at Feeding Powhatan or call 804-3036431. Register at https://forms.gle/ QhweP5RgCTP4ryZz6. Powhatan County Public Library has reopened to the public, but due to COVID-19-related safety measures, it will be open for limited hours and occupancy, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. For now, the library is closed on Fridays. Books to Go and Curbside Print services will also continue to be available; however, once the building reopens, the pickup stations will move to the library atrium. Library staff will continue to be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday and on Saturday to provide service and support to patrons. Library programs will remain online at this time. Face coverings
a table at the main entrance of the library. When patrons are notified that their items are available for pick-up, the order must be picked up by 4 p.m. that day. Due to limited stock, items not picked up will be placed back into circulation and patrons may place another hold for pickup. Limit of 10 holds per cardholder per day and 50 items checked out total per card. Library WiFi and e-branch resources are available 24/7. Ccontact Powhatan County Public Library at 804-598-5670 or library@powhatanlibrary.net.
are required inside the library. While Powhatan County remains under a local state of emergency, the library restrooms will remain closed. The library meeting rooms are also unavailable until further notice. Contact the library at 804-598-5670 or library@ powhatanlibrary.net.
Powhatan County Public Library is still offering Books to Go. Patrons may reserve print materials, DVDs, and audiobooks online or by phone. This provides a contactless pick-up option for those who prefer to obtain library materials in traditional formats while the building is closed to the public due to COVID-19. To take advantage of this service, patrons have two options: place items on hold online through the catalog at www. powhatanlibrary.net or call the library at 804-598-5670 to request items. Online hold placement is available 24/7. Phone service is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday and on Saturdays. Holds placed after 4 p.m. (online or via phone) will be available on the next business day. Staff will contact patrons by phone when items are available for pick up. Items will be packaged in a new paper bag labeled with the patron’s last name. The bag will be placed on
C R I M E R E P O RT Arrests • One male was charged on Oct. 22 with driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated (Misdemeanor) and speeding in 55/65 mph zone. • One male was charged on Oct. 23 with driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated (M), possession of marijuana (Civil), and failure to stop/yield. • One male was charged on Oct. 24 with driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated (Felony), DWI, refusal of test, 1st offense (M), driving with a suspended or revoked license, and reckless driving – excessive speed (M).
Powhatan chapter meets virtually from 8 to 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday. Visit Www.BNIVA.com for information. To attend a meeting as a guest contact Chapter President Sandy Duncan at sandy6284@msn.com.
Powhatan County Public Library is now offering Curbside Print. Patrons may submit one printing/copying request per day for up to 10 pages of black and white printing at no charge. Requests may be submitted via email to print@powhatanlibrary.net. Staff will notify the patron via email when the print request is ready for pickup on the table in the library atrium. Powhatan County Public Library will hold Facebook Storytime at 10:30 a.m. on the library’s Facebook page, www. facebook.com/pg/powhatanlibrary Tuesday and Wednesday mornings through the end of October. Business Network International (BNI)
VIRTUAL Continued from pg. 1
to support them comes from instructional specialists, school-based administrators, instructional technology resource teachers, and counselors following up to check on attendance for those kids. Powhatan High School students are assigned a virtual coach, who is generally one of their classroom teachers and is meant to help them troubleshoot and navigate any
The Free Clinic of Powhatan has resumed in-person appointments. Located at 3908 Old Buckingham Road, the clinic offers free health services for uninsured and low income residents of Powhatan, Cumberland and Amelia counties. Services include medical, dental, dietary, counseling, women’s health. Call 804-598-5637 to schedule or request more information. Patient visits are by appointment only. Registration for new patients is 4 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays. Lab services are provided from 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays. Patient appointments are 4 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays. Administration hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The Powhatan Lion’s Club will meet at 6 p.m. at the County Seat Restaurant. Contact Mike Jones at 804-794-1440 for more information.
At about 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, the Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office arrested Robert Wesley Brizendine, 54, of Powhatan on two counts of soliciting a child under the age of 15 for sexual purposes and four counts of using a communication system to expose his genitals to a child under the age of 15, according to a release from Chief Deputy Jeff Searfoss. Brizendine allegedly traveled from his home in Powhatan to another location in Powhatan expecting to meet a 14-year-old child but was instead met by Powhatan deputies. Brizendine is being held in the Piedmont Regional Jail with no bond. The sheriff’s office is requesting that if anyone has any information in reference to Robert Wesley Brizendine, they contact Detective Austin Schwartz at 804-598-5656.
Local woman sentenced in 2019 torture, killing of puppy A Powhatan County woman was recently sentenced to two years in prison for the torture and killing of a 10-monthold puppy in late 2019. On Oct. 22, Yasmine Burton, 21, was sentence by Judge Paul Cella to five years with three years suspended for killing Chappo, a pit pull puppy, on Nov. 22, 2019, said
The Powhatan Food Pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursdays, Saturdays and Tuesdays and 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays at 2500 Batterson Road. Contact the pantry at 804372-9526 or powhatanvafoodpantry@ gmail.com.
The Huguenot Beekeepers Association is a group of experienced and beginner beekeepers that are dedicated to promoting beekeeping in our communities and supporting each other in our beekeeping activities. The group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. in the auditorium of the Powhatan Village Building, 3910 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan. Visit https:// huguenotbeekeepers.org.
The original Powhatan AA meets from 8 to 9 p.m. every Thursday in the Powhatan Village Building.
The Powhatan Rotary Club meets at 7:30 a.m. every Thursday at the County Seat Restaurant.
Awaken to Hope Al-Anon meets at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday at St. John Neumann Catholic Church.
Saturday, Nov. 7
Thursday, Nov. 5
needs they have while they are working in the virtual world, she said. Some virtual students come in on Wednesdays to meet with teachers to work through some direct instruction to assist them with their learning when they are independent, Thomas said. The school division continues to listen to the teachers about what their challenges are and tries to support them every way possible, but they are aware it is a challenge, Omohundro noted.
CRIME BRIEFS Powhatan man arrested, charged for child sex crimes
Rob Cerullo, deputy commonwealth’s attorney. At the time of her arrest, Burton advised authorities that she hung the animal from a tree with an extension cord because she has angry at her boyfriend for abusing her, Cerullo said. The animal was found by authorities deceased at the defendant’s property. An orange extension cord was seized along with the animal’s body. A necropsy revealed the animal had “bite marks on the tongue and peri-tracheal hemorrhaging consistent [with strangulation],” he said. Burton’s sentencing came after entering a no contest plea on July 6, 2020, and requesting a background investigation before sentencing. Cerullo argued that the defendant’s action showed an incredible amount of malice and cruelty and asked that she be sentenced to three years out of a maximum sentence of five years. In addressing the court, Cerullo said a tearful and visibly upset Burton advised the court that she was sorry and that she “prays for forgiveness every day.” Burton also blamed her actions on a drug problem, saying, “I thought things were happening that were not” and that she understood that “I need to be punished but I also need help.” In sentencing the defendant to two years’ incarceration, Cella indicated that she did not seem like a particularly mean person and noted her lack of record, Cerullo said. However, he also advised that Chappo suffered and died for no reason. The judge ordered that after her release, Burton is to be on probation and ordered that she have no contact with any companion animals.
see CALENDAR pg. 3
Fire destroys Courtois Signs workshop
PHOTO BY LAURA MCFARLAND
Powhatan firefighters put out a workshop fire at Courtois Signs on Oct. 28.
POWHATAN – A Powhatan sign company that has been in business 46 years took a major hit last week when its workshop was destroyed by fire. At about 1:03 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, Powhatan Fire and Rescue was called to the scene of a workshop on fire in the 2300 block of Batterson Road.The building was part of Courtois Signs, Graphics, Screen Printing and Embroidery, which is owned by Mike and Carol Courtois, who were in the house next door when they were alerted to the fire and were not injured. By the time first responders arrived at the scene, the workshop was fully engulfed and could not be saved, said Don Houtsma, EMS coordinator. However, firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading to the house, which suffered damage when the heat from the fire melted some of the siding.
Mike Courtois said he and his wife started their business 46 years ago in New York state and moved it to Powhatan in 1988. They have lived at their current location since 1990. While the first floor of their house is used for many parts of the business, the garage/workshop was also an important part of operations, including making signs and doing sign work on cars, he said. While he has to go through the insurance process, Courtois said they will be looking to rebuild because the workshop is an essential part of the business and their livelihood. The cause of the fire is still undetermined. The Powhatan Fire and Rescue units that responded to the fire were Engines 702, 701 and 705; Tankers 702, 704, 701, and 705; Truck 701; Rescue 702; Medic 741; Chief 702, and EMS 709. The last unit cleared the scene at 4:22 p.m.
