Inside A3 Richard Cox honored as he retires
Powhatan, Virginia B1 Daniel returns from Gothenburg
Vol. XXXVI No. o. 05
August 3, 2022
Board divided on future of county administrator By Laura McFarland Managing Editor
POWHATAN – The gulf that has grown between members of the Powhatan County Board of Supervisors was in stark relief last week as three members voted to raise the county administrator’s salary while the other two lobbied to have him resign. Following a relatively low-key regular agenda on Monday, July 25, the supervisors came back from an hour-plus closed session and took a number of unanimous votes addressing retroactive action on the salaries of constitutional officers without giving any context to the public. But when those votes were followed with one to give a raise to county administrator Ned Smither and make changes to his contract that would be more favorable to him, two board members not only pushed back but went the opposite direction, submitting a substitute motion that would have the board ask for Smither’s resignation effective that night. The salary increase would take Smither from his current salary of $173,250 to $190,000. The other two amendments were to eliminate the clause in Smither’s contract requiring him to relocate to the county and ad-
just the severance package amounts in the contract, depending on how many votes such an action would receive – five votes would see six months of severance; four votes, seven months, and three votes, eight months. David Williams, who represents District 1, made the substitute motion asking for the resignation and was supported by Bill Cox, District 4. The motion failed in a 2-3 vote. Chair Mike Byerly, District 3; Steve McClung, District 2, and Karin Carmack, District 5 then prevailed in the original vote, which passed 3-2, to authorize the reworking of Smither’s contract and the raise, although the revised contract has to be signed by the board members before the changes become official. Constitutional officers Though it was only touched on briefly in a lengthy speech Cox gave about why Smither should be asked to resign, two of the three votes the board took immediately after the closed session addressed actions taken in 2021. At last week’s meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve 5% cost of living adjustments (COLA) for all five constitutional officers – commissioner of the
revenue, commonwealth’s attorney, treasurer, clerk of the circuit court and sheriff – effective as of July 1, 2021. According to Melissa Lowe, human resources manager, this brought the constitutional officers to the following salaries last year: commissioner of the revenue Jamie Timberlake, $99,206; commonwealth’s attorney Richard “Dickie” Cox, $147,130; treasurer Becky Nunnally, $84,093 (she assumed this salary when she became interim treasurer and kept it when she officially took office), and clerk of the circuit court Teresa Hash Dobbins, $133,625. The board voted unanimously in a separate vote to give sheriff Brad Nunnally a 5% cost of living increase, but Lowe explained that his salary actually increased by more than that last year. After a salary study comparison to other localities with similar sheriff’s experience and size, Nunnally was increased from $100,811 to $110,862 effective July 1, 2021, but he also received the 5% COLA on top of that, making his final salary at the time $116,405. The third unanimous vote the board took saw them setting the salary of Rob Cerullo, the interim commonsee BOARD, pg. 4
Sheriff’s office trains on active shootings Dominion plugs
benefits of solar batteries By Laura McFarland Managing Editor
PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND
DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Powhatan, VA 23139
Prsrt. Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Powhatan, VA Permit No.19
Powhatan County Sheriff’s deputies participate in active shooter training on July 28 at Powhatan Middle School. The training asked them to enter a room with an active shooter, deal with the threat and assess injuries.
By Laura McFarland Managing Editor
POWHATAN – As mass shootings have continued to claim lives in public places and schools across the nation, the Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office has been turning its gaze inward to make sure deputies are prepared to respond if the unthinkable should ever happen. The sheriff’s office ran exercises last week to review its active shooter training and will continue to build on that training moving forward, according to Sgt. David Hunt, training coordinator. Over two training sessions on July 26 and 28 at Powhatan Middle School, about 25 deputies received
a refresher course in the proper procedures to respond to an active shooter and what to do in the aftermath to better help victims, he said. Makeup training sessions for all remaining deputies who have not gone through the training because they were not available will be held on upcoming dates. “It is to make sure we are all on the same page, that we have a game plan of how to deal with it so they know what the priorities of work are – addressing the threat, then providing security, transitioning to treating the injured and the safe evacuation of the injured,” he said. Most Powhatan deputies have attended full Advanced Law Enforcement
Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Level 1 or 2 courses, which take two days each, Hunt said. ALERRT is the national standard for response to active shooters. The sheriff’s office wants to get those who have not attended the training through that course, Hunt said. Training slowed down some during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they want to take advantage of the opportunities cropping up again. “We obviously don’t want this to happen at all. We want this training to be for nothing and in vain – that would be great – but we want to be prepared to do whatever we need to see SHERIFF, pg. 3
That’s a wrap on
POWHATAN – State and local officials gathered with solar industry professionals Thursday to recognize the successful completion of the Scott Battery Energy Storage System pilot project, which aims to extend the capability of solar energy to provide clean energy to the region. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Scott Solar facility in Powhatan to celebrate the largest operational battery energy storage pilot project. The project paves the way for the development of additional energy storage technology needed to support the company’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon and methane emissions by 2050, increase renewable generation and improve grid reliability. see SOLAR, pg. 6
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Young volunteers pack bags at Backpacks of Love to be distributed to children in need in seven counties.
Backpacks of Love expecting uptick in demand By Laura McFarland Managing Editor
PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND
Denise Whitlow of Powhatan and her daughters, 5-yearold Addison, center, and Allie, 8, pick beads to finish their summer reading program necklaces. See more photos Page 8A.
POWHATAN – Even as Powhatanbased nonprofit Backpacks of Love considers expanding into more schools across the seven counties it serves to make sure children don’t go hungry, there are concerns that existing demand is going to be higher than ever with the start of the new school year. Backpacks of Love’s mission is to eliminate hunger in school-age boys and girls in Central Virginia by providing food for their weekends. Enough see BACKPACKS, pg. 5
Powhatan Today, August 3, 2022
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Wednesday, Aug. 3
Community Matters is a resource for all 55 and forward interested in learning, staying active and engaging with peers. Challenge and socialization are powerful combined and crucial at any age! Program is free; requires independent participation. Weekly sessions with a wide range of topics and activities are held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Rescue Squad Building, 3920 Marion Harland Lane. The Aug. 3 schedule is: 10 a.m., Thomas, an incredible 8-year-old historian, will present on “How luck, bravery and strategy played into winning the Battle of the Bulge in World War II!”; noon, Southside Electric Cooperative representative Joy Stump will speak about energy efficiency in the home with some hands on and Q&A. Information on various offerings, activities and topics presented can be found on Facebook: Powhatan County Reach for Active Services and also by calling the Powhatan Library 804598-5670 and selecting option 3 to hear an updated recording. Call program coordinator Jayne Lloyd at 804-698-0438 for more information. Powhatan County Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Meeting rooms are available by reservation; study rooms are available first come, first served. The library offers e-books and materials to borrow in person or by using Books to Go. With Books to Go, patrons may reserve print materials, DVDs, and audiobooks 24/7 online at www.powhatanlibrary or by phone during open hours at 804-598-5670; once the patron is notified that their order is ready, they have three days to pick it up at the to-go shelf. The outdoor library book drop is open 24/7 for returning library items; however, patrons must return mobile hotspots to the circulation desk inside the library. The library accepts donations and the Friends of the Library bookstore is open during library business hours. Visit www.powhatanlibrary. net or call the library at 804-598-5670 for more details, and like the library’s Facebook page for all the latest, up-to-date library news, information and program schedules.
The Powhatan Food Pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursdays, Saturdays and Tuesdays at 2500 Batterson Road. Contact the pantry at 804-372-9526 or powhatanvafoodpantry@gmail.com.
A summer picnic and bluegrass concert will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14 at May Memorial Baptist Church. Come gather on the front lawn for a meal and music with the Little Mountain Boys.
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. on the first Thursday of each month in the auditorium of the Powhatan Village Building, 3910 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan. Visit https://huguenotbeekeepers. org.
Lonesome Dove Equestrian Center, which is located at 6137 Old Buckingham Road, provides year-round therapeutic horseback riding exclusively for veterans with special needs and disabilities. Focusing on veterans in Central Virginia, the goal of this program is to improve the quality of life for the participants through activities that are positive to their cognitive, physical, emotional and social wellbeing. As of Jan. 1, 2021, the program is also welcoming first responders to come ride with the program. From April through October, volunteers are asked to arrive at 9 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 10 a.m. Upcoming dates are: Aug. 16 and 24; Sept. 13, 20 and 28; Oct. 4, 18 and 26. In November, volunteers are asked to arrive at 10 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 11 a.m. Upcoming dates are Nov. 1, 15 and 30. There are no sessions in December. LDEC is able to provide a variety of services to the veterans because of dedicated volunteers. Those who would like to help and have fun at the same time are asked to consider becoming a member of one of these teams. For more information about Lonesome Dove, visit http://ldequestrian.com/ or contact 804-318-6485.
Extension specialists and industry experts share timely topics for farmers in the Virginia Cooperative Extension Ag Today, held virtually at 9 a.m. every Thursday. These updates are relevant and brief and are recorded for folks who can't join on that day and time. Podcasts (audio only) are posted on Westmoreland VCE webpage and YouTube video recordings can be found at https://www.youtube.com/ playlist ?list=PL7_2QUVzrPXDpYsV2HY11CH8KBrluif yO. Contact Stephanie Romelczyk (sromelcz@ vt.edu) for information on joining the meeting live. Watched or listened to VCE AG Today? Let us know how we are doing! Find our survey here: https://vce.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ SV_6fiYBb914AYRdn7.
The original Powhatan AA meets from 7 to 8 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.
Friday, Aug. 5
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.
The Powhatan Garden Club will meet at 10 a.m. at the Powhatan Rescue Squad meeting room. Kathy Ward, an accomplished floral designer, will conduct a floral design workshop/ watch meeting Members are encouraged to bring flowers and greens for their own design to make while Ward is instructing. We want to encourage members and prospective members to come even if not participating. We will learn a great deal about floral design rules and basics from an expert. Just Kids, an affordable clothing shop selling gently used children’s clothes, sizes newborn to 8 plus, had its official opening June 7. Moving forward, the store will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The shop is located in the Memorial Baptist Church Youth House, 3926 Old Buckingham Road. Just Kids is a ministry of May Memorial Baptist Church. Clothes cost $2 per bag. The Powhatan Village Farmers Market is open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. every Thursdays through September on the grounds of Bienvenue, 3841 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan. The market offers families a great way to unwind with live music and food truck fare while catching up with neighbors. The Powhatan market meets all your local farm produce and pastured meat needs, as well as those specialty goods you’re looking for like honey, soap, baked treats, unique artisan crafts and more. Lots of SNAP and Double SNAP options! We’re excited to welcome you to the Powhatan Village farmers market! For more information, contact 302893-0068 or visit https://rvagriculture.org/. A Called to Care Meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month at Powhatan United Methodist Church. This organization offers both support to persons who have health issues and those who are caring for persons with health issues. The meetings may include guest speakers on a myriad of topics related to aging and good health. Guest speakers have included a nurse practitioner, neurologist, nutritionist, physical therapist and many more. All are welcome to attend. This group is facilitated by Judy Cain-Oliver, licensed clinical psychologist. A Caregiver Support Group will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. the first Thursday of every month at May Memorial Baptist Church, 3922 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan. Build a support system with people who understand. For more information, contact Jayne Lloyd at 804-6980438. Visit alz.org/grva to learn more about caregiver programs and resources.
May Memorial Baptist Church will have a Blessing of Backpacks on Aug. 21 during the worship service at 11 a.m. Join us in praying for students, teachers, administrators and all school workers for the upcoming school year!
The Virginia Hunting Dog Alliance Foundation Shrimp Feast will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 at the Powhatan Rescue Squad Grounds, 3920 Marion Harland Lane, Powhatan. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased through the local VAHDA Chapter or online at www.vahda.org/banquet. They are also available at Smok N Pigz BBQ Old Tavern Junction in Powhatan and Tom’s Meat and Produce in Amelia. The event will include a full shrimp dinner, auctions, raffles and live music. Ticket sales end Aug. 13.
The Heart of Virginia Beekeepers plans to meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6 at the Prince Edward County Extension Office, 100 Dominion Dr., Farmville, VA 23901 next to Lowe's. Anyone who has bees or is interested in bees is welcome. For more information call Mary Jane Morgan at 434315-1433. To check on possible cancellations or changes, visit Facebook or our website: heartofvirginiabeekeepers.org.
Powhatan Cruizer’s car club, which is open to any vehicle or motorcycle owner, meets at 6 p.m. on the first Friday of the month at the Powhatan County Fairgrounds. Meetings are open to anyone. For more information, contact Charlie Williams at 804-898-0876.
Saturday, Aug. 6
Business Network International (BNI) Powhatan chapter meets virtually from 8 to 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday. Visit Www.BNIVA.com for information. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/ BNIOnFire or contact executive director Dawne Gulla at dawne@bniva.com or 804-690-9220 for more information.
Thursday, Aug. 4
Powhatan County Public Library will hold a weekly Story Time at 10:30 a.m. Participants will read stories, sing songs, learn finger plays and more! Weather permitting, the program will be held outdoors; in inclement or cold weather, the program will be held indoors at the fireplace.
The Free Clinic of Powhatan serves residents from Powhatan, Amelia and Cumberland Counties as well as select Chesterfield areas. Services include medical, dental, counseling and women’s healthcare by appointment. Note: Walk-in medical services for current registered patients now available on the first and third Mondays of May and June. Eligibility requirements on website www. freeclinicofpowhatan.org/patients. Registration for new patients by appointment Mondays 5-8 p.m. or walk-in Tuesdays from 10 a.m.1 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, call (804) 598-5637.
O B I T UA R I E S
Farmers Market at Tavern 19 is open from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturdays through October on the grounds of Independence Golf Course, 600 Founders Bridge Blvd, Midlothian, VA 23113. The new Farmers Market at Tavern 19 is a grower’s market, featuring farm fresh seasonal produce, grass fed meats, fruits and berries, honey, baked goods, value added products and select artisan crafts. Independence Golf Course is the ideal setting for a farmers market – it’s a park-like setting with plenty of parking and grass covered by large shade trees. The market has free Wi-Fi, a stage, electricity, food provided by Tavern 19, picnic tables, live music, kid’s activities and more! Come grab some dinner and stock up for the week on fresh local products! For more information, visit https://rvagriculture.org/.
Habitat For Humanity - Powhatan depends on volunteers and donors. Habitat is blessed with the community’s helpful, kind and generous participation. The Habitat Store at 1922 Urbine Road will be open on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. During this pandemic, anyone coming into the store must wear a face mask. The office is located in the Habitat Store and the office number is 804-594-7009. Call and volunteer! Donate! Help us build!!
Powhatan AA meets at 8 p.m. every Saturday at Manakin Episcopal Church on Huguenot Trail.
Ongoing
Monday, Aug. 8
The Free Clinic of Powhatan is offering walkin medical appointments for active current patients from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month at the clinic at 2320 Skaggs Road. No appointment necessary. For more information, contact 804598-5637. A Grief Support Group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. on the second Monday of each month at Powhatan United Methodist Church. All are welcome to attend. This group is facilitated by Judy Cain-Oliver, licensed clinical psychologist.
Relay for Life South of the James meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of the month online. For more information, contact Pat Johnson at 804-241-1161 or pjj804@icloud. com.
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, Aug. 9
Have you ever wondered what tree you were walking by in Powhatan State Park? This walk may be just what you're looking for. Led by a local master naturalist volunteer, the walk is an introduction to the basics of native tree identification. The walk will take approximately 1.5 hours on an easily travelled trail that passes many of the native trees found in central Virginia. Be sure to wear closed toe shoes and bring plenty of water. All ages are welcome. The walk begins promptly at 10 a.m. every Tuesday at the Playground Shelter through the end of August. Call the Park Office at 804598-7148 for more information.
Awaken to Hope Al-Anon meets at 8 p.m. every Tuesday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
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.
Backpacks of Love, a 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 be available to deliver on Thursdays. They are in immediate need of a driver to deliver to Cumberland County and or Amelia County. These are great jobs for students looking for community hours. Always accepting food donations of single serve raviolis, spaghettios, apple sauce, cereal, cookies, crackers and more. Contact Kevin Hardy at 804-350-1127 for more information.
Young people in the 4-H community learn leadership, citizenship, and a vast array of life skills that benefit them for the rest of their lives. Through school-based, after-school, and community clubs as well as camp settings, 4-H members pledge to build a better community, country, and world. The new 4-H year starts Oct. 1 and runs through Sept. 30, 2022, so this is a great time to join a 4-H club! In Powhatan County, 4-H SPIN and project clubs include the following designed for youth ages 9-18: Livestock, Archery, Equine, Dairy Judging, and Shooting Education (waiting list). For our younger youth, ages 5-8 years old, we’re seeking new club leaders interested in starting a second Cloverbud 4-H Club in Powhatan. 4-H School Enrichment programs are also available for homeschool groups. Reach out to Cathy Howland, Powhatan 4-H Extension Agent, at 804-598-5640 or chowland@vt.edu for details about the 4-H opportunities listed, and/or information on starting new 4-H clubs or programs.
Powhatan Food Pantry is currently seeking volunteer drivers who can pick up food from the local Food Lions on different days between 8:30 and 10 a.m. and transport them to the nonprofit at 2500 Batterson Road. Contact the pantry at 804-372-9526 or powhatanvafoodpantry@gmail.com.
Powhatan Parks and Recreation is pleased to offer the following at the Pocahontas Landmark Center Gym (4290 Anderson Highway, Powhatan). Keep in mind when county offices are closed for holidays, inclement weather,
AA meets at 8 p.m. every Tuesday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Huguenot Trail.
May Memorial Baptist Church is hosting a water fun day on Aug. 10 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and all children and youth are welcome! Wear water shoes and bring a towel. You may contact the church office at maymemoffice@ gmail.com to RSVP or with any questions.
Do you enjoy talking with people? The Free Clinic of Powhatan is looking for volunteers to work at the Front Desk. Duties include greeting & checking in patients, scheduling new appointments, answering the phone, coordinating with other volunteers to insure smooth daily operations, and other projects as needed. If this opportunity appeals to you, contact Betsy Blandford, Volunteer Coordinator, Free Clinic of Powhatan (804)380-1270 or visit the freeclinicofpowhatan. org and click on the About Us button and follow to Volunteers. There you will find the online volunteer registration forms and further information about the Free Clinic.
Upcoming
The Be Like Mike Auto Show presented by Seay’s Autobody and Towing will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18 at 2693 Rocky Oak Road, Powhatan. The event is held annually in memory of Virginia State Police Special Agent Mike Walter, who died in the line of duty on May 27, 2017. This year’s event is also being held in honor of Kieran Hathaway. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Ask Childhood Cancer Foundation (www.askccf. org). The nonprofit helps fund the Pediatric Oncology program at Children’s Hospital of Richmond. Kieran was treated at this clinic. The event will have a $20 entry fee for vehicles but spectators get in for free. For more information or to donate, contact Wes at 804833-1644 or Zac at 518-683-3955.
see CALENDAR, pg. 7
MOSS
CAROLYN MOSS MOSS, Carolyn Jennings, Carolyn Jennings Moss, 85, of Middlesex County, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2022. She grew up in Powhatan County, the daughter of Carl and Adelaide Jennings. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1982 and taught at York Academy. Carolyn ran the Consignment Shop at Harmony Village for 25 years, making so many good friends. Carolyn is survived by her sons, Scott Moss (Molly) and Matthew Moss; and her daughter-in-law, Leah Moss (Ray). She's survived by 10 beautiful grandchildren, Meghan Moss Bagley (Jake), Kelly Moss Parker (Josh), Jennifer Moss, Sydney Moss Walters (Keegan), Jamie Moss, Matthew Moss Jr. (Sabrina), Brett Moss, Casey Moss, Cara Moss and Carly Moss; and great-granddaughter, Piper Moss. She also leaves behind her brother, Carl Jennings. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Moss; sons, Raymond Moss Jr. and Christopher Moss; as well as a very special friend, Billy Muse. What a wonderful ride with much happiness and many blessings, sprinkled with sadness. After a private burial on Saturday, August 6, 2022, there will be a gathering from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the County Seat Restaurant in Powhatan, Virginia to celebrate the life of Carolyn Moss.
STUDENT NEWS Kayli Shenk named to President’s List at Coastal Carolina University Nearly 1,000 students were named to the President’s List at Coastal Carolina University for the Spring 2022 semester, including Kayli Shenk, a marine science major from Powhatan. Students who made the President’s List have achieved a 4.0 grade point average during the semester. Coastal Carolina University is a dynamic, public comprehensive liberal arts institution located in Conway, located just minutes from the resort area of Myrtle Beach, S.C. CCU offers baccalaureate degrees in 95 major fields of study. Among the University’s graduate-level programs are 27 master’s degrees, two educational specialist degrees, and the doctorates in education and in marine science: coastal and marine systems science. James Madison University announces 2022 academic honors James Madison University recently announced students that received academic honors for the spring 2022 semester. The following students made the president’s list for the spring 2022 semester: Kristen Hughson of Powhatan, whose major is architectural design. Kathryn Long of Moseley, whose major is art history. Trevor Branch of Powhatan, whose major is biophysical chemistry. Ashley Clements of Moseley, whose major is chemistry. Kristen Biggers of Moseley, whose major is communication sciences and disorders. James Stearns of Moseley, whose major is communication studies. Isabella Cerullo of Powhatan, whose major is communication studies. Alaina Stout of Powhatan, whose major is dance. Ana Velez of Moseley, whose major is elementary education. Karysa Bendele of Powhatan, whose major is English. Kaitlyn English of Moseley, whose major is general psychology. Pam Sloan of Powhatan, whose major is individualized study. Clare Connolly of Moseley, whose major is interdisciplinary liberal studies. Samantha Smith of Powhatan, whose major is interdisciplinary liberal studies. Sabrina Silva of Moseley, whose major is nursing. Kaitlyn Cline of Powhatan, whose major is social work. Gabrielle Schofield of Moseley, whose major is studio art. Lauren Howard of Moseley, whose major is writing, rhetoric and technical see STUDENT NEWS, pg. 8
Powhatan Today, August 3, 2022
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C R I M E R E P O RT Arrests One male was charged on July 19 with reckless driving- excessive speed (Misdemeanor). One male was charged on July 20 with driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated (M). One female was charged on July 21 with trespassing (M) and destruction of property, monument (M). One male was charged on July 22 with violating a protection order (M) and stalking (M). One female was charged on July 22 with petty larceny (M). PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND
Rob Cerullo presents retiring commonwealth’s attorney Richard Cox with a plaque in honor of his years of service to the office.
Colleagues, loved ones honor Cox as he retires By Laura McFarland Managing Editor
POWHATAN – It took a great deal of subterfuge to have Powhatan County Commonwealth’s Attorney Richard “Dickie” Cox walk through the door of his own surprise retirement party without knowing what was going on, but organizers are pretty sure they pulled it off. The party, which they told Cox was a campaign fundraising event for Rob Cerullo, who stepped up Monday as the interim commonwealth’s attorney, was held Wednesday, July 27 at the War Memorial Arts and Culture Center. But less than a minute into Cerullo’s pretend campaign speech, he called Cox up to the front of the room and unveiled the secret. At the same time, a large group of Cox’s family members came out from a room where they had been hiding to help give away the surprise. Cox officially retired Friday, closing out 23 years serving in the office in various positions. Cox’s more than four decades in public service saw him working nine years as a police officer in Chesterfield County until he went to law school and became an attorney. Except for three years in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne division right out of high school and one year in private practice, his entire career as an attorney has been in commonwealth’s attorney’s offices. He came to work in Powhatan in January 1999, hired as the first full-time assistant commonwealth’s attorney. Cox was appointed interim to the position in
December 2014 and ran successfully in one special election in 2015 and two general elections in 2015 and 2019. Surprised and, at times, emotional, Cox thanked the room full of people for wishing him well, both as a group and several individuals there important to his life and career. He thanked the people who mentored him throughout his career and helped him learn about “how every case isn’t about putting somebody in jail; it’s about doing the right thing. Sometimes you take it on the chin by doing the right thing, but that’s OK.” Cerullo presented Cox with a plaque with his commonwealth’s attorney’s badge and a recognition of his service. He admitted Cox’s wife, Patti, was responsible for sneaking the badge out so it could be mounted on the plaque, part of a recognition her husband said he didn’t want but his loved ones were determined to provide for him. Dickie Cox, who was both chagrined and grateful, said he loved serving in the commonwealth’s attorney’s office but that leading the office was never a role he envisioned himself taking when he started in law enforcement all those years ago. He thanked the people along the way who helped him develop into the role, both in his personal and professional life, especially his wife and his father. “I do want to thank each and every one of you,” he told the crowd at the party. “All of you have been very important in my life and I guarantee I will never forget one of you and I think of all of you often.” see COX, pg. 8
Incident report for July 18 to 24 - Incident type & total calls Advice Animal calls Assault Assist Attempt to locate B&Es Child welfare Civil Damaged property Deliver message Disabled vehicle Disorder/disturbance Domestic Fireworks
30 21 1 9 8 1 1 4 1 2 13 4 5 1
Found property Fraud Funeral Gunshot calls Hit and run Investigation Larceny Lockout MVAs Noise Overdose Panic alarm Pd alarm Phone threat
3 5 1 2 2 7 6 5 13 1 1 1 11 1
Project lifesaver 4 Protective order violation 4 Psychiatric 6 Reckless driver 11 Shoplifting 1 Suspicious 27 Traffic hazard 9 Traffic stop 114 Trespass 1 Unauthorized use 2 Unknown emergency 13 Vandalism 4 Warrant service 4 Welfare check 6
Snead given bond, charges added By Laura McFarland Managing Editor
POWHATAN – A Powhatan County judge granted bond to a high school band teacher charged with two counts of taking indecent liberties with a minor by a person in custodial or supervisory relationship, but more pending charges mean he is not free yet. Andrew C. Snead, 36, of Powhatan, served as the director of bands and performing arts coordinator at Powhatan High School. He was arrested June 30 as the result of an ongoing investigation by the sheriff’s office. Snead has been held without bond at Pamunkey Regional Jail. He was originally denied bond in Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court but appealed the decision. The bond appeal was heard Thursday, July 28 by Paul W. Cella, Chief Judge of the Powhatan County Circuit Court. Cella listened to arguments from Tim Dustan, assistant commonwealth’s attorney, about why Snead should stay in custody and from defense attorney Arnold Henderson on why he should
SHERIFF
be released on bond. Dustan said that since the initial charges have been made, several more reports of abuse have been brought to the sheriff’s office that show a history of “grooming for a period of at least a decade,” and he thinks that these disclosures were made possible by the victims knowing Snead was in jail. He argued that even if Snead were kept on house arrest, it would be almost impossible for the court to keep him away from all forms of electronic communication, which he used in the course of the alleged crimes. Henderson argued that allegations and future investigations were not part of the case to appeal the bond decision for the original charges. He added the court could put restrictions on internet and that, given his ties to the community, Snead is not a flight risk. Cella ultimately ruled that Snead could be released on a $20,000 secured bond, would be put on house arrest at his parent’s home, was to have no contact with juveniles at any time and was restricted from all cell phone and intersee SNEAD, pg. 8
work together in a cohesive way, all with the end result of saving lives. Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@ powhatantoday.com.
Continued from pg. 1
keep our community safe. And it is not easy. We have a lot of competing interests and things we need to do,” Hunt said. The modified sessions offered last week at the local level only lasted four hours and were more of an overview, he said. Deputies rotated between sessions focused on a classroom component going through proper procedures, first aid and room-clearing before they all ran through scenario-based exercises where they had to stop an active shooter and rescue hostages. “Moving forward, I think we want to add more to it and be able to do some more realistic training – more realistic than what we did (Thursday),” he said. After the officers, who were broken up into teams of four, completed the exercises to stop the shooter and rescue the hostages, other deputies either in the scenario or observing gave immediate feedback on what they observed in each scenario and how they could improve their responses. Offering the active shooter training sessions is at least partly in response to the increase in mass shootings happening all across the nation in a variety of settings, Hunt said. As the nation has been reminded in recent months, the shootings can happen in almost any type of environment. “This training can be used in any of those environments. It is a series of priorities and techniques they can use in any one of those environments,” he said. Hunt added that training at the middle school, which the sheriff’s office appreciated the school division allowing, was a good building block because it is a large linear building where they can keep the tactics relatively generic, making them easier to translate to different scenarios they might encounter when responding to an active shooter situation. “The more officers we can have go through it together and we are all on the same page, then hopefully the less confusion. Although, I suspect if you have an event like an active shooter, it is just going to be so far outside of the realm of most people’s normal experience that it is just going to be overwhelming. Even if you are prepared for it, it is going to be a very tough thing,” he said. While Hunt provided the classroom training, EMS coordinator Don Houtsma offered the overview on the
One male was charged on July 22 with larceny with intent to sell or distribute (F), trespassing (M), tampering with vehicle (M), conspire to trespass to larceny (M), possession of burglary tools (Felony) and grand larceny (F). One male was charged on July 22 with larceny with intent to sell or distribute (F), trespassing (M), tampering with vehicle (F), conspire to trespass to larceny (F), obstructing justice (M), possession of burglary tools (Felony) and grand larceny (F).
ALL-STAR P VING PA
598-0799
PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND
Powhatan County Sheriff’s deputies do a review of active shooter training exercises on July 28 at Powhatan Middle School.
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basic medical care deputies could provide until fire and rescue personnel arrive or are allowed on a scene. He ran through scenarios about stopping a wound from bleeding, caring for a chest wound and applying a tourniquet. This kind of information can save a life because “people can bleed out within three to five minutes” before fire and rescue personnel can get to someone, he said. “That is what we are looking for – as many people as we can save instead of them waiting for (fire and rescue) to come in. … This way they are doing something that is going to stop the bleeding and hopefully save lives,” Houtsma said. Emergency management coordinator Travis Lindsey, who was there to observe, said last week’s training was for the sheriff’s office, but the county will be working on plans and training for fire and rescue personnel in the coming year that matches what the sheriff’s office is doing and could possibly be implemented in joint active shooter drills in 2023. “Rather than jumping the gun, we are going to take a slow, steady and methodical approach and work very closely with the sheriff’s office over the next year or so to be able to incorporate that fire and EMS component into these drills,” Lindsey said. Hunt agreed, saying once the agencies have put in more groundwork, it will be more effective to coordinate a larger scale exercise where first responders could
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Powhatan Today, August 3, 2022
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Hi Everyone, My name is Honey, and I am around a year old. I am spayed, and up to date on all of my shots. I was transferred to PAC after my time was up at the other facility, I am enjoying going for walks, having toys to play with, but I really love my office time where I get to spend time with the staff and get to know them. They all have different personalities but I am showing them how special they are, Which really means alot to them, They love when I give them lots of attention. So if you are looking for someone like me who will treat you well, and give you love and support Please call 804-598-5672, and my people will be happy to assist you in scheduling an appointment to meet me. Hope to hear from you soon.
Honey
P.S Don’t forget about our fund raiser to buy new cages at PAC. If you would like to donate you can do so by submitting a check to Powhatan Sheriff’s Office Attn: Animal Control. In the memo please put “Cash for Kennels” We greatly appreciate all of your support.
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 Sheriff’s Office | Division Of Animal Control Phone: 804-598-5672 | Fax: 804-598-5109
Advertise in Powhatan Today! Call 804-746-1235 for details.
BOARD Continued from pg. 1
wealth’s attorney taking office on Aug. 1 after Dickie Cox retires, to the current rate of the commonwealth’s attorney. There is still uncertainty over this action, as some of the constitutional officers mentioned confusion over a now-expired memorandum of understanding they signed several years ago with a previous board of supervisors and how this impacted the authority to give them raises. This question, which hasn’t been discussed at a public meeting, has also stalled the constitutional officers’ 2022 raises. A few of the constitutional officers said they received a letter from human resources stating they would receive a 5% effective July 1, 2022. Lowe confirmed that the constitutional officers did not have an authorized raise yet. However, a few of them said they had spoken with board of supervisors members who said they will be discussing the issue at an upcoming meeting, and there is always the possibility that the raises, if approved, could be made retroactive to July 1. County administrator While Williams was the one to make the motion asking for Smither’s resignation in place of the raise, Bill Cox was the only one to outline his reasons for or against either action during the meeting. None of the other board of supervisors spoke on the issues at the meeting, but the Powhatan Today reached out for comment afterward to make sure both sides of the issue were represented, and all four of the supervisors who didn’t speak responded. A large part of what Cox talked about during the meeting revolved around the county’s salary and compensation system with a focus on how he said changes Smither made bypassed normal procedures, which meant the system does not live up to the mission of being “competitive and fair.” “Salary ranges and job grades are an addendum to the employee handbook and can be modified only with the consent of the board of supervisors. Likewise, budget amendments can only be modified with the consent of the board of supervisors,” Cox said, before going on to give several examples of where that did not happen. Cox referenced 32 salary changes authorized by Smither and gave a few examples by job grade and salary, not giving the employees’ names. The changes he referenced included regrading, title changes, salary adjustments and promotions. The changes led to salary increases that ranged from 3% all the way up to 28%. After each example he shared, he pointed out there are “no provisions for a salary change of this order without board of supervisors approval.” “I could go on, but hopefully you understand under Mr. Smither, we do not have a salary and compensation system which is competitive and fair,” Cox said. “New jobs without job descriptions, grades, fairness and equity are out the door. The concept of grades/salary ranges commensurate with responsibility, they are gone. Money for title changes, not changes in responsibility or new measure.” Cox accused Byerly, McClung and Carmack of letting Smither operate with “no boundaries.” He pointed to several other reasons for him to call for Smither’s resignation: the “assessor’s office debacle” that saw it not functioning as promised; the earlier mentioned compensation issues; an incomplete comprehensive
plan; staff competency issues; problems with the effective tax rate calculation, and continued issues with Keystone Information Systems. But “the biggie,” as Cox described it was in Smither’s relationship with the board. “I voted to fire the prior county administrator because he worked to divide the previous board as opposed to looking for ways to bring it together. Mr. Smither has done the same,” Cox said. “I voted to fire the prior county administrator because I did not trust him to work in the best interests of the citizens of Powhatan; it is the same with Mr. Smither.” No other comments were made before the two votes were taking, first Williams’ failed motion to ask for Smither’s resignation and then Byerly’s motion for the raise and contract changes. In a separate interview, Williams reiterated several of the comments Cox made, pointing out issues such as an incorrect tax rate initially; late billing; problems with Keystone; the drastic increase in expected personal property taxes because of an increase in vehicle valuations; the problems with recruitment and running of the assessor’s office, and, most recently, problems with irregularities in the compensation and salary increases in the last year. “This has been the shared experience of the board, the staff, citizens in the county; they have all observed this over the last seven or eight months,” Williams said. “The question I get asked the most is why is he still here?” In their separate statements, McClung, Byerly and Carmack all lambasted Cox’s speech during the meeting, saying the actions of Cox and Williams represent a “witch hunt” and a “consistent and targeted effort to destroy” Smither. “I think if they would try to work with Mr. Smither instead of undermining everything he does, we could get a lot more done. Our county simply cannot afford to hire a new county administrator every two years. We really need some stability in that position,” McClung said. All three said the numbers Cox gave regarding salary and compensation were inaccurate, adding they had been corrected with updated numbers on July 5 but Cox chose not to use those more accurate numbers. “So, the info Mr. Cox put out was not the revised and accurate numbers as provided to us all by HR . He used the incorrect inflated numbers that were in the June 30th email which overstates raises during specified time limits. Why would any supervisor ..... or anyone present inaccurate info intentionally,” Byerly said. Byerly added that for Cox to imply that Smither was the first and only county administrator to give raises and regrades is not true as not every raise and reclassification was approved by the supervisors with the previous two county administrators. “Those in the minority, as in the past two terms and including this one, has consistently fallen out of grace with (county administrators) and worked diligently to have them all terminated or pushed out. I will not participate in dragging this one down however; let’s work to build a team that will rise above the fray and work together to omit errors and mistakes,” he said. Regarding the changes they voted on, all three said they voted to give Smither the 5% raise given to county employees this year as well as an additional 4% meant to help Powhatan’s salaries stay competitive with surrounding counties. They said they decided not to make Smither leave a home he has lived in for more than 40 see BOARD, pg. 8
CHURCH DIRECTORY
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
SUNDAYS 8:00 AM in person service in the church 10:30 AM in person service in the church (livestreamed) www.stlukespowhatan.org All are Welcome For more information visit www.stlukespowhatan.org Route 711 at Three Bridge Road 794-6953
EVERGREEN COMMUNITY CHURCH (PCA) Proclaiming & Practicing the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Worship Service at 10:00 AM Meeting at 2375 Skaggs Road, Powhatan. ECCPCA.ORG
598-8844
Genito Presbyterian Church 2910 Genito Rd. Powhatan, VA
372-9074
Worship with us this Sunday Church service @ 9:30 AM Sunday school @ 10:30 AM
Providence Presbyterian Church
“Worshiping and Witnessing in Western Powhatan since 1825”
Powhatan Christian Fellowship Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.
Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Night 7:30 p.m. Worship Service 11:00 am All Are Welcome! 3308 Pleasants Road, 598-4970 1/4 mile off of Route 711 Located 1950 Ridge Road Russ Cress, Pastor (Rt. 627) 598-0733
St. John Neumann Catholic Church Sunday School 10 AM Worship Service 11 AM Pastor John Engle 603-933-0141 3540 Old Buckingham Rd. www.pmchurch.net
Meeting Sundays in Farmville, Fork Union, Midlothian, Powhatan and Online. Visit pccwired.net for services times & locations. 598-1174 pccwired.net
2020 Red Lane Road Powhatan, VA 23139
1801 Huguenot Trail Sunday Worship 10am Bryan M. Holt, Pastor 804-378-3607 www.EmmausChristianChurch.org https://www.facebook.com/2emmaus/
Rev. Walter G. Lewis, Pastor Living As Christ’s Disciples Within Our Hearts and Beyond Our Doors 2253 Rosson Rd.
Just off Rt. 13 in the Village
598-4438
Worship: 8:30 & 10:30am
www.powhatanumc.us Weekday Preschool (ages 2-5)
Mount Calvary Baptist Church Pastor, Larry B. Collins Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study 7:30 p.m. Office 804-598-2398
Advertise in
598-6090
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, August 3, 2022
Charles Bryan to speak to the Powhatan Historical Society Contributed Report The Powhatan Historical Society will host a book launch for Dr. Charles Bryan Jr.’s new release, “Imperfect Past -Volume II” at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 7 at Manakin Episcopal Church, located at 985 Huguenot Trail. “How Imperfect is Our Past? A Conversation with Charles Bryan” will consist of a discussion between Bryan and Powhatan Historical Society president John Rothert. Bryan, featured columnist of the Richmond Times-Dispatch
for the past decade, offers a compilation of some 80 of his more recent essays in the release of his latest book, “Imperfect Past: More History in a New Light, Volume II.” Bryan is a noted Virginia historian and former president of the Virginia Museum of History and Culture (VMHC). The first volume, “Imperfect Past: History in a New Light,” was published in 2016. The event is free and available to both Powhatan Historical Society members and the general public.
BACKPACKS Continued from pg. 1
individually-packaged food items that are appropriate for any age to handle are sent home each weekend at no cost to make sure children who have been identified as being in food insecure households will have enough to eat. Kevin Hardy, who has been executive director of Backpacks of Love since October 2021, recently shared with the Powhatan Today the concerns he has about the strain the economy has put on families, creating more food insecure households. “For a lot of families, they are staring down at $400 to $500 more a month for food, gas and all of those things than they were paying a year ago,” Hardy said. “A lot of these families are struggling to put food on the table as it is, so when things like prices of fuel go up and the price of food, which has gone up well over 25% in many cases, that has an impact on a family.” Even Backpacks of Love’s cost to fill each bag, which it had gotten down to just over $3 last year, is back over $4 now, or a 33% increase, Hardy said. At the end of the 2021-2022 school year, Backpacks of Love was sending home close to 1,500 bags a week to children in Powhatan, Cumberland, Buckingham, Goochland, Chesterfield, Henrico and Amelia counties. All but the bags for Henrico schools, which are packed at Cobb Technologies, flow through the nonprofit’s Powhatan location. But with the start of the 2022-2023 school year, Hardy said the nonprofit is expecting a possible increase in need at the schools it already covers caused by inflation and the resulting strain on families’ abilities to make ends meet. “We are estimating somewhere around a 20% growth, if not more.” According to the state of Virginia’s own statistics, almost one out of four school-age children comes from a food insecure household, Hardy said. Those children don’t know where their next meal is coming from, which is a problem that has a longer reach than many people realize, he added. “If a kid is hungry they are not focused on learning the way they should. Teachers will tell you they have behavioral issues, and as they get older those behavior
SECOND ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH
CHARLES BRYAN
Page 5A
Reading program to partner seniors, children Contributed Report Powhatan County Public Library in partnership with Reach for Active Services will be offering the “Reading is Grand” program this fall. The one-on-one program pairs a Grandreader volunteer, 55+ with a child from kindergarten to fifth grade to practice reading aloud. As we pair the younger generation with the elder generation to have a oneon-one reading session together, we are in hope that it opens the door to more intergenera-
issues turn into behavior issues that impact the entire community. If kids struggle with education, their likelihood of being a productive member of the community diminishes. So it impacts all of us whether or not our kids come from a food insecure household or not. This impacts the entire community,” Hardy said. Thomas Sulzer, principal of Pocahontas Elementary and a BPOL board member, said his school was the first to be served by the nonprofit about 13 years ago and it has been supporting children there, other Powhatan schools and across Central Virginia ever since. He has seen firsthand that there is a need for this program in Powhatan County. “There are many students with food insecurities at Pocahontas. On Fridays, when the bags are delivered to the classes, teachers have to tell the students not to tear open the bags as many students are excited to learn what is in the bag,” he said. “Bus drivers have reported that some students eat the snacks on the bus. There was one child who used to come into the office each Friday morning to make sure the bags were delivered and would be sent home for the weekend.” For Sulzer, who has been a board member about four years, the organization has had an incredibly positive impact on the families of Pocahontas Elementary and he is grateful for the nonprofit’s continued support. He added that he has been blessed to see both sides of the organization – as a school principal seeing his students helped and as a board member seeing all that goes into making those moments happen. “Serving on the board and seeing all of the time and energy this group of volunteers does has made me appreciate the impact on a deeper level,” Sulzer said. “Watching others on the board reach out to businesses, apply for grants, organizing events and spend hours managing the donating, inventorying, packing, and delivering of bags is truly incredible. Their hard work and efforts impact kids and families they have never met. This is truly a small community organization taking care of a much larger population.” When schools are back in session, Sulzer said he has no doubt the need will be greater as the current impact of the economy is affecting the bottom line of every family’s budget.
Praise and Worship Service Sunday School 9:45-10:45 Sunday Morning Worship will begin at 11:00 a.m.
GREENBRIER BAPTIST CHURCH “God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. We walk by faith and not by sight” – Pastor Darnell Carruthers
Sunday School: 10:00-10:45 a.m. Worship Service: 11:00 a.m. 4731 Bell Road, Powhatan, VA 23139 804-598-5491
2095 Red Lane Road
2390 Emmanuel Church Road 804-372-9254 www.newwalkbible.org Sunday Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School 9:00 AM Bible Study Wed. 7:00 PM
Holly Hills Baptist Church www.HollyHillsBaptist.org
(Independent Bible Believing)
Randy Blackwell, Pastor Sunday School - 10:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship - 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7:30 p.m.
379-8930
1659 Anderson Highway 3½ miles east of Flat Rock
1/2 mile off Rt. 60 on Red Lane Road 804-598-2455 www.redlanebaptist.org Small Group Classes Worship Service
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
“A Church Where Love Never Fails!” Pastor Otis B. Lockhart, Jr.
Muddy Creek BAPTIST CHURCH Baptist Church MOUNT ZION
10 a.m. – Worship Service 8:30 a.m. – Church School
Sunday School - 9:45 a.m. Worship - 11 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study & Prayer Service - 7:00 p.m.
Pastor Jeff Beard, MA, MBA 3470 Trenholm Road www.muddycreekbaptist.org
9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
Dr. James Taylor, Pastor
Baptist Church
Rev. Bryan Stevens, Pastor
“I am expecting the number of bags to increase this fall from previous years. We are looking forward to getting this back off the ground as soon as school resumes,” he said. “The economy is also impacting the organization’s ability to stock their inventory at a reasonable cost. Donations to BPOL are critical to ensuring that costs are kept down and bags can be filled in a cost effective manner.” Hardy said there are a number of ways people can help: volunteer their time packing bags Monday through Wednesday or delivering them Thursday, donate funds to purchase food items; host a food drive, or donate individually packaged food items. Food donations may be dropped off at 3035 Lower Hill Drive in Powhatan. But most importantly, people can share the message that this is a real problem impacting children in the region, he said. “We tend to get lost in our own lives sometimes. We go to work, come home and take care of our families, and we don’t often stop to think what is going on in our community. But these kids are real and truthfully we are just scratching the surface,” he said. “If you look at the state of Virginia’s numbers and you take one out of every four school-age kids in this situation, that equates to almost 300,000 kids in the state of Virginia alone.” Even as the nonprofit tries to plan for a possible increase in need at its current schools, it is looking to add a few schools to Goochland and Henrico to Backpacks of Love’s service area, Hardy said. It might seem like one of the better options would be to slow down to get a better handle on the numbers, but the problem, he said, is “these kids aren’t numbers, they are real.” “I speak from experience. I grew up one of these kids. My mom was a single mom who raised three boys. I was the oldest. I understand what it is like to watch parents work hard simply to put a roof over your head and you go home from school wondering what, if anything, will be on the table. So I understand this cause,” Hardy said. For more information about volunteering or donating, contact Kevin Hardy at director@backpacksoflove.com or 804-350-1127 or visit www.backpacksoflove.org.
Graceland Baptist Church Dr. Ronald Wyatt, Jr., Pastor
Hollywood
2591 Ridge Road Powhatan, Virginia 23139 804-598-2051
see READING, pg. 8
CHURCH DIRECTORY
1059 Dorset Road Powhatan, VA 23139 Reverend Mark A. Divens, Sr. Pastor
tional programming, which benefits both age groups, children and adults encountering each other and investing themselves toward the other generation with new ideas and new and hopeful places to go with a book. Registration is required for adults and children. There will be 20 spots open for adults and children to participate. Participants can bring their own book or select one from the library.
Advertise in Powhatan Today’s Church Directory. Call 804-746-1235 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 Vern Gilmer, Pastor
Service times are 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Worship online at 10:15 a.m.
2202 Old Church Road www.powhatanbaptist.org
“Your Community Church”
598-2763 Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Morning Service at 11:00 a.m. Bible Study Every Wednesday Night at 6:30 p.m. 3964 Old Buckingham Road
Sundays 10:00 a.m. Wednesday 6:30 p.m. 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
FIRST ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH
Sunday 10am, 11am & 6pm Wednesday 7pm
3920 MAIDENS RD., POWHATAN
804-598-2301
Evening Bible Study 7:00 p.m.
Brad Russell, Pastor 598-4241
Family Worship Center 2901 Judes Ferry Road Powhatan, Va 23139 804-379-8223
Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Service 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Mid Day Bible Study 11:30 a.m.
Contemporary – 9:00 a.m. Sunday School – 9:45 a.m. Worship – 11 a.m. Children’s Worship – 11 a.m. Praise & Worship – 6 p.m. Lighthouse Youth – Wed. 5:30 p.m. Bible Study – Wed. 6:30 p.m. Children’s Worship (all ages) – Wed. 6:30 p.m. Miracles of God Sp. Needs Service: 2 p.m. the 2nd Sat. of each month 598-3481 • 975 Dorset Road www.gracelandbc.org
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, August 3, 2022
Page 6A
SOLAR Continued from pg. 1
Three independent battery systems totaling 12 megawatts were installed at the Scott Solar facility as part of a pilot approved for Dominion Energy for energy storage, said Eric Conner, a structural engineer and manger for generation construction at Dominion Energy. They combine for a four-hour capacity duration. Dominion Energy has two other battery storage pilot projects in its portfolio – a 2-megawatt battery in New Kent County and a 2-megawatt battery in Hanover County. The three utility-scale battery storage pilot projects, which combine for a total of 16 megawatts, are the first of their kind in Virginia. The batteries at the Powhatan facility, which has been operational since 2016, will collect and store power during the peak hours of sunshine and provide four hours of power during peak hours of energy usage to reduce the load on existing transformers, which is called peak shifting, he said. Those times usually fall in the morning as people ready for the day and in the afternoon when people get home from work and school. “The problem that solar can’t solve is the peak solar production is in the middle of the day – it’s not in the morning, and it’s not in the afternoon. So how do we take that energy at that peak time and actually save it so we can release it in the evening? That is where batteries come in,” Conner said. The Powhatan facility will provide valuable information on the proficiency of battery technology to store energy generated from solar panels during periods of high production and release energy during periods when load is high. The facility will also reveal how well a battery can optimize power production of the solar facility. The batteries at the Powhatan facility were approved by the State Corporation Commission in 2020 and began construction in 2021. The AC system with 10 megawatts was brought online in December 2021, but two DC systems fell subject to supply chain issues and didn’t come online until May 2022, Conner said. Having so much of the process fall during the COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges with supply chain, commodities, labor shortages and simply trying to keep people safe, he added. Dominion serves over 23,000 customers in Powhatan and has a history of partnering on a number of projects, including clean energy and grid modernization, said Ed Baine, president of Dominion Energy Virginia. He pointed to the company’s efforts to partner with Firefly to help deliver broadband to underserved parts of the county and partnering with Sun Tribe Solar, which installed solar panels on the rooftops of four of the county’s schools. Dominion Energy has over 2,200 megawatts of solar and its renewable energy portfolio continues to grow, he said. “Battery storage is an integral component to the clean energy transition in Virginia, supporting grid reli-
PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND
Cutting the ribbon on a new battery at the Scott Solar facility in Powhatan on July 28 are, from left, RES Chairman Douglas McAlpine; State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi; Ed Baine, president of Dominion Energy Virginia; supervisors Mike Byerly, Karin Carmack and Steve McClung; Cedric Green, vice president of generation for Dominion, and Del. Lamont Bagby.
ability for our customers during periods of high demand and by helping to fill gaps due to the inherent intermittency of solar and wind power,” Baine said. “These battery systems will help us better understand how best to deploy utility-scale batteries across our service territory to support our goal of net zero emissions by 2050.” State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, who also attended the event, praised the role Dominion Energy had in those previous projects with broadband and the school solar arrays and said the batteries represent a continuation of that important partnership. “This is an amazing facility. Just to see what is going on here and the capabilities that this new facility is bringing and the opportunity to ensure that we are well on our way to meeting the goals of the (Virginia Clean Economy Act),” she said. “We know that climate action is necessary. We know that the climate situation is going to be a challenging one, especially in the next few decades and especially for our children and our grandchildren.” She added that having sustainable renewable energy is only possible with the ability to store energy and use it at the opportune moments. Powhatan County Board of Supervisors Chair Mike Byerly, who represents District 3, also praised Dominion’s past projects partnering with Powhatan and lauded the battery pilot project, which will produce data that will assist in better understanding how future systems will make solar energy even more viable. “Since approving Scott Solar, Powhatan County has
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approved over 1,300 acres of solar projects, significantly adding to the Commonwealth’s renewable energy portfolio. As we seek to attract quality economic development, broadband, alongside a power grid diversified by renewable sources, is becoming increasingly important to many companies when they decide where to locate their business,” Byerly said. “We appreciate the partnership with Dominion Energy and look forward to continued collaboration and innovation.” RES was the engineering procurement constructor responsible for procuring the batteries and integrating the system with the existing Scott Solar I. RES Chairman Douglas McAlpine said the project had a great deal of technical challenges to overcome during the engineering, construction and commissioning phases but thanked Dominion Energy for its partnership throughout the entire process to make the battery pilot project happen. RES, which has been in the renewable energy industry for 40 years, has delivered over 440 megawatt hours of energy storage projects and more than 23 gigawatts of renewable energy generation capacity, he said. However, the Powhatan project was the first energy storage project the company has built in Virginia. “We see energy storage as vital for the energy transition. The flexibility it brings to the grid, the modernization it brings to the grid, is essential to enable more renewables to come onto the grid. For that reason, we are incredibly proud to be part of this project,” McAlpine said. Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@ powhatantoday.com.
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August 3, 2022
Page 7A
Academy aims to help students rebuild lives By Roslyn Ryan Richmond Suburban News
By the time you read this column, representatives from Chesterfield County Public Schools will have cut the ribbon on the new Chesterfield Recovery Academy, an innovative approach to supporting students across the region, including Powhatan, recovering from substance use disorders. And by the time you go to bed tonight, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, another 130 Americans will have died in the past 24 hours from opioid-related overdoses. As most of us are aware, drug deaths—particularly those caused by opioids—have soared in recent years, and young people make up a staggering percentage of those tragedies. According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adolescent opioid overdose deaths outpaced those in the general population between 2019 and 2021, increasing by 94% in children ages 14 to 18. Between 2020 and 2021, the number rose an additional 20%. The approach being taken by Chesterfield Recov-
ery Academy is a simple one: Create a safe, supportive environment where students in the early, most fragile days of recovery from substance abuse can continue their studies and also have access to recovery support services. Chesterfield Recovery Academy is funded through legislation approved by the Virginia General Assembly and Gov. Glenn Youngkin in June 2022, and, according a press release sent out last week ahead of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, will receive assistance from health agencies, local and state government programs, police and legal agencies. It will welcome students from across the region, including Goochland, Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan, Prince George, Richmond, Surry and Sussex. As Goochland Powhatan Community Services’ clinical director Irene Temple pointed out last week, the idea of setting aside space for students in recovery is not a new one, and has already gained significant traction on college campuses in the form of sober dorms and other programs.
L E T T E R S TO T H E E D I TO R Bailey grateful for honor of endowment fund Dear Editor, I want to say thank you to the Powhatan Extension Office staff, people I worked with over the years, and the people of Powhatan County for the honor bestowed upon me on June 27 at the Board of Supervisors meeting. To have an endowment in my name to be used for 4-H and other Extension programs, I truly feel honored and blessed. You look back on life and ask yourself, what did I leave behind in this world? We will all give an account to God – what did you do with the life that I gave you? I am grateful to have been able to work with so many people and organizations. I thank the people in this county for that opportunity, you all helped me along the way to achieve this honor, THANK YOU. Sincerely, Johns Bailey Powhatan County
Reader asks residents to hold county responsible Dear Editor, Last October, I began attending both the Powhatan Board of Supervisors and School Board meetings. It has been enlightening, to say the least. At my first BOS meeting, I watched the county administrator give a longterm zoning presentation. The PowerPoint was filled with errors! Pages were misnumbered. One slide even had the wrong map! County zoning presentations should include the correct zoning map. A lack of professionalism was evident that evening, along with a contentious atmosphere and decided split within the board. As the meetings moved into winter, errors continued to surface. Each error highlighted a lack of professionalism. Example - I learned the county had purchased property for a new convenience center. Due diligence was apparently not done before the purchase. Our county spent taxpayer money on a piece of property of which nearly half is not usable for a convenience center. Now Powhatan County is in the embarrassing position of trying to arrange a land swap with the adjoining landowner. Then there is the issue of personal property taxes. There was an abundance of conversation on this issue, and it left me shaking my head. The BOS took this important tax oversight role away from Commissioner of Revenue Jamie Timberlake. The job was assigned to the county administrator. Many people questioned the
change, but it happened anyway. The administrator purchased new software but failed to meet the timelines for implementing that software. When it became clear to the BOS they had a mess on their hands, they transferred the responsibility back to Jamie Timberlake. The county was forced to return to the old software. Jamie fixed the mess. Because of the administrator’s failures, however, some incorrect tax bills were possibly sent out. Many taxpayers were very frustrated. A longtime Powhatan county resident, business owner, and outspoken critic of the administrator brought up the same problem at three meetings. His application for a permit and subsequent appeal were both denied. He stated the administrator failed to respond to his requests in a timely manner as required by county regulations. Was the lack of response in retaliation? Are taxpayers’ opinions not welcome in these contentious meetings? The highly unusual events of a recent meeting heightened my concerns about our county’s financial affairs. The administrator gave certain employees generous raises, two of which were approximately $25,000. There was no accompanying change in the employees’ roles. Simply raises given at the Administrator’s direction. However, the administrator does not have the authority to give raises such as these without BOS approval. I would like to know the county attorney’s perspective on this unusual action. Then in a very curious move, the BOS made changes to the administrator’s contract in a contentious 3-2 vote. David Williams called for the administrator’s immediate resignation; Bill Cox seconded. In another 3-2 vote, Williams’ motion failed. Essentially, three board members gave the employee who made several costly mistakes a significant raise, while two board members sought his termination. Three members seemingly awarded that raise without a job performance evaluation. What happened to following the rules? The administrator’s salary was raised to approximately $190,000. Friends, frustrating and questionable things are happening at these meetings. Public attendance is minimal. Only a few of us are there to ask questions and hold this dysfunctional board responsible. They’re spending your tax dollars with no apparent oversight. Please get involved! We need you! Meetings are on YouTube, so watch. Even better, attend meetings! Get a taste of the contentious atmosphere. Nothing will change until taxpayers get involved. Make your voice heard. Please join me at the meetings and see for yourself. See how your taxes are spent. Harry Markland Powhatan County 8460 Times Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville, Va 23116 Phone: 804-746-1235 Toll Free: 877-888-0449 Fax: 804-344-8746
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Because the Chesterfield Recovery Academy program operates on a regional level, Temple said, “small places like Goochland don’t have to create their own versions. They can give kids more options, and they are able to scale it because all the students are coming to the same place.” While most areas offer access to recovery services, this new program can offer “a really robust response to treatment,” Temple said. And while students attempting to leave behind their past battles with substance abuse might struggle in a traditional classroom setting—sitting alongside peers who may use drugs or alcohol recreationally—in a sober school environment “everybody is on the same page.” Time will tell how great the demand is for Chesterfield Recovery Academy’s services, or what the impact will be on the students who attend. While the dream, of course, is that a day will come when programs like this are not needed, it’s comforting to know that our students do not have to choose between maintaining their recovery and continuing their education. Their futures—and in so many cases their lives—depend on both.
CALENDAR
clothes washers and dryers, and stoves; cabinets, and furniture such as dining room and bedroom sets (no mattresses). Call for a pick up at 804594-7009.
Continued from pg. 2
etc., activities will not be held unless specifically noted: Open Walking Club, Wednesdays, 9-11 a.m.; Open Gym Pickleball, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-11:30 a.m.; Open Adult Special Needs Basketball, every Monday, 10 a.m.-noon; Paid Momentum Volleyball, Tuesdays and Thursdays through June as well as paid Volleyball Clinics this summer (contact Cindy Bryant by email at momentumvolleyballclub@gmail.com); Paid Pulse Basketball, Mondays and Wednesdays through March 2022. Contact Brian Griffen by email at vicepresident@powhatanpulse.com; Senior Basketball coming in April on Monday nights, so stay tuned for more information as the date get closer; Adult Open Gym Basketball will start back up on Wednesday nights beginning March 16; Open Volleyball will start back in the summer, and we are also hoping for a Pickleball night session once gym space opens up. Continue to follow all COVID-19 guidelines. Everyone will also need to sign a facility use waiver that we will keep on file for one year, and there is a $10 non-resident fee for activities. Remember we ask everyone to wear rubber soled shoes (no heels) on the gym floor and only allow water in the gym. We are still working on other activities as well. Contact the Recreation Office at 804-598-5275 with any questions or send an email to mshelton@powhatanva.gov or mwoodel@powhatanva.gov.
The Friends of Powhatan County Public Library’s Bookshop is open during library hours and accepting donations again. The bookshop accepts books, movies, audiobooks, CDs, and magazines. Materials can be given to a library staff member or placed in the book shop corner (tuck them by the file cabinet in the back), which is at the end of the passageway once you come in the front door. Proceeds from the book sale are used for additional library programming. The Powhatan County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Help Desk is here for yet another growing season. Although office hours are reduced because of COVID-19 restrictions, the Help Desk is still ready and available. Email questions and detailed photos of your stricken plants to gpmastergardener@gmail.com and volunteers will try and find a solution for you. You can also directly call the Powhatan County Extension at 804598-5640 and leave a message. The Help Desk will be in touch. If a real-life diagnosis or determination is needed, large plant samples including root, stem and leaves can be dropped off at the Powhatan County Extension’s office after consulting with Master Gardener volunteer. If you have plants/ shrubs/trees needing identification in your yard, or are new to the Powhatan or Goochland area, we also offer free one to two-hour site visits. Habitat for Humanity-Powhatan is looking for donations of gently used appliances such as refrigerators,
The Coalition of Powhatan Churches has available resources to help people who would like assistance in learning to manage their finances. If you know of anyone who needs or would like to have this service, or to get more information, call Robin Cupka at 804801-9851.
Volunteer transportation program free service to Powhatan seniors age 60+ who are unable to drive for basic needs. Drivers receive all information from program coordinator on rides that are requested by registered riders, and accept only rides they are available to fulfill. Call 804-698-0438 or email RAServices.PVA@gmail.com to register as a rider or apply as a volunteer driver.
The Free Clinic of Powhatan is working in conjunction with local schools to help children and teens cope with the COVID crisis. Their counselor is currently seeing students at Powhatan High School and is accepting referrals for Powhatan Middle School. If your child is struggling with depression, academic or social anxiety, anger management, substance abuse or ADHD, the Free Clinic may be able to help. Income qualifications have been expanded to help more people obtain counseling and mental health services at no charge. School counselors can provide an immediate referral. Call 804-598-5637 for an appointment or more information on qualification guidelines.
Powhatan County Public Library is excited to partner with Wowbrary to 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.
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.
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. Call 804-598-5612.
WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS Powhatan Today welcomes your Letters to the Editor on topics of concern to you and the community. Letters, which should be no longer than 400 words, must include the name, address and telephone number of the author. The deadline is noon the Thursday before publication, but letters may be held until the following week upon the editor’s discretion. The publisher or editor of Powhatan Today reserves the right to edit or withhold from publication any letter for any reason whatsoever. Once received, all letters become the possession of Powhatan Today. Letters reflect the opinion of the author, not necessarily that of Powhatan Today or its staff.
Powhatan Today is published weekly on Wednesday with offices located at 8460 Times Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville, Va 23116. Periodical Postage paid at Powhatan, Va. 23139. USPS # 000-035 © 2022 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher. CAC Audited Circulation: 11,026.
Powhatan Today, August 3, 2022
Page 8A
That’s a wrap on
PHOTOS BY LAURA MCFARLAND/ ILLUSTRATION METRO CREATIVE
The Powhatan County Public Library, which was hosted in conjunction with Powhatan County Public Schools, had a summer reading wrap party on July 28. Families enjoyed pizza, a free book and a story time read by Tracey Ingle.
STUDENT NEWS Continued from pg. 2
communication. The following students made the Dean’s List for the spring 2022 semester: Madison Bendele of Powhatan, whose major is biology. James Hess of Powhatan, whose major is biology. Andrew Weight of Moseley, whose major is business management. Christopher Mashburn of Powhatan, whose major is business management. Charles Weyher of Moseley, whose major is computer information systems. Anthony Rini of Powhatan, whose major is computer information systems. Gretchen Taylor of Moseley, whose major is general psychology.
BOARD Continued from pg. 4
years and relocate to the county because, regardless of where he lives, he is still working hard to get his job done. All three supervisors named numerous accomplishments achieved under Smither’s leadership: the implementation of a broadband strategy; an interactive 10-year CIP operating budget model; new radio 911 system install; reviewing and addressing compression
Morgan Sutherland of Moseley, whose major is general psychology. Brooke Ford of Powhatan, whose major is health sciences. Patrick Wolstenholme of Moseley, whose major is integrated science and technology. Matthew Snyder of Moseley, whose major is intelligence analysis. Joseph Santiago of Powhatan, whose major is kinesiology. Caroline Rodda of Moseley, whose major is media arts and design. Danielle Ellsworth of Powhatan, whose major is media arts and design. Jacob Andersen of Moseley, whose major is music. Madison Ricks of Moseley, whose major is nursing. Mary Simpson of Moseley, whose major is nursing. Victoria Stanley of Moseley, whose major is nursing.
Julie Fens of Powhatan, whose major is nursing. Christopher Tarczynski of Moseley, whose major is sport and recreation management. Founded in 1908, James Madison University is a public university located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. JMU is one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education, where students enjoy engaging relationships with world-class faculty who drive education innovation and support advanced research. With state-of-the art amenities and facilities, students have access to NCAA Division 1 athletics. JMU also has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges.
Bryant University is pleased to rec-
ognize the students who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to academic excellence and achievement. To earn a place on the Deans’ List students must have a GPA of 3.4 or better for at least 12 semester hours of work. Amira Rainer, Class of 2025, of Moseley was honored for the outstanding achievement. For nearly 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. Bryant delivers an innovative and uniquely integrated business and liberal arts education that inspires students to excel. It has about 3,700 graduate and undergraduate students from 38 states and 49 countries.
issues; introducing a new permit center to address building delays; a bank loan refinance that saved the county $910,000; the work on Company 1 Fire Station design; successful handling of CARES and ARPA funding, and successfully converting social services from an administrative to an advisory board. They also praised the way he has ultimately shouldered the blame for some mistakes that were made by staff. “Personally, I find Ned to be a hard
worker, engaged, collaborative and innovative in his perspective. He excels in overseeing the financial aspects of the county and is continually working to put together a unified team of employees. He has been an advocate for competitive pay and rewarding top performers,” Carmack said. Carmack added it is difficult to put into words the discord and distress that is created by the “antics” of Cox and Williams. Powhatan’s citizens are the ones that ultimately suffer as hundreds of
working hours are spent “reviewing past meetings, attempting to refute false accusations and purposeful slanted misinformation,” she said. “We will never successfully recruit and retain a county administrator and, moreover, run a successful county until we shed light onto the cabal and deception that has plagued this county for many years,” she said. Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com.
COX Continued from pg. 3
Those involved in planning the party agreed it was a relief to have it finally done, especially Patti Cox, who said it was extremely difficult to keep the secret from her husband. But as she watched him speak to the crowd, she was incredibly happy for him to be recog-
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Bryant University announces spring 2022 Dean’s List
nized for all of his years of service. “He said up there that he is blessed, and I am truly blessed to have him. He is truly the best man I know, not just professionally but personally, too,” she said. “He is a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and we are really looking forward to this next chapter with our family.” Darrell Elder, legal assistant in the commonwealth’s attorney’s office, said it has been a joy working with Dickie Cox for the almost 15 years she has worked in the office. “I have never worked with someone who is so kind, honest and just a really nice person with so much integrity. … I am going to miss him tremendously. He has been such an asset to Powhatan County,” she said. Billy Davenport, who served as the Chesterfield Commonwealth’s attorney from 1988 to 2018, hired Cox after the latter served as an intern in the Chesterfield office. When the first position came open in Powhatan, nobody was better qualified than Cox, who does
everything superbly, Davenport said. “It really takes somebody like that, with real commonsense and an understanding of people, to be able to do what commonwealth’s attorneys are supposed to do – seek justice,” Davenport said. Dan Giardini, a retired Powhatan deputy who works part-time in the court system, said he and Cox started together with the Chesterfield Police Department and have worked together for decades in various roles. “He is a wealth of information. If I ever have a question, he is the first person I go to. … He is a go getter. If you took him a case he would sit down with you, you would go over the case together, and he would give suggestions of which way to go with it. When it came to prosecuting cases, he was always well prepared,” Davenport said. “I don’t think you can get any more experienced than Dickie Cox is. He has done it all, seen it all and prosecuted every kind of crime you can imagine. He has just been a wonderful asset to both the sheriff’s office and the citizens of Powhatan.”
SNEAD
READING Continued from pg. 5
For additional information on how to get your children involved, parents or guardians can contact Jayne Lloyd, program coordinator for Reach for Active Services, at raservices. pva@gmail.com or Cindy Norkunas, at the library at cnorkunas@powhatanlibrary.net. For details, contact Powhatan County Public Library at 804-598-5670 or library@powhatanlibrary.net.
Continued from pg. 3
net use. Despite getting the bond, Dustan said the sheriff’s office had obtained warrants and brought two more charges of taking indecent liberties with a minor by a person in custodial or supervisory relationship the week before, adding those pending charges would delay him being bonded out as they waited to be processed in Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Dustan declined to give any details surrounding the investigation, which is still ongoing.
August 3, 2022
Powhatan, Virginia
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Bishop leaves BSH on a historical note By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor
FILE PHOTO
BSH pitcher Ethan Bishop stands with coach James Poore.
When Blessed Sacrament Huguenot pitcher Ethan Bishop was named to the Richmond TimesDispatch All-Metro baseball team on July 20 after an impressive senior season, it was a tremendous victory for both the student-athlete and the school he represented. The last Knight featured on the list, standout T.J. Dobrucky, was awarded first team honors
back in 2012, helping catapult the program to new heights with a state-high 11 home runs while bringing in additional accolades like two VCC Player of the Year awards and a Division III Player of the Year honor. Being All-Metro in any capacity is an honor reserved for Virginia’s finest, mostly aimed at athletes residing at programs with a constant media presence, high-profile scouts in the bleachers and coaches with a knack
for developing collegebound student-athletes and states-bound teams. Bishop, who is preparing for his first semester at Radford University this upcoming fall, was fully aware of a handful of accolades granted to him after the season like first team mentions on the AllConference and All-State squads, but when told about his additional AllMetro honor, says he wasn’t immediately aware of the significance. “I didn’t even know
that there was an All-Metro selection for anything,“ he said. “The fact that I was the first person in 10 years from BHS to do it is a pretty good accomplishment, and I was pretty proud of myself.” With a resume like Bishop’s, it’s clear to see why he’s getting this recognition amidst a collection of the state’s top ballplayers. Leading the Knights as an ace on the mound and as a bat-cracking slugger, Bishop also led the Knights in batting
average, on base percentage, RBIs, slugging percentage and tied with teammate Harrison Lee in stolen bases. In 54 innings pitched, Bishop allowed just 39 hits all season while striking out 103 of the 255 batters he faced. In Bishop’s finest performance of the season, and probably the best of his baseball career, he became the first player in the Knights’ 55-year history to throw a perfect game in a matchup against Grace see BISHOP, pg. 3
Somerville leads Powhatan lacrosse on All-Metro Team By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor
It’s been a strong year for Powhatan athletes being recognized for their hard work in their respective games, and that trend has continued with the AllMetro Team announced for boys lacrosse on Friday, July 29. The Indians were featured three times on the list, headlined by star graduate and offensive dynamo Hayden Somerville, who made the second team. see LACROSSE, pg. 2
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Powhatan soccer player Fischer Daniel (left) celebrates a goal during his time with CCL United at the Gothia Cup held at Gothenburg, Sweden from July 17-23. Daniel was named team MVP after the tournament.
Daniel returns from Gothenburg By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor
S PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER
Powhatan’s Hayden Somerville was named second team All-Metro after his senior year.
itting on a sixhour flight heading for Gothenburg, Sweden, Fischer Daniel couldn’t sleep. It was his first time on a plane and Fischer, one of Powhatan’s fastest rising soccer stars, didn’t
feel comfortable on the ride that was over 30,000 feet up in the air. Fischer’s first flight was a special occasion, after the rising senior was invited to play with CCL United, part of the Club Champions League, in the Gothia Cup, the world’s largest international youth soccer tournament that brings together around
1,600 clubs from 80 nations to compete in Sweden at Kviberg Center. Once the plane landed and Fischer was on the pitch for the first time, he felt that even in a country over 4,000 miles from his home in Powhatan, he was in familiar territory. His performance in the tournament was evidence of that.
“It was worth it,” he said. Competing with clubs from around the world on a stage that featured highlevel talent and play styles that even he hasn’t come across before, Fischer dominated on the big stage, earning MVP honors from his team with four goals and an assee DANIEL, pg. 3
Five Indians make girls lacrosse All-Metro Team By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor
A
fter a programdefining season, the Powhatan girls lacrosse team saw five athletes named to the Richmond Times-Dispatch All-Metro Team that was announced on Wednesday, July 27. Leading the team was graduate and team captain Jordan Krauss, who capped off a brilliant ca-
reer with the Indians as a first team All-Metro member. Krauss brought in tons of accolades for her senior season, also being named a first team All-Region and All-State member. Now getting ready to play at the collegiate level at Christopher Newport University, the quarterback of Powhatan’s offense leaves the school with 100 career goals and over 200 career points. In her final season, the
four-year starter recorded 53 goals and 49 assists with 34 ground balls. Her high-level lacrosse IQ and patience as a feeder will be missed by the Indians, who look to build off their incredible 2022 season. Powhatan also had two players on the second team, with Kate Adams and Kendal McMullin earning more PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER postseason awards. Next to Krauss, Adams was Powhatan graduate Jordan Krauss was named a first team All-Metro see ALL-METRO, pg. 3
attacker after her senior season as an Indian.
C&F C&F BankBank’s AthleteAthlete of the Week of the Week SOFTBALL-ALLSTAR
WHO: MADALYN JOHNSON WHAT SHE DID: Powhatan softball pitcher Madalyn Johnson was given another top honor after her sophomore season on the rubber, earning a spot on the All-Metro first team.
Johnson was exceptional as one of Powhatan’s go-to pitching options during the season, as she helped the team get to the regional semifinals and finish with a 17-6 record. On the season, Johnson appeared in over 135 1/3 innings and struck out 214 batters with a 0.716 ERA. She also finished with a 12-6 record, threw 15
complete games and logged a .991 fielding percentage. As a hitter, Johnson batted .371 and drove in 16 runs. Johnson was joined as an AllMetro honoree by teammate Savannah Johnson, who was listed as an honorable mention outfielder in her final season with the Indians.
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Powhatan Today, August 3, 2022
Page 2B
Gallery: PLL 8/9/10 teams battle in tournament play Staff Reports
Powhatan Today
Powhatan Little League continues its stretch of solid production in tournament play, with the softball 8/9/10 team seeing its season end in the state tournament semifinal. The baseball 8/9/10 team also competed in an invitational tournament held at Atlee High School from July 22-24. The softball team showed tremendous fight up until the very end, falling in a semifinals battle against King William. While it wasn’t the desired result, tons of credit goes toward the coaching staff, parents and players out on the field to get them in that position for a state title. The District 5 All-Star champions will look to learn from the loss and continue on their quest to a state championship next season. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
LACROSSE Continued from pg. 1
Somerville’s teammates Connor Walters and Connor Barrett were also featured on the honorable mention list for their standout performances this season that helped push Powhatan to a 6-5 record in the Dominion District. This marks the first time that the Richmond Times-Dispatch All-Metro Team has featured a Powhatan athlete for boys lacrosse, a further testament to the sport’s emergence in the community and at the high school level. Somerville left his mark on the attacking end with multiple highprofile performances as the team’s most consistent goal-scorer. With a powerful shot that could threaten the goalie from all over the attacking zone and the strength to shrug off contact with the ball still in his possession, Somerville ended his final season as an Indian with 45 goals while also playing
Maliffs take Powhatan Today to Alaska Staff Reports
Powhatan Today
A copy of Powhatan Today has landed in an unfamiliar place thanks to the help of Powhatan locals Anne and John Maliff. The Maliff family ventured out into the Turnagain Arm in Girdwood, Alaska in hopes of witnessing Alaska’s most famous bore tide. The tide builds up to 6-10 foot tall wave ridden in by seals and surfers and can reach speeds of 10-15 miles per hour. It takes not just a low tide but also about a 27-foot tidal differential (between high and low tide) for a bore to form in Turnagain Arm.
the role of distributor with 13 assists. Walters, a rising senior, also made his money as a lethal scoring threat similar to his teammate, though he was also tasked with being a setup man as well as a sniper for the Indians offense. Walters was credited with 42 goals on the season, but also made his mark with 34 assists, weaving through traffic around and behind the
net to deliver precise, on the money passes to his teammates for clean looks in front of the net. With the team losing Somerville’s scoring touch, Walters and guys like Jack Connelly and Henter Blevins will be tasked with stepping up even more than they already have as offensive contributors at the top of the Powhatan attack. Barrett was a force for the Indians on the other
PHOTOS BY ROBBY FLETCHER
Above, rising senior attacker Connor Walters was named an honorable mention honoree after being a key scoring threat for the Indians. He finished the season with 42 goals. Below, Connor Barrett was named honorable mention as a defender in his senior season with the lacrosse program.
side of the field, holding down the fort alongside senior goalie Connor Jeffs to hold off incoming opposing attackers. A respected leader on the field, the senior defenseman helped lead the troops by getting 58 ground balls and 23 takeaways by playing physical, yet intelligent defense. “I’m happy to lead
and pave the way for the younger generation and sort of show them what it is to be a part of Powhatan lacrosse,” Barrett said after the team defeated the Monacan Chiefs on his senior night. Replacing Barrett’s steady presence on that side of the field will be an interesting storyline for the Indians next spring. With a year under
their belt in the Dominion District and three Indians earning praise for their performances that put them among the top players in the state, the Indians will look to continue building up their program and finding more student-athletes earning their place in the discussion of the sport’s best lacrosse players in Virginia.
Powhatan Today, August 3, 2022
DANIEL Continued from pg. 1
sist in four games played in the tournament. “It was amazing, I was really nervous going over there, and honestly you’re thinking everyone’s going to be so good and once I got there, I told myself to just have fun that you’re over here now,” he said. Fischer and CCL United played two clubs from England and two from Sweden during the tournament, while getting the opportunity to train with Swedish club Malmo, participate in a camp in Denmark and catch multiple games from U17 Ghanaian football academy Right to Dream, who Fischer says opened his eyes to just how professional and talented a club in his age group could play and how much work he needs to put in with his own game. “It’s opened my eyes to how much harder I need to work honestly,” he said. “They looked like professionals at 17. Watching them being my age and playing at the level that they play is like, okay, I still have work to do.” Outside of the game, Fischer was also able to sightsee Copenhagen, visit the Amalienborg Palace and the changing of the guards and also try what he considers the best burger he’s ever had on a small island just off of Gothenburg. He also experienced a new type of soccer culture, witnessing thousands of Swedish locals pack the fields at Kviberg Center
BISHOP Continued from pg. 1
Christian School on March 25. “I had never done that before, I hadn’t even thrown a no-hitter before, and to do that and be the first person to ever do that at BSH is definitely my greatest accomplishment as a baseball player,” he said. The 10-0 win, which ended in a six-inning mercy rule decision, is something Bishop remembers as an oddly pressure-free experience. Never letting his confidence waver, nor feeling like one hit allowed would ruin what was an unbelievably impressive pitching performance, he approached things in a business-asusual manner before capping off the game with one final ground out. “Throughout the whole
ALL-METRO Continued from pg. 1
one of Powhatan’s most reliable scoring threats, adding 51 goals and 28 assists with 17 ground balls. Credited as a lethal lefty on the low attack and a strong crease feeder with a quick first step and a strong shot, Adams was also named a second team All-Region member and helped create one of the strongest offensive attacks in the region. McMullin earned her All-Metro recognition by doing a little bit of everywhere for the Indians this season, making her mark as a scorer with 34 goals, as a playmaker with nine
for the tournament. “I have never seen a group or a community be so immersed in a sporting event. Everything there had to do with that cup; everyone there was talking about soccer or going to games.” There were plenty of unexpected moments for Fischer entering the tournament, but one thing that definitely lived up to his expectations was the play styles of the international clubs he was slated to play. The English clubs played more methodical, slow-paced styles that relied on long balls to win the possession game, while the Swedish clubs were quicker and moved the ball with a more tikitaka style of passing that played the field short rather than long. He also heard his fair share of trash talk, especially against the English clubs. The first English club CCL United went up against, Swindon Town, presented a unique challenge for Fischer and his teammates. The club brought along a strong fan presence that featured an atmosphere of chants and insults, while the players out on the field played mind games with a constant chatter aimed at their opposition. “I was thinking coming into the tournament that there would be a positive atmosphere with teams wanting to go there and just play some soccer and have fun, but the first English team we played, their centerback was in my ear the whole game.” Fischer fed off that energy, scoring the opening
goal with a chip of the keeper. As he trotted past the rival fan section, he shushed the crowd of its collective jeers and antiopponent chants and marked a target on his back in the process. Just five minutes after his goal opened the game, Swindon Town earned a penalty kick after a foul in the box, and the resulting goal led to the scorer copying Fischer’s own celebration. After that, Fischer didn’t leave the game, telling his coach that no one steals his celebration. The motivated Powhatan star scored his second goal later as a riposte, helping propel his team to its second straight victory, 3-1. “It was definitely a test to see how mentally strong you were because you were constantly having them bash you from the sidelines. It was loud, you could feel it in your chest, but it was just motivation for me to shut them up, and it was just the greatest feeling ever.” After all the back-andforth talking and in-game tension, Fischer was rewarded a mini soccer ball from the Swindon Town coaching staff as a sign of respect from the opposition for being the Man of the Match. “It was a cool cultural thing to see, I’ve never had that happen when playing club,” he said. After drawing 2-2 with a Swedish club in the next match, a game that saw Fischer add a goal and an assist, CCL United faced LPA Academy, who they lost to in a penalty shootout after neither team could score in regulation.
game I stayed pretty confident in myself, and I don’t think I was pressured at all,” Bishop said. “I knew I was throwing a perfect game, but it didn’t feel like I was throwing a perfect game, it kind of felt like a normal outing.” Putting together a season as impressive as this one wasn’t an overnight success story, but a summation of years of work put in with multiple programs, some trusted coaches and the type of team chemistry that Bishop played off of whenever he was front and center on the field. A multi-sport athlete at BSH, Bishop also had high-level impacts on the football field and on the basketball court, but he says his home has always been on a baseball field. First playing the game at 5 years old in the Chesterfield Little League, he
took the traditional route of starting with tee-ball and caught on quick with a bat in his hands. At 11, he was already playing on his first travel team, Virginia Rebellion, before taking a break from competitive baseball in the seventh grade. He started back up again in the ninth grade at Manchester High School and later at Millwood School, a private school in Woodlake, Virginia. There, he says his talent with the ball in his hand truly started to reach another level, with a lot of credit going to pitching coach Nick Lauranzon, who was at the time a coach for Prince George and later became Bishop’s own pitching coach at the travel ball level at 16 years old. He also worked with Bishop during his time with the homeschool team, the Virginia Patri-
assists and as a possession-starting force with 37 ground balls. A threeyear varsity player, a team captain, a first team All-Region member and a leader in every sense of the word, McMullin’s special athletic ability and effort is something that played a huge part in the team’s success on the attack. Wrapping up their appearances on the AllMetro Team, up-andcoming midfielder Caroline Camp and defensive force Sam Flippo were listed on the honorable mention list. Camp, coming off her freshman year, made an immediate impact on the varsity squad, recording
Page 3B
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Powhatan’s Fischer Daniel (top row, third from the left) poses with his CCL United teammates.
If playing Swindon Town was a challenging first assignment of increased physicality and trash talk, then LPA Academy was the final exam. The game was an introduction to new insults and new defensive strategies that would possibly result in an immediate red card in a typical VHSL game. The Brexit Tackle, for instance, was something Fischer was given a proper introduction to, with the phrase referring to a slide tackle that aims to take a player out rather than make a play on the ball. “I still have bruises all over my shins from them,” he said. Fischer also learned some new colorful language that was aimed his way, with athletes from LPA referring to him as a munter, a slang word used to describe someone as unattractive. The insults didn’t end with the final whistle. Players from LPA also
sent Fischer and his teammates messages and videos on Instagram with some more colorful language. Rather than feed into it, he just relayed those messages to his coach, let the tournament organizers handle it and continued to focus on his own game. “We’ve got to be the bigger people, we’re here to play soccer, not fight some lowlife,” he said. Despite ending on a tough loss, Fischer didn’t let that result impact the takeaways he made from the tournament. He says that he learned to take a more humble approach to the game and that with a talent-level this high, taking a second to relax and celebrate could lead to a mistake or a moment of weakness that a talented team could take advantage of. “Our coach told us that the game will humble you so fast over there. As soon as you think you’ve got this, it can change so fast,” he said.
Thinking back to even his own celebration being used against him against Swindon Town, Fischer was served a real, in-game example of that message his coaches preached. “Having it happen to me is what really showed me that I need to be humble and work in silence,” he said. Coming back from the Gothia Cup, Fischer returns to Powhatan rejuvenated and confident, having proved to himself that he can compete with anyone and raise his own level of play against teams from around the world that had challenged him in a way he had never experienced before. Even if he didn’t sleep on that first flight to Gothenburg, he can rest assured now that he’s faced a new challenge head on and come back a better athlete because of it. “It was everything that I could have ever wanted out of the trip.”
ots. “The two years before I went to Blessed Sacrament he really helped me get to the level where I felt comfortable as a really good pitcher,” Bishop said. “He has been a huge influence on my baseball career.” Bishop says his work with Lauranzon helped him overcome in-game struggles, temporary hits to his confidence and his general mechanics as a thrower. All this gradually aided his game to the point where he reached the Knights roster as a player with a more complete package on offense and defense. Joining the team, he noted the smaller-sized roster meant team chemistry would be crucial to their overall success, and while working with the Knights and head coach James Poore, he says he
found a home on a team that enjoyed going out to the field together regardless of the final result. “The team was small, so everyone played and the team chemistry had to be good for us to play well together, and I would say the chemistry was a really good thing,” he said. “The coaching staff was really supportive, we all looked forward to going to practice and going to games. We didn’t always win games, but we always had fun playing those games, which I think is the most important thing.” In his senior season as a Knight, the team finished with a 6-16 record and a 4-12 regional record, while Bishop capped off an eventful high school playing career with 25 runs and 21 RBIs. He says he’ll remember each game experience fondly as he sets off to be-
come a Radford Highlander. Bishop says his top priority in his first year of college is academics above all, as he gets set to start his major in criminal justice with a minor in Spanish. He doesn’t intend to drop the game of baseball completely though. Once he feels he’s in a good place with his studies, the idea of training to fight for a walk-on spot with the Highlanders baseball team is something that intrigues him. “I really just want to get my foot in the ground and have a good first year in college,” he said. Regardless of where the game ends with him, Bishop can always look back on the impact he made as a Knight and the rarified air he finds himself in after an excellent final season of high school baseball.
PHOTOS BY ROBBY FLETCHER
From left to right: Kate Adams (12) made the All-Metro second team, Kendal McMullin (3) joined Adams on the second team, Sam Flippo (4) was honorable mention alongside teammate Caroline Camp (1).
35 goals, 25 assists and 28 ground balls. A versatile player that can attack just as easily as she can defend, Camp was asked to do a lot in the team’s historical sea-
son and stepped up in a major way. She was also a second team All-Region member. Flippo was Powhatan’s defensive stalwart that helped keep games
low-scoring thanks to her quick decision-making, speed and clearing ability. She recorded two goals and an assist along with 31 ground balls last
season, leading to her All-Metro appearance as well as a mention on the All-Region second team. Robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@ powhatantoday.com.
Powhatan Today, Aug. 3, 2022
Page 4B
Seniors make blankets for children’s hospital Contributed Report The first HumbleBee was held Wednesday, July 20 at Community Matters – a time and space reserved for people 55+ from all backgrounds to enjoy time together. This Powhatan resource gathers around topics, activities and continued learning. The HumbleBee Project will be held monthly and uses new donated fleece to create no-sew blankets for pediatric inpatients at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond. The blankets will be tagged from The HumbleBee Project and sent to the Child Life Department, which assists pediatric inpatients with coping and adjustment to medical issues and makes them more comfortable in all facets of their care. Various other project ideas were discussed as possibilities in the future. Ten blankets were made with plans to make more. The activity was followed by a discussion about experiences with pediatric hospitalization among participants and a phone call to those present from Child Life staff member that welcomed their efforts and explained the challenges that can be faced and how much tangible messages of care and comfort can mean to each patient. She shared insight about the number of patients they serve from infant to age 18 years. Each child will take home whatever blanket they are given upon being discharged. The next HumbleBee Project will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24 at the Powhatan Rescue Squad. As people approach the 55+ age group or retirement, they start paying attention to
the keys to aging well advised by experts: staying active, volunteering, social engagement and continued learning. Reach for Active intends to provide connections to those keys and serve Powhatan as a golden, thriving and fulfilling community for 55+, and one program through which that is achieved is Community Matters. Currently offering programming on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and noon at the Powhatan Rescue Squad. Community Matters’ goal is always to connect meaningful opportunities for engagement and learning among 55+ in Powhatan; the program welcomes new residents who want to stay active and is appropriate for those able to participate without any assistance. If you’d like more information about the HumbleBee or Community Matters, or you’d like to donate new fleece material, contact program coordinator Jayne Lloyd 804-698-0438 or RAServices.PVA@ gmail.com. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
The first HumbleBee was held July 20 at Community Matters. The HumbleBee Project will be held monthly and uses new donated fleece to create no-sew blankets for pediatric inpatients at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond, shown above. The next HumbleBee Project will be held at 10 a.m. Aug. 24 at the Powhatan Rescue Squad. Showing off finished blankets are Ernestine Taylor, bottom left, Eleanor Delaney and Kathryn Glass.
AARP Virginia offers fraud alert on rental housing scams Renting a home or apartment is a big expense but it could be an even bigger one if the rental is a scam. Criminals copy legitimate listings and look for easy cash by collecting the first month’s rent, deposit and application fees and then bolt before handing over the keys. Numerous versions of rental frauds abound – some are bait-and-switch while others will attempt to rent out properties that are already leased or otherwise unavailable.
These fake rental schemes happen every year and would-be renters are losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. When renting a place, watch out for scammers who ask you to sign before seeing anything or request payment via wire transfer, peer to peer apps or cash. Do your research on the property and owner and read agreements carefully. Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call the AARP
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Updated and ready to move right in! 3.79 acres, fenced yard, 3-year old roof, replacement windows, great room with wood stove, large eat-in kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, lower walk-out level/ recreation room. $209,950
RENTALS
RENTALS
17220 ROYALTON ROAD AMELIA COURTHOUSE, VA 23002
2486 MOUNTAIN VIEW ROAD POWHATAN, VA 23139
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths Attached Garage $2,295/month
www.HankCosby.com
2 bedrooms, 1 bath $1,195/month