Powhatan Today –10/26/2022

Board makes first changes needed to move forward Swartz takes on role of Powhatan Middle principal

By Laura McFarland Managing Editor

POWHATAN – The Powhatan County Board of Supervisors took several administrative steps to move them toward getting back to business a week after asking county administrator Ned Smither to resign.

During the board’s meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 18, the supervisors voted to approve a severance package for Smither, accept Bret Schardein as interim county administrator with a temporary pay bump, and authorize a raise for county attorney Tom Lacheney, who has decided he will not resign after all.

Other than the votes on these items, most of the work that went into reaching these decisions took place during closed session. The board breezed through the main agenda in an astounding four minutes, including the decision to appoint Schardein as interim county administrator.

It was only after a roughly two-hour closed session that they came out and took several votes regarding personnel.

The board voted 3-2 in favor of approving a severance package of $136,342.31 for Smither, who resigned on Oct. 11 at the board’s request. Chairman Mike Byerly, who represents District

3; Steve McClung, District 2; and Karin Carmack, District 5, supported the severance package amount while David Williams, District 1, and Bill Cox, District 4, voted against.

Williams revisisted his actions on Oct. 11, when he tried to have Smither’s employment terminated with cause instead of asking for a resignation and was the lone vote not to support the latter. He argued then and again last week that Smither did not deserve a severance package, reiterating what he described as the county administrator’s mishandling of Powhatan County’s employee classification and

Farm Day celebrates agriculture

By Laura McFarland Managing Editor

POWHATAN – Halloween will mark a day of big change for Powhatan Middle School as Courtney Swartz takes the helm as the new principal.

Swartz, who is currently the associate principal at Pocahontas Middle School in Henrico County, will take over the role from Samantha Martin, who is moving within the school division to become the coordinator of innovative learning. Martin has been principal of the middle school since it opened in 2018.

Swartz brings with her over 15 years of experience in education, including being an associate principal at three different Henrico middle schools since 2017 –Pocahontas, Elko and Moody Middle schools –and a year as assistant principal at Manchester Middle School in Chesterfield.

She also previously worked at Chesterfield County Public Schools as an instructional consultant for gifted education, a language arts department chair, an honors institute program coordinator, a language arts teacher and an administrative assistant, as well as several other positions and committee roles overlapping within those timeframes.

By Laura McFarland Managing Editor

POWHATAN – Sitting on a tarp on the ground, a class of third graders earnestly shook a small container of heavy cream to try to make butter.

Nearby, another group crowded around a docile horse and learned how its different features compare to those of humans.

Across the field, an excited group of students jockeyed for position to pet the soft coat of a wriggling rabbit.

At still another station with raw cotton sitting on the table, a woman holds up different objects – a baseball, money, a hat – and talks about how much cotton goes into

making them.

This and so much more was Farm Day – a day that saw about 320 third graders from all three public elementary school gathering at the Powhatan Rescue Squad grounds to increase their knowledge of agriculture through hands-on interaction and learning stations.

The 16 classes that make up the Powhatan County Public Schools (PCPS) third grade spent most of the day on Tuesday, Oct. 18 rotating between 16 stations organized by the Powhatan Cooperative Extension and run by people volunteering their time and knowledge, said Cathy Howland, 4-H exten-

Festival

Swartz said she started teaching in middle school and fell in love with educating that age group.

“I think it is such a unique blend of students and where they are developmentally. I just really connect with middle school students,” she said.

Connecting with the age group of sixth through eighth grades is entirely different than what you find in elementary and high schools

School, county team up to revamp adult education

Contributed Report

The Powhatan County Economic Development Department recently announced the release of the newly revamped Powhatan Public Schools Adult Education Program.

In the past, the program offered mostly hobbyist style classes such as cooking, art and leisure topics. After the program paused in 2019, school administration teamed up with the County Economic Development department to generate more offerings that meet the needs of not only citizens but local businesses, too. Local businesses were surveyed to get input for the most needed courses and certifications to upskill and train local employees. The feedback uncovered needs of food safety training, management, forklift operating and welding certificates as well as offers of instructors in various areas from local business owners.

Some of the classes currently listed in the course description include classes for: GED prep and test, NRF Customer Service, Medical Coding, NCCER Introductory Craft Skills and ServSafe Management Certification. There are also a few hobbyist courses – painting and cooking classes for breads and chocolate.

Powhatan Economic Development reached out to local partner Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA), the workforce development division of Reynolds and Brightpoint community colleges, to further the scope and development of the courses.

CCWA Vice President Elizabeth Creamer stated, “CCWA is thrilled to be working with Powhatan County to offer workforce training through the county’s adult education program. Today, with as many as 3.5 jobs currently posted for every regional resident actively seeking work, education at all levels needs to work with workforce and economic development to provide occupational training and career connections to all sources of workforce talent. Workforce training for adult education students is vital to securing the skilled workforce the region needs. Powhatan County is interested in adult education that helps residents secure career-oriented jobs with good pay and opportunities for advancement. CCWA is all in to assist the county in that goal.”

“All too often the employment needs of our adult learners are overlooked,” said Jeffrey Elmore of the Capital Regional Adult Edu-

COURTNEY SWARTZ

PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND

Powhatan County Public School students learn about beef cattle from local farmer Jamie Timberlake and Buddy the cow during the Farm Day held for all third graders on Oct. 18.

see FARM DAY, pg. 6

see BOARD, pg. 4

PHOTO BY LAURA MCFARLAND

Schill and her

Burton, a kindergart-

dressed

the

Elementary

SAMANTHA MARTIN

WILLIAM BROTHERS

BROTHERS, Mr. William "Bill" L., passed away peacefully at home in N.Y. on October 14, 2022, surrounded by his wife of 62 years and his children. Bill was born to John and Liannae Brothers on May 24, 1940, in Norfolk, Va. He grew up in Va. Beach, where he met and married Faye Carliss. They went on to have three children and lived the majority of their lives together in Richmond, Va. Bill retired from Food Lion in 2005 and last year, he and Faye moved to Germantown, N.Y., to be closer to their daughter. Bill's absolute favorite thing was spending time with his beloved family. He simply loved to be around his siblings and their families, as well as his own nuclear family and grandsons. Christmases were always a special time to gather because, as well as the gift of love, Bill gave us the gift of laughter. We will miss that sense of humor and the joy we shared in being together this Christmas and all holidays to follow. Bill was predeceased by his mother and father; and his younger brother, John A. Brothers (Dickie). He is survived by his wife, Faye; and his children, Billy Brothers and his wife, Page, Carla Helmholz and her husband, Rob and Regina Foster and her husband, Peter; his grandsons, Jack and Henry Foster; his siblings, Jane Goins and her husband, Jim, Marvin Brothers and his wife, Susan, Ricky Brothers and his wife, Kathy; as well as many nieces and nephews. Over the course of his years, Bill enjoyed tinkering on cars, listening to country music, watching westerns

Wednesday, Oct. 26

The Powhatan Christmas Mother program is now accepting applications. The program serves clients 18 and under, 60 and older and those on Social Security/Veteran’s Administration disability. Proof of disability is required. No exceptions. Bring proof of total household income; proof of residency (copy of light bill, tax bill, etc.); custody papers if applicable; and proof of disability. Volunteers will accept applications at the Powhatan County Public Library on the following dates: from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 26 and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 29. Those that would rather mail an application can pick one up at the Free Clinic of Powhatan or Powhatan Public Library. Applications will also be online on the Christmas Mother website and Facebook. Mail applications to Powhatan Christmas Mother, Attn. Applications, PO Box 461- Powhatan, VA 23139.

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 well-being. 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: Oct. 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.

Powhatan County Public Schools will hold a Substitute Job Fair and Pathway to Teacher Licensure from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26 at the Pocahontas Landmark Center. If you currently have a bachelor’s degree, come learn about pathways to becoming a teacher. For more information, contact human resources at 804598-5700.

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. Information on various offerings, activities and topics presented can be found on Facebook: Powhatan County Reach for Active Services. 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 through Overdrive 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 804598-5670 for more details, and like the library’s Facebook page for all the latest, up-to-date library news, information and program schedules.

Powhatan County Public Library will hold a weekly Story Time on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Participants will read stories, sing songs, learn finger plays and more! Story Time generally meets in front of the fireplace, and occasionally in our outdoor space.

Business Network International (BNI) Powhatan chapter meets virtually from 8 to 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday. Visit Www.BNIVA.com for

and reading his bible. He had a heart for helping people and he was always "just a phone call away" should anyone need him. From working with Relay for Life to daily visits to his mother's nursing home with coffee for all, he found joy in giving. That giving heart also extended to animals, and he and Faye adopted many dogs from shelters over the years who just needed a second chance. Please join us in celebrating Bill Brothers' meaningful life at County Seat, 3883 Old Buckingham Rd., Powhatan, Va. 23139, November 3 at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Richmond SPCA. https://richmondspca.org/ Grief gives the full measure of love, and it is somehow reassuring to learn, even by suffering, how large and powerful love is. -Wendell Berry

BERKELEY COSBY

COSBY, Berkeley "B.K. Country," age 81, passed away in the hospital on September 26, 2022, after a long illness. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kathleen; his stepchildren, Steven (Miriam) Wasilewski, Daniel Wasilewski, Judith (Cortez) Thomas; his aunt, Norma Dabney; his loving sister, Joyce (William) Richter; Linda Horner; several nephews and nieces and stepgrandchildren. He loved his family, fishing, the flea market and the friends he made there. The family will have a private service at a later date. Arrangements are made by Joseph Johnson & Sons Funeral Home.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

are always welcome.

RICHARD DALTON

DALTON, Richard Thomas "Tom," (82), born in Powhatan, passed away on October 13 after a full life. Tom owned Dalton's Hair Chateau, styling exceptional cuts. He's preceded in death by parents, Richard and Georgie Dalton; and sisters, Shirley Ziegler and Dorothy Morrison. He's survived by his son, Stephen Dalton; nieces, Jane Preston and Susan Hare; and nephew, Jim Morrison. View at affinityfuneralservice.com.

CHRISTOPHER MCHENRY

MCHENRY, Mr. Christopher Shane, age 45 of Powhatan, passed from this life on October 15, 2022. He was predeceased by his father Ronnie McHenry, and his life partner of 15 years, Van Ford, and is survived by his mother Agnes Reams and stepfather Alex Reams of Amelia, siblings Debbie Sparks (Mike) of Powhatan, Patricia West (Allen) of Amelia, Shelly Spiller (Mark) of Powhatan, Shawn West (Mike) of Sandston, Sara Wilt (Rich) of NC; and numerous nieces and nephews, other devoted family members Bill and Eileen Snivley, and Clifford Hunter and Christopher Snivley Funeral services will be private for the convenience of the family.

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.

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. 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.

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.

Thursday, Oct. 27

The Elizabeth Randolph Lewis Powhatan YMCA will hold a luncheon for first responders in Powhatan. Lunch will be provided and served by the Active Adults at the YMCA as a small appreciation gesture to thank the first responders for all their hard work and dedication to the community. Lunch will be served from noon to 3 p.m. at Powhatan YMCA.

The Elizabeth Randolph Lewis Powhatan YMCA will hold a Trunk or Treat event from 6 to 8 p.m. Join the YMAC for fun and spooks for the whole family. Be sure to come in costume and take a tour of the haunted bus – if you dare. If you would like to decorate your trunk and pass out candy, reach out to register. The event is free and open to the community. For more information, contact Alex Goins at poprograms@ ymcarichmond.org.

A weekly showing of episodes of “The Chosen – I have Called you by Name” will be held at 7 p.m. at the War Memorial Cultural Arts & Community Center, 2375 Skaggs Rd, Powhatan. Free admission and refreshments provided. Schedule: Oct. 27, episodes 7 and 8. Reserve your seats today via phone at 804-598-2187 (no answer, leave message) or email to: info@wmcacc.org.

Teen Anime Club will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at Powhatan County Public Library. Bring manga, notebooks, cosplays, or other projects to work on. We will watch a different anime each meeting. For local teens aged 13-18 (grades 6-12). Application required to join. Pick up one at the library front desk.

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.

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.

Graceland Baptist Church, 975 Dorset Road, holds a community meal called At the Table at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month. Come enjoy a homecooked meal, a brief Jesus story, fellowship, and music. All are welcome.

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_2 QUVzrPXDpYsV2HY11CH8KBrluifyO. 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.

Mill Quarter Republican Woman's Club (MQRWC) will meet on the fourth Thursday of the month at Italian Delight restaurant, 1795 South Creek One, Powhatan. Fellowship begins at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7 p.m. The organization meets the fourth Thursday of every month unless otherwise advertised in the Community Calendar or MQRWC’s Facebook page. MQWRC is an active group and interested in expanding. Visitors

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, Oct. 28

Mabel’s, 1800A South Creek One, will hold a Trunk or Treat from 6 to 8 p.m. Children of all ages are welcome to come and partake in the spooky season with us. If you come dressed up you can come and trunk or treat with us. The event is free and open to the public. There is room for 25 vehicles to be part of the event. To participate, bring your decorated car, provide candy and be in costume. If interested in being a “trunker,” email info@mabels.net to sign up.

Saturday, Oct. 29

The Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office will hold a DEA National Drug Takeback event to collect unwanted prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the sheriff’s office in the safe exchange zone. The DEA can only accept pills or patches; the DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Point of contact is 1st Sgt. Arthur Gregory at 804-598-5318 or argregory@powhatanva.gov.

Powhatan High School, led by the PHS Leftovers club, will hold its first Spooktacular Bonfire complete with activities for all ages, including an outdoor Halloween movie, a haunted trail and a Trunk or Treat carnival. The event will be from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Powhatan High School Stadium and Complex, 1800 Judes Ferry Road. It will move inside in case of inclement weather. Admission is $5 with proceeds benefiting Relay for Life. Donations will also be accepted. The schedule for the Spooktacular is: 5-6:30 p.m.: Trunk or Treat Carnival (all ages welcome); 6:30-9 p.m.: Light bonfire; 6:30-7 p.m. Contests and prizes (including best costume); 6:30-9:30 p.m.: Haunted Trail begin (suggested for middle school age and older); 7-9 p.m.: Outdoor movie (all ages welcome). For more information, contact Christian Miller at Christian.Miller@powhatan.k12. va.us.

Powhatan Volunteer Fire Department Company 1 will hold an Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the station, located at 3971 Old Buckingham Road. Fire and EMS apparatus will be on display. Demonstrations will be held in the rear of the fire station. Other attractions will include: fire suppression demonstration; safety smoke house demo; child safety information from local law enforcement; live radio broadcast; Virginia State Police Medflight (weather permitting); and extrication tool demonstration. There will also be free beverages, snacks, door prizes and trick or treating.

Red Lane Baptist Church, 2095 Red Lane Road, will hold a Fall Festival from 3 to 5 p.m. The free event will include laser tag, games, candy, popcorn and a cake walk.

The Elizabeth Randolph Lewis Powhatan YMCA will hold an Underwater Pumpkin Patch at 11 a.m. Cost is $5 for members and $7 for non-members. Registration is required. Dive for a pumpkin and decorate after. For more information, contact Alex Goins at goinsa@ ymcarichmond.org.

The third annual Bourbon and Double Barrels will be held at 2 p.m. at 1956 Rocky Ford Road, Powhatan. Stay as long as you like. The event will support local nonprofit Young Life Powhatan by letting participants enjoy an afternoon of clay shooting, bourbon tasting and college football. Cost is $250 per individual and includes all shooting equipment and supplies, tastings, food and a bottle of whiskey from Three Crosses Distillery. Mail checks to 3585 Aston Trail Powhatan, VA 23139. Register early, limited tickets sold. For more information, call Mary Florence at 804-647-5962 or Jeff Harper at 804683-2576. Visit https;/va269.younglife.events/ bourbon-and-double-barrels.

Join Goochland Powhatan Master Gardener volunteers to Garden with H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Planet Endure) from the soil up. Participants will learn fun, easy, money saving methods to get your garden ready for spring. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at Powhatan County Public Library. Learn how to implement sustainable gardening practices; build your own no-till and hugelkultur gardening beds; loosen soil

in your gardening beds with a broad fork; make your own fertilizer; prepare a jadam soil soak to promote soil health; and use ground covers and cover crops instead of mulch.

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/.

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

Sunday, Oct. 30

Hills Baptist Church, located at 1659 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, will hold a Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat from 6 to 8 p.m. All are welcome.

Mount Hermon Baptist Church will hold a Trunk or Treat from 4 to 6 p.m. at the church, 18100 Genito Road, Moseley. Decorated vehicles, candy, concessions and games.

Gospel Light Baptist Church, 2109 Anderson Highway, will hold a Trunk or Treat from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. All are welcome.

Monday, Oct. 31

Harvest Festival and Trunk-o-Treat will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31 at Powhatan County Fairgrounds. Cost is $5 a car load with a portion of proceed benefiting the VCU blood disorder clinic. For information, contact 804-598-9808 or visit http://www.powhatanfair. org/trunk-o-treats-powhatan. Are you looking for an alternative to neighborhood trick-or-treating this year? Look no further! There will be fun for ages 0-100!! This fun community Halloween event features: costume contest, petting zoo and pony ride (new attraction), inflatables, haunted house, hay rides, live music/DJ and more. Pets are welcome!!!! If you’re not up for decorating this year and want to participate all vehicles are welcome to include classic cars and motorcycles. Just plant a comfy chair behind your vehicle to greet kids as they trick-or-treat down Candy Lane.

May Memorial Baptist Church will have a Fall Festival on Halloween night that coincides with trick-or-treating in Scottville! Congregants will be set up by the gazebo with games, hot dogs, popcorn and water.

Visit the Knights of Columbus’ 14th annual Pumpkin Patch at Country Living Homes site, 2504 Anderson Hwy. in Flatrock. The patch is open from through Oct. 31, with hours on Sunday to Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additional activities planned for some Saturdays! Bring your camera to take family photos! Stand next to our ‘‘Great Pumpkin’’ and see how you measure up. All proceeds benefit charitable causes. In past years, proceeds have benefited Habitat for Humanity, Free Clinic of Powhatan, Scouting, Lonesome Dove Equestrian Center, and others. Closing at 3 p.m. on Halloween.

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.

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, Nov. 1

The Heart of Virginia Beekeepers will meet on Nov. 1 starting at 6:30 p.m., check-in time for our annual Fun Honey-Tasting at the Prince Edward County Extension Office (100 Dominion Dr., Farmville, VA 23901) near Lowe's. The meeting itself will begin at 7 p.m. The competition is open to all who have extracted honey from their

DALTON

COSBY

BROTHERS

MCHENRY

Powhatan offers Halloween, fall festival options

Powhatan County will be hopping for the next few days as churches, nonprofits and other groups host a variety of family-friendly Halloween and fall festival events to provide a safe time out for local families.

The groups who have shared their event information include:

The Elizabeth Randolph Lewis Powhatan YMCA will hold a Trunk or Treat event from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27. Join the YMAC for fun and spooks for the whole family. Be sure to come in costume and take a tour of the haunted bus – if you dare. If you would like to decorate your trunk and pass out candy, reach out to register. The event is free and open to the community. For more information, contact Alex Goins at poprograms@ymcarichmond.org.

Mabel’s, 1800A South Creek One, will hold a Trunk or Treat from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28. Children of all ages are welcome to come and partake in the spooky season with us. If you come dressed up you can come and trunk or treat with us. The event is free and open to the public. There is room for 25 vehicles to be part of the event. To participate, bring your decorated car, provide candy and be in costume. If interested in being a “trunker,” email info@mabels.net to sign up.

Powhatan High School, led by the PHS Leftovers club, will hold its first Spooktacular Bonfire complete with activities for all ages, including an outdoor Halloween movie, a haunted trail and a Trunk or Treat carnival. The event will be from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Powhatan High School Stadium and Complex, 1800 Judes Ferry Road. It will move inside in case of inclement weather. Admission is $5 with proceeds benefiting Relay for Life. Donations will also be accepted. The schedule for the Spooktacular is: 5-6:30 p.m.: Trunk or Treat Carnival

(all ages welcome); 6:30-9 p.m.: Light bonfire; 6:30-7 p.m. Contests and prizes (including best costume); 6:30-9:30 p.m.: Haunted Trail begin (suggested for middle school age and older); 7-9 p.m.: Outdoor movie (all ages welcome). For more information, contact Christian Miller at Christian.Miller@powhatan.k12. va.us.

Powhatan Volunteer Fire Department Company 1 will hold an Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at the station, located at 3971 Old Buckingham Road. Fire and EMS apparatus will be on display. Demonstrations will be held in the rear of the fire station. Other attractions will include: fire suppression demonstration; safety smoke house demo; child safety information from local law enforcement; live radio broadcast; Virginia State Police Medflight (weather permitting); and extrication tool demonstration. There will also be free beverages, snacks, door prizes and trick or treating.

Red Lane Baptist Church, 2095 Red Lane Road, will hold a Fall Festival from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29. The free event will include laser tag, games, candy, popcorn and a cake walk.

The Elizabeth Randolph Lewis Powhatan YMCA will hold an Underwater Pumpkin Patch at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Cost is $5 for members and $7 for non-members. Registration is required. Dive for a pumpkin and decorate after. For more information, contact Alex Goins at goinsa@ymcarichmond.org.

Mount Hermon Baptist Church will hold a Trunk or Treat from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30 at the church, 18100 Genito Road, Moseley, with decorated vehicles, candy, concessions and games.

Hills Baptist Church, located at 1659 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, will hold a Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30. All are welcome.

Habitat for Humanity extends hours for Restore

Contributed Report

Habitat for Humanity-Powhatan’s ReStore will be open weekly beginning Saturday, Nov. 5. The store, located at 1922 Urbine Road, will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursdays from noon to 4 p.m. for shopping, picking up previous purchases and dropping off new items.

“To be able to say we are open every Saturday will be so much easier for everyone to remember, and in turn, we hope make even more faithful ReStore fans,” says executive director Susan Winiecki. “And you’ll continue to see some of your friendly and favorite store volunteers!”

The ReStore is a combination hardware store, a building supply store and a used furniture store. All items sold support the greater goal of Habitat, which is to serve those in need of safe and decent housing. Plus, every $1 sold in the store saves 1.3 pounds from going into a landfill — an equivalent of about 98,000 pounds in 2021-22.

Opened in 2018, the HFH-P ReStore also serves as a community space, hosting other nonprofit groups, events and fundraisers. On Sat., Nov. 19, come meet Powhatan Christmas Mother Kathy Ware and bring a board game or STEM educational toy.

The ReStores in the United States celebrate 30 years. In 1992, volunteers opened a store in Austin, Texas. Its purpose: keep new and used home and building materials out of the waste stream while helping fund Habitat’s home-, hope- and community-building work. Customers came from all over to find deals on windows, doors, paint, hardware, tools, furniture, appliances and decor to spruce up their own homes while helping others build and secure theirs. The concept quickly spread.

As of 2021, more than 1,000 Re-

Patsy Elmore is a volunteer at Habitat for Humanity-Powhatan’s ReStore, which is extending its hours.

Stores are spread across six countries, all contributing toward Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

To support the increase in store days, ReStore manager Erin Harnage seeks additional volunteers to assist customers, work the check-out area and help loading purchased items into customer’s vehicles. Contact the ReStore at 804-594-7009 ext. 1 or email store@ habitatpowhatan.org. To schedule a possible pick-up (for a suggested $20 donation) or drop-off time at the store or to request more information, also call 804-594-7009 ext. 1 or email store@ habitatpowhatan.org.

Information on items the ReStore can accept can be found on Habitat for Humanity Powhatan’s website, https:// www.habitatpowhatan.org/.

Girl Scouts sell memorial bricks

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Girl Scout Troop 3029 is thankful to the first 111 donors that helped with the 9/11 memorial at Huguenot Fire Station by purchasing a memorial brick and is still looking for 261 more donors. They are hoping to reach their goal before the first of the year. To purchase a brick dedicated to a first responder killed in the 9/11 attacks, visit http://www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/memorial911. In the engraving section put “First Responder” and it will be edited to the name of one of the fallen heroes. Pay via Venmo @Laura-Baltz-1 or checks payable to Troop 3029 and mailed to 1510 Holly Hills Rd. Powhatan, VA 23139.

Gospel Light Baptist Church, 2109 Anderson Highway, will hold a Trunk or Treat from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30. All are welcome.

Harvest Festival and Trunk-o-Treat will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31 at Powhatan County Fairgrounds. Cost is $5 a car load with a portion of proceed benefiting the VCU blood disorder clinic. For information, contact 804-598-9808 or visit http://www.powhatanfair.org/trunk-o-treats-powhatan. Are you looking for an alternative to neighborhood trick-or-treating this year? Look no further! There will be fun for ages 0-100! This fun community Halloween event features: costume contest, petting zoo and pony ride (new attraction), inflatables, haunted house, hay rides, live music/DJ and more. Pets are welcome! If you’re not up for decorating this year and want to participate all vehicles are welcome to include classic cars and motorcycles. Just plant a comfy chair behind your vehicle to greet kids as they trick-or-treat down Candy Lane.

May Memorial Baptist Church will have a Fall Festival on Halloween night that coincides with trickor-treating in Scottville! Congregants will be set up by the gazebo with games, hot dogs, popcorn and water.

Visit the Knights of Columbus’ 14th annual Pumpkin Patch at Country Living Homes site, 2504 Anderson Hwy. in Flatrock. The patch is open from through Oct. 31, with hours on Sunday to Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additional activities planned for some Saturdays! Bring your camera to take family photos! Stand next to our ‘‘Great Pumpkin’’ and see how you measure up. All proceeds benefit charitable causes. In past years, proceeds have benefited Habitat for Humanity, Free Clinic of Powhatan, Scouting, Lonesome Dove Equestrian Center, and others. Closing at 3 p.m. on Halloween.

1 holds Brunswick stew sale

Powhatan County Volunteer Fire Department Company 1 held its annual fall Brunswick Stew Sale on Oct. 15. Volunteers put in hours of work to make and sell 610 quarts at its annual fundraiser. Proceeds will be used to purchase needed supplies and equipment not provided by the county. Currently, the volunteers are putting money aside to help buy furniture and supplies for the station when the renovations that have been approved by the board of supervisors are completed.

Habitat plans Exterior Critical Repair Blitz

Habitat for Humanity-Powhatan will hold an Exterior Critical Repair Blitz on Nov. 11 and 12. Do you know someone elderly, or a veteran and or a homeowner with a disability on a limited income who has struggled to maintain the exterior of their home — dangerous steps, decking, rotted siding here and there? Habitat has a limited number of spots that weekend. Send contacts for who you are thinking of and Habitat can see if they are eligible for the program. Call 804-594-7009, ext. 2 or e-mail executivedirector@habitatpowhatan.org.

CALENDAR

Continued from pg. 2

own bees in 2022. Bring your honey in an unmarked squeeze bottle. The club will have some plastic bottles available for those who do not have one. If you don't have any honey, come to taste and vote. No spoons will be going from jar to jar, since the honey is squeezed out onto your spoon, but please bring your own hand-sanitizer. We will also have a non-competitive display table for jars of honey with labels.

Powhatan County Public Library’s Teen Advisory Board meetings from 4 to 6 p.m. Help plan and run teen programs, create library displays, suggest YA books and materials, and get volunteer hours. For local teens aged 13-18 (grades 6-12). Application required to join. Pick one up at the library front desk.

Registration is open for the Goochland-Powhatan

Master Gardener Volunteer Training Class. Classes will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The first class starts on Jan. 17, 2023, and they will continue through mid-April. Training is followed by a 50-hour service internship. The application process opened Sept. 1 with

a deadline of Nov. 1. The application is available online at MyImpact.com, which can be reached through a link on the gpmga.org website. The fee this year is $145 plus an additional $35 if the trainee selects the printed version

Staff Report

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

of the MG training manual. Cash or check must be submitted by Nov. 1 to either the Powhatan Extension Office (3910 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan, VA 23139. Contact 804-598-5640) or Goochland Extension Office (2748 Dogtown Road, Goochland, VA 23063. Contact 804-5565841). Contact Rebecca Crow at 804-598-7015 or gpmastergardener@gmail.com.

The Women in Ag Network meets virtually at 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month. The organization’s mission is to foster female farmers. The Women in Agriculture Network will hold monthly Zoom sessions highlighting women farmers, offering opportunities for women to network, and educational opportunities. Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/ e/1FAIpQLSdZN-I3gWp0zjOAAzwFhvrTWNTK4B BesTRg6UoSH1b3l62o_A/viewform or call 804598-5640. Pre-registration required. Recorded sessions and more information: https://www. facebook.com/ vawomeninagnetwork.

PowHER Hour+ Monthly Luncheon is held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at different locations throughout the county. Visit https://www.powhatanchamber.org/ events/powher-hour-monthly-luncheon/.

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. AA meets at 8 p.m. every Tuesday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Huguenot Trail.

Upcoming

No excuse early voting for the 2022 General Election is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday as well as two Saturdays, Oct. 29 and Nov. 5 at a drive-thru behind the Village Building. It will be closed Oct. 10 for Columbus Day. For more information about voting, contact the Powhatan Office of Elections at 804-598-

cation office. “The re-launch of adult education programming by PCPS will help adult learners in Powhatan get the services and attention that will help them further their professional and vocational ambitions.”

Roxanne Salerno, Powhatan Economic Development Manager, added, “The necessity to customize an adult education program to meet the current workforce needs is a benefit to existing companies in Powhatan looking to retain and grow their workforce as well as new companies looking for a skilled local market to locate their business.”

Powhatan High School offers numerous CTE classes to students preparing them for the workforce in skilled areas such as electrical, engineering, welding and nursing. The high school provides excellent space for these trainings to be extended to the adult education program to increase those skills for the existing workforce.

Dr. Tracie Omohundro, assistant su-

5604 or visit https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/ VoterInformation.

Girl Scout Troop 3029 is helping the Huguenot Volunteer Fire Department achieve a long-held goal of building a memorial to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 at the station. The Girl Scouts are selling 411 bricks inscribed with the name, rank and company of a firefighter, law enforcement officer or paramedic killed during the attacks. A donation of $23 will cover the cost of one inscribed brick in honor of a first responder. To purchase a brick, visit www. bricksrus.com/donorsite/memorial911. Checks payable to Troop 3029 may also be mailed to Laura Baltz at 1510 Holly Hills Road, Powhatan, VA 23139. For more information, contact Baltz at 804-467-4313 or Ljbal65@aol.com.

Powhatan County Public Library will hold Read 2 Rover from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7. Would you like to gain confidence in your reading skills and have fun? Sign up to read to a certified therapy dog! Reading sessions are 15 minutes per child. A parent or guardian must stay with the child while they read. Register through the library website, http://www. powhatanva.gov/247/Powhatan-County-PublicLibrary, or by calling 804-598-5670.

Powhatan County Public Library’s Middle Grade Anime Club will meet from 4 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4 and Dec. 9. Bring manga, notebooks, cosplays, or other projects to work on. We will watch a different anime each meeting. For local children aged 8-12. Application required to join. Pick up one at the library front desk.

Powhatan County Public Library’s Thanksgiving Food Drive will be held during the entire month of October and until Nov. 5. Bring in five canned goods or nonperishable items to be entered in to be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card. All donations will go to the local food pantry.

Powhatan County Public Library will hold Brick Slayerz from 4 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 7 and 21 and Dec. 5 and 19. This is a LEGO building club for 6-12 year-olds. Bricks and bases will be provided to attendees. A parent or guardian is required to stay with their child during the program.

see CALENDAR, pg. 8

perintendent for Powhatan County Public Schools, is looking forward to the new coordination between the county, the schools and local colleges.

“Powhatan County Public Schools is excited to partner with the Community College Workforce Alliance and Capital Region Adult Education as we relaunch our Adult Education program,” she said. “Dr. Michael Ashton, PCPS adult education coordinator, has been working with Powhatan County to determine and address the needs of both local business and residents. We are pleased to begin offering coursework this fall to address those needs.”

When residents visit the PCPS Continuing Adult Education website, http:// www.powhatan.k12.va.us/adult_continuing_education, they can view the current list of offerings and use the registration/express interest form. Any questions should be directed to Michael Ashton, the coordinator for adult education, at Michael.ashton@powhatan. k12.va.us or leave a voice message at 804-598-5700 x144.

Arrests

CRIME REPORT

One female was charged on Oct. 13 with petty larceny (Misdemeanor).

One male was charged on Oct. 13 with petty larceny (M).

One female was charged on Oct. 14 with failure to appear (M).

One male was charged on Oct. 14 with failure to appear (M).

One female was charged on Oct. 16 with petty larceny (M).

One male was charged on Oct. 16 with possession of controlled substances (Felony) and petty larceny (M).

One male was charged on Oct. 17 with driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated (M).

Incident report for Oct. 10 to 16 - Incident type & total calls

Abandoned vehicle 1 Advice 39 Animal calls 24 Assault 1 Assist 12 Attempt to locate 7 BOL 1 Child welfare 2 Disabled vehicle 15 Disorder/disturbance 5 Domestic 4 Drugs 1 Drunk in public 1 Follow-up 2 Found property 1

Fraud 2 Gunshot calls 2 Hit and run 3 Investigation 6 Larceny 2 Lockout 5 Lost property 1 Missing person 1 MVAs 21 Noise 2 Panic alarm 1 Parking violation 1 Pd alarm 12 Phone threat 1 Psychiatric 2

the work and money that will needed to fix it.

not be supporting the motion for a severance package for the county administrator under these circumstances. I don’t think it is deserved and I think you, the people in this county, deserve better,” Williams said.

Cox said he originally voted to terminate Smither’s employment with cause and still feels that way, so he also voted against the severance package.

simply said, “I am ready to move forward and look into the future for a better Powhatan. We’ve got to move forward from this day forward.”

Also keeping it short, Byerly said it is true that the pay and class plan isn’t functioning but added it has been that way since the last time it was revised in 2018. “It needs to be revised clearly to get current with market conditions.”

Carmack didn’t comment.

After the decision about the county administrator’s severance package, the board voted unanimously and without discussion to approve a $2,500 monthly stipend for Schardein for the period of time he serves as the interim county administrator.

Cox also announced that after a lengthy discussion with Lacheney that evening, “all members of the board are happy that he has agreed to continue to work with us.” The board then voted unanimously to give the county attor-

Reckless driver 17 Sex offense 1 Shoplifting 5 Stolen vehicle 1 Suspicious 16 Traffic hazard 15 Traffic stop 68 Transport 6 Trespass 2 Underage possession 1 Unknown emergency 18 Vandalism 2 Warrant service 3 Welfare check 4

ney a raise from $134,000 to $150,452, effective Nov. 1.

In a separate interview after the meeting, Byerly said he thought it all came together well and that while the board has definitely had its issues and been through a “tumultuous period of time,” they opened some doors for opportunities last week to move forward and for the board to work together.

“We sort of buried the hatchet to a degree on a lot of things and I hope that we show that Monday night in the meeting,” he said, referring to the Oct. 24 meeting, which happened after press time.

Regarding the search for a new county administrator, Byerly said he doesn’t know if it will be a quick turnaround on finding the right person but they do plan on starting to move on it.

Regarding choosing Schardein as interim county administrator, Byerly pointed out that the staff member proved he could do the job in 2020 when he filled the role for eight months.

“He did a fabulous job then and we all have the confidence and faith in him that he will do exactly that and even better this time with more experience under his belt,” Byerly said.

Regarding Lacheney, Byerly said, “we all came to the conclusion that we have confidence in Mr. Lacheney. We did disagree on an opinion, but attorneys have opinions,” and added asking for a second opinion was not a lack of confidence in the county attorney.

Powhatan Leadership Institute seeking applicants for Class of 2023 sessions

and completely special, she said.

Contributed Report

Powhatan Leadership Institute is thrilled to see another year of class rapidly approaching!

registration opened on Oct. 1 and is rapidly filling up with about 19 seats remaining at the time of this release.

In previous years there has been a waitlist, as the class carries a very interactive and hands-on approach to learning leadership skills and an abundance of knowledge of Powhatan County. Keeping class sizes to a maximum of

35 local citizens serves to deliver the best experience for each classmate and give each the opportunity to interact with guest speakers.

Some of the highlights of this 15-session course are the General Assembly Bus Tour in Richmond and the History of Powhatan Bus Tour led by John Rothert. Most sessions are held at various county locations on Tuesday evenings with a few dates requiring a Saturday meeting.

This year, the tri-chairs are

graduates of the PLI Class of 2022. Baylee Nunnally, DJ Johnson and Bill Donati Sr. will coordinate the sessions and are excited to share their newfound knowledge.

To access registration, visit https://plipowhatan.com and follow the Google document from there. The cost is $90 if enrolled before Dec. 17 and will increase to $110 after that date. The tentative start date is Jan. 17, 2023.

Reach out to pliclassof2023@ gmail.com with questions.

All creatures great and small

“Sixth grade kids are so sweet. They have these big eyes coming into middle school. They are so eager for everything middle school has to offer. When they go to lunch they are running to the cafeteria. They are excited to be there. Then they can’t wait to get back to class,” she said. “Where eighth grade on the other hand, they are completely laid back. You get to talk to them about what they want for high school and their future. … And then seventh grade kids, what is cool about them is you don’t know what you are going to get on any kind of day. One day they are really happy and the next day you are like, ‘what happened?’ Or the next hour. So middle school just keeps you on your toes.”

Coming from such a large school district in Henrico, Swartz said she was attracted to Powhatan Middle School’s size and community-based feel.

Swartz was chosen as the new PMS principal, Terri Allison, director of human resources for PCPS, highlighted the new hire’s more than 15 years of experience; her bachelor’s degree in language arts and social studies education middle grades from North Carolina State University School of Education; her master’s in educational leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech; and a gifted education endorsement.

“Courtney brings with her a strong knowledge of instructional practices for all students. She has experience in providing professional development to faculty on best practices and schoolwide initiatives,” Allison said.

Thomas McAuley, principal of Pocahontas Middle School, said he has known Swartz since July and has found her to have the ability to hold students to a high standard of excellence without compromising her ability to build strong relationships.

“In every student interaction she demonstrates respect and takes the time to get to know the children,” he said.

t m t a e a f

May Memorial Baptist Church held a Blessing of the Animals ceremony on Oct. 2 at the church. Pastor Michael Edwards and associate pastor Carlisle Davidhizar blessed each animal, big and small, from fish to dogs.

“I am big on relationships and connection, so going somewhere smaller where you can really foster that was really attractive to me,” she said.

Swartz said that her strength is instruction and she intends to be on the ball making sure students are getting what they need to be successful. She is also focused on instilling the structures, routines and processes that will best help students succeed.

“Especially in middle school, because they are all over the place, that the more structure they have the better and they thrive off structure,” she said.

She added that she is also a “huge relationship builder” with teachers and believes in listening, shared decision making and teamwork.

When asked why

Swartz knows instruction and can meet teachers where they are, using collaborative conversations to devise a strong plan to help a teacher or department grow in the direction which will benefit students the most, he said. She is also personable, organized and gets things done, he added. Swartz is able to see the “big picture” while remaining connected to the classroom experiences for the teachers and students, all traits McAuley is sure she will bring to Powhatan.

“Having a new principal can cause anxiety for many residents – it is a big deal – and I want the residents of Powhatan to know that Powhatan is in

Contemporary–9:00a.m. SundaySchool–9:45a.m. Worship–11a.m.

Praise&Worship–6p.m. LighthouseYouth–Wed.5:30p.m. BibleStudy–Wed.6:30p.m. Children’sWorship(allages)–Wed.6:30p.m.

MiraclesofGodSp.NeedsService: 11a.m.the2ndMon.ofeachmonth 598-3481•975DorsetRoad www.gracelandbc.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF POWHATAN LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

Shown is the Powhatan Leadership Institute Class of 2022. Powhatan Leadership Institute is currently seeking applicants for the 2023 session, which is expected to begin in January 2023.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Unity Gospel Brunch celebrates community

Contributed Report

Unity Community Church alongside the County Seat Restaurant and Gathering Place in Powhatan joined efforts to deploy a greater love and care in the community with the first “Unity Gospel Brunch” held on Sunday, Oct. 9.

From beginning to end, great fun and fellowship were had by all. The event brought together all ages, a variety of churches and neighboring counties. In addition, the event honored area clergy during October, Clergy Appreciation Month. The response from the community has been magnificent. Because of that, plans by the County Seat and Dr. Cavell Phillips are already in the works for another “Unity Gospel Brunch” with the intent to reach even more in the area.

The next community outreach for Unity Community Church is its fifth annual “Unity Around the Table” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 24 at the Powhatan Village Building, 3910 Old Buckingham Road. The church is preparing and serving a hot Thanksgiving dinner to those who are in need or would rather not spend the entire day alone. If you would like to help or to receive a meal, call 804-297-8903 or 804-256-4411 before 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Unity Community Church alongside the County Seat Restaurant and Gathering Place in Powhatan joined efforts to deploy greater love and care in the community with the first “Unity Gospel Brunch” held Oct. 9 at the restaurant.

appreciated seeing Lindsey and her fellow classmates make new connections.

agent. The long held tradition in

returned

the first time since 2018.

a several-year

“Farm Day is just an opportunity for members of the agriculture community – organizations, volunteers in our area – to get together and teach about agriculture and the importance of agriculture to our young students,” she said. “The youth of today don’t always know about farm to table and how that works, so we are hoping they leave here with a better understanding of where their food comes from and how all this works together.”

Just some of the myriad of topics covered in 10-minute stops included poultry, life cycles, understanding the web of farm products, a dairy calf, grains cattle eat, beekeeping, vermiculture, beef cattle, forestry comparing the digestive systems of animals and humans.

“They love the animals – those are the highlights –but we try to make all of the stations interactive and hands-on, so I think they enjoy all of the presenters,” she said.

Third grader Lindsey Lewis said her favorite stations were the ones where the students could pet the animals, especially the horses.

“I just like horses. They are pretty much close to unicorns,” she explained.

Stephanie Griffin, Lindsey’s mom, was a chaperone for her daughter’s class at Farm Day and loved watching the children learn and seeing so many volunteers willing to come out and engage with them. She also

“I have enjoyed watching her and the other kids. I think they are learning a lot of stuff they didn’t realize went into making different things, like cotton into money. I think they are very interested in continuing the day and seeing what else they can figure out and learn,” she said during the lunch break.

Taylor Shenk, a seventh grader at Powhatan Middle School, was one of seven members of Powhatan Junior FFA who ran a station talking about the top Virginia agriculture commodities, ranging from broilers to vegetables. She said she and her fellow club members tried to make their station fun and she hopes it got them excited about agriculture.

“I really enjoyed it. I just enjoyed seeing their smiling faces and asking them questions. I liked correcting them if they were wrong,” she said with a laugh.

Lisa Brown, instructional STEM coach, brought two chickens she has raised and shows to Farm Day to talk about poultry. She said she touched not only on aspects like life cycle from egg to chicken nuggets –“their words,” she said with a laugh – but the different breeds of chickens and how they differ. She brought a Blue Old English and a Bantam.

“I have had numerous kids say ‘I have never touched a chicken before.’ And you would think we are a fairly rural county so a lot of them would have that experience, but they don’t anymore, so that touched my heart,” she said. “Also, it made me feel really good that a lot of them know the life cycle already and that is a big SOL in third grade. Here they are seeing it in practice with all the different stations and understanding all of these animals have life cycles.”

Both Brown and Barbara Adcock, instructional STEM coach, agreed one of their favorite aspects of the day was seeing the students at the station on vermiculture, which is the controlled growing of worms. Earlier this month, all third grade classes had a STEM Day on the topic of soil, so it was a natural progression for them.

“Of course we love the live animals, but when they were at the vermiculture station, part of their soil unit was on vermiculture and all of the third grade classes have vermiculture bins with the worms in it,” Adcock said. “They were able to engage there and they learned some new information and they were just so excited to tell what they already knew. That was so exciting for me.”

Konvicka and her instructional assistant, Jessica Jarrell, were both thrilled to see their students absolutely loving the interaction with the different aspects of agriculture. Taking students to Farm Day was a first for both of them and the excitement of getting to take them on a field trip was magnified by all the children got to see and the memories they created.

That hands-on approach for them is different from what they do in the classroom and the volunteers at each station really worked to engage the students and help them take joy in learning, Jarrell noted.

“The people we have encountered so far are so kidfriendly and so kid-oriented that it just gives them such a different outlook than us teaching it,” she said.

Konvicka loved seeing the excitement on her students’ faces and the connections they were making that made them want to ask questions and learn more.

“I think they are just loving seeing life outside of school and seeing different types of animals,” Konvicka said.

Howland stressed how important the producers who volunteered their time to run the stations were to making Farm Day possible. The event wouldn’t be possible without those community partnerships, she said.

Third grade Pocahontas Elementary teacher Kelly

PHOTOS BY LAURA McFARLAND

Powhatan County Public Schools brought back the tradition of Farm Day after several years’ hiatus, bringing all third graders together on Oct. 18 to learn about different aspects of agriculture such as: clockwise from top left, rabbits, horses, Virginia’s top agriculture commodities, beekeeping, forestry, beef cattle and cattle feed.

What school activity that you enjoyed stands out the most in your memory?

E-mail answers to editor@powhatantoday.com or share them on the Powhatan Today’s Facebook page.

Farm Day creates lasting memories for kids

By Laura McFarland Managing Editor

WhenI first arrived at Powhatan County Public Schools’ Farm Day, it was a blast from the past.

The 16 third grade classes were spread around the Powhatan Rescue Squad grounds at 16 different stations dedicated to broadening their knowledge of agriculture. What should I see at the first station but little arms shaking frantically, trying to turn tiny containers of heavy whipping cream into butter.

I have forgotten more school memories than I remember, but for some reason, the memory of learning about dairy cows and how milk is turned into so many products – including butter through the shaking of our little arms – has always stayed with me. So to see Powhatan students learning that same lesson once again in this setting brought a big smile to my face.

That actually happened more than once on Oct. 18 while flitting around the field to take photographs at the different stations and seeing the children connecting with so many aspects of agriculture. Whether it was watching the third graders hear about the impor-

Reader says Throneburg is superior choice for Congress

Dear Editor,

As the result of redistricting, Powhatan is now part of the Fifth Congressional District. We have a choice of two brand new candidates. First-term incumbent Bob Good is being challenged by newcomer Josh Throneburg. I believe that Josh’s ideas and life experience will make him a superior Representative. Josh is an ordained minister and successful small businessman. He was raised on a farm and learned the benefits of hard work early in life. Josh has been blessed with two young daughters and is running to help ensure that they can grow up in a better world. Josh will work to bring new, clean industries into our rural district that has previously been ignored by both Republicans and Democrats. He believes that rural communities deserve the same quality healthcare and broadband infrastructure as any other region of Virginia. Most importantly, Josh will work with both Republicans and Democrats to serve the interests of the Fifth District.

In contrast, the Lugar Center rated Bob Good as one of the least bipartisan members of Congress. He has not brought any federal investment into the Fifth District. Instead, Mr. Good has proposed a series of extreme legislation such as the “Life at Conception Act” which would not only make abortion a federal crime, it would seriously impact IVF treatments as it would criminalize disposal of unused embryos. Mr. Good has also stated his opposition to Marriage Equality, citing personal religious belief, and he voted against protecting access to contraception. Finally, Mr. Good was one of only twenty-one Representatives who voted against awarding the Congressional Medal of Freedom to our heroic Capitol Police Officers after the January 6, 2021, riots there. That is why I join Abigail Spanberger, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine in supporting Josh Throneburg for Congress.

Robert Kelly Powhatan

Increased vehicle taxes are an unnecessary burden

Dear Editor, I am writing regarding the second installment of Powhatan personal property taxes due November 7.

Last year my milk was $2.99; now it’s $5.29. My eggs could be found for $.99; now they are $2.00 plus. My Splenda was $11.99; now it’s $19.88. A 40-pound bag of dog food could be purchased for $39.99; now it’s $54.00. My husband and I are not making more money this year.

Unfortunately, but fortunately, our two vehicles

tance of bees (a personal favorite since my late father was a beekeeper); seeing a runaway rabbit being chased by eager little hands; watching an exhausted calf named Oreo completely sleep through children’s excited petting; or seeing students put their hands in buckets to learn about different types of feeds, it was all about engaging the youth in fun and informative ways.

Covering the school division’s Farm Day has been a pleasure for me for many years, although I haven’t had the opportunity since 2018, first because of bad weather and then because the COVID-19 pandemic prevented it from being held.

But it was back this year and stronger than ever. Dozens of volunteers gave up so much of their time to make the day a reality, and Powhatan Cooperative Extension and STEM coaches in particular deserve extra credit for pulling off the task of organizing and executing an event to engage more than 320 third graders at one time.

Aside from the cool photo opportunities, part of the appeal for me of Farm Day is seeing the children outside of the classroom and getting their hands dirty – sometimes literally – to learn more about the world around them. Doctors, lawyers and IT specialists are

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

had to be replaced in 2020. This proved advantageous as vehicle prices soared the next year, 2021— if you could find a vehicle at all in 2021.

On June 22, 2022, I told the clerk at the Powhatan Treasurer’s Office that I thought there had been a mistake as my 2020 RAM truck, commercial grade, had been purchased in November of 2020, for $42,000.00. How could they tax the truck 1st installment, 2022, at $43,630.00 nearly two years later? Now, the same assessment of $43,630.00 tax is due on November 7. I realize that vehicle prices are soaring according to NADA because of the wackiness in the country currently—but who assesses higher, in the middle of a recession, (Yes, Virginia, this is a recession) than one even paid for a vehicle two years before? Someone who is unfair, that’s who. That clerk at Powhatan told me on June 22, “You’re lucky; your truck is worth more if you sold it now.” But I’m not selling my truck, so I’m not “lucky” at all.

I called my county supervisor, Bill Cox, who stated that he and Mr. Williams, supervisor, wanted reconsideration of the billing as “we are in an unusual bubble” where the vehicle prices are inappropriately high. He and Mr. Williams were voted down by McClung, Carmack and Byerly—they wanted the county to keep the approximately $2.5 million from the extra proceeds from vehicle assessments. It’s good to know that Mr. Cox has the taxpayers’ backs. I was under the mistaken impression that McClung, Carmack and Byerly were conservative in their spending. It appears that the failed county administrator will walk away with a fabulous monetary package in the neighborhood of $150,000.00 to go away quietly. This appears to be even more evidence of inappropriate taxpayer dollars being spent.

This is the worst financial storm I’ve ever seen in my lifetime. Taxpayers have been tightening their belts but government, small and large, appears to be skipping along giving themselves cost of living raises and pats on the back for even showing up in person for work. The work, schools, roads and services cannot be worth these costs if they exceed what the taxpayer can spend.

Sincerely, Deborah Howard Powhatan

Dear Editor, I would like to comment on the current race for School Board in District 1.

I have 3 grandchildren currently in the Powhatan Public School System. I also have an older granddaughter who graduated from the high school two years ago. Having attended 90% of the Powhatan

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important jobs, but so too are farmers, veterinarians, foresters, agriculture teachers, cooperative extension agents and many other professions that might be sparked by activities such as these.

While growing up in Texas, there were times when agriculture was a greater part of my family’s life than others. The most connected time I can remember is when we lived on a property that was more than 3 acres in a community outside of Houston. We boarded horses and had 60 beehives, rabbits, chickens and ducks. We also had 4-H student’s animals kept on the property.

But even when I was living in more dense neighborhoods, there were activities and field trips through school that helped us make the connections about ranch and farm life and how they influenced our lives whether we knew it or not.

I still value those early lessons, which were expanded on as I grew older. I hope our local third graders had similar moments that will increase their understanding of the world around them and possibly spark the beginnings of a career path, hobby or lifelong interest.

Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@ powhatantoday.com.

School Board (PSB) meetings over the past two years, I feel that I am well versed in the workings, policies and politics of the PSB.

In the ongoing fight to educate - not indoctrinateour students, the PSB is one of the most important policy-making bodies in the county. It is very important that we elect the right people to this board.

As I research the campaigns of the people vying for the District 1 seat, I see that Facebook and other candidate web pages give us all the typical, politically-correct stances. I mean, every candidate says, “I want what’s best for our students.” Lots of nebulous, quite meaningless comments.

There is an old adage – “Believe none of what you hear and half of what you see.” Therefore, I look at a person’s actions, not just listen to their words. Another old adage – “Actions speak louder than words.”

In the case of candidates for the District 1 seat, I see one person who has been totally involved with active participation (action), working toward better schools and the betterment of Powhatan students. That candidate is Vicki Hurt.

I have seen Ms. Hurt at every PSB meeting I’ve attended. She is a vigorous and active speaker at every board meeting during the public comment periods. I cannot say if the other candidates have been at the meetings because I have never met them. However, I can say they have never spoken nor advocated during the public comment period at any PSB meetings where it is mandatory to give name and address before speaking.

In addition, Ms. Hurt is an active and prominent force in the No Left Turn Program as well as the Parent’s Rights in Education (PAC) Program. Both programs are community advocate programs with chapters in other counties, the state and the country. They advocate for rights of students and parents, as well as curriculum in the schools. Because of these advocacies, Ms. Hurt has earned several important endorsements – Powhatan County Republican Committee; Mill Quarter Republican Women; Sandy Brindley for State Senate; Tina Ramirez for State Senate; and some others I have probably missed. She received these endorsements because of her tireless action in the Powhatan community working for our schools and our students.

Bottom line – I have not only heard what Ms. Hurt stands for, I have seen how hard she works in the fight for better schools, school policies and curriculum. My only experience with the other candidate(s) is hearing what they have said. To be honest, they all say the right things. My question is – since they have lived in Powhatan County over the past couple of years, where are their actions to better our county schools and actively advocate for policies and curriculum in this community?

That being the case, I would ask all voters in School

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Hurt has shown dedication to schools in words, actions

Pocahontas Elementary packs the house for Fall Festival

Board District 1 to vote for Ms. Vicki Hurt. She’s been actively “in the fight” to better Powhatan schools, while also making sure PSB policies make sense and are fiscally responsible. I want someone on the PSB who’s been “in the fight!” for years. Therefore, I ask you to vote for Ms. Vicki Hurt for School Board District 1.

Sincerely, Kent Greenway Powhatan

Edwards running to support all PCPS students, families

Dear Editor, I am writing in support of recently declared school board candidate Michael Edwards. Michael was approached by several families in his district and was asked to run as a write-in candidate to provide a nonpartisan choice to voters.

Michael has a profound personal stake in the decisions of the school board, not only as a concerned community member, but as the spouse of a teacher and parent of a child in the system. He understands exactly how the actions of this body affect students, parents, school staff and the community in real life, on a daily basis. Michael is running to support ALL students and families, as well as the teaching and administrative professionals that deserve to be trusted to do their jobs. As a seasoned pastor and community lead-

very good hands and will continue to thrive under Ms. Swartz’s leadership,” McAuley said. “In addition, Ms. Swartz is very quick to smile, to laugh and is approachable, and I encourage the residents to introduce themselves, engage her in conversations so they too can learn what I already know, Courtney is ‘good people’ and the community is very lucky to have her.”

Swartz is engaged and her fiancé is also in education, working as an assistant principal and earning a doctorate. They have four children ages 5 to 9.

Samantha Martin

Martin said she has loved her time as Powhatan Middle School but is excited to move into the new opportunity of the division’s coordinator of innovative learning. Her doctorate is in curriculum and instruction with a dissertation on professional learning for teachers, and the new position will involve leading instructional technology as well as professional learning for the division.

Fortunately, part of the new position is also direct services for instructional technology so Martin said

er, Michael has experience building consensus and facilitating cooperation. Most importantly, Michael is fair, honest and kind. Powhatan needs a voice like his working for all of us. District One, please WRITE-IN Michael Edwards for school board.

Thank you, Maryvel Firda Powhatan

Powhatan seeks qualified county administrator

Dear Editor, Powhatan County is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of county administrator. This position will report directly to two members of the Board of Supervisors, i.e., Mr. Cox and Mr. Williams.

The successful candidate must be responsive to the whims of these 2 members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as will the staff the incumbent is asked to manage.

The candidate must be amenable to abdicating operational control to the two above referenced supervisors, both of whom earnestly believe they are best equipped to run the day-to-day operational affairs of Powhatan County.

The qualified candidate will be expected to operate under intense scrutiny and evidence a willingness to respond to a never-ending stream of requests for information sapping energy needed to actually accomplish anything during the work day.

she will still have opportunities to work with students and teachers in that new capacity. “But the greatest thing I will miss is seeing the students and staff on a daily basis.”

In addition to helming the middle school since it opened, under Martin’s leadership, PMS earned a School to Watch designation in 2021 for being a high-performing, student-focused, middle grades setting. She said is proud of the work she and staff did to build the structures and processes that they have in place that will continue under Swartz’s leadership.

Martin credited the PMS staff with working incredibly hard as they built a middle school model in Powhatan that was different from the previous model of fifth and sixth graders in one school and seventh and eighth in another.

“When we merged into six, seven and eight and moved into the building, it really created opportunities to define what middle school is in Powhatan,” she said. “We have been through a lot of challenges since then with COVID and hybrid and virtual. We have had a very good start to this school year as we return back to some sense of ‘normalcy’ and it is a good time to have a smooth transition to a new principal.”

Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@ powhatantoday.com.

When queried by either member, the incumbent will be expected to respond in the affirmative with willingness to disseminate information to the public agreeing with them on all matters large and small.

This position should be viewed as “transitory,” with a tenure not to exceed 2 years, so it is advisable to rent and not purchase a home in the county.

Salary will be whatever the 2 board members might deem appropriate with levels set after a thorough comparison to all surrounding jurisdictions, with Goochland and Henrico being the counties Powhatan should emulate.

Should the chosen county administrator make a mistake or disagree with either of those “gentleman” be advised of the necessity to submit a resignation posthaste, otherwise those two supervisors will make the hiree’s life a living hell.

Please submit a completed application and resume to either of the above named supervisors but copy the other three board members so some semblance of truth and accuracy can be assured.

NOTE: Shortly after assuming the position the incumbent would be well advised to regularly assess the support level of the District 2 Board member who seemingly takes all his voting cues and direction from Facebook and a few dozen of the loudest constituents who might harangue him by phone. The same holds true of the County Attorney, should he return to work, who will gleefully indict the hiree should either of the two referenced supervisors wish it.

Robert Powers

Powhatan

CALENDAR

Teen Anime Club will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8 at Powhatan County Public Library. Bring manga, notebooks, cosplays, or other projects to work on. We will watch a different anime each meeting. For local teens aged 13-18 (grades 6-12). Application required to join. Pick up one at the library front desk.

Powhatan Elementary School will hold its annual Veterans Day salute, “Thank you, Military” at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, and local veterans are invited to attend and be honored. The fifth graders will be performing a schoolwide assembly for local veterans. Powhatan Middle School assistant principal Jon Ferguson will be the honored veteran guest speaker. Middle school band and choir members will also perform patriotic selections and the Powhatan High School JROTC will present the colors.

Powhatan American Legion Post 201 is sponsoring a Veterans Day Program to be held at the War Memorial Cultural Arts & Community Center on Friday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. All veterans will be recognized at the event. Dr. Harold F. Young, former Vietnam MASH hospital surgeon and a renown neurosurgeon at the VCU Hospital, will be the guest speaker. For more information about Young, visit https://neurosurgery. vcu.edu/about/our-team/harold-f-young-md.html.

Habitat for Humanity-Powhatan will hold an Exterior Critical Repair Blitz on Nov. 11 and 12. Do you know someone elderly, or a veteran and or a homeowner with a disability on a limited income who has struggled to maintain the exterior of their home — dangerous steps, decking, rotted siding here and there? Habitat has a limited number of spots that weekend. Send contacts for who you are thinking of and Habitat can see if they are eligible for the program. Call 804-594-7009, ext. 2 or e-mail executivedirector@habitatpowhatan.org.

PHOTOS BY LAURA MCFARLAND

Pocahontas Elementary School was packed on Oct. 20 with families enjoying an amazing array of Fall Festival activities organize d by the school and its PTO. Teachers and room parents organized games for the classrooms or grade levels. The money earned by collecting tickets goes back the the teachers to support fun activities in the classroom.

Senior Night Special: Indians top Cavaliers

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

Itwas a senior night to remember for the Powhatan Indians volleyball team, who celebrated eight senior student-athletes in the team’s 3-0 home victory over Clover Hill on Oct. 20.

Before the game, Avah Etheridge, Sydney Wade, Olivia Moss, Chesed Russell, Sam Flippo, Carly Rehme, Sophia Payne and Colby Wright got to walk on the floor with their families to honor their time on the team.

It was the second meeting between Powhatan (11-6) and Clover Hill (8-5), with the first meeting going to five sets and ending in a Powhatan victory. The Indians cut the sets down to just three this time, winning the sets 25-19, 25-20 and 25-22.

Flippo, who walked with her parents and also sang the national anthem alongside her mom before the game, had a senior night to remember, contributing seven kills and controlling the front line of defense next to fellow senior teammate Wade, who added 17 assists and four digs.

Wade says she’s developed a ton of trust in Flippo when the two share the court.

“Sam calls for the ball all the time and honestly I see VOLLEYBALL, pg. 2

Powhatan field hockey falls to Cosby

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

It wasn’t the result they were looking for, or even expecting against a rival Cosby Titans team, but the Powhatan Indians field hockey team battled hard on their senior night and fell just short of taking down the Titans in a 1-0 loss on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

It was an eerily similar

result to the first matchup between the two teams, with the Titans also taking that game in a 1-0 defensive battle on Sept. 20 that saw limited on-goal chances and plenty of strong play in the cage from both goalies.

Even with the loss, which puts the Indians at 10-4 on the season, the team was in high spirits after a special night that honored seniors Kate Ad-

ams, Lexi Campbell, Emilee Taylor and Izzy Carsen.

“The whole team is my family and it’s so fun to watch this team grow from the past four years,” Adams said. “Even though this wasn’t the outcome we wanted, I feel like this was the best step we could’ve taken because I felt like we stepped up the whole game, and it just shows our strength together as a family.”

After the game, Campbell, a five-year player with the program and the

leading scorer the last two seasons heading into her senior year, said she was happy to have this moment with her family and teammates and has cherished the feeling of helping the younger athletes that will soon take over as leaders themselves.

“I feel like since I’ve been on the team for five years and I’ve looked up to so many people, it’s so nice being the person other girls look up to,” she added.

Taylor also shared the

Comeback falls short for Knights versus the Vikings

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

Down to the wire at home against a stellar Brunswick Academy team (8-1), the Blessed SacramentHuguenot Knights (5-3) drove down the field with a chance to tie the game in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter before an interception helped the Vikings run out the clock for a 27-20 win.

The interception came on fourth down after quarterback Afton Harrow helped lead the team just outside the red zone to the 23-yard-line and took a deep shot down the field.

It was a tough loss, and the team’s only loss in a one-score game, but the Knights displayed an aggressive passing game, stellar defense and another powerful running performance from Hunter Case to give them a chance against a Vikings team that’s scored at least 60 points in six games this season.

After going down 7-0 at the end of the first quarter, the Knights offense received a spark from its defensive counterparts after junior Nathan Roberts made a huge tackle for loss that set up a muffed punt recovered by the Knights inside the Vikings 30-yardline. Immediately after, Harrow connected on a pass across the middle to David Mann to set the Knights up inside the red zone, where the trio of Harrow, Case and Will Fichter combined to run the ball down to the 5-yard-line, where Case took it into the end zone himself to make it a 7-6 game after the missed 2-point conversion.

The next drive saw Roberts again step in to make a play, kicking off the drive with a sack that pushed the Vikings back 8 yards and directly contributed to a three-and-out.

On offense, Mann again won on an inside slant for 23 yards, and the drive ended in a go-ahead 1-yard score from Harrow to give the Knights a 12-7 lead with less than two minutes to play in the first half.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

(From left to right): Sophia Payne, Olivia Moss, Avah Etheridge, Colby Wright, Sydney Wade, Carly Rehme, Chesed Russell and Sam Flippo were honored on their senior night on Oct. 20.

PHOTOS BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Above, senior Kate Adams takes the ball past midfield against Clover Hill on Oct. 19. Below, senior Emilee Taylor swings on the ball to send it out to her attacking teammates.

BSH volleyball wins two of its last three games

to a tough Southampton Academy squad.

Blessed SacramentHuguenot has been playing some of its best volleyball of the season lately, winning two of its last three matches to move to 6-12 on the season.

BSH beat Amelia Academy in four sets on Oct. 17 and Tidewater Academy in three sets three days later, though they did fall in three sets

VOLLEYBALL

Continued from pg. 1

trust her and know she’s going to put the ball down,” she said.

Wade also said she loved how many memories the pregame ceremony brought up as she and her teammates shared the court with their families.

“It brought back so many memories and made me almost tear up, it was an amazing experience,” she said.

Moss also had a strong showing on a night that honored her and the rest of the senior class, with the two-time varsity captain contributing five kills, three aces, eight digs and the winning kill in the third set.

Rehme, another twotime varsity captain who is heading to Virginia Tech after she graduates, says it was surreal getting this moment to celebrate with teammates she’s played with as far back as middle school.

“It kind of didn’t feel

Against Amelia, BSH won with sets of 25-16, 25-20 and 25-13, with the lone Amelia win coming in the third set at 25-16.

Junior Charlie Potter led the way in scoring with a seven-kill performance while also adding nine assists and eight digs.

She also served a gamehigh eight aces.

As a team, the Knights had 23 aces, with juniors Kennedy Dowdy and

real because we’ve been together since middle school and we’ve been playing together forever,” Rehme said. “For this time to finally come is so surreal and to be here with all my best friends and enjoy this moment is really a special time.”

In the opening set, the Indians controlled the tone early, led by a stellar defensive start that found Flippo adding a handful of powerful blocks to help her team take a 10-5 lead.

After a Monacan timeout down 20-13, the Indians continued to take care of business and finish things off with Russell recording an impressive kill to make it 24-17 and the winning point coming on a Cavaliers serve going into the net.

The second set opened up with Moss serving an ace directly into a Cavaliers opponent to take a 3-1 Indians lead, which grew to 7-4 after freshman Mazie Harmon served up an ace of her own.

Right after her ace,

Colleen Maynes adding six apiece.

Against the Tidewater Warriors, the Knights won the first set handily at 25-16, then pulled out two close victories in the second and third sets at 25-23 and 25-21.

Potter again led the way with eight kills and eight digs, while sophomore Natalie Allen led the team with six served aces and Maynes contributed 11 assists, eight digs and three aces.

Harmon also had an outstanding defensive effort on a Cavaliers point, temporarily denying the Cavaliers with a dig that saw her practically do the splits in order to stop the shot, although the traveling Cavaliers ended up with the point anyway.

Still, Powhatan played its brand of volleyball, controlling the lead 13-8 after Rehme added two aces to force a Clover Hill timeout. That timeout benefitted the regrouping Cavaliers, who cut the lead down to 14-12 to force an Indians timeout, though they outscored the Cavaliers 11-8 after that stoppage in play to take a twoset advantage.

Motivated from another close loss, Clover Hill’s defense tightened up, and the team grew more disciplined to kick off the third set. The Cavaliers scored the first five points before Rehme ended the run, but the Indians, like they’ve done all year, weathered the storm and tied the game up at 7-7.

BSH had previously defeated Tidewater in three sets on Sept. 20 and Amelia in three sets just five days before they faced off for a second and final time in the regular season.

The Knights finish off their regular season on Thursday, Oct. 27 in a matchup on the road against the Banner Christian Bearcats at 6 p.m. The Knights had previously beaten the Bearcats in three sets on Sept. 27.

After another good stretch from the Cavaliers gave them a 14-9 lead, the Indians again used a timeout to regain focus in the hopes of closing the game out early.

What occurred after that timeout was some of Powhatan’s best volleyball of the night. Head coach Cindy Bryant’s team scored five straight after Clover Hill scored the first post-timeout point, and the

game became tied for a second time at 17-17 after a Clover Hill error.

From there, the Indians quickly captured the lead thanks to a Flippo score off a Moss setup as well as a kill from Etheridge to make it 21-18.

Wade then set up Rehme for a kill to set up game point at 24-20, and though two Powhatan errors drew the game closer at 24-22, the Indians put

the game away with a Moss kill to send the team spilling out onto the floor to celebrate together after a special night on their home floor.

The Indians will close out their regular season and prepare for the regional tournament with a home closer versus the Cosby Titans (8-6) at 7 p.m.

Robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@ powhatantoday.com.

tight-knit family sentiment of her fellow senior classmate, saying how the team always gets through adversity together, including a loss to a rival like Cosby.

“I think it’s just so genuine, the relationship we all have with each other, and the way it’s grown over the years and how we’ve grown as a family makes our bond inseparable,” she said. “We always end up pulling together in the end.”

Early in the first quarter, the Indians had a handful of quality chances after an energetic start, including chances from Campbell and sophomore Chloe Holt in the first three minutes and a Casey Grell set up to Erica Krauss off a corner, but the Titans did

Continued from pg. 1

The Vikings recaptured the lead just before the end of half though off a long drive-opening run down to the goal line, where they punched it in to take a 14-12 lead into the halfway point.

At halftime, BSH alumni from the 1971, 1983, 1989 and 2003 football teams walked to midfield where they were recognized and honored by the home crowd.

The second half started with another quick Vikings score, this time coming on the kickoff to make it a 20-12 deficit for the Knights.

It appeared BSH would respond on the

well to push those chances to the side and keep the game tied up entering the second quarter.

Powhatan’s best chance of the half came with a little under four minutes to play in the half, as sophomore Caroline Camp laid out a great pass to junior Carter Quinn.

Beyond that, chances were few and far between for both teams, and the game continued to be a scoreless affair entering the second half.

Cosby finally got ahead with over 10 minutes to play in the third quarter when a cross from the right side made its way to the front of the cage and was tipped in to give the Titans a slim 1-0 advantage.

Two minutes later, junior Emily Reimondo had a nice chance on a turn-

next drive when Harrow fired a perfect deep ball in stride to Fichter for a touchdown, but it was wiped away by a holding penalty, and the Knights ultimately had to punt.

The Vikings took advantage of the break they received from the holding penalty, getting another breakout run down the sideline from their 25-yard-line that gave them a commanding 2712 advantage with six minutes left in the third quarter.

If the Knights were to spark a late comeback, the efforts of Mann in the passing game would be vital, and he of course showed up with an acrobatic juggling catch on his way down to the grass

around shot inside the box that went on goal, but it was again denied.

The fourth quarter again saw few chances for the Indians, while the Titans played defensiveminded in order to hold onto the lead and ultimately the win.

“Every time we play Cosby it ends up being a very close game,” head

for 11 yards that set up a 25-yard touchdown run from Case.

With the 2-point conversion successful on a Harrow pass to Fichter, the Knights trailed just seven points entering the fourth quarter.

With both teams punting to start the quarter, the Knights appeared to be the first team to get a big play in the final stretch when Case got a long catch and ran inside the red zone, but it was again wiped away by a backbreaking offensive penalty.

It was on that drive that the Knights still got down to the 23 with a chance to win, but the interception put them on the ropes and allowed the Vikings an opportunity to

coach Stephanie Tyson said. “Unfortunately this year they won both, but I do feel like we did a good job adjusting going into this rematch. We executed the plan we worked on at practice leading up to the game, and it seemed to be working, but we were unable to capitalize on our scoring opportunities.”

Carsen, a defensive

run out the clock.

With 59 seconds left and no timeouts remaining on a short third down, the Knights defense was able to get a stop for a chance at a punt and maybe a hail mary, but in a mysterious turn of events that had fans baffled and the coaching staff receiving no explanation from the officiating crew, the clock drained down all the way to zero to end the game with a Vikings victory.

The Knights have one last regular season matchup this season with a home game versus Broadwater Academy (5-3) on Friday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.

Robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@ powhatantoday.com.

leader who was unable to play this season due to a knee injury, says playing a team as disciplined as Cosby makes Powhatan a better, more prepared team when they enter the postseason.

“I think they have really good skills,” she said. “They triple man, are always on the ball, always on-girl, and I think that

helps them a lot. A lot of other teams don’t stack like they do.”

The Indians can now begin to look ahead to the regional tournament that begins on Oct. 26, where they’ll likely be a contender to make it out of the bracket and book a ticket to the state tournament that begins on Nov. 8.

NICK VANDELOECHT/POWHATAN TODAY

Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot volleyball holds a 6-12 record and has won four of its last six contests.

PHOTOS BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Senior field hockey players Lexi Campbell (7) and Kate Adams (6) were honored alongside fellow seniors Emilee Taylor and Izzy Carsen against Cosby on Oct. 19.

PHOTO BY ANJIE KAY

BSH tight end David Mann celebrates a first down in a home game against Brunswick Academy on Oct. 21.

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Powhatan seniors Sydney Wade (2) and Sam Flippo (4) go up for a block attempt against Clover Hill.

Powhatan County Public Schools celebrates Homecoming Week

Powhatan County Public Schools celebrated Homecoming Week from Oct. 10 to 15 with a flurry of activities. Powhatan High School embraced the week with the traditional Homecoming pep rally, football game and dance, but the school also had fun with a parade and dress-up days such as Disney characters, class colors, comfy clothes, favorite celebrities, and orange and black day. Student Government Association, led by sponsors Christian Miller and Amanda Wilson, organized the week. Beyond the high school, community members and the other PCPS schools showed their own school spirit during Homecoming Week.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF POWHATAN HIGH SCHOOL

Reception honors three Powhatan County veterans

Contributed Report

A reception honoring and remembering “Three Extraordinary Powhatan Veterans” was held on Saturday. Oct. 15, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church’s Parish Hall in the Fine Creek Mills area, sponsored by the St. Luke’s Historical Society.

Paul Mitchell of Midlothian gave a talk on Maj. Gen. Henry Jervey, the great-great-grandfather of his children PJ and Bonnie Mitchell. Dr. Mary Ashby McDonald of Catawba gave a talk on her great-grandfather, Brig. Gen. James Postell “Jinks” Jervey. Pete Ashby of Gwynn gave a talk on the Ashbys’ grandfather, Col. Alexander Shepherd “Alec” Quintard.

The Embassy of Belgium in Washington sent as its representative Chief Warrant Officer Tanguuy Watteeuw, who was accompanied by his wife Annette. The Watteuws had come to honor Gen. Henry Jervey specifically. Shortly after World War I ended, the general was made a grand officer in The Order of Leopold II by the government of Belgium in recognition and gratitude for his leadership as the United States Army’s Assistant Chief of Staff/Director of Operations during World War I.

The Embassy of Panama in Washington sent as its representative Commissioner Carlos Valencia, the attache of the National Police in Panama, and his wife Veronica. The Valencias were there to specifically honor Brig. Gen. James P. Jervey. When the Panama Canal was completed in 1914, then the largest engineering project in world history and for long afterwards, the brigadier general was resident engineer of its Gatun Locks. The Empire State Building could lay lengthwise in each of its four locks.

Henry and James were two of the six sons of Dr. and Mrs. Henry Dickson Jervey of nearby St. Helen’s Farm. Henry graduated first in his class academically in his West Point Class of 1888 and set a precedent for a strong connection between West Point and the men of the greater Jervey family. James started his West Point enrollment just weeks after Henry graduated and graduated second academically in his Class of 1892.

Representing the Embassy of Belgium were Chief Warrant Officer Tanguy Watteeuw, right, and his wife Annette. Shortly after World War I, Belgium made Gen. Henry Jervey a Grand Officer in The Order of Leopold II in gratitude for his service as assistant chief of staff/director of operations. The Watteeuws are standing on either side of Henry’s shadowbox in which the Belgium Order of Leopold II medal is displayed prominently.

Their paternal first cousin Eugene Postell Jervey Jr. of Charleston started at West Point just weeks after James graduated and graduated in the Class of 1896.

The very popular Captain Eugene Jervey died in the Philippines of a tropical disease. His death was deeply lamented. Their maternal first cousin Charles Macon Wesson started just weeks after Eugene Jervey graduated, graduating in the West Point Class of 1900. When Charles was the quarterback of the Knights’ football team, he set a record which can only be tied, never broken, in that he ran 99 yards for a touchdown. Charles went on to become a major general like Henry. The sons of Henry and James were West Point graduates, as was another paternal cousin from Charleston Currently, Cadet Brandon McDermott of Lake Mary, Florida, a great-great-great grandson of Henry, is a West Point third classman.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

From top to bottom, members of nearby churches were invited to the reception at St. Luke’s Church. In this photo Gale Cox Lipscomb and her daughter Danielle Lipscomb of Shiloh Baptist Church are standing with the Embassy of Panama’s Commissioner Carlos Valencia and his wife Veronica.

Center, the program’s three speakers were Paul Mitchell, who spoke on Gen. Henry Jervey; Dr. Mary Ashby McDonald, who spoke on her greatgrandfather Gen. James Jervey; and Pete Ashby, who spoke on his grandfather Col. A. S. Quintard.

Bottom, Betty Handy is a founder and an officer in the St. Luke’s Historical Society, which sponsored Saturday’s reception.

Whenever the Jervey generals visited their brother Darrell Jervey and his wife Cricket at St. Helen’s Farm, Betty, as a young girl, would walk over to St. Helen’s, sit in the middle of the floor and play with her dolls, and listen as the adults conversed.

In conducting research for the writing of the 2022 Senate Resolutions, it was soon discovered that Betty could well recall and describe the generals’ personalities, traits and mannerisms from her first-hand observations.

LEGALS

NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to §15.2-2204 of the Code of Virginia, thatthePlanningCommissionofPowhatanCountywillconductapublic hearingon Tuesday,November1,2022,at6:00PMinthePowhatan CountyVillageBuildingAuditorium,3910OldBuckinghamRoad, to considerthefollowingrequest:

22-06-CUP:Morrissette (District#2:PowhatanStation/Graceland) requestsaconditionalusepermit(CUP)tocreateacontractor’sstorage yardintheAgricultural10(A-10)zoningdistrictperSec.83-162ofthe ZoningOrdinanceoftheCountyofPowhatan.Theapplicantisseeking tostoreconcretetrucksandmaterialson-sitewithmixingdoneoff-site. TheproposeduseislocatedonTaxMap#54-40,locatedonthesouth sideofMoseleyRoad(Rt.605)approximately1100feetwestofthe ChesterfieldCountylineinsoutheasternPowhatanCounty.Thesubject propertyconsistsofapproximately10.4acres.The2021LongRange ComprehensivePlandesignatesthesubjectpropertyasRuralAreason theCountywideFutureLandUsePlan.

22-07-CUP:SoilSolutions (District#2:PowhatanStation/Graceland) requestsaconditionalusepermit(CUP)toallowaWood&Stump RecyclingBusinessuseintheAgricultural(A-10)zoningdistrictper Sec.83-162oftheZoningOrdinanceoftheCountyofPowhatan.The applicantisseekingtousethesitetoprocesstimberintowoodchips. Theparcelislocatedat2040GenitoRd,TaxMap#53-101Bineastern PowhatanCountyapproximately1300feeteastoftheintersectionof GenitoRd(Rt.604)andTurkeyRidgeDr.Thesubjectpropertyconsists ofapproximately63.6acresThe2021LongRangeComprehensivePlan designatesthesubjectpropertyasRuralAreasandProtectedLandson theCountywideFutureLandUsePlan.

Themeetingmaybewatchedlivebyvisitinghttp://powhatanva.gov/432/ Live-Stream-of-Powhatan-County-Meetings.

AllPlanningCommissionmeetingsareopentothepublicandinterested personsareencouragedtoattendonthedayandtimespecified above.Copiesoftheproposedplans,ordinances,andamendments maybereviewedintheDepartmentofCommunityDevelopmentin thePowhatanCountyAdministrationBuilding(3834OldBuckingham Road)between8:30AMand5:00PMofeachbusinessday.Copies ofstaffreportsareavailablepriortothePublicHearinguponrequest andwillbeavailableonlineatleastfive(5)dayspriortothemeetingat http://powhatanva.gov/agendacenter.Pleasecall(804)598-5621with anyquestions.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

ORDEROFPUBLICATION

Theobjectofthissuitistoenforcethelienof theComplainant,CountyofPowhatan,Virginia,fordelinquentrealestatetaxesagainstcertainrealpropertylocatedintheCountyof Powhatan,Virginia,describedasfollows: TaxMapNo.049-10 AccountNo.8401

ALLofonecertaintractorparceloflandlying andbeinginMaconDistrict,PowhatanCounty, Va.,containing12acresbeitthesamemoreor less,andboundedasfollows:Beginningata forkedelmtreeonthenorthbankoftheAppomattoxRiverthenceanewlineN5°40’E10.70 chainstoastone;N69°W49/100chtoapine stumpandstone;N21°E2.70ch.toacrooked appletree;S73°30’E1.02ch.toastone;N11° 50’E7.75ch.toastone;N84°W1.25ch.toa pineN½°W7.60ch.toaroad;thencewith saidroadS60°E5.55ch.toastone;thence leavingroadS4°50’W18ch.totheheadofa ditch;S1°30’W3.75ch.toawillowoak;S15E 4.23ch.tothemouthofaditch;thenceupthe AppomattoxRiverN87°W7.10ch.totheplace ofbeginning.

AndbeingthepropertyconveyedtoFlorence GertrudePatrickfromEuniceHarrisPatrick, widow;EvelynPatrickEllisandIdellEllis,her husband;MildredPatrickPayneandSeymore Payne,herhusband;VirginiaPatrickWilson andHarryWilson,herhusband;AllenSidney Patrick,single;andEdwardPatrick,single,by DeeddatedJuly13,1963,andrecordedFebruary25,1966,inthePowhatanCountyCircuit CourtClerk’sOfficeinDeedBook83atPage 193.

Thisdescriptionismadesubjecttoalleasements,conditions,agreements,restrictions, andreservationsofrecordwhichaffectthe propertyhereindescribed.

ITAPPEARING thatanAffidavithasbeenmade andfiledstatingthatduediligencehasbeen used,withouteffect,toascertaintheidentity andlocationofcertainpartiestobeserved, andthatanyofficers,heirs,devisees,successorsintitleoftheRespondentsnamedherein oranylienholdersofanynamedRespondents oragainsttheaforementionedpropertyare madepartiesRespondenttothisactionindividuallyand/orbythegeneraldescriptionof PartiesUnknown,itishereby

ORDERED thatthepartieshereinandallPartiesUnknownand/orwhoselocationcannot beascertainedappearonorbefore November 21,2022 intheClerk’sOfficeoftheCircuit CourtoftheCountyofPowhatan,Virginia,and dowhatmaybenecessarytoprotecttheirinterestsinthiscause.

Entered:17thdayofOctober,2022.

TeresaHashDobbins, Clerk IAskForThis: JohnA.Rife,Esq.(VSBNo.45805) JeffreyA.Scharf,Esq.(VSBNo.30591) MarkK.Ames,Esq.(VSBNo.27409) AndrewM.Neville,Esq.(VSBNo.86372) PaulL.LaBarr,Esq.(VSBNo.91609) GregoryL.Haynes,Esq.(VSBNo.37158) SethR.Konopasek,Esq.(VSBNo.97065)

VIRGINIA:INTHECIRCUITCOURTOFTHE COUNTYOFPOWHATAN COUNTYOFPOWHATAN,VIRGINIA, aPoliticalSubdivisionoftheCommonwealth ofVirginia, Complainant,

FLORENCEGERTRUDEPATRICK, Respondent(s).