see ELECTIONS

Contributed Report

Let’s Get Baking! Join Powhatan 4-H for some holiday baking – open to all youth ages 9-13! What better way to spend a few days off from school than learning to bake for others? The twoday workshop takes place on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 19 to 20, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Powhatan Extension Offi ce. Youth will increase their knowledge of following a recipe, using kitchen equipment safely and lots of fun. We’ll also create a few items perfect for gift giving. Registration deadline is Dec. 12 (unless it fi lls up fi rst). Fee per child is $25. Scholarship applications are available upon request.

Not into baking? Powhatan’s 4-H clubs are open to youth between the ages of 5 and 18. We have a variety of different clubs to suit a variety of inter-

Pet food drive collecting donations

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Powhatan Christmas Mother is holding a 2022 Pet Food Drive for clients this Christmas. Dropoff locations are: Free Clinic of Powhatan; Goodwyn Lumber, through Dec. 9; 1933 Public House, through Dec. 11; and Murray Automotive, 1731 Douthit Court (across Route 60 from River Run Veterinary Clinic). Shown is Murray Automotive owner Morgan Murray holding a flier for the pet food drive. Everyone is invited to drop off cat or dog food at any location by Dec. 8.

PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND

Smith Crossroads election officials Jim Kelly and Jackie Cahill check in voter Lula Clarke on Election Day, Nov. 8.

see BAKING, pg. 7

THANKSGIVING!

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ELECTIONS

Continued from pg. 1 Representatives 5th District, receiving 11,200 votes over democrat Joshua M. Throneburg, who received 3,711 votes, and 20 write-in votes.

In the countywide race for the commonwealth’s attorney’s seat unopposed candidate Robert C. Cerullo was elected with 13,114 votes. There were 304 write-in votes.

In the District 1 School Board race, Vicki R. Hurt defi nitively won the race with 1,985 votes over offi cial opponent Christopher J. Coplan, who received 870 votes. Out of the 440 write-in votes received, 359 ballots were cast for late addition candidate Michael Edwards. That was just over 10%, Alexander said. ESTATEANDGUNSAFES –10%OffInStock

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November 23, 2022

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? E-mail answers to editor@powhatantoday.com or share them on the Powhatan Today’s Facebook page.

Page 7A

Th anksgiving celebrations off er lifelines of love

By Laura McFarland

Managing Editor

Growing up, holidays in my family were spent a certain way.

With few exceptions, the same people came to the house of the family hosting that year and brought the same foods. The same people had the same priorities – catching up with other family members, watching television, busying themselves with preparation or cleaning, etc. Insert whatever tradition you want – it was familiar and just the way things were. There was kind of a comfort in always knowing what to expect.

As an adult living more than 1,000 miles away from my closest family member, there isn’t a set way of doing things when I am not home, especially when I have been invited into the homes of friends and get to experience another family’s holiday traditions for the fi rst time.

Last year was particularly diffi cult as I couldn’t make it home for Thanksgiving or Christmas and no family members could visit me either. The loneliness was more prevalent at Christmas because Thanksgiving, quite frankly, was too busy to be lonely. After attending the Thanksgiving meals offered by three local churches to write a story about the festivities, I went to a friend’s house for a lovely meal with amazing company.

Approaching this Thanksgiving and knowing I would again not be going to Texas for the holiday, I still plan to visit the Thanksgiving festivities offered by the local churches. I will go ahead and remind people of those in case they weren’t aware the events are happening.

Unity Community Church will present its annual Unity Around the Table Thanksgiving Dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 24 at 3910 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan. The event is free and open to the public and includes food, family, fellowship and a toy giveaway. For more information, visit www.ucc4me.org or contact 804-256-4411.

Passion Community Church will hold a Community Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday, Nov. 24 at its Powhatan Campus, 4480 Anderson Highway. The free meal will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. All are welcome to join at the Powhatan Campus for a Thanksgiving dinner OR stop by to pick up to-go lunches for your family! RSVP at https://pccwired.net/fall-events/, found under the Powhatan Campus list.

Powhatan being such a strong community, the season of thanks wasn’t limited to one day this year. The county had at least three open community celebrations this past weekend.

On Sunday, Old Powhatan Baptist Church held a Community Thanksgiving Celebration with a service followed by a meal. Later that night, the Powhatan Pastor’s Fellowship held a Community Thanksgiving Service followed by a reception with food and fellowship for all in attendance.

While I was unfortunately unable to attend either of those events, I did want to give them credit for reaching out to the community in that way to provide people with those special holiday memories.

Fortunately, I was able to attend a Thanksgiving celebration held Saturday at Graceland Baptist Church, which was attended by almost 100 people. The church catered a free meal for all those in attendance. The event also included a brief sing-a-long with children and adults in the special needs community and a message from associate pastor Greg LeMaster.

Toward the end of the meal, he passed out sheets of paper asking people to write prayer requests and things they are thankful for with the plan to read them aloud. If I had to pick out a particularly powerful moment, it was listening to some of the items on attendees’ gratitude lists: “freedom to worship”; “friends, family and neighbors”; “my health and home”; “thankful my parents are still here”; “thankful for Jesus”; and “thankful for God telling me no to things I want because he has a better plan.” That last one hits close to home sometimes.

The holiday season can be an amazing time of celebration and togetherness, but depending on someone’s situation, it can also be a time of isolation and loneliness. I won’t pretend to know the reasons any individual or family chooses to attend any of these Thanksgiving celebrations, but I would have to think wanting to feel connected to others is a major factor for at least some.

While I completely understand wanting to take time to focus on your own family, I am thankful for local churches and groups who take the time to reach out to others with a smile, a meal and maybe a little good company, all in sharing the important message – “you are not alone.”

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

Pickleball now a national phenomenon

By Jim Ridolphi

Contributing Columnist

Perhaps, no sport in recent history has captured the attention of Americans as quickly or intently as the latest game being played on courts across the history — pickleball.

The game, described as a mix between tennis and ping pong, has enjoyed phenomenal growth in recent years, and it’s hard to fi nd a comm¬¬¬unity without at least one of the courts.

It’s a generational-friendly game that allows players of all ages to engage in intense competition while not requiring acute physical skills or hyped endurance to play and enjoy.

The game has enjoyed phenomenal growth in recent years, gaining in popularity by leaps and bounds. According to estimates, as many as 5 million Americans are taking a swing at the popular sport, and in the past two years pickleball has gained the title as America’s fastest growing sport.

It’s an easy sport to love. While offering a fun and competitive form of exercise, the recent phenomenon also offers opportunities for like-minded paddlers to meet and interact. Leagues have formed in most communities, and a professional version of the sport is now available. It’s even been named the offi cial sport of Washington state.

Legend has it pickleball was invented by two families who created the game while on vacation. Out of boredom, the group combined a ping pong paddle with a whiffl e ball and headed to the nearest badminton court for the initial contest. Their dog Pickles provided the inspiration for the name.

And while the sport has somewhat been tagged as a senior dominated sport, only about 20% of participants are seniors. There’s no doubt the fast action attracts former tennis players who can no longer cover a full tennis court but can still handle a racket at close range.

The court is about a fourth as large as traditional tennis courts, and many recreational areas are opting to replace some tennis courts with pickleball courts.

Some large cities have pickleball facilities where food and drinks are available – even one chain calling itself Chicken and Pickle.

Combine the social aspect of the popular sport with its obvious health benefi ts and it’s easy to see why some are calling

pickleball a national phenomenon. Professional athletes like Tom Brady and Lebron James have purchased teams in the new professional league, and exOlympic swimmer Michael Phelps is an avid participant in the sport. So, what’s not to like about pickleball? Well, apparently the sound of a plastic ball hitting a plastic racquet produces a unique sound that is annoying to some residents who live near the facilities. Also, some tennis afi cionados have complained that more and tennis courts are being gobbled up to make more room for pickleball. The emerging sport has even acquired its own lingo – a unique blend of terms known only to the ~ IF YOU GO ~ most committed. For example, a live shot is called a dillball, and

Powhatan County Parks and dinks and fl apjacks are terms used to describe various shots in the Recreation’s free Introduction to game. The non-volley portion of the

Pickleball session for adults court is called the kitchen, and players yell pickle to mark the start of a Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 to 11 a.m. volley. at Pocahontas Landmark Center, With USA Pickleball estimating there are more than 35,000 courts 4290 Anderson Highway nationwide, there’s a good chance there’s a venue near you. You won’t be able to miss it. Unlike the quiet and dignifi ed atmosphere surrounding most tennis courts, picklers can be loud and expressive. It never hurts to try new things, and pickleball has certainly captured the attention of a large segment of our population. Experts predict it’s only the beginning, and before it wanes, most of us will have experienced the exciting prospect of being pickled, (a term used to describe a match where you score no points); or maybe not. Editor’s note: Powhatan County Parks and Recreation offers pickleball indoors from 9 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at the Pocahontas Landmark Center. Outdoor courts are open daily until 11 p.m. Additionally, parks and recreation will offer a free Introduction to Pickleball session from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Pocahontas Landmark Center Gym, 4290 Anderson Highway. The event is for adults ages 18+ and is free for Powhatan County residents only. It will be taught by Linda Scott, a certifi ed IPTPA instructor and USA Pickleball District Ambassador Virginia Central District. If you have your own paddles, bring them with you. Proper shoes and attire required. Participants must register and sign a waiver. Contact 804-5985275 or mshelton@powhatanva.gov.

BAKING

Continued from pg. 6 ests. Local 4-H clubs focus on the following project areas: archery/ hunter safety skills; horses; sailing/water adventure; livestock (starts back in December); Cloverbuds (5-8 year-olds); dairy judging (starts in 2023) and shooting education (call to be placed on waiting list). Also, seeking adult volunteers to start a new community 4-H club. If you have a talent or hobby you’d like to share or teach a group of young people, contact the offi ce.

For those seeking more of an outdoor adventure, mark your calendar for Powhatan Junior 4-H Camp the week of July 17-21, 2023. The camp is situated on the beautiful bank of the James River at Jamestown 4-H Center. Registration for 4-H camp starts January 31. Watch for details to come.

To register for Let’s Get Baking, or obtain information about the Powhatan County 4-H clubs, contact the Powhatan Extension Offi ce at (804) 598-5640, or email Cathy Howland, 4-H Extension Agent, at chowland@vt.edu.

CALENDAR

Continued from pg. 2 narcononarrowhead.org.

A box was provided by the National

Association of Counties (NACo) to provide citizens a place to bring flags that need to be retired properly. It is located at the County Administration

Building in the vestibule area by the front doors. County Administration is working with local groups that hold flag disposal ceremonies and will be routinely transporting the flags collected to these ceremonies. Call 804-598-5612.

Hope Project provides free transportation for Powhatan County residents who have lost their driver's licenses due to drugrelated charges. Examples include rides to court, rehab, job interviews, doctor's appointments, and probation meetings.

Contact the Hope Project coordinator at 804-301-3324. Give a minimum of 24 hours’ notice.

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