Powhatan Today – 11/30/2022

Powhatan community gives thanks

The Powhatan community held five Thanksgiving celebrations over several days. Clockwise from top left: A family shares a meal at Graceland Baptist Church’s holiday meal; Old Powhatan Baptist Church holds a combined worship service; the Powhatan Pastor’s Fellowship holds a Thanksgiving service; volunteers serve a meal at Unity Community Church’s Unity Around the Table; and a family shares a meal at Passion Community’s meal.

By Laura McFarland Managing Editor

POWHATAN – The week surrounding Thanksgiving was full of goodwill and gratitude in Powhatan as five community celebrations invited friends and strangers alike to gather together.

Between three celebrations the weekend ahead of Thanksgiving and two on the actual holiday, four churches and one pastor’s group made sure to reach out a hand of love to their neighbors in the county.

Graceland Baptist Church, Old Powhatan Baptist Church and the Powhatan Pastor’s Fellowship held

meals or services over the weekend while Unity Community Church and Passion Community Church served up special meals on the day.

Organizers all talked about the beauty of seeing community members come together and offering a message of thankfulness to people wherever they are in life.

Graceland Baptist Church

Graceland Baptist Church catered a meal for about 100 people between the event at their church on Saturday, Nov. 19 and the meals they sent to people who couldn’t make it in per-

Two teen girls, one man killed in crash New sign promotes county

in Powhatan County.

Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal crash that occurred at 8:05 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22 at the intersection of Anderson Highway and Judes Ferry Road.

A 2015 Toyota Camry traveling east on Anderson Highway attempted to make a left turn onto Judes Ferry Road but pulled into the path of a westbound 2003 Dodge 3500 pickup truck pulling a trailer, according to Corinne N. Geller, public relations director for the state police. The Dodge was unable to avoid striking the Toyota in the side. The impact of the crash caused the Toyota to overturn onto its roof, and the truck came to a rest on top of the upside down Toyota.

The driver of the Toyota, Christina Cotner, 39, of Powhatan, was

By Laura McFarland Managing Editor

POWHATAN – Residents and visitors to Powhatan’s northeastern section are being welcomed to the county in a new way.

A new sign installed earlier this month near the intersection of Huguenot Trail and Winterfield Road will bring greater awareness that the area, which has a Midlothian address, is actually a part of Powhatan County, said Roxanne Salerno, economic development manager.

The idea for the sign was borne out of the Economic Development Authority (EDA) with the possibility of adding more at key locations around the county to communicate that people are entering Powhatan, she said.

“The EDA said we want people to know they are in Powhatan and know certain parts of the county of are part of our business DNA,” Salerno said.

The northeastern section of Powhatan, because it is similar to its surrounding area in Chesterfield County, is often assumed to be part of Chesterfield, she said. But the Artistry at Winterfield apartments, Independence Golf Course and all of the busi-

nesses at Winterfield Place shopping center fall within Powhatan County lines.

“We want people to know those are part of the Powhatan business community. We want people to understand where our businesses come from in terms of we have things such as Wild Ginger and Toast all the way to we have 1933 and Café at Maidens. We want people to know the variety of businesses we have,” she said.

The funds for the project came from the Economic Development Department and

eople are part atan busi nity. to underr business terms gs such as and Toast we have Maid to ariety of e have ” t

Middle school students get a taste of the real world

Contributed Report

Powhatan Middle School eighth graders got a taste of reality last week with a “Real Money. Real World.” simulation.

During the simulation held on Monday, Nov. 21, students were assigned a career, monthly salary and one child. Each student visited 14 booths manned by community volunteers making spending choices based on their family situation and hoping they would have enough money to make ends meet at the end of the month.

The program includes classroom lessons to prepare students to assume the role of a 27-year-old adult who is the primary income provider for a family. Students learned to subtract savings, taxes and other deductions from their monthly income. The amount of money left over is what they spent during the simulation activity.

Students spent their money at booths staffed by more than 30 community volunteers

Powhatan, Virginia

extra teaching options

B1 Powhatan basketball is back

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Graceland Baptist Church

Passion Community Church

Unity Community Church

PHOTO COURTESY OF POWHATAN COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

PHOTOS COURTESY OF POWHATAN EXTENSION

Volunteer LK Mondrey talks to a Powhatan Middle School student during the “Real Money. Real World.” exercise. Students visited the “chance” station to see what unexpected circumstance life threw at them.

Staff Report

Two teenage girls and one man were killed in a fatal crash that also injured two others last week

Powhatan Pastor’s Fellowship

Old Powhatan Baptist Church

PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND

PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND

Wednesday, Nov. 30

Education and preparation are keys to the homebuying process, so Habitat for Humanity-Powhatan is starting a two-part Pathways to Homeownership program on Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 at Powhatan County Public Library from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This free program, which requires registration, is intended for county residents and those who have worked in Powhatan for at least a year who want to learn about the homebuying/mortgage process and about Habitat’s program. Register for the Pathways to Homeownership program at habitatpowhatan.org/ events or call 804-594-7009, ext. 2.

Lonesome Dove Equestrian Center, which is located at 6137 Old Buckingham Road, provides yearround 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. In November, volunteers are asked to arrive at 10 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 11 a.m. Upcoming dates are Nov. 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.

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. On Nov. 30, the group will welcome art history instructor Juana Levi for a talk on Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Super at 10 a.m. At noon, there will be an art class focused on transferring swirled floating inks onto paper and fabric. 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 804-598-5670 for more details, and like the library’s Facebook page for all the latest, up-to-date library news, information and program schedules.

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 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.

Thursday, Dec. 1

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

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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.

A Called to Care Meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month at Powhatan United Methodist Church. This organization offers both support to persons who have health issues and those who are caring for persons with health issues. The meetings may include guest speakers on a myriad of topics related to aging and good health.

Guest speakers have included a nurse practitioner, neurologist, nutritionist, physical therapist and many more. All are welcome to attend. This group is facilitated by Judy Cain-Oliver, licensed clinical psychologist.

The Huguenot Beekeepers Association is a group of experienced and beginner beekeepers that are dedicated to promoting beekeeping in our communities and supporting each other in our beekeeping activities. The group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month in the auditorium of the Powhatan Village Building, 3910 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan. Visit https:// huguenotbeekeepers.org.

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_2QUVzrPXD pYsV2HY11CH8KBrluifyO. Contact Stephanie Romelczyk (sromelcz@ vt.edu) for information on joining the meeting live. Watched or listened to VCE AG Today? Let us know how we are doing! Find our survey here: https://vce.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ SV_6fiYBb914AYRdn7.

The Powhatan County Fair association meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Powhatan Fairgrounds located at 4042 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, Virginia 23139. For more information, visit www.powhatanfair. org.

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.

The Powhatan Garden Club meets the first Thursday of the month at the Powhatan Rescue Squad Building, 3920 Marion Harland Road, starting at 10 a.m. for refreshments and at 10:30 a.m. for the meeting and program. Bring your own greenery and any other items you would have on a doorway Christmas decoration. For more information, contact Laura Divinski at 804-372-9572.

Friday, Dec. 2

Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Drama will put on a production of “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” with performances at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3 and 3 p.m. on Dec. 3 in the school’s gym. The play is based on the story by C.S. Lewis. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Graceland Baptist Church, 975 Dorset Road, will hold its annual Christmas Drive Thru from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 2 and 3. It is free and open to the public.

Powhatan Cruizer’s car club, which is open to any vehicle or motorcycle owner, meets at 6 p.m. on the first Friday of the month at the Powhatan County Fairgrounds. Meetings are open to anyone. For more information, contact Charlie Williams at 804-898-0876.

Saturday, Dec. 3

Powhatan Christmas Mother Headquarters will be open for volunteers from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit https://powhatanchristmasmother. org/.

Powhatan County Public Library will hold its annual Children and Families Holiday Craft Program at 10:30 a.m.

Families are invited to come make four different crafts and to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a candy cane.

Participants will make reindeer paper bag puppets, paper plate Christmas trees, pipe cleaner tree ornaments and dreidel suncatchers. Children of all ages and their grown-ups are encouraged to attend. The program will take place in the main area of the library, and hot chocolate will be served in the atrium. No registration required. While craft supplies last. The event is free and open to the public.

For details, contact Powhatan County Public Library at 804-598-5670 or library@powhatanlibrary.net.

Passion Community Church will hold its Holly Jolly Jamboree from 10 a.m. to noon at its Powhatan Campus, 4480 Anderson Highway. From s’mores around the fire to snowball fights, kick off the Christmas season with fun for your entire family! Enjoy

an indoor bouncy house, pictures with Santa, hot cocoa, crafts, cookies, and a special presentation of the Christmas story. Invite your friends and join us for this Holly Jolly Jamboree.

Powhatan County Parks and Recreation will offer a free Introduction to Pickleball session from 9 to 11 a.m. 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 certified 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 804-598-5275 or mshelton@ powhatanva.gov.

Hate wrapping presents? The Powhatan Christmas Mother understands and has the solution. Bring your presents to be wrapped by the Christmas Mother elves from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 3 at Rise and Grind in the Village. Make a donation to the program to thank them for their services and everyone wins.

Habitat For Humanity - Powhatan depends on volunteers and donors. Habitat is blessed with the community’s helpful and generous participation. The Habitat ReStore at 1922 Urbine Road will be open every Saturday, come November 2022, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The office is located upstairs at the Habitat ReStore and the office number is 804-594-7009, ext. 2. Call and volunteer. Help us at the ReStore, perform critical repairs and/or with our upcoming builds.

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

Sunday, Dec. 4

Powhatan United Methodist Church will celebrate Advent with a musical program of Songs of the Season presented by Juan and Valerie Pineda and Friends hosted by Powhatan United Methodist Church's Monday Night Circle. The event will be held at 3 p.m. Juan is the worship director at PUMC and Valerie is director of music ministries at Welborne UMC. Both are very accomplished musicians. This event is free and open to the public.

Monday, Dec. 5

The Elizabeth Randolph Lewis Powhatan YMCA will host a free and very special Sensory Friendly Santa experience from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5. This will be visit with Santa in a quiet and calm environment for children with sensory sensitivities. The lights will be dimmed, soothing soft sounds in the background, and no jingle bells, or booming chants of “Ho Ho Ho!” This event will require advance registration and will be a timed entry in order to eliminate the need to wait in line with other excited children. Each time slot is per family - there may be multiple children in it. Don't forget your cameras to capture those special moments! Event will be held at Bienvenue Event Venue: 3841 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan, VA 23139. To register, visit ymcarichmond.org and use the following tabs: Youth and Family > Family Events > Family Events > choose a Sensitive Santa by timeslot.

Powhatan County Public Library will hold Brick Slayerz from 4 to 5 p.m. on Monday, 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.

The Huguenot Ruritan Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month at May Memorial Baptist Church. For more information, contact Tom Grasty at 804-598-0777.

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, Dec. 6

The Heart of Virginia Beekeepers will meet at 7 p.m. at the Prince Edward County Extension Office (100 Dominion Dr., Farmville, VA 23901) near Lowe’s for our Holiday Potluck Supper. We have a lot to celebrate, so those who signed up at the last meeting can bring what they signed up for and everyone else is invited to bring another food or other item to share. Also on the agenda are elections and exciting info about the bee school and the conference. Anyone who has bees or is interested in bees is welcome. Call Mary Jane Morgan at 434-315-1433 or visit Facebook or our website: heartofvirginiabeekeepers.org.

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/1FAIpQLSdZNI3gWp0zjOAAzwFhvrTWNTK4BBes

TRg6UoSH1b3l62o_A/viewform or call 804-598-5640. 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-monthlyluncheon/.

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

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 804-4674313 or Ljbal65@aol.com.

The Powhatan Christmas Mother is holding a 2022 Pet Food Drive for clients this Christmas. Drop-off 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).

Powhatan County Public Library will hold Read 2 Rover from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 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-Public-Library, or by calling 804-598-5670.

Holly Jolly Holiday Market will be held from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8 at Independence Golf Club, 600 Founders Bridge Blvd., Midlothian. It's our annual holly jolly holiday market featuring live music, food and drink specials, kids crafts, vendor market, and more!

Teen Anime Club will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, 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 County Public Library’s Middle Grade Anime Club will meet from 4 to 5 p.m. on Friday, 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.

Graceland Baptist Church, 975 Dorset Road, will hold a Family Movie Night at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9 featuring “A Christmas Story.”

Huguenot Volunteer Fire Department Company 2 will hold its annual Santa Breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 at the station, located at 1959 Urbine Road. Santa will arrive at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for 5 and under.

Come join us for the Powhatan Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting on Dec. 10. Parade lineup starting at 1 p.m. with the parade starting at 3 p.m., the parade route is along Old Buckingham Road, from Mann Rd to the Courthouse area. There will be vendors in the Courthouse area beginning at 1 p.m. and Santa will be available for Christmas wishes and pictures. The Tree Lighting will be held in the Village following the parade. Applications can be found at www.

PowhatanChristmasMother.org or by contacting the Parade committee at PowhatanChristmas@gmail.com Hope to see you there!

Powhatan County Public Library’s Teen Advisory Board meetings from 4 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 13. 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.

Powhatan County Public Library will hold Brick Slayerz from 4 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 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.

EUGENE WALTON

WALTON, Eugene "Gene" M. III, 79, of Powhatan, passed away suddenly November 24, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Ann; sons, Gene, Steve (Robin), Cliff; and grandson, Justin. He was predeceased by his parents, E.M. and Rosalee Walton; and brothers, Scotty and Donnie. Gene is survived by his sister, Lucy Nuckols (Ronnie); brother, Richard (Brenda); and special aunt, Betty Gray Faber. Per his desire, there will be no services.

Santa teams up with fire companies

Contributed Report

Powhatan County Volunteer Fire companies are once again planning to visit the communities they serve accompanied by Santa Claus with the return of the much anticipated Santa Runs. The schedules are as follows:

Powhatan Volunteer Fire Department (Company 1)

Santa and his Company 1 elves are pleased to announce the Santa Run schedule for Powhatan Volunteer Fire Department District 1 this year. Santa Runs will be nightly from 6 to 8/8:30 p.m. from Monday, Dec. 12 through Saturday, Dec. 17.

The group will leave the station around 6 p.m. each evening headed to the neighborhoods listed below. The station will announce Santa’s location and arrival nightly on its Facebook page. Volunteers hope to see all of you during their visits!

Monday, Dec. 12 – Pierce Road, Fox Rest, Fox Rest Terrace, Running Fox Drive, Maddox Crossing Court, Worsham Road to Watercross Court, Powhatan Lakes Road.

Tuesday, Dec. 13 – Mill Quarter Road, Mill Station Drive (main road), Lower Mill Drive, (main road), Fighting Creek Drive to Olmstead, Olmstead Drive, Olde Links Drive, Bent Arrow Drive.

Wednesday, Dec. 14 –Fairpine Drive (main road), Tower Hill, Red Lane (to Mountain View), Mountain View, Georges Road, Janet Lane, Edith Lane.

Thursday, Dec. 15 – Fariss Road (Three Bridge to Steger); Steger Creek Drive; Steger Creek Road; Branchway Creek Drive (off Route 60); Archies Way; Branch Forest Way; Richards Run.

Friday, Dec. 16 – Tilman Farms Subdivision, 6-7:30 p.m.; Westlake Subdivision, 7:40- 9 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17 – Firehouse, 2-4 p.m.; Courthouse/ Scottsville, 6-7 p.m.; Madison Place, 7:15-7:35 p.m.; Pineacre Drive (main road), 7:40-8:30 p.m.

Fine Creek Volunteer Fire Department (Company 4)

Fine Creek Volunteer Fire Department is announcing its Santa Runs for 2022! Note, there are a few changes this year. The fire department has been in contact with the big guy at the North Pole, and he’s taking time to visit all good little boys and girls, adults and pets!

Santa Runs will begin on Dec. 17 and continue each night through Dec. 22. The group will be leaving the station around 6 p.m. except Dec. 17 and 18, when they

Grants allow educators extra teaching options

Contributed Report

The Powhatan Education Foundation (PEF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the learning experience for the students, teachers and staff of Powhatan County Public Schools by promoting innovative educational opportunities, recognizing outstanding achievements and developing community partnerships.

Each year the PEF awards Innovative Classroom Grants that present ideas for achieving the county’s curricular goals, enhancing students’ personal development, and/or encouraging links with the community. This year the nonprofit received 19 grant requests. Nine grants were fully or partially funded for a total investment of $18,559.86.

The following staff members recipients received Classroom Innovation Grants:

Outdoor Classroom: Kathryn Duncan and Althea Hudson, Powhatan High School, $1,000. An outdoor classroom is a structured learning environment made of natural materials and has many benefits. An outdoor classroom creates opportunities for students to experience nature during the school day, which is proven to lessen stress in our daily lives. The idea is to create an amphitheater-style area close to the school building, allowing for movement while learning. Ideally, a shaded part would provide use even on warm days. The design would include a presentation space,

and the student chairs will be logs or wooden benches, so they do not need to sit on the ground. The plan is to solicit help from community members to assist in creating this new space that benefits all students at Powhatan High School.

Heart Zones: Bethany Britz Pocahontas Elementary School, $3,000. The Heart Zone project is designed to bring more awareness to the students and staff about the quality of the workout the students are getting in physical education class. The heart rate monitor would be a simple wristband with 100 feet of wireless range that can be uploaded and viewed immediately. Essentially, students will have live feedback of their heart rate, steps and times in each heart level and provide the teacher data to guide individualized instruction for each student.

Time to Snack on Books: Jessica Miller, Carla Crump and Zannatul Ferdous, POCES, $3,000. “Time to Snack on Books” is a schoolwide initiative to build a community of life-long readers using a vending machine full of books! Students will have multiple opportunities to “shop” at the book vending machine throughout the year. These opportunities could include celebrating the students of the month, and birthdays, welcoming new students and recognizing students for displaying the core values of respect, responsibility, effort

and kindness. The goal of the vending machine is to instill a passion for reading that grows over time. The students’ excitement and pride in bringing home a new book will also cultivate a community of readers.

Collaboration in the Classroom: Whiteboard Tables: Sandy Morin, POCES, $1,000. This team believes strongly in promoting collaborative learning in the classroom. Their lessons and activities are designed to foster student interactions and discourse across all content areas. Simply put, students learn from each other when they work collaboratively and are motivated and engaged in these learning conversations. Last year, the team of teachers read a book about promoting thinking in the math classroom, which further supported their commitment to shared learning for students. A vital element of the thinking classroom is using whiteboards for student learning. They purchased several vertical whiteboards that allow and encourage students to work together standing up in different areas of the room. This helps students to learn not only from the group they are currently working with but from all students in the classroom. The whiteboards promote risk-taking and problem-solving, as students find their thoughts easier to erase and try again. They want to add whiteboard tables that allow students to use manipulatives on a flat surface

and write the necessary information in the same area (circling groups of Venn Diagrams to compare/contrast, etc.). All group students can work simultaneously, compare their solutions and share their thinking.

Coding Spheros for K-5: Lisa Brown and Barbara Adcock, PCPS, $1,984. Spheros are ball-shaped robots that can be coded from a fundamental to a highly advanced coding level. Lessons have been created to integrate the Spheros into the curriculum in all core areas for kindergarten through fifth grade. Spheros are coded using one of two software programs, both of which are available for free download. PCPS currently has four class sets of Spheros, which the three elementary schools share. Unfortunately, the downloads are no longer available on Chrome-

books, the devices used in PCPS classes. Kindle Fires can be used to code the Spheros and are easily handled by students of all ages. PCPS currently has two class sets of the Kindle Fires but needs two more sets so that all of the Sphero sets can be used in the classes.

Sensory Garden: Robin Shortridge and Debbie King, POCES, $2,454.89. The vision of this project is to create an outdoor sensory area where all teachers in the school can take their students outside into a peaceful learning environment. Outdoor settings motivate and increase student learning and provide a calming place to learn. This space will give gentle sensory stimulation through sound, touch, sight and smell while providing an outdoor classroom space to meet cur-

School board honors Helping Hands Award winners

Contributed Report

The Powhatan County School Board recognized four recipients of the division’s Helping Hands Award during is Nov. 8 meeting.

Powhatan County Public Schools Human Resources Department implemented a divisionwide recognition award called the Helping Hands Award. The concept behind the award is anyone (student, parent, colleague or supervisor) can nominate any Powhatan County Public Schools staff member who is inspiring, empowering or innovating to receive recognition.

Superintendent Beth Teigen surprised staff members during their workday to inform them they were nominated and selected to be a Helping Hands Award winner. They were given a poster of recognition to display in their classroom or work location and a gift card donated by corporate sponsors.

The following staff members are the October 2022 Helping Hands Award winners:

Charique Andrews, transportation, was nominated by a parent for being inspiring. The parent wrote: “She is an excellent example of dedication, professionalism, and kindheartedness toward the children. From day 1, she has shown to be dedicated by never missing a day. She recently handled a situation with my child on the bus very well, and we truly appreciate her. We recognize she takes the safety of the children as a top priority while also helping them through challenging situations that arise on the bus.”

Terrell Dean, Powhatan High School staff member, was nominated by three students for being empowering. The students wrote: “Mr. Dean constantly pushes his students to be the best versions of themselves. He’s always there for us as trusted adult in our school system. He is one of very few staff I completely trust. He truly makes a great impact in each of our lives. I know all of his students love him dearly.”

“He constantly motivates and encourages his students to work at their best and has pushed all of us to succeed in the choir.”

“He is a great teacher and motivates us with everything.”

Katie Clark, Flat Rock Elementary School staff member, was nominated by a parent for being inspiring. The parent wrote: “Ms. Katie helped us through a tough time last year and was a fantastic communicator. Whenever I had questions, she took the time to answer my questions and never made me feel rushed when listening. Whenever I had behavioral issues at

are part of a future entrance sign program, Salerno said. This sign cost a little over $15,000. The design of this particular sign fits with the area where it is located, but the EDA members would have to discuss what would fit at different parts of the county, such as entering Powhatan on Route 522, Salerno said. However, she said the EDA does not intend to take away existing signs.

home, I was given solid advice to help deal with the situation, so my daughter got consistent conversations at home and school. This teacher made such a profound difference in both my daughter and myself. Seeing her show so much love to every student was inspiring. The bar has been set so high now.”

Gracie Boatwright, Pocahontas Elementary School staff member, was nominated by a parent for being empowering. The parent wrote: “My son, who is on the autism spectrum, has had a hard time wanting to go to school the past couple of years. Every morning, it was a struggle to get him into the car or the building. Then Ms. Gracie began working with him, and he just loves her. It seems she has made a special connection with him and he now has the confidence he was lacking. He is partially verbal and she’s the first person (in the school system) he has ever asked for by name. Words cannot express the true impact their connection has made not only for him but for our family as well, knowing he is happy to go to school and is with someone he trusts!”

PHOTO COURTESY OF PCPS

The Powhatan County School Board recognized the recipients of the Powhatan Education Foundation’s Innovative Classroom Grants during its Nov. 8 meeting.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PCPS

Powhatan County Public Schools recognizes Helping Hands Award winners, from top left: Charique Andrews, Gracie Boatwright and Terrell Dean.

SANTA RUNS

will leave at 5:30 p.m. Santa and the Fine Creek volunteers will be headed to the neighborhoods listed below. They will announce their arrival in each neighborhood on the Facebook page.

Santa Runs will be no contact again this year. Santa doesn’t want to miss anybody, so he also asks that people meet at gathering spots in their neighborhood. Organizers hope you and your family will come out and greet Santa and all our Fine Creek volunteers.

CALENDAR

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! Programs are free; requires independent participation. On Wednesday, Dec. 21, the group will hold A Very Quichey Christmas. Join with other participants for carols with youth, cookie decorating, quiche and salad, and ornament making from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Powhatan Rescue Squad Building. 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.

Graceland Baptist Church, 975 Dorset Road, will hold a Candlelight Service at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24. It is open to the public.

Register now for our first Heart of Virginia Beekeepers Conference to be held Saturday, Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Blackwood Ballroom of Longwood University in Farmville. For conference details and on-line registration, go to these links: bit.ly/HOVBconference or https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/heart-of-virginiabeekeepers-1st-annual.

Calling local authors. After a several year hiatus, Writers Round-up is returning to Powhatan County Public Library. Tentative dates are Jan. 21 or 28, 2023. If you are an author interested in participating, contact Charles Joynes at cjoynes@ powhatanlibrary.net.

Ongoing

The Coalition of Powhatan Churches has available resources to help people who would like assistance in learning to manage their finances. If you know of anyone who needs or would like to

flown to Chippenham Hospital and was being treated for life-threatening injuries. She was wearing a seatbelt.

None of the three passengers in the Toyota survived the crash. Wayne A. Knuckles Jr., 47; a 15-year-old female; and a 16-year-old female all died at the scene. Knuckles was wearing a seatbelt. The two teenagers were not wearing seatbelts.

The driver of the pickup truck, a 42-year-old male from Norfolk, was transported to Chippenham Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. He was wearing a seatbelt.

The 2022 schedule is: Dec. 17: Aston, Oak Leaf, Sea Sail, and Timberview. Start time is 5:30 p.m. Dec. 18: Maple Grove East, Maple Grove West, Spencerwood, and Spencerwood West. Start time is 5:30 p.m. Dec. 19: Shadow Creek, Huguenot Pointe, and French Hill. Dec. 20: Wood Dale Acres, Woods Way, and Sherwood. Dec. 21: St. Mary’s, Elioch Manor, and King William Woods. Dec. 22: Woodberry Mill, Country Town, Norwood Creek, and Valley Springs.

have this service, or to get more information, call Robin Cupka at 804-801-9851.

Backpacks of Love, a nonprofit committed to eliminating hunger in school-age children by providing nourishing food for their weekend, needs help. BPOL is looking for delivery drivers that would be available to deliver on Thursdays. They are in immediate need of a driver to deliver to Cumberland County and or Amelia County. These are great jobs for students looking for community hours. Always accepting food donations of single serve raviolis, spaghettios, apple sauce, cereal, cookies, crackers and more. Contact Kevin Hardy at 804-350-1127.

Young people in the 4-H community learn leadership, citizenship, and a vast array of life skills that benefit them for the rest of their lives. Through school-based, after-school, and community clubs as well as camp settings, 4-H members pledge to build a better community, country, and world. The new 4-H year starts Oct. 1 and runs through Sept. 30, 2022, so this is a great time to join a 4-H club! In Powhatan County, 4-H SPIN and project clubs include the following designed for youth ages 9-18: Livestock, Archery, Equine, Dairy Judging, and Shooting Education (waiting list). For our younger youth, ages 5-8 years old, we’re seeking new club leaders interested in starting a second Cloverbud 4-H Club in Powhatan. 4-H School Enrichment programs are also available for homeschool groups. Reach out to Cathy Howland, Powhatan 4-H Extension Agent, at 804-598-5640 or chowland@vt.edu for details about the 4-H opportunities listed, and/or information on starting new 4-H clubs or programs.

Powhatan Food Pantry is currently seeking volunteer drivers who can pick up food from the local Food Lions on different days between 8:30 and 10 a.m. and transport them to the nonprofit at 2500 Batterson Road. Contact the pantry at 804372-9526 or powhatanvafoodpantry@gmail.com.

The crash remains under investigation.

Powhatan High School principal Chris Sumner sent an email to PHS families on Nov. 22 confirming that the two teenagers involved were students at the high school. He said the division did not have permission to share any additional information.

Because school was closed for the holiday weekend, the school shared community resources they could access if their children needed additional support. School counselors would be available to meet with any students on Monday who wished to discuss their feelings about the accident, Sumner wrote.

Arrests

CRIME REPORT

One female was charged on Nov. 15 with petty larceny (Misdemeanor). One female was charged on Nov. 19 with petty larceny (M).

One male was charged on Nov. 20 with driving a motor vehicle engine while intoxicated (M), no driver’s license, hit and run – personal injury, attended property (M).

Incident report for Nov. 14 to 20 - Incident type & total calls

Abandoned vehicle 2

Advice 35 Animal calls 38 Assault 3 Assist 9

Attempt to locate 8 B&E 2 BOL 1 Child welfare 1 Civil 1

CPR 1

Deliver message 1 Disabled vehicle 15

Disorder/disturbance 2 Domestic 2 Drugs 1

GRANTS

Followup 3 Found property 1 Fraud 6 Gunshot calls 3 Hit and run 4 Investigation 13 Larceny 5 Lockout 6 Lost property 1 MVAs 31 Noise 1 Overdose 1 Panic alarm 1 Pd alarm 9 Phone threat 1 Project lifesaver 1

Continued from pg. 3

riculum goals. This sensory learning garden is planned for an existing fenced space away from the recess areas in the schoolyard.

Citizen Science at PCPS: Barbara Adcock and Lisa Brown, $768. Citizen Science involves ordinary people in the process of scientific research and discovery. At PCPS, the importance of citizen science is emphasized beginning in the first grade with county-wide projects. First graders grow radishes in the fall and early winter, comparing their observations and data with other classes in their school and courses in the other elementary schools in the country. In early spring, these first graders participated in a second citizen science project by learning about how Thomas Jefferson had a “First Peas to the Table” competition with his neighbors. The first graders research these types of peas and decide which type they will plant to have the “first peas to the table.” They also design and build trellises for their peas. Through Citizen Science, students will learn how to be scientists and how scientists share their observations and discoveries.

“30 Days Lost in Space: The Classroom Experience”: Bilal Z. Raychouni, Powhatan Middle School, $2,434.97. We’re sorry to say it, but you’re stuck 100 feet underwater on some alien planet. No worries, though we’ve dealt with this situation thousands of times! We know this may be overwhelming, but you must learn to code and wire to fix your destroyed pan-

Psychiatric 1 Reckless driver 12 Recovered property 1 Road rage 1 Sex offense 2 Shoplifting 4 Suspicious 7 Traffic hazard 9 Traffic stop 58 Trailer inspection 1 Trespass 2

Underage possession 2 Unknown emergency 25 VCIN hit 1

Warrant service 1 Welfare check 14

el. While you are at it, we detected a few other “minor” repairs you will need to complete. Your solar panel is offline, the air ballast system has failed, your security systems aren’t working and the worst problem is your entertainment system is down! Again, nothing to stress over! It’s all fixable with the right tools and training. This repair kit has an excellent success rate and will walk you step by step through each repair mission. It will take precisely 30 days to repair your shuttle, and we will guide you through all the steps necessary, from coding to wiring up your fancy new hardware setup. Let’s get your shuttle out of the water and off this backward planet!

Using Probeware to Encourage Student Experimentation and Innovation: Libbey Kitten, Powhatan Middle School, $2,918. How would you prefer to learn about cellular respiration? Would you want to watch a video, read about it, conduct a computer simulation, or stick an insect (cricket, cockroach...any bug will do) into a jar and see if it takes in oxygen and gives off carbon dioxide? And, which of the above activities do you think would most likely spark your curiosity? For several years, the technology needed to measure gases has been too complex and fragile for use in middle school. Fortunately, a new probeware has been developed that is both easy to use and sturdy. This project would put carbon dioxide and oxygen probeware in the hands of Powhatan Middle School students, which would be a “game changer” in how students learn about several science topics.

1801Huguenot Trail SundayWorship10am BryanM.Holt, Pastor 804-378-3607 www.EmmausChristianChurch.org https://www.facebook.com/2emmaus/

MountCalvary BaptistChurch 2020RedLaneRoad Powhatan,VA23139 Pastor,LarryB.Collins SundaySchool9:45a.m. SundayWorship11:00a.m. WednesdayBibleStudy 7:30p.m. Office804-598-2398

Powhatan Lions Club donates check to local food pantry

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Powhatan Lions Club along with the Lions Charity Foundation of Southeastern VA presented checks for $750 to the Powhatan Food Pantry. Shown from left are: Lions Club member Frank Armistead; president Bill Melton; treasurer Kathy Ware; secretary Alan Minter; Powhatan Food Pantry Manager Theresa

Volunteers will gift wrap for donations

Blessed Sacrament Drama brings Narnia to Powhatan

SundayWorship10:00AM SundaySchool9:00AM BibleStudyWed.7:00PM 804-372-9254

willbeginat11:00a.m.

SundaySchool-9:45a.m. Worship-11a.m. WednesdayBibleStudy& PrayerService-7:00p.m. PastorJeffBeard,MA,MBA 3470TrenholmRoad www.muddycreekbaptist.org

FIRSTANTIOCH

BAPTISTCHURCH

3920MAIDENSRD.,POWHATAN 804-598-2301 SundaySchool10:00a.m. SundayMorningService 11:00a.m.

WednesdayMidDay BibleStudy11:30a.m. EveningBibleStudy7:00p.m.

Detective graduates from Forensic Science Academy

Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office’s Detective Danny Joyner recently graduated from the 107th Virginia Forensic Science Academy. Shown are Joyner, center, with chief deputy Jeff Searfoss, left, and Capt. Danny Smith after the graduation ceremony.

Sensory Friendly Santa offers low pressure experience for children

Powhatan

The

will host a free and very special Sensory Friendly Santa experience from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5. This will be visit with Santa in a quiet and calm environment for children with sensory sensitivities. The lights will be dimmed, soothing soft sounds in the background, and no jingle bells, or booming chants of “Ho Ho Ho!” This event will require advance registration and will be a timed entry in order to eliminate the need to wait in line with other excited children. Each time slot is per family - there may be multiple children in it. Don’t forget your cameras to capture those special moments! Event will be held at Bienvenue Event Venue: 3841 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan, VA 23139. To register, visit ymcarichmond.org and use the following tabs: Youth and Family > Family Events > Family Events > choose a Sensitive Santa by timeslot.

2095RedLaneRoad 1/2mileoffRt.60onRedLaneRoad 804-598-2455 www.redlanebaptist.org SmallGroupClasses9:00a.m. WorshipService10:30a.m. Dr.JamesTaylor,Pastor

GracelandBaptistChurch Dr.RonaldWyatt,Jr.,Pastor Contemporary–9:00a.m. SundaySchool–9:45a.m. Worship–11a.m. Children’sWorship–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

OLDPOWHATAN BAPTISTCHURCH

BradRussell,Pastor 598-4241

3619HuguenotTrail Powhatan,Virginia23139 www.finecreekbaptist.org SundaySchool:9:45a.m. WorshipService:11:00a.m. Traditional VernGilmer,Pastor

Servicetimesare 8:30a.m.and10:15a.m. Worshiponlineat10:15a.m. 2202OldChurchRoad www.powhatanbaptist.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF POWHATAN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Fields and Lions Club member Betty Bowman.

Hate wrapping presents? The Powhatan Christmas Mother understands and has the solution. Bring your presents to be wrapped by the Christmas Mother elves from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 at Rise and Grind in the Village. Make a donation to the program to thank them for their services and everyone wins.

PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND

Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Drama will put on a production of “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” with performances at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3 and 3 p.m. on Dec. 3 in the school’s gym. The play is based on the story by C.S. Lewis. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Elizabeth Randolph Lewis

YMCA

on items typically found in a monthly budget including housing, utilities, groceries, insurance, child care and transportation. Throughout the activity, students kept track of their finances and attempted to complete the simulation with a positive balance.

The program is a product of The Ohio State University and was organized for the community by Cathy Howland, Powhatan 4-H Extension Agent, in collaboration with Terry Baldwin, guidance counselor at Powhatan Middle School. Howland said, “This program allows the students to make life choices and get a taste of reality.”

One of the biggest surprises to participants was the cost of child care. One youth, who came into the simulation with an $1,800 monthly salary and a child to support, was discouraged to discover at the child care booth that day care would cost him about $800.

Volunteers at the financial advice booth assisted him in getting a second part-time job after he discovered that “giving his child back” was not an option.

another student of his experience in the simulation. He was able to make ends meet, but commented he did have a good-paying job.

Following the simulation, students reflected on their experience and what they learned by completing a self-assessment. The students enjoyed their experience but were shocked at how hard it was to meet a monthly budget. Many said they had newfound respect for their parents and what they deal with on a daily basis. At the end of the experience, student comments included, “Kids are expensive,” “I have to save more money than I spend,” “Being an adult is hard,” and “I need to get the important stuff out of the way first.” More than half the students noted it’s very likely that they will plan to get more education or training after high school.

COURTESY OF POWHATAN EXTENSION

“

‘Real Money. Real World.’ helps youth realize that their career choice, the education required for a career and potential lifestyle are related,” added Howland.

“I’m renting a cheap apartment, so I don’t have to give up my SUV to have enough money,” noted

Howland said that this program could not have been provided without the support of Powhatan Middle School and 25+ adult volunteers from the community. “Many of the volunteers work locally or own a Powhatan business and are experts in the field they represented during the simulation. It’s great to see so many individuals interested in giving back to their community and assisting our youth in learning valuable life skills in the process.”

For more information about the “Real Money. Real World.” program or the 4-H program, contact Cathy Howland at the Powhatan Extension office, (804) 598-5640 or email chowland@vt.edu.

During the “Real Money. Real World.” exercise, Powhatan Middle School students visit different stations manned by volunteers, from top left: Jane Henderson; Tony Hackenberg (left) and Bill Melton; Allison Walters (left) and Cayla Walker; LaTasha Bouldin (left) and LaToya Turner; and Lindsay Eakin.

son.

The church held a Thanksgiving meal on the holiday for four straight years but decided to make a few changes this year, said Greg LeMaster, associate pastor of outreach. Several people who normally attend the Graceland’s dinner church, which is held on the fourth Thursday of the month, had family members coming in and couldn’t attend. Still wanting to gather together, the church decided to hold the special meal in advance.

The church also sought to bring families who participate in its special needs service together and show them some live, he added. The goal was to bring them all together and make everyone “feel like family.”

“People, I think, felt comfortable, and our goal is to love on people. As Christians, we ought to be known for our love above everything. … You can talk it all day long, but do you show it and love people? That is what our goal is,” he said.

When people walked in the door, they were greeted by Graceland members, who showed them to a table and served them a meal catered by Cracker Barrel. A few long tables of desserts were filled with confections to they could choose from at the end.

LeMaster gave a special Thanksgiving message and then read aloud notes from those in attendance of gratitude and prayer requests.

The meal was also brightened by a special singalong

featuring children and adult members of the special needs community to get people in the holiday spirit with songs such as “Santa Claus is Coming to Town and “Jesus Loves Me.”

Tammy Rogers of Powhatan attended the meal with her sons, Jacob and Seth. They usually attend both the dinner church and Miracles of God special needs service and looked forward to seeing so many people they know. She appreciated that having the meal ahead of Thanksgiving attracted a larger crowd of people to attend.

“It is wonderful. Whenever Graceland does anything it is just their heart; it’s everywhere. You just feel God’s love all the time when you are here. Nobody is judging you; everybody is so welcoming,” she said.

Old Powhatan Baptist Church

Old Powhatan Baptist Church has a longstanding tradition of holding a combined worship service with music, a message and prayer, all followed by a Thanksgiving feast for whoever attends, on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, said the Rev. Brad Russell, lead pastor. It is a good opportunity for the church, which normally has two Sunday morning services, to bring all congregants together as well as welcoming new friends to join them.

He estimated about 250 people attended the service on the morning of Sunday, Nov. 20 with about 50 of them being people who don’t attend regularly.

For the special service, Russell said his sermon was about giving thanks to God in all circumstances while acknowledging that is sometimes a difficult task. During the service and the feast made by church members, friends and strangers alike are invited to enjoy a meal, enjoy fellowship and really focus on the blessings the Lord has given them throughout the year.

“It is crazy how good food helps you do that. When you gather around a table with people from different age groups, stages in life, and different experiences and circumstances they are going through, you get a better perspective,” Russell said. “I think that is one of the reasons why the Bible has so much eating in it. The Old Testament is full of festivals and times to feast, celebrate and remember the Lord’s goodness. The New Testament reminds us always that we are supposed to eat and drink to the glory of God. That is why we gather – that is what we want to do as we eat together as well is just remember how good the Lord is.”

The meal always has leftovers – “as any good Thanksgiving feast would have” – so people are always asked to take meals to a family member or neighbor who may be at home, he said. The church also delivers meals to people.

Russell said the attendance numbers bounced back greatly from what they were during the pandemic.

“I think people are really just hungry for fellowship and community and a little taste of normalcy. These feasts – these celebrations – are kind of that opportunity,” he said.

Powhatan Pastor’s Fellowship

In a cultural world that is so divided, it is important to the members of the Powhatan Pastor’s Fellowship as a diverse group that they show their unity. The pastors led the way in that mission when they held their annual Powhatan Community Thanksgiving Service.

“We are different Christian traditions but we still have more in common than separates us” has always been the main message of this annual tradition, which hasn’t been held since 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, said the Rev. Michael Edwards, fellowship member and pastor of May Memorial Baptist Church.

Held on the evening of Nov. 20, the service saw upwards of 150 gathered together at May Memorial for the special service. Edwards said he loved having the service, which typically rotates between churches, at May Memorial this year and welcoming back a beloved tradition that celebrates unity in the Powhatan community.

The service combines traditions and participation from different denominations and thus incorporates pastors and church members throughout the service. For instance, David Arnold, rector at St. Cyprian of Carthage Orthodox Church, gave the sermon; the Rev. Albert Connette, pastor of Providence Presbyterian, did a scripture reading; Cavell Phillips, pastor of Unity Community Church, offered the invocation, and Edwards gave the benediction.

Music was also provided by Amanda Powell, Vanessa Phillips and the May Memorial Choir.

It was a joyful sense of the goodness of the community and the importance of gratitude in being together, with Arnold’s sermon highlighting that people have a choice in life about being unthankful or showing gratitude for the good gifts they have in life, Edwards said.

“If you look at the group of people who led in worship and you think about the different churches who their pastors were here and they have parishioners here, it is a pretty diverse group of people within Christianity,” he said. “Our churches worship individually in much different ways. Some are much more lively and spontaneous and others in the group follow liturgy that goes back to the early church – 2,000 years.

“But even though we are very different in how we worship on Sunday morning, when we come together – and when we came together that night – the sense of what we have in common is far greater than the sense of things that we do not share in common. And, honestly, the people who come to these services, I think they really appreciate seeing different expressions of the Christian faith than is different from theirs,” Edwards continued.

Unity Community Church

Unity Community Church held its fifth annual Unity Around the Table event at the Village Building, with people who wanted a free meal or fellowship coming to the tents church members set up outside on Thanksgiving Day. The event also featured a toy give away thanks to an abundance of donations the church had received for its annual toy drive, said the Rev. Cavell Phillips, the church’s pastor.

The main purpose of the event was to thank God for everything he has done for them and is helping them do, he said.

“We thank him for giving us an attitude to give. It is not enough to just thank God for what he has done. Also, we ought to thank God for giving us the desire and attitude to want to be a blessing to somebody else,” Phillips said.

Church members prepared and supplied the full Thanksgiving feast, and seeing so many of them come

PHOTOS

What tradition mosts gets you in the holiday mood at the start of the Christmas season?

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

Catalogue offers glimpse into U.S. history

By Laura McFarland Managing Editor

“This is going to be fun.”

That was literally my first thought upon spotting what I thought was a copy of the “1908 Sears, Roebuck Catalogue” for sale in the Friends’ Book Shop at Powhatan County Public Library.

Closer inspection at home would reveal it was actually a reproduction, but to be honest, that dampened the joy for only a few seconds because it still promised to be such a fascinating glimpse into U.S. history. At a time when inflation has us dreading to see how much even everyday essentials like eggs are going to cost us this week, seeing a catalogue where you can get an entire new bedroom suite – three pieces, all oak – for $24.85 is a marvel to behold even if it is at prices from 114 years ago.

I grew up hearing about the catalogue and seeing it in old films, gaining a decent understanding of the way it revolutionized buying in this country by making even the most extravagant of items available virtually anywhere. And while I vaguely remember being excited to look at the mail catalogues when I was a child, there is no specific memory I could pin down with any accuracy, making this find an absolute gem.

As a side note, a few years ago I gained a different understanding of the catalogue’s importance in American history thanks to my favorite podcast, “Stuff You Missed in History.” During a lengthy interview with Sears historian Jerry Hancock, they touched on how the catalogue combatted racism by offering southern black people an option other than local retailers where they were often made to wait or forced to buy inferior goods. When ordering from the catalogue, race never came into play and they could buy the same goods as anyone else who had the cash to do so.

So when I spotted that faded catalogue with a little

tape on the binding among the books in the Friends’ Book Shop, there was no doubt it was coming home and you, my dear readers, would be privy to the first perusing. (Before I move on, I want to plug the book shop as a place to shop or donate. It’s always entertaining to see what new treasures have been donated and know proceeds will help future library programs.)

Literally, the first page the catalogue fell open to featured houses. On one page, you could get the materials and plans for a nine-room (five bedrooms) concrete home for $1,995. That isn’t even enough for a decent down payment on a car these days. And for only $209.14 more you could install a hot water heating plant in the house. As someone currently saving to buy my first house, I am not going to lie, that one stung a little.

The drawings of the Acme Sunburst double heating, self feeding base burner (priced at $23.95 to $30.68, depending on size) are nothing short of exquisite artwork. Curious, I searched for the product online, and the illustrator really did capture the ornate markings and shape beautifully. I don’t know how it worked as a usable item, but aesthetically, it would be an amazing addition to any home.

Seeing a copy of a “Genuine Pisani Stradivarius Model Violin” going for $45 made me smile. The ad touted Antonius Stradivarius as the “greatest maker of violins that ever lived” and praised Vincenzo Pisani’s recreations of them. They were apparently sold in limited quantity since they were handmade but were still not more expensive than the Nurnberger soloist violin at $69.

The prices of these two “extra special high grade violins” stood in stark contrast to those on the opposite page, which ranged from $1.85 to $4.95. I appreciated that the $1.85 Wonder model’s description stated it was made of “good materials and accurate proportions” but Sears Roebuck did not “especially recommend it, as any of the other violins in our line

Remembering the fallen

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

It’s the slap in the face none of us needed. When news broke of the horrific tragedy that unfolded in Charlottesville, all of us were stunned and shocked at what seemed like a scene from the most unimaginable scenario.

Unfortunately, as details emerged, it was evident that this was a worst case scenario almost too horrific to imagine with three innocent lives destroyed in seconds of madness.

We watched with reverent silence as University of Virginia students gathered to offer condolence and support to each other, all in a sort of macabre trance struggling to comprehend how such violence arrived in their peaceful community.

After that initial shock, the traumatic impact of the tragedy becomes more evident with each passing day. Football teams from across the nation placed stickers on their helmets to memorialize the fallen athletes, and the far-reaching tentacles of one senseless act spread across a nation.

After hearing several members of teams across the nation explain their connection to the victims, it became more apparent how deeply their loss was truly felt.

It also became immediately evident the impact one disturbed individual can have on a community and how all of our lives depend on the wellbeing of others.

I have no knowledge of the specific details regarding this case, or the state of mind of the person who took these tragic actions; but I do know mental illness in our nation is the subject of many studies indicating depression

and other conditions are on the rise.

It’s difficult to imagine how anything positive or beneficial can result from such a violent act, but it is noteworthy to recognize the caring nature of the U. Va. community. As Coach Tony Elliott said in a memorial service held recently, this tragedy will result in future triumph.

“To everyone here I say, we will turn today's tragedy into tomorrow's triumph,” Elliott said. “Lavel, Devin, D'Sean, I'm so looking forward to the strength, motivation, courage and love that you all will provide as we triumph in the days ahead. My young kings, may you celebrate in paradise, and we will celebrate on this side each and every day with the light of your stars.”

For those suffering from depression, substance abuse or developmental disabilities, you are not alone. Agencies like the Hanover Community Services Board are eager to help members of the community who are experiencing mental illness related challenges.

And other communities are expanding their mental health services, improving wait times and recognizing the importance of available treatment for affected citizens.

It’s an awareness that is long overdue, and efforts to increase services represent a new mindset that bolsters the belief that the well-being of every citizen is vital to a successful and caring community.

The effects of the loss of the three U. Va. players will last longer than anyone desires, but their memory alerts us to the precious nature of life itself; and the need to care for those who are suffering.

8460 Times Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville, Va 23116 Phone: 804-746-1235 Toll Free: 877-888-0449 Fax: 804-344-8746

Publisher Joy Monopoli jmonopoli@rsnva.com

Production Manager Denine D’Angelo ddangelo@mechlocal.com

Managing Editor Laura McFarland lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com

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Classifieds Cindy Adams cadams@mechlocal.com

at a trifle higher price represent by far a better investment.”

Seeing the telephones that hung on walls and needed an operator to connect you to your desired caller reminded me of watching old movies with my grandparents and seeing the busybody who liked to listen in on the “party line.” Another smile followed.

The illustrators again did sublime work in the “toilet preparations” section as illustrations of eau de toilette bottles and hair tonic alongside drawings of beautiful women drew your eyes to the page.

The illustrations of men modeling different types of “balbriggan underwear” were equally eye-catching, and I appreciated that they gave instructions on how to measure yourself to order the correct size.

And oh my gosh, the women’s hats and bonnets! Gorgeous, elaborate pieces adorned with flowers, ribbons and other decorations cost anywhere from $1.19 to $7.95 (the feather on that one looked simply luxurious) and I wanted to try on every single one of them.

Not to mention the long-skirted, puffy sleeved dresses with impossibly tiny waists – seriously, a corset would have to be cinched to the point where internal organs were relocated to get that kind of waistline. Even Barbie would have had reservations.

Whether you were shopping for fine china sets, harnesses, lamps, roll top desks, collapsible go-carts (highly elaborate strollers), fishing rods, locks, tools of all kinds, canned foods, cigars, stump pullers, incubators, washing machines, porcelain tubs, safes, folding cameras, rifles and handguns, tents and so much more, it was all there in the catalogue.

In a world where ordering almost anything can be a few clicks a way, it is easy to forget how revolutionary this catalogue would have been when it was first released in the 1890s. Since consumerism is an important part of our history, it really was a fascinating glimpse into the everyday life of people living more than a century ago.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

read publicly and reflected in the minutes.

Dear Editor,

After watching the November 8th Powhatan County School Board meeting, I was dismayed with the reaction Dr. Teigen and Dr. Omohundro had to the concerns voiced by Dr. Taylor. Both ladies, along with Ms. Ayers, seemed committed to parsing words and insisting on application of the draft policy based on strict interpretation of the words “materials,” “instruction” and “assigned.”

Narrow interpretations are simply the bureaucrats’ and politicians’ way of skirting an issue and hanging their hats on the easy way out; one often resulting in short-circuiting discussion and any meaningful resolution to thorny issues.

While I applaud the focus on the sexual nature of instructional materials and giving the parents the right to opt in or out, the policy must also address what’s presented verbally by the classroom teacher. Discussion of gender, questions directed to whether a student feels “comfortable” as a girl or a boy, attempts to gender groom, or any suggestion that there are multiple genders, etc. must be prohibited via written policy.

If there are already policies on the books addressing these issues to include a teacher’s advancing a particular political ideology, then they must be made known to the citizens of the county. General references to such policies in the midst of a board meeting are unsatisfactory. If such “rules of the road” exist then put them on the agenda to be

Lastly, the notion that “age appropriateness” isn’t in need of definition is nonsensical on its face. What might be permissible for a 17-year-old senior in high school most certainly isn’t appropriate for a child in K-3. More attention needs to be given to this issue and certainly reflected in the final policy.

The legislation clearly opens the door for the school board to broaden the language beyond the narrow definition contained in the model policy. I suspect the General Assembly included such language knowing full-well a “one size fits all” VDOE model policy would not adequately address the unique needs found by each county/ city school board.

Let’s encourage the school administration and the school board to avoid the temptation of adopting such a narrow perspective and putting a policy in place that doesn’t address both book content as well as what’s spoken during classroom lectures.

The PCSB has a unique opportunity to broaden what’s addressed in the eventual policy. Doing so is an absolute necessity as we observe what’s going on in other parts of the Commonwealth and in other states surrounding Virginia. Mr. Coles’ rationale that sexual content in our school’s library and classroom materials isn’t yet a problem simply won’t suffice. The problem is all around us and if not addressed will certainly find its way into Powhatan.

Now’s the time. Let’s take full advantage of the opportunity afforded us by SB656.

Robert Powers Powhatan

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Insisting on a narrow interpretation won’t get the job done

together to make the meal possible made Phillips feel like the church is doing what it should be doing to be a blessing to the community, he said.

“It makes me feel like we are not perfect but we are moving in the right direction to do what God needs done here on the earth,” he said.

Phillips said the volunteers who ran the event were a mix of church members and volunteers from the community who learned what they were doing and wanted to offer help.

Iris Brown, a church member who lives in Cumberland, has volunteered with her family at Unity Around the Table for four years along with her husband Michael, daughter Kayla and son Landen, who didn’t make it this year. Brown said she loves being a blessing to others.

“Our whole purpose here with Unity Community Church is to serve the community, so we serve in what-

ever capacity we can, and it’s a good feeling,” she said.

Passion Community Church

Passion Community Church had a great turnout at its annual Thanksgiving Day meal, which saw dozens of people sitting around tables eating together and even more grabbing meals to take home. Melinda Kinney, event coordinator, said the church has been holding the event for at least seven years to offer a place to come so people are not alone on Thanksgiving.

“We encourage people to sit with people they don’t know or have not been introduced to and just talk to people, make a friend and make people feel welcome,” she said.

Volunteers started cooking together at 8 a.m. to have the food ready by the time the event started in the afternoon. The group of at least 25 volunteers was a mix of church members and community members, and seeing them all come together to make the meal a reality is

The Powhatan community held five Thanksgiving celebrations: Graceland Baptist Church offered a holiday meal on Nov. 19; Old Powhatan Baptist Church held a combined worship service followed by a meal on Nov. 20; the Powhatan Pastor’s Fellowship held a Thanksgiving service on Nov. 20; Unity Community Church served meals on Thanksgiving Day during its annual Unity Around the Table; and Passion Community Church offered Thanksgiving Day meals.

wonderful, she added. She appreciates that people want to step up and have an impact on someone else’s day.

“You are fulfilling a need, whether it is someone who can’t afford a meal, someone who doesn’t have family around here or someone who just doesn’t have family period,” Kinney said. “For me it is getting to talk with people, interacting with people and seeing people come together.”

Tony Stoddard of Powhatan, who attends the church, came to the meal with his mom, Louise Stoddard, and friend, Jeannie Pino, since his wife and several other family members are out of town. He said he missed having the full meal with his family, but since he and his mom decided not to do a great deal of cooking for two people, he appreciated that PCC offered the Thanksgiving Day meal.

“It is a real blessing for the church to do this,” he said.

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

PHOTOS BY LAURA McFARLAND

GRACELAND BAPTIST CHURCH

PASSION COMMUNITY CHURCH

UNITY COMMUNITY CHURCH

OLD POWHATAN BAPTIST CHURCH

POWHATAN PASTOR’S FELLOWSHIP

hh

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

PHOTOS BY LAURA McFARLAND

PHOTOS BY LAURA McFARLAND

Three Powhatan athletes added to Big River Rivalry game south roster

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

Football season might be over for the Powhatan Indians after they fell in their regional tournament clash with Dinwiddie, but there’s still a little more football to be played for two Indians stars.

Powhatan seniors Oscar Whitely and Dylan Trevillian were both announced as rostered members of the upcoming Big River Rivalry game, which will take place on Dec. 17 at Day Field, Randolph-Macon’s home football stadium.

The all-star game pits the best players north of the James River against the best of the south, with players from every public and private high school in see RIVALRY, pg. 2

Powhatan basketball is back

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

After a 2021-22 season saw a very inexperienced Powhatan boys basketball team have its fair share of growing pains in a season that ended with a 6-14 record,

the Indians bring back a roster that lost just one senior while adding multiple new faces to the fold.

One of those new faces is Brock Geiman, who was announced as the team’s new head coach this past summer after working as an assistant coach behind Kristy Hen-

derson for the girls team last year.

With a new coach brings a new system, and the team will undoubtedly take some time to master the new play style Geiman brings to the job despite boasting four returning starters.

With guard Matthew

Hempfield as the lone departure, Powhatan knows what to expect from its returning lineup, which adds junior guard Daniel Jackson from the junior varsity squad as the only new face in the starting five.

Senior guard Jack see BASKETBALL, pg. 2

Preview: Indians wrestling eyes regional three-peat

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

Coming into the season as the two-time defending regional champion, the Powhatan Indians wrestling team isn’t in unfamiliar territory as it looks for a chance at a three-peat, but with the region already locked in on the Indians as the team to beat, they’ll have to bring their A-game to earn that third consecutive Region 4B title.

Entering the season, the Indians will be without five major contributors from last year’s team in Dylan Coward, Hans Rehme, Adam Camp, Mitchell Johnson and Tanner Palmore, but bring back a handful of statesqualifying wrestlers that’ll lead an otherwise youthful team.

Head coach Jonathan Tanaka, entering his 10th season leading the program, has led the Indians to a 140-68 record in his

time at the school, and looks to build upon a year where the Indians not only won their region, but placed seventh in the VHSL 4A state tournament. Playing in an always competitive 4B region, Tanaka knows the challenges of battling highlevel competition can only serve his team well as they grow together throughout the season.

“Being the region champ is always good and we’re trying to defend the title, but at the same time, for us, it’s all new ground,” Tanaka said. “We know it’s one of the better regions in 4A and in the state so it’s always going to be a battle that will help us get battle-tested for the state tournament.”

Sophomore Luke Wells and senior Britton Proffitt are notable returners that ended last year on high notes in the Class 4 state tournament, with Wells capping off a remarkable freshman year in the 113-pound weight class

with a fourth-place showing in states as well as a regional title. He is bumping up to the 120-pound

class this season.

Proffitt, who placed fourth in states in the 138-pound bracket and

won his regional class title, returns in his senior year now in the 144-pound class looking to lead the

team as a leader with experience against some of the best talent in the state.

Powhatan guard Jack DeBord brings the ball up against Huguenot’s press defense on Jan. 26, 2022.

FILE PHOTO

Senior Oscar Whitely turns a short pass into a big gain that takes the Indians into the red zone versus the Cosby Titans on Nov. 4, 2022.

FILE PHOTO

Powhatan’s Britton Proffitt tries to get in position for a takedown against Matoaca’s Kiilun Johnson on senior night during the 2021-22 season.

BASKETBALL

DeBord and sophomore forward Matthew Henderson return as the team’s leading scorers from last year, with DeBord displaying a dead-eye range from the perimeter with 15.4 points per game while Henderson displayed three-level scoring capabilities as a versatile 6-foot-5 wing that could also work from the paint with his back to the basket. One of DeBord’s most impressive outings last year came on senior night against Clover Hill on Feb. 4, where he knocked down six 3-pointers on the way to a 71-60 win.

Henderson, who averaged 13.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game on the varsity level in his freshman year, is also coming off a successful football season as one of Powhatan’s most relied upon receiving threats. While

WRESTLING

Henderson was often asked to be a primary scoring threat as a freshman, he’s proven he can use the extra attention he receives as a shooter to his advantage, often finding open teammates when he sees help defense thrown his way as well as working to score within the flow of the offense rather than forcing up contested looks when he gets hot. One of his best games last year came in a close lose to Huguenot, where he scored a team-best 32 points in the 76-75 final.

Rounding out the starting lineup is senior guard Oscar Whitely, a spark plug scorer that can get downhill quickly on his drives to the rim, as well as senior forward Paul Bonner, a strong rebounder and rim protector that gives Powhatan size and strength in the frontcourt.

As far as the team’s depth on the bench, Powhatan will see returning players like Tanner Wyatt

and Austin Hurt, both seniors, expand on previous roles with the team while newcomers like Ryan Flippo, Kaleb Lenhart and Jamison Wallace attempt to break into the rotation.

Wyatt, a guard, averaged two points per game in the minutes he received last season, and showed signs of catch-and-shoot potential when given the opportunity. Hurt, who stands at 6-foot-3, will likely earn minutes behind Bonner thanks to his promising rebounding ability and skill defending opposing bigs that try to post him up.

Lenhart and Wallace, meanwhile, come up from the junior varsity team and will look to carve out minutes on the wing behind guys like DeBord, Henderson and Whitely.

Flippo, younger brother of multi-sport star Sam Flippo, is another new name to watch after making the varsity team as a freshman. Flippo was the

leading scoring threat at Powhatan Middle School last season, and nearly led the team to a Southside Middle School Conference title. In the title game, Flippo scored 19 points and the team lost by two in a down-to-thewire battle against the

Wyatt Panthers.

With a lot of familiarity on the court mixed in with a first-year coach instilling a team culture of his own, the Indians will likely need some time to bond and develop as a team, but with tons of great talent individually,

and a heavy crop of scoring threats that can lead the way on any given night, the Indians can become a threat to make a deep run within the Dominion District.

Robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@ powhatantoday.com. Continued from pg. 1

“It’s been cool to see him be a little more vocal and step up,” Tanaka said.

The team will also be seeing the return of senior Natalia Sanchez, who brings with her two VAWA state titles and a Virginia girls championship in the 106-pound class as she looks to defend those titles in the 113-pound weight class this year.

While it’s clear the team has one or two veteran wrestlers like Proffitt or Sanchez to point to as the bonafide team leader, Tanaka says the team is entering the season more under the idea that everyone with experience and knowledge of what it takes to be a champion wrestler at Powhatan has a say as a team leader.

“We don’t really look at it as one or two captains; we try to consider all of our older and experienced

RIVALRY

Continued from pg. 1

the Richmond All-Metro area eligible to compete.

Trevillian and Whitely will be on the south roster for the game, with Trevillain joining Hopewell gunslinger Mason Cumbie and Prince George’s Shawn

kids as leaders and try to mold them as best we can,” he said.

State qualifiers Talon Harness and Gavin Utley, who will wrestle in the 132 and 138-pound classes, respectively, also return to the team to round out the veteran class of

Shaw as the three quarterbacks on the team’s roster.

Trevillian, who has received college offers from schools like Bridgewater College and Hampden-Sydney, will get another chance to impress college scouts after a strong senior season that saw him showcase im-

Powhatan wrestlers. Both Harness and Utley enter the season having worked at NC State’s wrestling camp this summer, bringing with them new skills and more experience against talented opposition.

Senior Ricky Huber

proved pocket presence and a deadly deep ball to multiple targets that were receiving heavy usage for the first time in their high school careers.

One of those targets was Whitely, who was utilized as a tight end and as a linebacker for the Indians. Whitely finished his season with 67 tackles, four of which were tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries on the defensive end, while also contributing 26 receptions, 263 yards and two touchdowns as a tight end. Whitely fields offers from schools like Bridgewater and an official roster spot offer from Shenandoah University.

Whitely and Trevillian aren’t the only two Powhatan locals to be invited to the Big River Rivalry

also returns to wrestle in the 215-pound class after battling with the football team. Huber, who started getting more varsity opportunities last year, is someone Tanaka says will be tasked with even more responsibility and opportunities this season.

Game, with Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot star David Mann also being added to the south team roster. Mann was a beast on BSH’s defensive line, while also showing strong hands and strength as a blocker as a tight end.

Mann and his fellow Knights earned a trip to the team’s second state championship appearance, though they lost in this season’s state final to the Brunswick Academy Vikings.

In the state final, Mann took two receptions into the end zone in the 35-20 loss, including a 15-yard touchdown just before halftime to make it a onescore game.

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

Beyond that group, the Indians will be seeing a crop of newer faces look to add their names to the program’s history books. Wrestlers like freshman Brady Beard in the 106-pound class; senior Cristion Davis in the 190-pound class; junior Cal Johnson, the brother of state title winner Mitchell Johnson; and junior Preston Ritz in the 150-pound class will be newcomers to watch as the team looks to fill the roles of numerous graduates.

Tanaka says the team has around 25 eighth and ninth-grade wrestlers on the team this year, and that he is looking forward to working with them as they grow within the program like many Powhatan greats that proceeded them.

The team’s regular season schedule kicks off with an opener at home against Warhill on Nov. 29 and quickly sees them travel to multiple early-

season invitationals and tournaments that’ll test where they’re at early in the season. Competitions like the Wrench Invitational, Cosby Invitational and the Mechanicsville Holiday Classic all fall within the team’s first month of play, while later competitions like the Bill Brimer Brawl in Bristol, Tennessee and the Big Blue Invitational at Christiansburg High School see the team traveling to battle later on in the season.

The Indians will have a chance to reclaim the region title at their own gym at the Region 4B Tournament on Feb. 10 and 11. The VHSL Class 4A State Tournament will start on Feb. 17 at the Virginia Beach Sports Center.

The school is dedicating its season to Kieran Hathaway (Class of 2023) and Connor Benway (Class of 2023), two Powhatan wrestlers who passed away in 2022.

FILE PHOTO

Powhatan sophomore Matthew Henderson returns to the basketball team as one of its leading scoring threats.

FILE PHOTO

Powhatan’s Talon Harness controls his matchup with King George’s Zack Falor in Powhatan’s home dual meet on Jan. 16, 2021.

FILE PHOTOS

Powhatan’s Dylan Trevillian (above) and Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot’s David Mann (below) are featured on the Big River Rivalry roster for the game that will be held on Dec. 17.

Gospel Light Baptist holds craft, vendor fair to benefit missions

BAPTIST

Library plans winter programs for adults

Contributed Report

Powhatan County Public Library has a wonderful line up of adult programs to get you out of your house on those wintery days. The library’s upcoming programs and events include Sunshine Art, Retro Movie Mondays, Yoga, Book Club and Writer’s Roundup.

Shelley Crawford with Sunshine Art will be at the library on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, for winter-themed painting. Immerse yourselves in art-making, with a pre-planned drawn-in winter image. No supplies are needed. This is an amazing opportunity and space is limited, so you must be registered to attend. Registration can be done on the library’s Facebook page, over the phone or on its website.

On Saturday, Jan. 7 and Feb. 18, join other participants for Gentle Beginner’s Yoga with Joanna Bartles. Learn breathing techniques, postures and movements to relieve tension and tightness in muscles and joints. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel, and if able a firm pillow, block or towel for support.

Every second and fourth Monday throughout the winter at 11 a.m., the library will hold Retro Movie Mondays. Come in and enjoy some popcorn, watch a classic movie and reminisce. Check out the library’s flyers, call us, or visit the Facebook page for movie title information.

After a few years break, PCPL is pleased to bring back Writers Roundup! Come and meet some of our Richmond area and Powhatan local authors, and also enjoy some snacks and conversation. Mark your calendars! This event will take place Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Are you a local author? If so, and you are interested in participating, email Charles Joynes at cjoynes@powhatanlibrary.net.

PCPL will be ringing in the New Year with hosting a book club. Look for more information in the next month on the Facebook page.

For details, contact Powhatan County Public Library at 804-598-5670 or library@powhatanlibrary.net.

AARP offers scam alerts

Contributed Report

The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted.

Online holiday shopping scams: The holiday deals have begun, but buyer beware – not all of those great deals you see online are legit. Because if the online shopping season has started it means that online scam season has officially begun, too.

Here are the simple steps you can take to stay a step ahead of the online grinch this holiday shopping season.

Type – don’t click. The safest place to shop online is with retailers you trust by using their app or typing their web address into your browser rather than clicking on a link from a text, email or online ad. Also, know that unbelievable deal a social media contact messages you about is truly not to be believed.

Fraud criminals are expert at hacking social media accounts and one of the first things they do is send out fake offers to a victim’s friends and family.

Mail theft leads to check fraud: Scams aren’t always high tech – some of the most common are about as old fashioned as they come. In 2021 there were 33,000 reports of incidents involving mail carrier robberies and mail theft, up from 24,000 in 2019, according to the US Postal Inspectors (USPIS). What were the thieves looking for? Personal checks that can be washed and re-written to anyone for any amount.

The simplest way for criminals to find mail to steal is to look for mailboxes with a raised flag, which often contain bill payments with personal checks included. Another way is for criminals to steal a master key that opens the blue boxes from a postal worker. These “arsee SCAMS, pg. 4

Think twice before you act this week, Libra. It’s easy to take the path ahead right now, but there may be some other way to go that could prove more rewarding in the long run.

Scorpio, you are looking for a change but you don’t know what that should be just yet. You may have to try on a few different shoes before you find the right fit.

Capricorn, you can change if you want to. It just requires a little effort right now to figure out the path you want to take. Brainstorm a few ideas and you can find a goal.

Keeping secrets will only work for so long. Aquarius. Sooner or later the truth will be revealed and you will need to come clean. Take the high road from the start.

Others

truth, but you’re still going to offer it up, Virgo. Forge ahead even if you may lose some friends in the process.

Sagittarius birthday season is in full swing right now, so you are in a festive mood. That will continue right into the holidays, when you may be the life of the party.

After a few bumps, you find your groove, Pisces. Supervisors will recognize your efforts and perhaps give you the notice you deserve.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GOSPEL LIGHT

Gospel Light Baptist Church held its annual Craft and Vendor Fair on Nov. 19 with vendors selling a variety of offerings. The food sales and booth rental went to help their 2023 Mission Team that is headed to minister in Costa Rica.

James Madison welcomes Class of 2026

James Madison University welcomed the Class of 2026 to campus this fall. The incoming freshman class represents an accomplished, diverse group of individuals who hail from 38 states, the District of Columbia and 17 countries around the world. The following students enrolled from the local area:

Jack Altieri of Powhatan whose selected major is business management.

Ivey Brooks of Powhatan whose selected major is marketing.

Isabella Day of Powhatan whose selected major is undeclared/exploratory.

Carly DeLong of Powhatan whose selected major is biology.

Amelia Giecek of Powhatan whose selected major is biology.

Zackary Hammond of Powhatan whose selected major is history.

Carl Hess of Powhatan whose selected major is computer science.

Meghan Hodge of Powhatan whose selected major is biology.

Connor Jeffs of Powhatan whose selected major is health sciences.

Miller Kieran of

SCAMS

Continued from pg. 3

row keys” sell for between $5,000 and $10,000 on the black market. Once they have a personal check, thieves can “wash” the ink off with household chemicals and fill it out to a new recipient for whatever amount they wish.

To protect yourself, deposit any mail containing checks, cash or sensitive personal information in collection boxes as close to the in-

Powhatan whose selected major is engineering.

Sarah Law of Powhatan whose selected major is marketing.

Sydney Lee of Powhatan whose selected major is biotechnology.

Nina Marsho of Powhatan whose selected major is biology.

Jack McMinn of Powhatan whose selected major is accounting.

Grace Pafford of Powhatan whose selected major is communication sciences and disorders.

Samantha Payne of Powhatan whose selected major is nursing.

Emma Phillips of Powhatan whose selected major is biology.

Megan Shortridge of Powhatan whose selected major is nursing.

Ashley Van Rensselaer of Powhatan whose selected major is elementary education.

Founded in 1908, James Madison University is a public university located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. JMU is one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education, where students enjoy engaging relationships with worldclass faculty who drive education innovation and support advanced research. With state-of-the art amenities and facilities, students have access to NCAA Division 1 athletics.

dicated pickup time as possible — or better yet – bring them inside the post office for mailing.

Visit www.aarp.org/ fraudwatchnetwork or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877908-3360.

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.

James Madison announces summer 2022 graduates

James Madison University is pleased to announce the following students who graduated with bachelor’s degrees during the August 2022 commencement exercises.

Jacob Beil of Powhatan graduated with a bachelor’s in public administration.

Hunter Hopkins of Powhatan graduated with a bachelor’s in writing, rhetoric and technical communication.

SNHU announces summer 2022 President’s List

It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Summer 2022 President’s List. The summer terms run from May to August.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Fulltime status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term

or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

Niajhe Ly-Mcdougald and Hannah Parrish, both of Powhatan, were named to the President’s List.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution with an 89-year history of educating traditionalaged students and working adults. Now serving more than 165,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, New Hampshire.

NOTICEOFPUBLICAUCTION

PursuanttothetermsofthosecertainDecreesofSaleenteredintheCircuitCourtofCountyofPowhatan,the undersignedSpecialCommissionerwillofferforsaleatasimulcast(withonlineandinpersonbidding)public auctionthefollowingdescribedrealestateat 3910OldBuckinghamRd,Powhatan,Virginia23139,inthe VillageBuildingAuditoriumonDecember7,2022at11:00AM.

Thesaleofsuchpropertyissubjecttothetermsandconditionsbelow,andanytermorconditionswhich maybesubsequentlypostedorannouncedbyForSaleByAuction,Inc.(“Auctioneer”)andTaxingAuthority ConsultingServices,PC(“TACS”).Subsequentannouncementsmadeonthedayoftheauctiontake precedenceoveranypriorwrittenorverbaltermsofsale.

No. PropertyOwner(s)

1JordanCoy,etal.

2. L.W.Drake,etal. (PocahontasFarissJones,etal.)

3.PeterF.Jenkins,etal.

4.AgathaE.Michael,etal.

5.JackSayles,etal.

6.J.S.Smith,etal

GENERALTERMSOFSALE:

AccountNumbers Description

TaxMapNo.036-82 AccountNo.5795 TACSNo.659607 MaconDistrict;Michaux;unimproved;wooded; nearOldTavernRd;10.0Acres+/-

TaxMapNo.025-52 AccountNo.2293 TACSNo.659673

TaxMapNo.017-28 AccountNo.1370 TACSNo.659595

MaconDistrict;PetervilleChurch;unimproved; Wooded;29.0Acres+/-

SpencerDistrict;CeasarTown;unimproved; 3.0Acres+/-

TaxMapNo.004-76 AccountNo.100 TACSNo.659720 MaconDistrict;CartersvilleRd;Stratton;wooded; 6.0Acres+/-

TaxMapNo.016-17 AccountNo.1220 TACSNo.659764

TaxMapNo.024-45 AccountNo.2192 TACSNo.659568

SpencerDistrict;3408JeffersonLandingRd; Hening; improved; 0.5 Acres +/-

MaconDistrict;nearOldTavernRd;Mt.Rose; wooded;unimproved;unknownacreage

AllsalesaresubjecttoconfirmationbytheCircuitCourt.TheSpecial Commissionerhastherighttorejectanybidsdeterminedtobeunreasonableinrelationtotheestimated value of the Property.Any unsold property will be offered for sale again at the next auction, whenever that maybe.

PropertiesareconveyedbySpecialWarrantyDeed,subjecttoanyeasements,covenants,agreements, restrictions,reservations,andanyandallrightsofrecordwhichmayaffecttheproperty.Propertiesareoffered forsaleas-is,where-is,andif-is,withallfaultsandwithoutanywarranty,eitherexpressedorimplied.Persons areencouragedtomakeavisualinspectionofthepropertywithinthelimitsofthelawandtoobtainan independent title search, at their own expense, prior to bidding on any of the properties to determine the suitablenessofthepropertyfortheirpurposes.Itisnotguaranteedthatthepropertyhasaright-of-wayor thatitisnotlandlocked.Propertyissoldingrossandnotbytheacre.Thereisnowarrantyastotheaccuracy oftheGISsystem,noristheinformationcontainedthereinalegalrepresentationofanyofthefeaturesofthe propertywhichitdepicts.

Thesaleofpropertytothehighestbidderisnotcontingentuponobtainingfinancing. Financing, ifneeded,isthesoleresponsibilityofthehighbidder.Bybidding,partiesareenteringintoalegallybinding contract,waiveallrescissionrights,andunderstandthattheirbidisimmediatelybinding,irrevocable,and enforceable.Additionally,bybidding,partiesarerepresentingthattheyhaveread,andagreetobeboundby, alltermsandconditionsforthissale.Failuretocompletethepropertypurchasewillresultinforfeitureofany fundspaidandmaysubjectthehighestbiddertoadditionaldamages,whichmayincludeexpensesandany deficituponresale.

PAYMENTTERMS: Onthedayoftheauction,thehighestbiddershallmakeadepositintheamountof twenty-fivepercent(25%)orOneThousandDollars($1,000.00),whicheverishigher, alongwitha10% buyer’spremiumaddedtothefinalbid.BidswhicharelessthanOneThousandDollars($1,000.00)shall bepaidinfullatthetimeoftheauction.DepositsshallnotexceedTwentyThousandDollars($20,000.00) perparcel.SuchsumshallbeheldbytheSpecialCommissionerandcreditedtowardsthepurchaseprice followingconfirmationofthesale.Subsequenttaxeswillbeproratedfromtheauctiondate,andthehighest bidderwillberesponsiblefortaxesfromthatdateforward.

Thebalanceofthepurchasepriceandrecordingcostsfordeedrecordationshallbedepositedbythehighest bidderwiththeSpecialCommissionerwithinfifteen(15)daysofconfirmationofthesalebytheCourt.

TermsapplicabletoIn-PersonBiddersONLY:Thedepositandbuyer’spremiumaredueonthedayof theauction.Allpaymentsmustbemadeintheformofpersonalcheck,cashier’scheckormoneyorder. Nocashwillbeaccepted.

TermsapplicabletoOnlineBiddersONLY:Allinterestedpartiesmustregisterandbeapprovedbythe Auctioneer.RegistrationandbiddingarefreeofchargeandaredonethroughtheAuctioneer’swebsite www.forsaleatauction.biz.Ifanyinterestedbiddersareunabletoattendforin-personbiddingandwish tobidonproperty,butdonothaveaccesstotheinternet,pleasecontactForSaleAtAuction,Inc.at (540)899-1776forassistance.

Thehighestbidderwillreceivetheirpurchasecontractandbalancedueviaemailfollowingthecloseof theauction.ThecontractshallimmediatelybeexecutedandreturnedtoTACS. Thedepositandbuyer’s premiummustbereceivedinfullwithinseven(7)daysfollowingtheauctionclosing(nolaterthan December14,2022).Allpaymentsmustbemadeintheformofcertifiedfunds,cashier’scheck,money orderorwiretransfer.Cashandpersonalchecks willnot beaccepted.Checksandmoneyordersshallbe madepayabletoCountyofPowhatanandforwardedtoTACS,attheaddressshownbelow.Wiretransfer instructionswillbeprovidedtothehighestbidderuponrequest.

GENERALTERMS

requestoftheholderofthenote,theundersigned,asSubstituteTrustee,willsellatpublic auctionatthefrontentranceoftheCircuit CourtfortheCountyofPowhatanonDecember7,2022,at10:00a.m.,thepropertylocated attheaboveaddressanddescribedasParcel 2containing2.704acres,moreorless,as shownonaplatrecordedinDeedBook849, page1,togetherwitha30’proposedaccess easementforingressandegressfromState Route684acrossthewesternlineofParcel1, CountyofPowhatan.TERMS:CASH.PROPERTYSOLDASISWITHSPECIALWARRANTYOF TITLE.Adepositof$9,000.00or10%ofthe successfulbidamount(whicheverislower) willberequiredimmediatelyofthesuccessful bidder,incashier’scheckorcertifiedfundsonlypayabletoorsignedoverto"DOLANREID PLLC,TRUSTEE",balanceduewithin15days fromdateofsale.Nopersonalchecksaccepted.Saleissubjecttopostsaleconfirmation ddifhfhlildi

:Toqualifyasapurchaseratthisauction,youmaynotowedelinquenttaxestoCountyof PowhatanandyoumaynotbeaDefendantinanypendingdelinquenttaxmatter.Questionsconcerningthe registrationandbiddingprocessshouldbedirectedtotheAuctioneeronlineatwww.forsaleatauction.biz,by emailtoinquiry@forsaleatauction.bizorbyphoneto(540)899-1776.Questionsconcerningthepropertysubject tosaleshouldbedirectedtoTACSonlineatwww.taxva.com,byemailtotaxsales@taxva.com,byphoneto 804-548-4424,orbywritingtotheaddressbelow.

Re:CountyofPowhatanJudicialSaleAuction TaxingAuthorityConsultingServices,PC P.O.Box31800 Henrico,Virginia23294-1800

NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING POWHATANCOUNTYPLANNING COMMISSION

Noticeisherebygiven,pursuantto§15.2-2204ofthe Codeof Virginia,thatthePlanningCommissionofPowhatanCountywill conductapublichearingon Tuesday,December6,2022,at 6:00PMinthePowhatanCountyVillageBuildingAuditorium, 3910OldBuckinghamRoad, toconsiderthefollowingrequest: Case#22-05-REZC:CountyLineDevelopment(District#1: Subletts/Manakin/FlatRock) requeststherezoningofTaxMap Parcels#43-61,43-64,and43-64EfromAgricultural-10(A-10)to VillageCenterPlannedDevelopment(VC-PD)andLightIndustrial (I-1)andamendmentofthezoningdistrictmapofapproximately93.6 acresoflandlocatedonthenorthsideofStateRoute675(PageRoad) nearitsintersectionwithU.S.Route60(AndersonHighway)adjacent totheChesterfieldCountyline.Approximately55.7acreswouldbe rezonedtoI-1andapproximately37.9acreswouldberezonedto VC-PD,whichisconditionedtoamaximumof4.8dwellingunitsper acredevelopedinaccordancewithamasterplan.Approximately 26.3acresonthenorthernpartoflot43-61willremainA-10andis excludedfromthisrezoning.Profferedconditionsaddressamaster planofdevelopment,transportationimprovementproffers,maximum density(upto181totaldwellingunits),accessandcirculation,and elevations.The2021Long-RangeComprehensivePlandesignates thesubjectpropertiesasProtectedLands,GatewayBusiness,and EconomicOpportunity(Route60CorridorEastSpecialAreaPlan) ontheCountywideFutureLandUsePlanwhichrecommendsa maximumoffourdwellingunitsperacre.

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

AllPlanningCommissionmeetingsareopentothepublicand interestedpersonsareencouragedtoattendonthedayandtime specifiedabove.Copiesoftheproposedplans,ordinances,and amendmentsmaybereviewedintheDepartmentofCommunity DevelopmentinthePowhatanCountyAdministrationBuilding (3834OldBuckinghamRoad)between8:30AMand5:00PMofeach businessday.CopiesofstaffreportsareavailablepriortothePublic Hearinguponrequestandwillbeavailableonlineatleastfive(5)days priortothemeetingathttp://powhatanva.gov/agendacenter.Please call(804)598-5621withanyquestions.