Powhatan Today –12/14/2022

Board considers larger issues as part ofrezoningdiscussion

By LauraMcFarland Managing Editor

POWHATAN– The roleofthecounty’s comprehensive plan, the expectationsofthe business community when making future plans andresidentperspectives wereallelements in a decision bythe Powhatan CountyBoardofSupervisorson a rezoning issue on Page Road lastweek

Duringthe meeting held on Monday, Oct. 24,the board voted3-2in favor of rezoning a 5.93-acre parcel on PageRoad fromAgriculture (A-10) to CommerceCenter(CC). The propertyisonthe westsideof

PageRoad approximately 0.2 miles northwestoftheintersection withAnderson Highway ChairMike Byerly, who representsDistrict 3; Steve McClung, District2; and Karin Carmack, District5, votedin favor ofthe rezoning,while David Williams, District 1, and Bill Cox, District 4, voted against.

Thecase dealt withthe decision of whetherto rezone the property which wouldallow for Stroud VenturesLLC to construct a contractor’s office alongwith thestorageof a limited quantityofmaterials,supplies and equipmentinside the building

the board as well as the feedback from the community was nevera straightforwarddiscussion ofwhat the business would or wouldnot bringtothe countyasitalsodelvedintoissues of traffic impact,the role of the comprehensive planindeciding future development and county interactions, andtransparency with the local business community

Eleven speakersaddressed the board about the PageRoad project either duringthe public commentperiodor a public hearing associated withthe case, with 10speakersasking for theproject to bedenied and one backing the business’ap-

Powered Up

LAURA MCFARLAND Managing Editor

Driving down the dark, windy roads of Powhatan County at night, often the moon and your headlights provide most of the light you will see.

But occasionally you will turn the corner or drive through a neighborhood and stumble across a house ablaze with Christmas lights and holiday spirit. The joy of finding those special homes was the inspiration behind why the Powered Up Powhatan list was created six years ago.

always, keep in mind that while these are amazing displays, this is not Richmond’s Tacky Lights Tour, which asks for a minimum of 40,000 lights to participate. Still, the displays on this list are all special in their own way and should bring a smile and more than a few gasps of wonder.

Powhatan on parade

However, thediscussion by

Pumpkindecorationssparkjoy

LAURA MCFARLAND Managing Editor

ing in the parade, it reminds you what a great community Powha-

sor, Luck Stone, and all of the men, women and children who

Middle school rolls out variety ofclubs to engag students

marshal, 2021 Christmas Mother Dale Goodman; and Santa Claus bringing up the rear of the parade. With so many groups participat-

they light the tree and we got to do it ourselves. It was kind of neat,” she said with a laugh.

Ware praised the parade spon-

By LauraMcFarland Ma

youth groups, you are getting a real community parade, she said.

BY LAURA MCFARLAND

ROB CERULLO TAKES OATH OF OFFICE

Powhatan

the

of o ce

commonwealth’s

Powhatan

By LauraMcFarland Managing Ed

POWHA

anMiddleSchoolwillbe buzzingwithdifferentkinds ofactivitiesmovingforward asnew clubsallo tobondwithotherstudents withsimilarinterests.

Some of these displays you would never know existed as they are tucked away in remote parts of the county. So once again the Powhatan Today tried to take some of the guess work out of finding these gorgeous hidden gems that will hopefully have you smiling, laughing and even singing along to a few of the stops’ musical offerings.

Theweeklyclubs,which launchedonOct.21,willbe held everyFridayduringIndian Timefortherestofthe year accordingtoformer principalSamanthaMartin.

The 2022 light display list has three new additions and a variety of returning favorites wanting to spread Christmas cheer. Even those residents who talked about struggles causing issues or delays this year said they were motivated by their love of Christmas and the desire to spread some of that joy to others.

BeforetheCOVID-19 pandemic,themiddleschool hadclubs but they had a broaderfocus,shesaid.This new iterationinvolvesofferingmorespecializedclubs basedonstudentinterests.

Before you go, a few things to remember. These homes are usually found on rural roads that will be dark and may not have many places to pull over and look at the lights (this is especially true of the Judes Ferry and Flint Hill houses). Be extremely mindful of the lack of visibility and the speed with which everyone knows drivers sometimes use even on dark, windy roads.

requests.Thestudentscompletedtheirrequestsofwhat wereinterestedin first. Thentheteacherssignedup sponsorfor a club andwesentitbackoutfor studentstosignup.Soit was allfocusedonstudentintersaidMartin,whohas now transitionedintothe roleoftheschooldivision’s coordinatorofinnovative learning.

With a few exceptions, most of this year’s participants ask that people remain in their vehicles to see the displays and do not get out and walk around them. This amount of lights takes a ton of wires and it is too dark to wander around. If they have neighbors, they ask you to be respectful of them and the areas you are visiting.

If your home was not mentioned but you would love to have visitors come look at your display, contact managing editor Laura McFarland at Lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com.

With48clubsforstudentstochoosefrom,she hopes everymiddleschooler willhave theopportunityto interactwithotherstudents they mightnotnormally meet but withwhomthey mayshareanunexpected bond,shesaid.

Justsomeoftheclubtop-

“We startedwithstudent

As always, the Powered Up Powhatan list is aimed at showcasing some stunning light, decoration and music displays we hope Powhatan residents will think were worth the drive (and there are some drives). But, as

Community plans three daysof honoring veterans

Staff Report

Middle school receives new hydroponic system

The school was one of two to receive a HYVE® LF-ONE hydroponic system from Virginia AITC

part of a statewide giveaway to mark the organization’s 30th anniversary.

AITC presented the system to the school on Nov. 11; it is one of four schools in Virginia that won the hydroponics donations. More than 700 schools were entered into the drawing.

“We celebrate the opportunity to provide schools, teachers and students with resources to enhance learning about agriculture and encourage students’ curiosity in farming and the sources of their food,” said

veteransareinvitedtoattend andbehonored.The fifth graderswillperform a schoolwideassemblyforlocal veterans.PowhatanMiddleSchoolassistantprincipal JonFergusonwillbethehonored veteranguestspeaker Middleschoolbandand choirmemberswillalsoperformpatrioticselectionsand thePowhatanHighSchool JROTC willpresentthecolors.

The LF-ONE hydroponic system, valued at $750, also included curriculum and lesson plans for teachers, bringing the total value to the middle school to approximately $1,000.

The system will allow PMS students to learn how to cultivate crops using an alternative to traditional farming techniques. Hydroponics is a popular method of growing produce without soil or natural light—instead using water, a nutrient solution and LED grow lights. Ideal for small spaces, hydroponic systems can be used year-round and are an easy, e cient way to grow produce without the upkeep required by a traditional garden.

PowhatanAmerican LegionPost201issponsoring a VeteransDayProgram tobeheldatthe War MemorialCulturalArts & CommunityCenteronFriday, Nov.

Two elementary schoolscelebrate fallfestivalfun

Dawn Monson, Powhatan Middle School science teacher, said she plans to integrate the hydroponic system into her students’ curriculum.

“We’ll talk about what it takes

Conservation easement to preserve 86-acre property

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The Land Trust of Virginia (LTV) recently announced a conservation easement in Powhatan County thanks to the generosity of the owners of Hidden River Farm. This 86-acre property is the first LTV easement recorded in Powhatan County with the landowner noting that the easement “would keep this setting wild, beautiful and park-like.”

Hidden River Farm is highly

visible with 3,260 feet of frontage along the Appomattox River and about 2,000 feet of frontage

PHOTO BY LAURA MCFARLAND

First responders were well represented during the Powhatan Christmas Parade on Dec. 10, including on the Powhatan Public Safety Communications Department’s float. See more parade photos on page 10A.

Powhatan, Virginia

PHOTO BY LAUR A McFARL AND

Eighth grade mathteacher Phil Nu sbaumgives instructions during the second Rubik ’s Cube Club, one ofmany now being held every Friday at Powhatan MiddleSchool.

PHOTO BY LAUR A McFARL AND Powhat anCount ySherif f Brad Nunnally right and assistant commonwealth’s at torney Alice Sheridan judge the Pumpkins for Kid scontest to pick the topfive entries on Oc t. 28

CONTRIBUTED REPORT Students at Powhatan Middle School in Powhatan County will get to cultivate leafy greens in their classroom with a new hydroponic system presented by Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom.

as

Tammy Maxey, Virginia AITC executive director.

A light display from 2404 Ocala Drive is found center. The Powered Up Powhatan list can be found on pages 6 and 8.

PHOTO BY LAURA MCFARLAND

PHOTO

County Circuit Court Judge Paul Cella administers

oath

on Dec. 7 for Rob Cerullo as the new

attorney while his wife, Ann Marie Cerullo, watches. Rob Cerullo, who has served in an interim capacity since Dickie Cox retired, said after the swearing in that he was “feeling blessed and thankful to everyone who supported me through my campaign and will continue to support me in the future, and I look forward to serving the people of Powhatan County.” The ceremony was attended by more than 20 people.

County Circuit Court Clerk Teresa Dobbins said afterward, “We are looking forward to working with Mr. Cerullo as our commonwealth’s attorney and think he will be able to continue the good work he has done for the county of Powhatan and its citizens.”

Shown is a view of the railroad bridge crossing the Appomattox River to Hidden River Farm taken by Land Trust of Virginia sta during a property visit earlier this year.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LAND TRUST OF VIRGINIA

Please see PARADE, Page A5

SENDING WARM THOUGHTS

FAMILIES CREATE HOLIDAY CRAFTS

Community Matters to hold ‘A Very Quichey Christmas’

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 par-

ticipation. 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.

Kaitlin

said “This is something our

used to do for Feeding Powhatan, and now that they’ve closed up, we want to make sure we still get coats to the people who need them.” That kind of forward thinking and generosity is what makes Powhatan such a wonderful place to live and to raise our children. Tilman Farms provided 50 brand new coats, all of which matched specific requests. christmas

on dec. 3 to pick up the coats. Ware is shown with some of the residents and with Waite.

aiden, addy and emma Kim make pipe cleaner ornaments.

Olivia Wyatt shows off her rudolph puppet with mom catherine at right, clarissa bradley, holding nephew christopher, and her dad chico bradley make crafts along with her

charlie and Parker shetterly hold up their crafts in front of a sign made by the Teen advisor y board. at right, elijah Joseph holds up crafts he made.

Gina beberdick brought daughters anberlyn and Jocelyn to make crafts. cody merchant makes a pipe cleaner ornament.

Powhatan county Public Library held its annual children and Families Holiday craft Program on dec. 3. Families could make four different crafts – reindeer paper bag puppets, paper plate christmas trees, pipe cleaner tree ornaments and dreidel suncatchers and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a candy cane. at left, brenda Graham brought her children dylan and sophia to make crafts.

PHOTOS BY LAURA MCFARLAND

PHOTOS COURTESY OF POWHATAN CHRISTMAS MOTHER

The Powhatan middle school student Leadership club spearheaded its annual drive for the Powhatan christmas mother program. They collected hats, mittens, scarves and gloves as well as stocking stuffers for teens and recently presented them to christmas mother Kathy Ware, center.

residents of Tilman Farms subdivision hosted a coat drive for the Powhatan christmas mother program.

Waite reached out to the program in september, and

neighborhood

mother Kathy Ware stopped by

CRIME REPORT

ARRESTS

One male was charged on nov. 30 with assault and battery of a family member (misdemeanor).

One female was charged on dec. 1 with petty larceny (m).

One female was charged on dec. 2 with trespassing (m), entering property with intent to damage (m) and destruction of property, monument (m).

One male was charged on dec. 3 with petty larceny (m).

One male was charged on dec. 4 with destruction of property, monument (m) and assault and battery of a family member (m).

One female was charged on dec. 5 with petty larceny (m).

One male was charged on dec. 5 with failure to appear (m).

WEEKLY INCIDENT REPORT NOV. 28-DEC. 4 – INCIDENT TYPE AND TOTAL CALLS

Easement

From

along a stretch of railroad tracks. The property and the railroad bridge at the southwest corner was the site of some of Robert E. Lee’s forces escaping west from Richmond and Petersburg five days before Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865.

Based on the appraisal conducted during the easement process that looks into county zoning, the Hidden River property could have been divided into 10 building lots. A conservation easement works by eliminating some or all of that development potential permanently to protect the natural and historic resources present. In this instance, the easement erased all those divisions, meaning the property can only exist at its current size without being subdivided further.

Despite this restriction, the

landowner still owns their property. The conservation easement is a permanent legal document that gets recorded with the property’s deed and travels with the property even when the property changes ownership.

Also noteworthy is the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources classification of the Appomattox River approximately 1 mile downstream from this property as a state threatened and endangered water for the Green Floater (Lasmigona subviridis) Mussel.

Additional natural resources now protected include 69 acres of “Prime Farmland Soils” or “Farmland Soils of Statewide Importance”; 15.26 acres of wetlands; frontage along an intermittent stream; and a pond.

“This is a truly special property to welcome LTV into Powhatan County,” said LTV executive director Sally Price. “The unique Civil War history associated with this easement qualified the landowner for financial assistance from our

used for additional library programming.

Deborah Whittier Fitts Battlefield Stewardship Fund, used to offset a landowner’s expenses when protecting properties featuring battlefield events.”

The Hidden River Farm easement is the 227th easement completed by the Land Trust of Virginia. For more information about their work, visit http://www. landtrustva.org.

The Land Trust of Virginia is a nonprofit organization that partners with private landowners who voluntarily protect and preserve properties with significant historic, scenic or ecological value.

LTV has worked with 227 families, conserving a total of 27,965 acres in 28 counties in Virginia. While LTV charges landowners for their services, the fees charged only cover about 28% of LTV’s actual costs, so fundraising is essential to its mission.

Submitted by Sophie Langenberg, communications and education manager of the Land Trust of Virginia.

heels) on the gym floor and only allow water in the gym. We are still working on other activities as well. contact the recreation Office at 804-598-5275 with any questions or send an email to mshelton@powhatanva. gov or mwoodel@powhatanva.gov.

The Friends of Powhatan county Public Library’s bookshop is open during library hours and accepting donations again. The bookshop accepts books, movies, audiobooks, cds, and magazines. materials can be given to a library staff member or placed in the book shop corner (tuck them by the file cabinet in the back), which is at the end of the passageway once you come in the front door. Proceeds from the book sale are

The Powhatan county cooperative extension m aster Gardener Help d esk is here for yet another growing season. although office hours are reduced because of cOVId-19 restrictions, the Help desk is still ready and available. email questions and detailed photos of your stricken plants to gpmastergardener@gmail.com and volunteers will try and find a solution for you. you can also directly call the Powhatan county extension at 804-598-5640 and leave a message. The Help desk will be in touch. If a real-life diagnosis or determination is needed, large plant samples including root, stem and leaves can be dropped off at the Powhatan county extension’s office after consulting with master Gardener volunteer. If you have plants/shrubs/trees needing identification in your yard, or are new to the Powhatan or Goochland area, we

also offer free one to two-hour site visits. Habitat for Humanity-Powhatan always is looking for donations of gently used appliances, cabinets, and furniture such as dining room and bedroom sets (no mattresses or upholstered furniture). call to drop off at 804-594-7009, ext. 1. Or email store@habitatpowhatan.org. Habitat also does pickups for a $20 donation to our critical repair program. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. check out our website at habitatpowhatan.org Volunteer transportation program — free service to Powhatan seniors age 60+ who are unable to drive for basic needs. drivers receive all information from program coordinator on rides that are requested by registered riders, and accept only rides they are available to fulfill. call 804-698-0438 or email raservices.PVa@gmail.com to register as a rider or apply as a volunteer driver.

advice 33 animal calls 29 assist 5 attempt to locate 19 b&e 2 bOL 1 civil 1 cPr 1 damaged property 1 disabled vehicle 8 disorder/disturbance 4

domestic 11 Followup 2 Found property 3 Fraud 5 Funeral 1 Gunshot noise 1 Hit and run 3

Investigation 10 Larceny 3 Lockout 10 missing person 1 mVas 22

Overdose 1 Parking violation 1 Pd alarm 10 Phone threat 1 Psychiatric 2 reckless driver 15 sex offense 1 shoplifting 2 suspicious 15 Test law 1 Traffic hazard 9 Traffic stop 33 Transport 1 Trespass 1 Unauthorized use 1 Underage possession 2 Unknown emergency 14 Warrant service 3 Welfare check 5

Sheriff’s office investigates report of assault at school

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

On Saturday, Dec. 3, the Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office received a report that an adult male had assaulted a juvenile female student at The Blessed Sacrament Huguenot School in Powhatan County earlier in the day. A criminal investigation was initiated immediately and is ongoing at this time by the Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office.

The Powhatan County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office requested a special prosecutor

Powhatan county Public Library is excited to partner with Wowbrary to offer library patrons the opportunity to subscribe to a curated weekly e-newsletter showcasing new library acquisitions. each newsletter features the latest bestsellers, movies, audio books, children’s titles, cookbooks, mysteries, and more purchased by the library. Wowbrary alerts are free and all you need is a valid email address. Visit www.wowbrary.org to sign up. a Powhatan county Public Library card in good standing is required to check out print and electronic items. To obtain a library card, visit the library or apply online at www.powhatanlibrary.net.

narconon arrowhead is here to help you. narconon offers free addiction counseling, assessments, and referral services to rehabilitation centers nationwide. call 1-800-468-6933 or log on to www.

be assigned and the Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office has been assigned by the court.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact the Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office at (804) 5985656.

No further information will be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

Submitted by Jeff Searfoss, chief deputy with the Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office.

narcononarrowhead.org. a box was provided by the national association of counties (naco) to provide citizens a place to bring flags that need to be retired properly. It is located at the county administration building in the vestibule area by the front doors. county administration is working with local groups that hold flag disposal ceremonies and will be routinely transporting the flags collected to these ceremonies. For questions, call 804-598-5612.

Hope Project provides free transportation for Powhatan county residents who have lost their driver’s licenses due to drug-related charges. examples include rides to court, rehab, job interviews, doctor’s appointments, and probation meetings. contact the Hope Project coordinator at 804-301-3324. Give a minimum of 24 hours’ notice.

CIVIL WAR PHOTOGRAPHS , 1861-1865, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, PRINTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS DIVISION

The historic image of the railroad bridge crossing the appomattox river at the southwest corner of Hidden river Farm was taken in april 1865, following the confederate crossing and then destruction of the bridge.

“I think we are really fortunate out here in Powhatan County to have people participate in the parade and come watch the parade. It just sets you right up for a wonderful Christmas season,” she said.

Amy Miller of Powhatan came to the parade and stayed after to see her son, Aaron, perform with Resonance at the tree lighting. She said it was wonderful to be able to come out and experience “more normal” life. She thought the parade was cheerful, happy and full of Christmas spirit – even her favorite parade entry, the Grinch.

She also appreciated the way the organizers incorporated so much of the community, including Resonance’s performance.

“I love watching my boy,” she said proudly.

Joan Jarry said she has been in Powhatan 32 years and loves coming to the parade and seeing the enthusiasm of all of the participants but especially the children.

“That is what Christmas is all about, just being happy and excited. I love to see little kids waving and being excited. The floats were nice and the fire department making their presence known – it is always fun to see them,” she said. “I think it brings us all together. The county is so spread out. It brings the community and you see people you haven’t seen in years and meet new people.”

Jarry, who attended with her husband and grown daughter, stayed after for the tree lighting and the joy of seeing her granddaughter, Emma Stigall, sing with Resonance.

Mae Wilson of Powhatan attended the parade with her husband and five of their children, which is a beloved tradition for them. She said the younger children are most excited about the candy right now, but as the children, who range in age from 2 to 22, have grown, it has been fun to see how they enjoy the parade in different ways.

She said she simply enjoys seeing so many different people coming to-

gether and enjoying something as a community.

“The Powhatan Parade has such a great small town feeling. It just feels like the best of Powhatan shows at the parade. It is neighbors and friends, all of the churches and so many business just all coming together to celebrate Christmas and be friendly with one another,” she said.

She added that the family stayed after the parade to attend the tree lighting because her oldest daughter “wanted to experience her Hallmark moment.”

The Powhatan Today did two separate livestreams of the parade and tree lighting, which can be viewed on its Facebook page, https://www. facebook.com/powhatantoday.

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

Hydroponic

to grow plants and vegetables, and all the variables that can go right and wrong in having a successful harvest,” she said.

“I’ll also incorporate lessons about photosynthesis, the carbon and nitrogen cycles, testing pH, genetics and interdependency between humans and the Earth. I’m hoping my students will appreciate where their food

comes from and how we need to take care of the Earth.”

Virginia AITC works to connect children with agriculture and farming by providing educ ators with materials and resources to use with their students. The program’s website, Facebook page and YouTube channel contain free, curriculum-focused lesson plans, activities, demonstrations and even virtual farm tours.

The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom is

The 2022 Powhatan christmas Parade Grand marshal was dale Goodman, the 2021 Powhatan christmas mother, who rode in style in a horsedrawn carriage.

a 501c3 nonprofit organization supported by individuals and businesses throughout the state. The program promotes a greater understanding and appreciation of agriculture through education and outreach activities such as providing accurate agriculture resources, school grants and professional development. To learn how you can support it, visit AgInTheClass.org.

Submitted by Alice Kemp, communications coordinator for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

GracelandBaptistChurch Dr.RonaldWyatt,Jr.,Pastor Contemporary–9:00a.m. Sund aySchool–9:45a.m. Worship–11a.m. Children’sWorship–11a.m. Praise&Worship–6p.m. Light houseYouth–Wed.5:30p.m. BibleStudy–Wed.6:30p.m. Children’sWorship(allages)–Wed.6:30p.m.

SmallGroupClasses9:00a.m. WorshipService10:30a.m. Dr.JamesTaylor,Pastor

MiraclesofGod Sp.NeedsService: 11a.m.t he 2nd Mon.ofeachmonth 598-34 81 •975DorsetRoad www.gracelandbc.org

FIRSTANTIOCH BAPTISTCHURCH 3920MAIDENSRD.,POWHATAN 804-598-2301 SundaySchool10:00a.m. SundayMorningService 11:00a.m. WednesdayMidDay BibleStudy11:30a.m. EveningBibleStudy7:00p.m.

From A1

PHOTOS BY LAURA MCFARLAND members of the Powhatan chiefs youth Football and cheerleading break through their banner during the Powhatan christmas Parade.

Powhatan middle school eighth graders Grant dietz, Jason young and bryan dunn work on putting together the HyVe® LFOne hydroponic system the school received from Virginia aITc

PHOTO COURTESY OF POWHATAN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Powered Up

2715 Steger Creek Path Times: 5-11:30 p.m. daily through Jan. 1, 2023

Visiting Tanya Dawson’s house on Steger Creek Path provides a fun, classic Christmas light experience. With about 54 trees wrapped on her wooded property, more lights strung between them and on the house, and lawn decorations leaning toward the traditional – deer, trees, presents – it is a more subtle but joyful addition to the list this year.

5:3010 p.m.

5:30-10 p.m.

and Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2023

One of the new additions to the list this year, think of Cody Eyles’ house as a fun time on weeknights and a full-blown party on the weekend and the week of Christmas. The full yard with lights all the way down the drive and on the house and a nice selection of lawn displays is lovely Monday through Thursday, but it is on Friday through Sunday nights that it really comes alive, synced to a list of songs he has selected. Tune in to 92.3FM and watch the lights dance to tunes such as “Run, Run Rudolph,” “All I Want for Christmas,” “Little Drummer Boy” and multiple songs by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Decorating the house where he grew up and now lives with his own family is a passion project for Eyles. He remembers visiting his grandpa in Pennsylvania as a child and seeing his highly decorated house.

“I just remember ever since seeing that for the first time, it was like Christmas lights, the

more the better always fascinated me,” he said. “When I was living at home with my parents, I think I was 13 or 14, my dad is not the most hip on Christmas. He started dwindling down on Christmas on his decorations so I decided to start decorating the house for them. I would even go out and spend some of my own money on Christmas lights and decorate the house.”

When Eyles and his wife moved into his childhood home about five years ago, he “went a little haywire” with Christmas decorations. Two years later, he started syncing the lights to music, learning by watching videos and through trial and error.

Eyles said he is constantly adding to the display, and ever since he turned it on Thanksgiving night, he has been tweaking the design and thinking about the “crazy stuff every year that I swear I am going to do but don’t get to.”

“My wife says, ‘When are you going to stop? When is enough, enough?’ I was like ‘I don’t know that there is,’ ” he said.

The house is located in a culde-sac. Eyles asks that people watch the show from the road instead of coming on the property and be mindful of neighbors.

For the 19 years Dawson has lived at this house (22 years in total in Powhatan) she has been decorating the house. It started simple, she said, but growing it has become a little bit of an addiction.

“I started out with minimal decorations – the railings and icicle lights – and here we are 20,000 plus lights later. I just decide I need one more thing every year,” she said with a laugh.

Decisions about what will go in the yard tend to be very deliberate to keep it feeling cohesive. She discovered she really liked stringing lights to trees to for Christmas light trees and has several in different colors.

Dawson’s efforts at maintaining the power necessary to run the lights has been an annual struggle, but she has been reaching out for advice from other experienced decorators to get ideas. That knowledge might have consequences, she admitted.

Pam and Lonnie Combs

3777 Old Buckingham Road 5-9 p.m. until Jan. 1, 2023

While they have been regulars on the list for several years, Pam and Lonnie Combs are constantly working on their Christmas display for the enjoyment of anyone driving down Old Buckingham Road near the Village area.

A driveway lined with candy canes allows visitors to travel safely between the two yards to get a closer look at the myriad of light and inflatable displays before driving down the other side of the loop to exit safely.

Pam Combs is the driving force behind the displays but gives full credit to her husband for making it possible every year. This year their decorations were hit hard

“If I didn’t have to hold my breath every year – like is it going to make it or is it not because I am not an electrician and I don’t know what I need – I would have already gone Wow!” she said, gesturing expansively.

Several of the items in the yard belonged to her late mother, Joyce Vance, who she is always thinking about at this time of year because of their shared love of Christmas.

“I have Chesterfield friends that say, ‘You live all the way out there; what do you do this for?’ Because I love it. Honestly, some-

as motors failed, but the parts were soon on order and the inflatables going up as soon as they arrived.

“Sometimes it gets frustrating. (Lonnie) is having to do a lot of it by himself, but I just like the fact that people come up to us and say, ‘We are so glad you put yours up so we don’t have to put ours up,’” she said with a laugh.

As usual, the Combs’ house features a hodgepodge of Christmas displays ranging from snowmen and lit deer to jack-in-the box bear soldiers and other creatures great and small. They were even adding new ones last week

thing about the lights brings me joy. It is what the Christmas season means to me. My mom didn’t do this extent decorating, but just that time was a favorite,” she said. Visitors are asked to enjoy the display from the road and not come on the property.

2404 Ocala Drive Times: 4:30-9:30 p.m. daily through Jan. 1, 2023

Santa Claus rides in style in the yard of Debbie and Nick Malcolm, where he gets to pilot a spaceship, a motorcycle and a helicopter, as well as being the captain of the Shivering Timbers, a ship flying a B-R-R-R flag high and proud.

The third and final newcomers to this year’s list were spotted while photographing their across-the-street neighbors at 2401 Ocala Street (see returning favorites list), offering a two-forone deal when visitors make the drive down this neighborhood street.

While not as large as their neighbor’s display, the Malcolm’s yard full of various lawn displays is full of whimsy, whether it is a present-bearing T-rex or a swashbuckling Santa. This year, several of the characters are gathered around the bottom of a light Christmas tree for a carousel effect.

The couple started decorating a decade ago when their first grandchild was born. They wanted their grandchildren to have something fun to see at Christmas as they were growing up. Decorating their yard has become a family affair, with everyone showing up to help and decide on the layout and the placement of the new additions.

“It started with our first grandchild and every year we add to it. Some years we lose things and I go out and buy more and more,” Debbie said with a laugh, adding they are up to eight grandchildren now.

While some of the grandchildren have their favorites – one grandson loves “his” dinosaur while a granddaughter adores “her” unicorn – the grandpar-

ents’ favorite is a weather-beaten nativity scene nestled under the front porch. They found it in the attic when they moved in and have been displaying it ever since.

For the Malcolms, the whole point of doing their wacky display is to have fun and spread a little cheer.

“I want to see people smile. I love it. I like seeing people happy and being able to see the things that have come through the years,” Debbie said.

“The kids,” Nick added. “They get excited when they see the lights. When you see them ride they are pointing and looking. The magic of Christmas comes to life when they see the lights. We used to take our kids around and see the lights and they always got excited, and they always got excited when they got to a house that had a big display.”

Visitors are asked to enjoy the display from the road and not come on the property.

DJ and Meghan Kaloski

3393 Lake Pines Place Times: 5 to 10 p.m. daily through Jan. 1, 2023

It is a point of pride for DJ and Meghan Kaloski to add new items every year to their over-the-top Christmas light display, which has been on the Powered Up list since 2017. Their front yard and the area around their shed is literally packed with characters, including favorites from Star Wars, Disney, classic holiday movies, Santa, toy soldiers, a purple hippopotamus in a pond with a flamingo, and so much more.

There are additional lights on the house, with estimates for the total number now up to around 38,000, DJ Kaloski said.

There aren’t any new big characters, but there are several additional displays that fit in with the existing crew, expanding the numbers, he said. There has also been a “friendly invasion” of some Halloween-themed characters courtesy of a neighbor, including a giant spider with web the family added a few Christmas touches to and affectionately calls Spider Claus.

“There’s a little bit of the Halloween spirit,” he said with a chuckle.

Returning right at the front of the display is a giant mailbox where children can drop a letter to Santa. Be sure to include a return address and a response letter from the North Pole could be coming in the mail soon.

While Kaloski hopes to have the display become a walk-through attraction someday, this year visitors are still asked to enjoy the lights from the road.

Debbie and Nick Malcolm

and finding new ways to incorporate lights on the garage.

“As long as it makes people happy, that is about all that matters to me,” Combs said.

Visitors may drive up the candy cane driveway and out the other side of the loop but are asked to stay in their vehicles.

Tanya Dawson

Cody Eyles 2003 Swiftwood Court Times: lights only –

Monday-Thursday Light show with music —

Friday-Sunday

Travis Keith 2401 Ocala Drive

5:30-9:30 p.m. daily through Dec. 25

Back on the list for a second time, the home of the Rev. Travis Keith, pastor of Gospel Light Baptist Church, and his family has close to 70 new elements mixed into the display, including polar bears, snowmen and Santa. He said he received quite a few decorations from friends. “I call it the land of Misfit Toys because people are always bringing me stuff,” he joked.

The light count went down a little this year as he is trying to switch to more LED lights to save on power. It took a solid month of decorating to get the property decorated so it shines brightly in the night. Visitors are asked to enjoy the display from the road and not come on the property.

Pam and Tommy West 2224 Judes Ferry Road Times: 5-10 p.m. daily through Jan. 1, 2023

Pam and Tommy West are thrilled with the additions to their over-the-top display this year, including gingerbread men and a gingerbread house; a self-satisfied looking Grinch; two new shooting stars on the roof, and additional blow molds. But nothing made them happier than finally getting the camel to complete their blow mold nativity set, which now includes a homemade barn to finish off the scene. The

flu tried to dampen their Christmas spirit, but they fought back with a vengeance. Although there isn’t room to have people stop and look on the busy Judes Ferry Road, if passers-by enjoy the display, the Wests would love to have people honk their horns.

Shannon and Bobby Allen

4080 Fine Creek Path Times: 5 to 11 p.m. daily through Jan. 1, 2023

Back on the list for the third time, the Allen home has some new items on display – look for a Santa’s workshop and an LED palm tree – and a few that have been moved around, according to Shannon. She was also especially proud of an improved light ice pond with fake snow – although the leaves have made it hard to keep clean – and the words “HO HO HO” written in lights on the roof by one of their children using leftover lights. If you visit before Christmas, a countdown clock on a screen is closer to the house this year. People are asked to observe the decorations from the street.

Tom Fitzin

3509 Millmount Trail Times: 5-10 p.m. daily; 5p.m.-midnight Dec. 19, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023

Another 2020 addition that is back again this year is Tom Fitzin, who made some changes for 2022 out of necessity. After he lost

his mom, Dorothy Fitzin, in November, Fitzin said he struggled to find his Christmas spirit. He finally did, jumping his lights from about 23,000 last year to closer to 32,000 this year. There are also new lawn ornaments, such as Santa fishing on a dock over a river of lights (which he installed Friday) and new Christmas trees made from old pallets.

“I think for me it allowed me to clear my mind and focus on something that brings me joy. It kind of helped me get through the whole process,” he said.

One part of the display that did have to give this year was synching the music he plays in the yard to the Christmas lights, but he plans to bring that back in 2023. Visitors are invited to roll down their windows and enjoy the music from their vehicles.

Suzanne and Randy Huddleston

1763 May Way Drive Times: 5-8 p.m. through Jan. 1, 2023

Returning for their second year on the list, Suzanne Huddleston said their yard is just as full but there weren’t

too many additions this year except for adding a few new nativity scenes. The nativities are important to her, especially a blow mold nativity near the front that belonged to a neighbor almost 40 years ago and finally made its way into her collection. “So I got this beautiful vintage blow mold set that has been loved more than 40 years because I have loved it for 40 years,” she said. The yard is also full of about 110 decorations, especially blowup characters. Visitors can park on the street and walk in the driveway, but stay off the grass.

Llewellyn’s Towing and Repair 1460 Anderson Highway Times: 5 to 10 p.m. daily through Jan. 1, 2023

Once again the lone business on this year’s list, Llewellyn’s Towing and Repair is a perennial favorite because of its ease of access and the joy it brings with its Christmas light display set to music. Every year, owner Ernie Llewellyn brings back Frosty the Towman and the Mechanics to put on a great

light show set to music. He got a late start this year, only starting the show this weekend, but he was still determined to get it done. Guests can drive into the parking lot, turn off their lights for better visibility and enjoy the show. The show is a nice length both for those who want to see the entire show and those who don’t want to sit in their cars all night, he said.

Lori and Gary Blair 3963 Running Fox Court Times: 7-10 p.m. from Dec. 17 through Jan. 1, 2023

Tucked away in a mostly dark part of the rural county, the Blair family’s house stands out even set back from the road. Gary Blair said they added several new

blowup decorations – look for a Nutcracker bear, Santa on a train, a polar bear and a new shark – to the yard and between 2,000 to 3,000 lights to the house. After Christmas sales were scarce last year, so the family hit Black Friday sales this year to keep adding to their display and are happy with the effect. People are welcome to come up the second driveway to get a closer look at the lights from their vehicle.

Tamara Morgan 2371 Flint Hill Road Times: Dusk to midnight through Jan. 1, 2023

Tamara Morgan said she played around with her design this year both by

FIRST GRADE ALL A’S

Penelope adams, aubriana anderson, r o bert a n derson, m a tthew a n drews, braylee austin, Wyatt baskette, Waylan berry, elijah black, Levi burton, Grady carpenter, Lucas clough, Gunner comer Trevor elton, charles Fobes, Luke Forstner, brailey Foster, cooper Franklin, Kayleigh Gajewski, Hailey Gerber, everett Graham, ezekiel Hay, Ian Holt, andrea Hunting, sawyer Hutto-dzen, Parker Jamerson, mason Laurimore, Kellen Lavimodiere, reid Leonard, noemi Lucaci, chase machotka, Kennedy martin, madeline merkel, natalie milam, Lillian mooney, max moyer, e llianna Oliveri, a lexandra Patterson, Peyton Pegram, easton shepka, ander shiver, melissa swanson, Oliver Taylor, Zoey Walters, Vivian Watson, mcKinley Whitlock, Georgia young.

FIRST GRADE ALL A/B’S

Victoria acevedo, annabelle anderson, sire anderson, emerson aycock, emmett birkitt, Olivia bourdon, connor brown, maddux brown, Gunner comer megan davenport, emery davis, raelynne davis, Lorelei elam, brooks Fisher, caroline Fridley, Lydia Glass, avery Hershey, Henry Hertzler, Gabriel James, mason Jastram, Jeremiah Jones, asher matney, Jackson mccord, ambrose mcGuire, esther nebel, Jaden Oliveri, aubrey Pentecost, charles Pierson, Jacob Putnam, Logan rochette, charlotte samuel, carter schwend, austin shock, car ter sill, car ter smith, aubrey snellings, Kaelynn spence, catharine Taylor, ella Tisdale, emmett Tomblin, bentley Toskes, madison Utt, ashley Wallace.

SECOND GRADE ALL A’S car ter arencibia, summer bakes, madelynn beach, aidan belcher, dylan bellot,

benjamin bernard, Levi bourdon, aevan bridges, eirnin buchholz, Tessa burgos, n olan c ampbell, K aiden c ar ey, Wyatt c arpenter, Lucas coleman, e laina collins, Jacob cosgrove, madalyn cosgrove, Pax d abne y, Gentry d avis, m ackenzie debois, Kathy dickerson, conner elton, Grayson Fishburne, Lily Foltyn, d anny Foster, colton Franklin, sophie Frantz, d eclan Hannaford, Lenna Hansen, Jamie Hernandez, alexa Hodges, Lucy Hoyt, bella Jackson, bryton James, Lily Kamakeeaina, Taylor Lessner, cooper Long, Luna Lunde, Franklyn marquez-Paiz, calvin miller, sadie miller, cora mock smith, deklen moore, Timothy mosby, Parish moses-shelton, Joanna moyer, connor neumann, sadie newman, Jace nuckols, Jakoby Pierce, aislynn Plummer, Jacqueline Plunkett, alora reese, mackenzie rogers, Gavin rohlfing, sydney samuel, Jeremiah savage, Kally senger, audrey shaw, Grant skeens, bennett smith, Luke sulzer, Logan Taylor, molly Thomas, annalise Toney, alexander Verkay, elliott Wagner, cecil Ward, cora Ward, deacon Waters, nolan Watson, Kinsley Wills, raygan Wood, anna Wright, Lyla yandle

SECOND GRADE ALL A/B’S

Jace agnew, nicolette arnold, Hayden b artlett, n oah c loman, Landon c raig, chace cutright, Haven Fleming, Giovanna Green, riley Harris, Foster Hill, bentley Jackson, ethan Kimble, Tobias Leandro, Gyasi mcIntosh, cormac morris, remington Quinones, John-Logan samford, ethan sandoval, ryan saunders, Kayelynn scott, Lola s h ears, st ephen st anley, Trenton Thames, maynard Timberlake, Kamden Wagner, stone Williamson.

THIRD GRADE ALL A’S

and take their time instead of pausing too long on Flint Hill, which often has vehicles traveling a little too fast.

spreading existing decorations out more around the circle driveway that people can drive around and adding new ones that were given to her. There are several more deer, a Mickey and Minnie scene, and other characters. In addition to a large light string Christmas tree in the center of the circle driveway people can go around, she has a few new smaller string trees to add color to the lawn. She was still adding more items late last week. Spreading them out was to help give people more time to make the loop

Dana Ford 2710 Beaver Run Road Times: 5-10 p.m. daily through Jan. 1, 2023

Dana Ford got really busy this year, which led to a late start on her Christmas decorations, but she still managed to put together a fabulous light display that fills almost every corner of her yard while still leaving space where people can walk and enjoy. The yard has a few new pieces, one of which is a lion she traded with her daughter, Tamara Morgan, who now

anaiyah bailey, Kalynn bareford, connor brooks, matilda brooks, megan brooks, Logan brown, ror y buchholz, brooklyn carmichael, colin castillo, cheyenne clarke, Kinsley congdon, silas corey, mia crawford, Kayleigh Freeman, Kennedy Gibson, rober t Fobes, dylan Graham, arden Hanbury, Lindsee Harold, corby Henderson, Kensington Ickes, briar Jarrell, carter Jastram, e mma Jenkins, Jesse Justus, emma Lane, richie Lewis, ella Long, Walker Losch, Kinsley maher, Whitley maher, Lily martin, elaina mcmillion, colby m elton, d alton m orrison, e llie n ebel, declanO’reilly, Katherine Patten, emory Paulin, ariana Phifer, Katherine Pierson, Kensley Pigg, Tannar Pine, Trey redmond, rylan rezek, molly schwend, Kendall sopp, James Taylor, Kate Weaver, Virginia Weiss, claire Whitlock, Vincent yates.

THIRD GRADE ALL A/B’S

Joshua alston, ethan barley, raelynn c ardwell, addilyn c hurch, Piper c lark Kian cosgriff abigail cox, amelia cumbea, ryleigh daniel, Vincent debois, Justin Franklin, Joseph Gajewski Jr, Jillian Gills, e aston Gordon, b rody Gravely, austin Green, Harrison Hailey, Gwendolyn Herasymchuck, Hayden Higginbotham, Olivia Hixon, mcKenzy Homer, Jocelyn Hunter, Langston Kantzler, arabella Kelly, Wyatt Leonard, Weston Lourinia, santiago manzanilla Leon, Hunter marshall, Josiah matney, Lucas mccord, Hayley moorhouse, skyler nelson, Liam Olsen, miranda Ortiz, Paisley Parker, Hensley Patterson, Thaddeus Pierce Jr, c ameron Putnam, Xander raymond, nevaeh reddick, Grayson s lipsager, collin s mith, Kayden s mith, Kendyl southers, Taylor stauffer, Harper Westby, aiden yanez.

FOURTH GRADE ALL A’S

Kasi anderson, Kezziah anderson, david arencibia, savannah berry, Harper burton, ellison davis, Katherine davis, chesney elder, alexander Fife, sophie Fontenot, austin Frasier, bryce Gee, dani Gentry, Lillian Gildea, allison Howard, callum Hoyt, dylan Kaloski, Tyler Ledford, Joshua matney, sydney maxwell, skyla montgomery, Lillyana Outman, alyssa Phillips, emmett Pritt, George richter, Levi richter, Kennedy rober tson, c lay shock, Theodore shultz, Jackson stinnett, Ivy Tanaka, eden Tomblin, eleanor Watson.

FOURTH GRADE ALL A/B’S avery alexander, maggie altizer, KayLynn belles, emma blevins, aubree bondurant, Keyminee brice, Janiya brown, aubrie br yant, Hailey campbell, Lillian c hasser eau, George c ox, Wesley c ox, Kylie c rawford, Liam c rawford, c onner c ridlin, a ustin d eKeyser, a lexander erie, claire Fairchild, noah Fleming, evan Ford, dominic Fried, colin Fulmer, Zane Gilliam, mason Gills, david Gordon, maryah Greenstreet, bryson Gregory, Kylie Grubbs, madelyn Hancock, Jack Henry Hendrick, carson Hessick, alexandra Hicks, raelynn Hodges, Kailaya Jackson, Jaxon Lilly, Jordynn Lilly, ava martin, brantley matthews, Landen mauck, clayton miller, Jalyah monroe, Haven moore, Trevor moseley, Jiovanni moses, Jaxon newton, Kinsley Partridge, Kayden Pizzeck, s ophia rodriguez, Landon rogers, cassidy roy, Zayden ryan, Whitney shelton, Hunter short, brooklyn smith, charlotte smith, Lane smith, caylee snellings, blake stewart, Lucian strader, Jason stroud, Katelyn Tackett, donovan Taylor, abigail Trevilian, Jackson Waters, aaralyn West, anastasia Wilder, Howard Wilkinson, Luna Withers

dyke, ashton Wood, cole Woyansky, selena Wright, milena yancey, Jazzlyn young.

FIFTH GRADE ALL A’S

allison bohn, eleanor campbell, Harlan coleman, Leah coley, ella congdon, degan cornell, brooke crone, christopher dabney, emily durrbeck, Phoenix edwards, abraham Flores Lopez Jr., Hunter Hall, Isaac Hill, stuart Jeffress, austin Kantzler, bryson Kantzler, Levi Kitchen, emmarose Lewis, Fallon Ligatti, noah Lunde, Griffin milam, aubrey miller, Kenneth moorhouse, emma Palmore, ryleigh Plummer, Tavyn rama, caleb reinke, Zachary seibel, Hannah shaw, charlotte snider, erika Traupman, Harper yandle

FIFTH GRADE ALL A/B’S

Kinley ay ers, c oleson b akes, n oah bates, Liam bean, Joseph bello, savannah benkovitz, Kinleigh brooks, brooklyn bryan, cora burgos, adrianne church, riley clark, Genevieve cosgrove, canyon crain, shannon crews, macey davenport, emma dean, cheyanne dunivan, amelia etheridge, Jackson Fife, carson Franklin, Tanner Gills, alesis Green, Lucy Harris, Luke Hudson, cole James, Joseph Lazo Ota, antonio Lazo, aiden marcum, ryleigh martin, Levi mcGee, chase melton, Trevor melton, connor merkel, Keller neumann, neily Ortiz sanchez, scarlett Ortiz, natalei Pine, avery Quinones, emory rama, sydney raymond, Olivia reinke, dominic rodriguez, nicholas rucci, skylar ryan, cayden senger, Jacob setzer, Jolee shepperson, Haileyanne s kinger, c ristofer smith, rorie stephens, William stotler, mcKinley sullivan, da’vyon Taite, morgan Talamantes, brayden Taylor, Thomas Timberlake, mason Whitehead, natalie Whitlock, alyssa Williams.

has her mother’s seal in her display. Ford said she was thrilled to get the lion “because it goes with the set I

have up front with Rudolph and the Island of the Misfit Toys.” This is one of the few houses where people can

walk around the displays, but be very mindful of the cords on the ground. The

road is dark, so also watch out for other vehicles and deer.

Indians power past Falcons for blowout win

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

It’s been just two weeks into the regular season, but the Powhatan girls basketball team has had its hands full with a loaded schedule of games. With six games in two weeks, the Indians had a good chance to test themselves and the new style instilled by head coach Steve Washburn.

“It’s been a very physical and demanding two weeks, but one in which I’m very pleased about,” Washburn said. “I think our team has adopted a new style of playing that’s more aggressive and up-pace than we’ve previously done, but we seem to have gotten better at it each step along the way.”

What’s resulted is a 4-2 start to the season, capped off by a 55-15 takedown of the Huguenot Falcons on Thursday, Dec. 8.

The Indians previously beat the Goochland Bulldogs 50-6 and lost to the Midlothian Trojans 51-37 earlier in the week.

What stood out the most about Powhatan’s convincing win was its defensive display. The Indians forced the Falcons out of rhythm from the opening tip-off thanks to their aggressive traps on the perimeter, active hands disrupting passing lanes and engaged swipes at the ball that made it difficult for the Falcons to put the ball on the floor.

The steals were coming from everywhere, with defensive stalwarts like Sam Flippo, Corynn Lampman and Emma Terry recording multiple steals during the game, which led to easy fast break buckets down the other end. Lampman also led the team in scoring with 14 points.

At one point in the third quar-

ter, Flippo recorded back-toback steals and pushed it ahead to senior Katherine Cerullo for layups on both for four quick points. In the second quarter, Lampman did the same, recording two steals on consecutive possessions and forcing a jumpball on the following possession to earn more quick points for the Indians.

Washburn says the team continues to develop trust in its aggressive defensive identity.

“I think right now it’s just the way that we’ve gained confidence in what we’re doing,” Washburn said. “I think at first we were a little hesitant in when to make traps and what we should do, but as we’ve gotten more comfortable, it’s generated a lot more turnovers, which has led to a lot

Henderson scores 21 in rout of Bulldogs

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

Powhatan basketball’s offense is off to a hot start to the season, but head coach Brock Geiman says it’s what the defense is doing that has sparked that high-scoring start.

Turning great defense into easy offense has been an early theme Geiman has preached to his team in their first weeks of the season, and there was no better example of it working to full effect than what the team was able to do against the Goochland Bulldogs on Dec. 6.

“While we looked great on offense, what started that was we forced them into a lot of tough shots, we were able to grab rebounds and we were able to run in transition, which opened up

our offense,” Geiman said.

The Indians jumped out to a 16-0 start in the road matchup, which set the tone the rest of the way for a 70-47 win.

The scoring came from everywhere as well, a byproduct of the team’s ball movement, with nine players recording at least a point in the box score. Leading the way was Matt Henderson, who scored 21 points including 12 in the second half while point guard D.J. Jackson was close behind with 15 points on the night.

Senior Oscar Whitely, who leads the team in the grit department as a charge-taking, shot-contesting guard willing to sacrifice his body and make every shot attempt difficult for his assignment, says the

Indians finish third at Titans Invitational

FLETCHER Sports Editor

One of the more interesting aspects of following Powhatan wrestling this season is watching the team develop in real time.

A relatively young squad, the Indians are taking every experience in stride as they build as a team. This week was a good example of that, as they took on an experienced and talented St. Christopher’s team on the road before heading to Cosby High School for the Titans Invitational on Saturday, Dec. 10.

The Indians won just one match against the Saints, courtesy of Cal Johnson in a 3-2 decision headlined by a late third pe-

Powhatan swimmers compete at USA Swimming meet

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

Powhatan swimming season just got underway this winter, and four young Powhatan swimmers have already been featured in a top competition.

Competing in the 757swim Grand Illumination Invitational meet were swimmers William Blashfield, Elizabeth Vallent, Hayden Russell and Lauren Scythes. Blashfield and Vallent, who are 13 and 14 years old, re-

spectively, swam for local USA Swimming team Poseidon Swimming while 14-year-olds Russell and Scythes swam for NOVA of Virginia Aquatics. All four swimmers are members of Powhatan High School’s swim team, which kicked off its season with a meet at SwimRVA on Dec. 8.

The Grand Illumination Invitational was held at the new Hampton Aquaplex in Hampton, Virginia from Dec. 2 to 4 and featured preliminary and finals

meets.

Blashfield had a memorable collection of performances, qualifying for and competing in nine individual finals and two relays. He recorded eight new personal bests in the boys 13 and over division. Some of his notable results were a 13th place finish in the 200-yard freestyle that saw him finish in 2:10.47, an 11th place showing in the 100yard freestyle in 59.52 seconds, a fourth place finish in the 100-

yard backstroke in 1:06.30 and a seventh place finish in the 200 backstroke in 2:25.28.

Vallent qualified for seven individual finals and recorded seven new personal bests in the girls 13 and over division. She was a top-10 finisher in every event she participated in and placed first in the 50-yard freestyle with a blazing 26.46-second time and in the 100-yard

riod takedown, but played plenty of tight contests that went down to the wire.

One of the most exciting was Talon Harness’ matchup in the 132-pound contest. Harness held the lead for the majority of the match, but lost it with 11 seconds left as the St. Christopher’s crowd went wild at the late turn of events. Harness nearly recaptured the lead for good though, earning a reversal just as the buzzer sounded that would have given him the win, though the reversal was later ruled after the buzzer upon discussion by the

ROBBY

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Forward Katherine Cerullo takes contact on a finish at the rim in Powhatan’s home matchup against Huguenot on Dec. 8. Cerullo scored 11 points on the night.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Powhatan swimmer William Blashfield (pictured) competed alongside Elizabeth Vallent, Hayden Russell and Lauren Scythes at the 757swim Grand Illumination Invitational from Dec. 2-4.

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Powhatan senior Jack DeBord runs in transition looking for a kick-out pass against the Goochland Bulldogs on Dec. 6.

Indians

From B1

referee. It was an emotional battle for Harness, who gave it his all against talented opposition in front of a hostile crowd.

“It was a very tight match, very hotly contested match that was emotional, but one of the reasons we came were was to get guys like Talon, Gavin (Utley) and Britton (Proffitt) to get the matches they had tonight. So, obviously not happy with the outcomes, but really happy with the effort,” head coach Jonathan Tanaka said.

It was a tough result overall for even Powhatan’s top wrestlers, but it was the kind of meet that Tanaka feels will only help his roster develop at this stage in the season.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time. I’m the person who made this schedule, I’m the person that decided to come here, and for good reason,” Tanaka said. “I think this is going to make us better in the long run; it doesn’t feel like it now maybe, it’s going to burn them up a bit, but hopefully it gives us a little bit of renewed focus for the rest of the week.”

That ultimately proved true, as the team entered the Titans Invitational locked in and ready to make a statement. The Indians finished third as a team among 14 teams at the tournament, with Luke Wells winning the 120-pound title and Harness bouncing back from the St. Christopher’s loss with a first place finish in the 132-pound bracket.

Utley and Proffitt also took home second place honors at Cosby, while Ricky Huber had the team’s lone third place result. Other notable finishes include freshman Brady Beard placing fourth in the 106-pound class,

Blowout

From B1

more transition baskets.”

Powhatan set the tone early with a 13-4 run to open the game and from there they never looked back. After heading into halftime up 34-11, Powhatan continued to play high-energy basketball on both ends of the floor, making life miserable for Huguenot in the process. In the final minute of the third quarter, Cerullo made another in a

junior Preston Ritz placing sixth in the 150-pound class, senior Cristion Davis placing sixth in the 190-pound class and senior Landon Gibbs finishing seventh

long list of high-effort plays during her performance by saving a pass from going out of bounds and flicking it to an open Pierce Vandell for a catch-and-shoot jumper to make it a 46-15 game. Cerullo ultimately finished with 11 points on the night, good for second best on the team.

In the fourth quarter, the Indians were able to clear the benches and let their reserves play the majority of the final eight minutes. Spirits were just as high from the Powhatan

in the 175-pound class. Wells won by pin in three straight contests leading up to the final, where he beat Spotsylvania’s Seth Ayo in a 10-0 decision.

bench, who cheered on their teammates after every basket. When sophomore Megan Gobble drove down the lane for a layup, she could hear chants of her name from her fellow Indians as she got back on defense and helped ice another Powhatan victory.

“This team’s energy is just incredible. The way they pull for each other, it’s a true family in every sense,” Washburn said. The Indians travel to Caroline for a matchup against the Cavaliers on Dec. 15 at 6 p.m.

After winning by injury default to start his title run, Harness won his next two matches with first period pins before winning the championship with a 9-1 decision

Rout

From B1

team’s familiarity from last year has helped them quickly develop chemistry this season.

“I feel like coming out hot and not sitting back helps us a lot,” Whitely said. “Now we’re starting to come together and play better as a team. We know what everybody’s role is, and we’re starting to figure out who belongs where and that helps us out a lot.”

With high-energy and unselfish

over Deep Run’s David Simon. The Indians hit the mats again on Dec. 14 in a dual meet versus Dinwiddie at home that starts at 6 p.m.

play, the Indians have scored at least 60 points in three of their five games to start the season, making them a tough team to match up with in the Dominion District.

“The way that we play, we’re not running a ton of ball screens and we’re not having guys drive one-on-one, so the ball is moving around a lot so there’s a lot of opportunities for guys to get a lot of good shots,” Geiman said.

Powhatan’s humming offense will look to continue its high-scoring ways when it travels to James River for a matchup with the Rapids on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Tip off is at 7:15 p.m.

Swimming

From B1

freestyle, where she won with a time of 58.23 seconds. Continuing the trend of dominating the freestyle events, she also placed third in the 200yard freestyle with a time of 2:08.29.

Russell qualified for and competed in three individual finals and two relays, while recording six personal bests in the girls 13 and over division. Her best result was a fourth place finish in the 200-yard freestyle, where she touched the wall with a final time of 2:08.69. She also placed fourth in the 400-yard in-

dividual medley with a time of 5:23.50.

Also competing in the girls 13 and over division was Scythes, who competed in four individual finals and recorded six personal bests in her time at the Hampton Aquaplex. Her best results include an 18th place finish in the 200-yard breaststroke competition with a

time of 3:06.79 and a 20th place finish in the 200-yard freestyle, where she finished with a time of 2:18.25.

These young swimmers have a whole season to look ahead to with the high school team that’ll prepare them to improve even more after a positive showing at the Grand Illumination Invitational.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Powhatan’s wrestling team placed third among 14 teams at the Titan Invitational on dec. 10.

Powhatan’s Hayden russell competed

Sharing the Nativity story

Santa teams up with local fire companies

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Powhatan County Volunteer Fire companies are once again planning to visit the communities they 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 be leaving 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!

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), 6-6:20 p.m.; Steger Creek Drive, 6:20-6:45 p.m.; Steger Creek Road, 6:45 p.m.;

Branchway Creek Drive (off 60), 7:15 p.m.; Archies Way, 7:30 p.m.; Branch Forest Way, 8 p.m.; Richards Run, 8:15 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 16 – Tilman Farms Subdivision, 6-7 p.m.; Jefferson Woods Drive, 7-7:15 p.m.; Westlake Subdivision, 7:25- 8:30 p.m.

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

Huguenot Volunteer Fire Department (Company 2)

Santa is coming to Huguenot Volunteer Fire Department to visit several neighborhoods on three nights. Santa will depart Company 2 around 5 p.m. with the arrival at the first location about 5:30 p.m. each night.

Check Company 2’s Facebook page for any corrections, additions or updates.

Monday, Dec. 19 – Lake Shawnee, Flint Hill, Holly Hills, Stavemill Road and Swiftwood. Fallen Timber/ Huntington/Urbine Road.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 – Dorset Ridge, Walkers Ridge, Kimberly Farms, Timber Trace, Sparrow’s Landing, Appomattox Trace, Winterbrook.

Wednesday, Dec. 21 – Pine Creek Bluff, Genito West, Dorset Meadows, Loch Gate, The Preserve.

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 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.

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.

Girl Scouts sell memorial bricks

Girl Scout Troop 3029 is helping the Huguenot Volunteer Fire Department achieve a long-held goal of building a memorial to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 at the station. The Girl Scouts are selling 411 bricks

inscribed with the name, rank and company of a firefighter, law enforcement officer or paramedic killed during the attacks. A donation of $23 will cover the cost of one inscribed brick in honor of a first responder. To purchase a brick, visit www.

bricksrus.com/donorsite/ memorial911. Checks payable to Troop 3029 may also be mailed to Laura Baltz at 1510 Holly Hills Road, Powhatan, VA 23139. For more information, contact Baltz at 804-467-4313 or Ljbal65@ aol.com.

mary and Joseph travel to bethlehem (barbara and Jay Farley). at right, mary and Joseph in the manger (ashley and nate Puller).

an angel speaks to mary (erika Lawhorne and alaina Taylor). at right, Jesus in Gethsemane (storm Hathaway).

angels visit shepherds in a field (Garrett Taylor, meg Tinsley, christine dorton, abbie Tinsley, stephen Jenkins, allison beasley and Wade may).

at the well (caleb samuel and Faith atkins). at right, three wise men (Larry Haynes, matt Haas and richard Woody).

Graceland baptist church held its annual christmas stor y drive Thru on dec. 2 and 3 at the church. Visitors could stay in their vehicles and drive through displays telling the story of the birth of Jesus christ and his ultimate sacrifice.

PHOTOS BY LAURA MCFARLAND

“IfyouliveinthestateofVirginia youneedtofindthefirstthreedigits ofyourzipcodelistedintoday’snewspap er annou ncementa nd callimmediately,”saidLauraA.Lynne,Directorof CoinandCurrencyforNationalMintand Treasury.

Tha t’sbecauseVirginiaresidents canreallycashinforthenext48 hours.Here’swhy.Non-stateresidents andthosewhomissthe48-hourdeadlinemustpay $8 percoin,butVirginia residentswhotaketheVaultBricks coverjustthe $4 percoinstateminimum.ThatmeansVirginiaresidents getall125coinswithrare24Karat GoldLayeringforjust $500 whichis arealstealsincenon-stateresidents mustpayover $1,000 f or e ac hVau lt Brick.Anditgetsevenbetterfor thoseclaimingtheJumboGoldVault Brick s.

ThisisallhappeningbecausethousandsofU.S.residentsstandtomiss thedeadlinetoclaimthegold.Now anyresidentwhofindsthefirstthree digitsoftheirzipcodelistedintoday’s p ub licationandcallstoverifyitgets toclaimtheGoldVaultBricksfor themselvesandkeepallthevaluable goldfoundinside.

Andhere’sthebestpart.Virginia residentswhofindthefirstthreedigitsoftheirzipcodeli stedintoday’s publicationaregettingSealedVault BrickscontainingtheonlyVirginia StateGoldBankRollsknowntoexist withtheexclusive St ateRestricted Designandeachloadedwithrarely seenU.S.Gov’tissuedBuffaloNickels layeredinvaluable24KaratGoldby NationalMintandTreasury.

“AsDirectorofCoinandCurrency forNationalMintandTreasury,one ofmyjobsistodel iverbreakingnews. Andtoday’sannouncementconfirming thereleaseofSealedGoldVaultBricks toresidentsofthestateofVirginiais asbigasitgets,”Lynnesaid.

“Somyadviceisthis,anyonewho getsanopportunitytogettheirhands ononeoftheseGoldVaultBricksfull ofcoinsissuedbytheU.S.Gov’tnearly 100yearsagowithrare24KaratGold layeringfromtheNationalMintand Treasurybetterjumpatthechance whiletheystillcan,”Lynnesaid.

“TheseGoldVaultBricksmakethe mostimpress iv egiftsforChristmas, birthdays,graduations,weddings,and anyotheroccasion,e sp eciallyforthat hard-to-buy-forperson,”Lynnesaid.

AccordingtoMs.Lynne,sincethousandsofU.S.residentsstandtomiss thedeadlinetoclaimthegold,today andtomorrowareintendedasa“special48hourrelease”forthebenefitof Virginiaresidents.Thisgivesthema fairchancetoclaimtheSealedGold VaultBricksandallthevaluablegold loadedinsideforthemselves.

But,Ms.Lynneadded,“TheSealed GoldVaultBricksareonlyavailableas inventorypermitsduringthespecial 48hourreleasesopleasedonotmiss thedeadline.”Thedirectoradded,“We havenopowertostopcoindealers, resellersorcollectorsbuyingupallthe GoldVaultBrickstheycangettheir ha ndson,”Lyn ne sa id

”Wealreadyknowthephoneswill beringingoffthehook.Tha t’swhy hundredsofagentsarestandingby toanswerthephonesbeginningat 8:30amthismorning.We’regoingto doourbest,butwithjust48hoursto answerallthecallsitwon’tbeeasy. Somakesuretotelleveryonetokeep callingifalllinesarebusy.We’lldoour besttoanswerthemall,”Lynnesaid.

“That’swhyNationalMintandTreasurysetuptheStateDistribution HotlinesinordertomakesureresidentsofVirginiacangetthemnow,” Lyn ne sa id

Theonlythingreadersoftoday’s newspaperpublicationneedtodois makesureth ey l iv einoneofthezip codeslistedandcalltheStateDistributionHotlinesbeforethespecial48hour deadlineendsmidnighttomorrow. ■

Q:HowmucharetheGoldVaultBricksworth?

A:It’simpossibletosay,buttheseBuffalosdateclearbacktotheearly1900’sandarenotordinaryU.S.coins. That’sbecauseonlyanextremelylowpercentageofBuffaloswerethencommissioned by NationalMintand Treasurytobecoveredwithrarelyseen24KaratGoldLayering,thensealedandprotectedinbrilliantcollector conditioninsidespecial25countVirginiaBankRolls.That’swhyyoubetterhurryifyouwanttogetyourhands onthem.Collectorvaluesalwaysfluctuateandthereareneveranyguarantees.Butwedoknowtheyaretheonly VirginiaStateBankRollsknowntoexist.SoanyoneluckyenoughtogettheirhandsonthesesealedVaultBricks shouldholdontothembecausethere’snotellinghowmuchtheycouldbeworthincollectorvaluesomeday

Q:WhyaresomanyVirginiaresidentscallingtogetthem?

A:BecausetheyaretheonlyVirginiaStateBankRollsknowntoexistwe’rebracingforthefloodofcalls. ThesearenotordinaryBankRolls.ThesearefullBankRollscontaining25Buffalosdatingclearbacktothe early1900’s.BestofalleachBuffaloislayeredin24KaratGoldandthestateminimumsetbyNationalMint