Powhatan Today –01/04/2023

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

However, thediscussion by

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-

Pumpkindecorationssparkjoy

GRTC closing rural transit gaps

Winter winds cause 4,600+ power outages

LAURA MCFARLAND Managing Editor

POWHATAN – While Pow hatan didn’t see the snow that ravaged northern states leading up to Christmas, winter weather did impact thousands of residents who lost power in its wake in the days leading up to Christmas.

Between Dominion Energy customers and Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC) members, there were an estimated 4,600 outages of varying lengths. Dominion customers by far took the brunt of the outages.

Jeremy Slayton, spokesperson for Dominion Energy, said that roughly 4,200 Dominion Energy Virginia customers in Powhatan County were impacted by outages caused by the severe wind storm that passed through the service area Friday, December 23. All Dominion customers had power restored by early in the morning on Dec. 25, he said.

branches fall onto power lines as well as broken poles, broken cross arms and wire down, Slayton said. However, the damage was far from

The Dec. 23 wind storm impacted 240,000 Dominion Energy Virginia customers. For comparison, during the ice storm in January 2022, nearly 400,000 Dominion Energy Virginia customers lost power, making it one of the top five worst winter storms in Dominion Energy Virginia’s history, he said.

Middle school rolls out variety ofclubs to engage students

“We understand power outages disrupt our customers’ plans, especially during the holiday season. It’s even harder in the cold weather. Our crews answered the call and responded when our customers needed us the most, working around the clock until everyone’s power was restored,” he said.

to over one million people. However, GRTC’s fixed-route service

By LauraMcFarland Managing Editor

POWHATAN– Oscarthe Grouchandhisfurryfriends beatout a pairof Venus fly traps, a friendlyhedgehog and a scrumptiousicecream totakefirstplaceatthe12th annualPumpkinsforKids Project.

By LauraMcFarland Managing Editor

At peak, Southside had 453 meters off in Powhatan County, and the last member was restored at 12:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, according to Jennifer Wall, communications specialist.

Typical to storms with severe winds, crews saw many trees and

POWHATAN– PowhatanMiddleSchoolwillbe buzzingwithdifferentkinds ofactivitiesmovingforward asnew clubsallow students tobondwithotherstudents

Coming into Winter Storm Elliott, Southside Electric was well stocked with poles, wire, transformers and additional materials, Wall said. Working with wind gusts up to 50 mph, in single-digit temperatures, safely, presented the main challenge and the storm

requests.Thestudentscompletedtheirrequestsofwhat they wereinterestedin first. Thentheteacherssignedup tobe a sponsorfor a club andwesentitbackoutfor studentstosignup.Soit was allfocusedonstudentinter” saidMartin,whohas

Miracle of the Manger

LAURA MCFARLAND Managing Editor

POWHATAN – This holiday season, Muddy Creek Baptist Church once again brought Bethlehem to Trenholm.

Theannualpumpkindecoratingcontestonce again saw businessesfromaround theregionparticipatingin a lighthearted(althoughstill competitive) competitionFriday, Oct.28atIndependence GolfClubinPowhatan.

Theannualbenefit forthe Children’s Hospital Foundationisalso a way bringthe businesscommunitytogether for a goodcauseandspread a

Tucked away in a remote field in Powhatan County, the small rural church continued its 42-year tradition of telling the Christmas story in a simple but heartfelt way. In a field behind the church, more than 200 spectators over the course of three shows held on Dec. 21, 2022, stood and watched as illuminated scenes from the nativity were brought to life through the telling of the story.

The congregation’s tradition of telling about the birth of Jesus through a live nativity began in 1980 and has only grown in size as generations of church

littlejoy alongthe way, said organizerRachelMassengill ofPowhatan.The eventraised morethan$3,000forthe foundation but isstillacceptingdonationsusingtheQR code.

“Thisisridiculous.These companiesputsomuchinto thisandthey dosuch a great jobdecoratingthesepumpkins. To know thekidsatthe children’s hospitalaregoing togettoseethisisgreat,” she saidafterthecontestended.

members became involved in the show. Many cast members have been part of the nativity for decades – some since they were young children – and some have even been involved since the start.

Nativity director Dennis Stokes started as a sort of producer helping Donnie Hatcher, whose vision it was all those years ago for the church to hold a live nativity, and he also played a shepherd in the field for many years.

Judgesfromthechildren’s hospitalandfoundationnarrowedthisyear’s 35entries downtothetop10,andthen PowhatanCountySheriff BradNunnallyandassistant commonwealth’s attorney

“There are so many stories I could tell about how God has blessed me through the Live Nativity,” Stokes said. “The dedication of those involved over the entire 42 years is amazing. Like the mail carriers, our

PHOTOS COURTESY OF POWHATAN COUNTY

irst responders protect and serve every day of the year, and that is true in Powhatan County as well. Powhatan Fire and EMS,

Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Communications were all staffed over Christmas weekend and handling calls to keep residents safe during the cold weather and holiday festivities. Some of the first responders working on Christmas Day included Brandon Tole, from left in middle photo, Zach Clements, Josh Barnes, Jamie Babcock, Tyler Cochran, Bryce Hylton and Phillip Barden. Powhatan 911 dispatchers Susan Ballou (pictured at left) and David Samuel, Cory Chaffins and Caley Bowen (pictured at right) are some of the first responders who worked Christmas Day.

FIRST RESPONDERS PROTECT AND SERVE ON CHRISTMAS

fall 2023.

Riders in parts of Powhatan, Henrico, Chesterfield, and New Kent counties, and the Town of

jor destinations and trip generators include Powhatan Plaza and Powhatan County Public Library. The responsibility for Powha-

ILLUSTRATION COURTESY

Powhatan Microtransit

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

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 4, 2023

The Goochland Powhatan Master Gardener association will hold a “Gardening 101” program on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. from January to March 2023. registration at gpmga.org has a deadline of Jan. 4. Class size is limited. Cost is $55 for 10 classes. no volunteer commitment; just the education. For more information, contact rebecca Crow at 804-598-7015 or gpmastergardener@gmail.com.

Community Matters is a resource for all 55 and forward interested in learning, staying active and engaging with peers. Challenge and socialization are powerful benefits and crucial at any age! Multiple weekly sessions with a wide range of topics and activities are held at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Pocahontas Landmark Center, 4290 anderson Hwy, in the training room of Powhatan Parks and recreation. Information on various offerings, activities and topics presented can be found on Facebook: Powhatan County reach for active services. Program is free; requires independent participation. 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 s aturdays. 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 804598-5670; once the patron is notified that their order is ready, they have three days to pick it up at the to-go shelf. The outdoor library book drop is open 24/7 for returning library items; however, patrons must return mobile hotspots to the circulation desk inside the library. The library accepts donations and the Friends of the Library bookstore is open during library business hours. Visit www.powhatanlibrary.net or call the library at 804598-5670 for more details, and like the library’s Facebook page for all the latest, up-to-date library news, information and program schedules.

Powhatan County Public Library will hold a weekly stor y 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.

The Powhatan TrIad meets at 10 a.m. the first Wednesday of every at st. John neumann Catholic Church, 2480 Batterson road. The group discusses issues relating to senior citizens. It is open to the public. For more information, contact detective rudy Gregory at 804-598-5656.

The Powhatan Lion’s Club will meet at 6 p.m. at the County seat restaurant. Contact Mike Jones at 804-794-1440 for more information.

THURSDAY, JAN. 5

Teen anime Club will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Jan. 5 and 19 at Powhatan County Public Library. Bring manga, notebooks, cosplays, or other projects to work on. We will watch a different anime each meeting. For local teens aged 13-18 (grades 6-12). application required to join. Pick up one at the library front desk.

The american red Cross is in urgent need of blood. a drive will be held Thursday, Jan. 5 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Powhatan Moose Lodge, 4140 Old Buckingham road, Hwy 13, Powhatan, Va 23139. To schedule go to: redcrossblood.org, the red Cross app or contact e lmorecook@aol.com.

Just Kids is an affordable clothing shop selling gently used children’s clothes, sizes newborn to 8 plus. Winter coats are also available. 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 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.

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_2QuVzrPXdpysV2Hy11CH8KBrluifyO. Contact stephanie romelc zyk (sromelcz@vt.edu) for information on joining the meeting live. Watched or listened to VC e 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 rotar y Club meets at 7:30 a.m. every Thursday at the County seat restaurant.

The Powhatan Garden Club will not meet on Thursday, Jan. 5. The club will resume its regular meetings in February. Happy new year to all!

FRIDAY, JAN. 6

“The Ball on Little Christmas,” a fundraiser to benefit the Powhatan Christmas Mother, will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, at The Venue at Flat rock, 2480 Batterson road. Tickets are $75 per person. dJ Jamey Timberlake has donated his skill and many others are donating their time and materials for decorating and serving. Tickets are limited to 100 so purchase yours online asaP at powhatanchristmasmother.org.

Community Matters is partnering with the Virginia Cooperative extension again to launch a healthy lifestyle walking initiative for 55+ every Friday (beginning Jan. 6 and ending March 31) called Movers & Pacers at 9 a.m. in the gymnasium at the Pocahontas Landmark Center, 4290 anderson Highway. Participants will track cumulative steps weekly, log in with a facilitator first, then walk in the gym on Fridays throughout winter months. To register for this program, attend Friday, Jan. 6 at 9 a.m. and then login and walk weekly thereafter. Meet others in the community finding more ways to stay active this winter! Contact Jayne Lloyd, program coordinator, at 804-698-0438 or raservices.PVa@gmail.com with any questions.

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, JAN. 7

Powhatan County Public Library has a wonderful line up of adult programs to get you out of your house on those wintery days. 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. For details, contact Powhatan County Public Library at 804-598-5670 or library@powhatanlibrary.net.

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, JAN. 8

Powhatan Fire and r escue’s Junior emergency Technician program meets at 1:30 p .m. on the second s unday of each month at different locations in the county. The program is free and open to 12- to 15-year-olds from all parts of the county interested in learning about their local fire, rescue and emergency services organizations. applications may be picked up year-round at the fire administration office in the Village Building. Contact the office at 804-598-5646 or sarah Zobells at szobell@powhatanva.gov for this month’s location.

MONDAY, JAN. 9

Powhatan County Public Library has a wonderful line up of adult programs to get you out of your house on those wintery days. 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. For details, contact Powhatan County Public Library at 804-598-5670 or library@powhatanlibrary.net.

a Grief support Group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. on the second Monday of each month at Powhatan u nited Methodist Church. all are welcome to attend. This group is facilitated by Judy Cain-Oliver, licensed clinical psychologist.

Powhatan Pastor’s Fellowship provides pastors in the county with fellowship, joint worship experiences and ways to serve the needy in the community. The group meets at 11:30 a.m. on the second Monday of the month at angela’s restaurant. The group is open to any pastor; newcomers welcome. For more information, call Michael edwards, pastor of May Memorial Baptist Church, 804-598-3098. relay for Life south of the James meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of the month online. For more information, contact Pat Johnson at 804-241-1161 or pjj804@icloud.com.

a P owhatan Hope n a rcotics a n onymous ( 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, JAN. 10

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.

The Powhatan american Legion Post 201 meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Legion members invite all veterans of our armed forces to attend the meetings of Post 201 which are held at the War Memorial Cultural arts and Community Center, 2375 skaggs road. For more information, contact david Bradley at 804-306-3740.

UPCOMING

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

Powhatan County Public Library has a wonderful line up of adult programs to get you out of your house on those wintery days. 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. For details, contact Powhatan County Public Library at 804-598-5670 or library@powhatanlibrary.net.

The Powhatan anti-Litter Council meets at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, in the Powhatan County Cooperative extension Office in the basement of the Village Building, 3910 Old Buckingham road. For more information, contact detective rudy Gregor y at 804-598-5656.

Powhatan County Public Library has a wonderful line up of adult programs to get you out of your house on those wintery days. shelley Crawford with sunshine art will be at the library on Wednesday, Jan. 11 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. For details, contact Powhatan County Public Library at 804-598-5670 or library@ powhatanlibrary.net.

Powhatan County Public Library will have Craft Time! From 10:30 to 11 a.m. on saturday, Jan. 14. elementary school aged children are invited to participate in this arts and craft program. registration required.

r egister no w for our first Heart of Virginia Beekeepers Conference to be held s aturday, Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p .m. in the Blackwood Ballroom of Longwood u niversity in Farmville. For conference details and on-line registration, go to these links: bit.ly/HOVBconference or https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ heart-of-virginia-beekeepers-1st-annual. Library for all is Powhatan County Public Library’s club for adults with disabilities and their caregivers. There will be crafts, stories, movies or even a guest speaker. Caregivers are required to stay with attendees during the program. The upcoming program is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 17.

a fter a few years break, Powhatan County Public Library 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.

saturday under the stars at Powhatan state Park will be hosted by the richmond astronomical society at 6 p.m. Jan. 21. This is an ras supported event and volunteer astronomers are needed and welcome. send a message to president@richastro.org if you can help.

Powhatan County Public Library is starting a Book Club. For the first meeting at 10 a.m. on Jan. 27, participants will discuss “Before We Were yours” by Lisa Wingate. If you cannot get your hands on a copy of the book, library staff ay have uncatalogued copies available.

a Pokemon Card Painting event will be held at noon on Jan. 28. Participants will each paint over a Pokemon card. Wear clothes that are OK to get paint on them as the paint needed for the cards is nOT washable. For ages 7 to 12. registration required.

Beekeeping for Beginners s chool is designed for those who intend to start a honeybee colony. registration consists of four Tuesday night classes: Jan. 31, 2023, Feb. 14, 21 and 28 from 7-9 p.m. at the Prince edward County extension Office (100 dominion dr., Farmville, Va 23901) near Lowe’s. a Field day is planned for a date and location to be announced since it is weather-dependent. Cost of $50 per person or Family unit (Family unit category subject to approval) includes all four classes, the Field day and one book and pre-registration is required. Presented by Heart of Virginia Beekeepers. For more information or to register, text Tommy nelson at 434-547-4225 or email tommyanelson@gmail.com.

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 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 for more information.

young people in the 4-H community learn leadership, citizenship, and a vast array of life skills that benefit them for the rest of their lives. Through schoolbased, 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 dair y Judging, and shooting education (waiting list). For our younger youth, ages 5-8 years old, we’re seeking new club leaders interested in starting a second Cloverbud 4-H Club in Powhatan. 4-H school enrichment programs are also available for homeschool groups. reach out to Cathy Howland, Powhatan

4-H extension agent, at 804-598-5640 or chowland@vt.edu for details about the 4-H opportunities listed, and/or information on starting new 4-H clubs or programs.

Powhatan Food Pantry is currently seeking volunteer drivers who can pick up food from the local Food Lions on different days between 8:30 and 10 a.m. and transport them to the nonprofit at 2500 Batterson road. Contact the pantry at 804-372-9526 or powhatanvafoodpantry@gmail.com.

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

The Powhatan County Cooperative extension Master Gardener Help d e sk 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. available now emergency Housing relief funds to assist with rent, mortgage or other housing concerns. Powhatan Community action agency has received funding for housing relief for families in Powhatan County who have been affected by COVId-19. Contact renee Van natter at valerie.vannatter@dss.virginia.gov or via cell at 804 814-5332.

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 pick-ups 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.

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

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

a box was provided by the national association of Counties (naCo) to provide citizens a place to bring flags that need to be retired properly. It is located at the County administration Building in the vestibule area by the front doors. County administration is working with local groups that hold flag disposal ceremonies and will be routinely transporting the flags collected to these ceremonies. 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.

Library for all is Powhatan County Public Library’s club for adults with disabilities and their caregivers. There will be crafts, stories, movies or even a guest speaker. Caregivers are required to stay with attendees during the program. The upcoming program is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 17.

Agricultural conservation assistance funds available

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Agricultural lands in Goochland and Powhatan counties continue to be eligible for conservation assistance funds from Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for stream exclusion fencing, establishing rotational grazing fields, developing water resources, wells, springs and stream access points, reforestation of critical areas and establishing or enlarging buffer areas along waterways. Funds

are also available for nutrient management plan development and implementation, cover crops and numerous other conservation practices.

The Commonwealth is making huge commitments to get producers into voluntary conservation programs before any federal deadlines on Chesapeake Bay restoration projects arrive.

The Monacan SWCD expects a lot will change with program options and opportunities in the

next few years as the Chesapeake Bay restoration deadline of 2025 approaches.

Although significant program sign ups recently occurred under last year’s record levels of funding, additional funds continue to be available and now is a good time to contact District staff and explore project options. Monacan expects program funding to remain available into next year although funding amounts beyond that are unknown. Program

funding decisions are made in Richmond, typically one year at a time.

Monacan encourages producers to explore options now since program options have recently been revised and significantly improved for the producer.

The District has highly skilled employees who are well trained in both the technical aspects of conservation management and program delivery. Staff members assist producers in developing

conservation plans that work for their operation and navigating program opportunities. Not all programs are created equal and staff members assist applicants in understanding the options and choosing the program that suits their farm’s needs.

Anyone interested in exploring the many benefits of conservation planning can contact District conservation specialists Betty McCracken at (804)556-0935 or Colton Sullivan at (804)556-0143.

Community Matters holds ‘Quichey Christmas’

LAURA MCFARLAND Managing Editor

POWHATAN – Community

Matters ended its time at the Powhatan Rescue Squad Building with a huge helping of holiday cheer.

The resource for all 55 and forward Powhatan residents held an intergenerational holiday party on Wednesday, Dec. 21 that brought together participants and local youth for “A Very Quichey Christmas.” The roughly 50 people in attendance enjoyed caroling, crafts, food and fellowship in the last gathering of 2022 before Community Matters transitioned to the Pocahontas Landmark Center this week.

Program coordinator Jayne Lloyd said the party offered participants time and space to celebrate and feel festive with peers. It also offered interaction with younger generations as youth from Powhatan High School, Passion Community Church and Community Life Church came together to sing, serve and have a good time with partygoers.

“I will always look for ways to incorporate intergenerational interaction in our programming. It bridges an expansive gap in our culture and is such a benefit to all ages,” Lloyd said.

The event began with the local youth singing carols, and they did a wonderful job taking the lead on singing some prepared songs and others on request, Lloyd said.

After the performances, the youth helped the local residents decorate cookies and make ornaments as well as serving lunch and interacting with everyone.

Lloyd asked Kitty Glass of Powhatan to devise an ornament making activity for the group to do and she came up with making reindeer ornaments out of wine corks. After leading the activity, she could sit back and enjoy the party and said she had a wonderful time, especially talking with the local youth.

“The youth made the event. They really did. They were sweet, sweet kids who were happy and laughing a lot and really seemed to enjoy visiting with everybody,” she said.

She added that her husband Bill also attended the party and said “the time flew” because they were having such a good time.

Megan Seagram, youth coordinator of Community Life Church, said their group of 11 joined with the other groups at the party at Lloyd’s invitation and had a wonderful time. The

youth enjoyed singing Christmas carols, sharing a lunch of quiche and salad, and helping the Community Matters participants decorate sugar cookies. Most of all, she enjoyed watching them just sit and get to know the older people.

She talked with some of the youth afterward and they had a great time. Reflecting back on when she was child in the Girl Scouts and one of the activities they did was visiting nursing homes, Seagram said it was good to see the teens interacting so well with their elders.

“I heard a couple of the teens say, ‘oh, I’ve been adopted as somebody’s grandkid today!’ They were making friends,” she said. “I hope they got a little more comfortable interacting with the older generations and seeing the value in cross-generational communication and the value in community of all ages.”

Eleanor Delaney of Powhatan is a regular Community Matters participant who moved to Powhatan in May. She talked about how great it was to see the different generations interacting so effortlessly.

“I just enjoyed seeing everybody together – the different age groups – I thought it was great. The teenagers sat right down and helped us. It was like they fit right in,” she said.

During lunch Laurie Hart from Love4Syria brought items crafted by Syrian refugees. She could only stay a short time but many went to her table to hear the story of her work in Jordan and buy last minute knitted Christmas gifts, Lloyd said. Everyone also entered their name for a drawing to win a Christmas gift basket.

Lloyd said the Quichey Christmas was a great end to 2022 as Community Matters moves into 2023 and a new three-day format with more offerings than ever. She expressed special appreciation for the people who helped plan, set up and clean up after the party as well as the youth groups and their leaders who attended.

“It was a wonderful day; for me the reward is always in seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of those who come,” she said.

One thing Glass said she loves about Community Matters is she gets to meet other people with similar interests in our community and that has sparked friendships beyond the group gatherings.

“Jayne has a variety of different topics and different kinds

of activities that we do,” Glass said. “If you are interested you come, and if you are not interested, maybe you come anyway, maybe you don’t. When you really get into the activities and you see other people getting into the same activities, you realize that you could probably enjoy doing some other things together, too.”

Community Matters is always looking for teachers/presenters and activity leaders. New to Powhatan or newly retired? Contact program coordinator Jayne Lloyd at 804-698-0438 if you’d like to connect your knowledge or skills with this community resource for Powhatan’s 55 and forward. “What you have to share is valuable and can enrich the lives of others who want to stay connected, active and continue learning,” she said.

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

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Let Powhatan Anti-Litter Council (ALC) and Yard Works help you “Go Green” this holiday season! These community partners will offer real Christmas tree recycling free of charge to Powhatan County residents in January.

“Real Christmas trees are a renewable resource that clean our air and water. After the holidays they should be planted, composted or recycled into mulch,” said Matt Kowalski, Virginia Watershed Restoration Scientist with the Chesapeake

Bay Foundation. “Buying a real Christmas tree is also a great way to support local growers this season.”

Recycled trees are most often shredded into mulch to use in landscaping, which eventually breaks down into soil. In Powhatan, Yard Works has collected more than 200 trees on average to as few as 63 trees during a season. ALC is asking residents to give your real trees a life after the holidays by recycling them free at Yard Works.

This tree recycling service has been offered to the

Powhatan community at no cost for more than 18 years. Trees may be brought to the Yard Works in Powhatan, located at 1990 Anderson Highway, between Jan. 3 and 31. Hours for tree dropoffs are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Trees will be ground into mulch. According to Robbie Urbine of Yard Works, “Please make sure trees are free of all lights, tinsel and ornaments.” No artificial trees will be accepted.

For more information, call Yard Works at (804) 639-0311.

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Community Matters is partnering with the Virginia Cooperative Extension again to launch a healthy lifestyle walking initiative for 55+ every Friday (beginning Jan. 6 and ending March 31) called Movers & Pacers at 9 a.m. in the gym-

nasium at the Pocahontas Landmark Center, 4290 Anderson Highway.

Participants will track cumulative steps weekly, log in with a facilitator first, then walk in the gym on Fridays throughout winter months.

To register for this program, attend Friday, Jan. 6

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Powhatan County Public Schools (PCPS) will present a panel to discuss ways in which the school division and other community partners are working to keep students safe online and promote digital citizenship.

Topics will include:

„ What PCPS is doing to

provide safety on the network and in the classroom; „ Effects of social media on today’s kids; „ Community support from the sheriff’s office perspective; and „ Ways in which parents can protect their kids at home.

The panel will include team

at 9 a.m. and then login and walk weekly thereafter.

Meet others in the community finding more ways to stay active this winter!

Contact Jayne Lloyd, program coordinator, at 804698-0438 or RAServices. PVA@gmail.com with any questions.

members from PCPS, as well as a representative from the Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office. It will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19 at the Pocahontas Landmark Center. Questions will be solicited from the audience. The event will also be live-streamed on the school division’s YouTube channel.

Community Matters participants and local youth enjoy “a Very Quichey Christmas” party on dec. 21.

nobby Hicks presents Lona Harper with the Christmas gift basket she won.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF COMMUNITY MATTERS

Local youth sing to Community Matters participants during “a Very Quichey Christmas” party.

Body of missing Powhatan woman found in James River

STAFF REPORT

Goochland County Fire-Rescue located the body of a missing 70-yearold Powhatan County woman in the James River on Dec. 28.

Malana Patricia Weaver was reported missing by the Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 27. The sheriff’s office said her vehicle was found at Tucker Park in Goochland, and witnesses had reportedly seen her walking near the river.

The sheriff’s office said

Library of Virginia’s 200th anniversary exhibit

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The Library of Virginia, one of the oldest state libraries and archives in the nation, will mark its bicentennial in 2023 with a free exhibition — “200 Years, 200 Stories,” running Jan. 24 through Oct. 28. The exhibition and multimedia experience celebrate 200 Virginians whose fascinating narratives are housed in the library’s collections and together reflect the stories of Virginia.

The Library of Virginia was founded by the General Assembly on Jan. 24, 1823, to organize, care for and manage the state’s growing collection of books and official records — many of which date back to the early colonial period. Since then, the collection has grown to 2 million books, newspapers, maps, prints and photographs, as well as 130 million manuscript items, making the Library of Virginia the most comprehensive resource in the world for the study of Virginia history, culture and government.

“We’ve been fortunate to play such an important role in preserving Virginia’s history and culture for two centuries,” said Librarian of Virginia Sandra Treadway, Ph.D. “This exhibition provides a great opportunity to educate the public about the significance of our collections and engage them in exploring the past while reflecting on how it connects to the present and our next century.”

Rather than a top 10 or a who’s who, “200 Years, 200 Stories” profiles Virginians of all stripes: heroes and villains, the famous and infamous, the powerful and the powerless. Stories feature Virginians like Ethel Bailey Furman, one of the first black female architects in Virginia; David Martin, founder of the Martin Agency and creator of the famed tagline “Virginia is for Lovers”; Chinese immigrant Ow Chuck Sam, who became a naturalized citizen and served in the armed forces during World War II; and many more.

History and art specialist Susan Glasser served as guest curator, helping to bring an outside perspective and select content that would reflect the diversity of Virginia’s narratives.

“We want exhibition visitors to experience the joy of discovery felt by our patrons every day when they encounter the treasures within our collections,” said Greg Kimball, Ph.D., the Library’s director of public services and outreach.

The exhibition begins in the lobby with montages of individuals featured in the stories, a large map of Virginia on the lobby floor identifying the locations of the featured individuals, and an interactive kiosk for visitors to explore the evolution of the Library’s physical site or enjoy a look at the institution’s internal workings.

Once visitors enter the Exhibition Gallery, another interactive kiosk presents the stories of 200 Virginians, searchable by themes and location, while “discovery drawers” allow vis-

itors to explore ephemera collections with items such as travel brochures, posters and more.

The exhibition is one of several key events and initiatives planned to celebrate the Library’s bicentennial in 2023. Look for the full 200th anniversary event schedule in the coming weeks on the Library’s calendar at https://www.lva.virginia. gov/eventscalendar/ or the website at lva.virginia.gov.

The Library of Virginia is the state’s oldest institution dedicated to the preservation of Virginia’s history and culture. Its online offerings attract nearly 4 million website visits per year, and its resources, exhibitions and events bring in more than 100,000 visitors each year.

The Library’s collections, containing more than 130 million items, document and illustrate the lives of both famous Virginians and ordinary citizens. The Library is located in downtown Richmond near Capitol Square at 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219.

area only covers 9% of that area, leaving much of the region without access to transit. Much of this unserved area is comprised of suburban and rural districts where traditional fixedroute transit service would be inefficient to operate.

“These parts of our region need more mobility options,” Torres said.

“They are home to families sharing a single car, retirees wanting to age in place, and others that don’t have the option to make all their trips by single occupancy vehicle and need an alternative means of transportation.”

The five microtransit zones are designed to maximize opportunities to connect to major regional employers, medical facilities and government and community services for residents across the region that have limited or nonexistent transit options. They will provide transit service and regional connections to major employers such as Amazon and Randolph-Macon College; government services such as a Social Security office and

the cause and manner of her death will be determined by the medical examiner.

“We ask that you please keep Malana’s family in your thoughts and prayers and respect their privacy during this incredibly difficult time,” Powhatan Chief Deputy Jeffery S. Searfoss said in a news release Wednesday evening.

Powhatan County courthouse; large shopping centers such as Brookhill Azalea Shopping Center and Ashland Hanover Shopping Center; and healthcare facilities such as VCU Health Emergency Center.

Torres said the program should also reduce traffic congestion. “Since microtransit service is anticipated to be used by citizens with limited vehicle access who may have had to rely on others to help make their daily trips, it should provide an overall reduction in single occupancy vehicle trips in the region as it replaces these trips with shared rides.”

The program will replace a peak-only fixed-route bus line with all day microtransit service. Where zones are contiguous to the GRTC service area, microtransit will provide connections to GRTC stops, giving patrons access to the wider Richmond-area transit network.

GRTC received TRIP funding in fiscal year 2022 to continue offering free fares and its local bus ridership has exceed pre-pandemic levels. It expects systemwide ridership to recover to 2019 levels by 2023 and grow by 2% per year each year through 2027.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LIBRARY OF VIRGINIA

shown is an archived photograph of the Furman Contractors made up of builders and tradespeople hailing from historically black neighborhoods that will be featured in the Library of Virginia’s “200 years, 200 stories” exhibition.

From A1

Weaver

County looks at new incentive for fire, EMS

LAURA MCFARLAND Managing Editor

POWHATAN – The Powhatan County Board of Supervisors recently agreed to consider adopting an ordinance to implement a reduction in personal property tax for volunteer fire and rescue members.

During the meeting on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022, the board heard a request from fire and rescue chief Phil Warner asking for the change for any rostered volunteer fire or rescue member, including life members and auxiliary members. His proposal was to change to a 75% personal property tax rate for those who meet specific requirements.

This was not an action item at the meeting. The board expected to hold a public hearing on the ordinance change. However, interim county administrator Bret Schardein said Friday the board actually does not need to take further action to implement this.

“Our ordinance set’s the rate at .01 and the fire chief sets the policy with approval from the board for who is eligible for the rate, so we just need to update our policy to implement what was agreed to at the last meeting,” he said.

Historically, the board of supervisors has been very generous to local fire and rescue members through a two-tiered process, Warner explained. Volunteers previously had the vehicle license fee the county charged waived for them, but that fee was eliminated in 2022.

The second level of tax incentive is for active members who live in Powhatan and meet specific criteria of 37 points, which can be gathered through duty hours, participating in calls and training hours. Those volunteers are charged .001 for their personal property tax on the vehicle they use to respond to the stations.

Warner proposed an idea brought to his attention by commissioner of the revenue Jamie Timberlake. The proposal would have a reduced tax rate for eligible members on a roster. He recommended a 75% personal property tax rate for those members.

The qualifying factors of the current policy would continue to apply to the proposed policy. Based off the average personal property tax of $600 in Powhatan County, this would give each of the rostered volunteers a $150 tax reduction on average, Warner said. The number of volunteers eligible for this incentive will change annually. He forecasted 100 to 125 members could be included in this incentive, which would mean an estimated $15,000 to $20,000 annual implication for lost county revenue.

The board did not have any comments on the vote other than to thank volunteers for their service to the county.

Other business handled at the meeting included:

„ The board briefly discussed a request from the Powhatan Department of Social Services regarding the county’s GIS system.

The county operates both internal and external GIS systems. The external public system can be accessed on the county’s website.

Concern was raised by social services employees about allowing addresses to be looked up by the owner’s name. Virginia Code Section 18.2-186.4:1 only covers a “Public Official” which is defined in the code as any state or federal judge or justice, law enforcement officer, or attorney for the Commonwealth may have

their names redacted. It does not address removing names for any other public employees or citizens.

The concern raised was that the system could be used to track down the address of staff or citizens involved in contentious cases or disputes, such as social services workers or domestic violence situations, according to the board documents. Counties are not required to have a public GIS system and for those that do offer such service, nothing in State Code requires names be displayed in GIS.

The board discussed the issue of making a change but there was generally no support for the idea and it was not scheduled for future consideration.

„ There were six items on the consent agenda, which passed unanimously. Included among them were a few key items.

The board of supervisors directed staff at the Oct. 24, 2022, meeting to hire a consultant to update Powhatan County’s Compensation and Classification Plan. Staff researched cooperative procurement opportunities with consultants who provide these services. The county received two proposals for compensation and classification plan consulting services. After evaluating

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

On Dec. 11, Unity Community Church teamed up with the County Seat Restaurant and Gathering Place for the second “Gospel Brunch” in three months. This time the church was approached to present a “Christmas Gospel Brunch” with Amanda Joy Powell, The Byscuit Eater, The Unified Prayzers, and the Sounds of Thunder Praise Band to celebrate the Savior and his birth, plus unite the community. The food, fellowship and music could not have been better! Christmas, worship and praise, and gospel music filled the room. Boxes of Christmas toys were collected for the Powhatan Christmas Mother.

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

PHOTO BY LAURA MCFARLAND

Powhatan Fire and rescue Chief Phil Warner brings a proposal to the board to give a tax benefit to eligible volunteers as a retention tool.

RAS plans Saturday Under the Stars

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Saturday Under the Stars at Powhatan State Park will be hosted by the Richmond Astronomical Society throughout 2023.

Events are open to the public and held at the Equestrian/Trailhead parking area. Visitors are welcome to bring their telescopes and test them out under a dark sky with assistance from our astronomers. This is a great opportunity to try out a new telescope that might have been a holiday gift. No telescope is required, though. You can always check out the views through ours or just bring a comfortable chair.

Manger

From

cast has never faltered, through rain, sleet, snow, howling wind and freezing temperatures. In all those years there has been only a handful of times we had to cancel a showing.”

That dedication from the cast and the behind-the-scenes crew members who support them to tell this most important story is a huge part of why this production has lasted so long, Stokes said. All that bad weather he mentioned never once caused a cast member to back out of the production.

“I myself have said about five times over 42 years, ‘Hey, it is too bad out, we are not going out.’ But not once has a cast member ever said, ‘We are not going to do it. It is too cold, it is too hot, it is too rainy.’ Not once. That touches me greatly to know they have that much enthusiasm for it just like I do,” he said.

Nothing is better than standing under the stars sharing the story of Jesus’ birth with family, friends and strangers a few days before Christmas every year, said Leslie Lingenfelser, who has played the part of the angel speaking to the shepherds in the field since the very first performance, when she was in her early 20s. It is “the perfect place to stop and count your blessings and say thankful prayers.”

Even the few times she had to miss because of a family emergency, she was still present in a way because she voiced the part of the angel on the recording that recounts the story to spectators, said Lingenfelser, who comes from her home in Blacksburg every year to uphold the tradition.

“I miss everybody at the church and it is lovely. It is like a reunion every Christmas of all the people that I love at the church and that are here,” she said. “It is the most important part of Christmas – the whole point of it is to celebrate the birth of Christ. That is my favorite part and I am delighted to do it every year.”

Change has come incrementally to the Live Nativity through the years. The first Live Nativity had a small cast of three kings, three shepherds, a few angels and Mary and Joseph, Stokes said. The first show lasted 22 minutes with narration recorded on a cassette tape – later converting to CD in 1996.

“We have grown a bit since the early days. We now have over 30+ cast members and numerous folks who work behind the scenes to bring the miracle of the manger to Trenholm each year,” he said.

The cast for all 42 years has included sheep provided by Henry Paris, and Kenneth Hatcher’s Honkers has been the “Star Donkey” for years, he added.

The first site for the nativity was a small barn in a field behind the old store in Trenholm that also served as the post office. The store was the focal point of the community at one time and later became a private residence.

Years later, the nativity was moved to the field beside the old Muddy Creek school house and then later where it is now behind the church itself, Stokes said.

“In 2001, Lillie Mae Stratton suggested we take the Nativity to

both proposals, The Berkley Group was chosen due to their experience and references.

The budget impact listed on the documents was $60,000. The board documents included a proposal to update Powhatan County’s Compensation and Classification Plan for approximately 136 posi-

METROCREATIVE

Event times are listed below, but volunteer astronomers will be on

site before the event to provide telescope assistance. Note that the $5 park fee applies at all times; park fees are waived for volunteer astronomers who are sharing their expertise or equipment for the event and volunteer astronomers are welcome to continue to observe through the night after the public hours. Astronomers that can help with any of these events, send a message to president@richastro. org.

Upcoming dates are: 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 21 and Feb. 18; 7 to 9 p.m. April 22; 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. July 22; 8 to 10 p.m. Sept. 16; and 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 9.

Dance to benefit War Memorial Building

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Let’s dance the night away in honor of the War Memorial Cultural Arts and Community Center.

A dance will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7 at the War Memorial Cultural Arts and Community Center, 2375 Skaggs Road, in Powhatan.

The purpose of the dance is to raise funds for further ren -

ovations at the War Memorial Building and to raise awareness of its existence and availability.

Guests may enjoy hors d’oeuvres and mixers; this is a BYOB event. Music will be performed by The KOS Band.

Tickets are $25 per person ($50 per couple) and are available for purchase at https://wmcacc.org/ dance/ or by contacting Juanita Adams at jfadams1976@gmail.com.

Richmond.”

With 42 years’ worth of memories, it could be easy for one year to blur into another, but there are so many great memories, Stokes said. He remembers the first time he saw the production as a spectator – about two decades into the tradition – when he went to check on his daughter, who was acting as an angel and it had already started on his way back.

“It was very emotional to see it the first time as a spectator. Just so many different emotions came to me,” he said.

Debbie King of Powhatan, who has been in the nativity for about 15 years as an angel, actually discovered Muddy Creek through the show. Living nearby to the first site of the show, she heard a sound check one day, which led her to the nativity. The “general feel that the nativity gave me led me to Muddy Creek.” A few years later she joined the cast.

tions and 250 full-time and parttime employees.

The scope of the work listed in the proposal included project management, meetings with staff, a kickoff meeting with the board of supervisors, a review of existing documents, a job analysis of the 136 positions, job description updates, gathering market data via survey, analysis, and drafting and finishing a plan. This scope includes two presentations to the

“It is something I look forward to every year now. Of course in the first year you are very nervous –when do you raise your hands, how long are you going to stand there, when do you stand up – all of those angel rules that we have to follow. But now it would not be Christmas without being in the nativity. It has kind of become part of it,” she said.

The way King sees it, one of the reasons the production has lasted so long is because it is simple, “which is kind of like the gospel message.”

“It is simple and beautiful. It is not overly embellished,” she said. “It just tells the simple story in a way that is just beautiful, and there is something about the community of Powhatan and that feeling you get when you are all standing around a fire together right before the presentation. It just kind of encompasses what Powhatan is.”

The nativity is also very much a family tradition for many local families, some of whom currently have or have had multiple generations participating at once.

Lingenfelser’s angel is always accompanied by two young angels who stand on picnic tables to be seen. She was delighted as

board of supervisors. If additional meetings are desired, it will result in an additional fee ($1,500).

The consent agenda also included a resolution authorizing the county administrator to execute a project administration agreement with VDOT to make improvements to the Holly Hills Road and Route 60 intersection, and committing to funding the improvements. The board has identified adding a right turn lane on Route 60 for east-

she talked about all of the young children who have stood beside her in the field through the years, with some of them still involved as adults today, including some of her relatives. Her oldest son was once the “daredevil angel” who stood on the roof of the stable and this year her great-nephew took on the role for the first time.

When the first nativity was held, Stokes said his oldest daughter wasn’t even born yet. Now over time all of his children have been in it and all five of his grandchildren are in it.

“It is something that makes you proud but it is more meaningful because I know that they are seeing what Christmas is all about firsthand – not from afar, not the commercialism of it with the presents and trees,” he said. “They are seeing firsthand and taking part in something that Christmas is really about. That is what means so much to me is that they get to see and participate in what Christmas is all about.”

Kendall Tanaka of Powhatan, one of Stokes’ children, has been in every show since 1995 except for one when she had her son. Her brother and sister also have participated and her mother always helps behind the scenes. This year, Tanaka again played an an-

bound traffic turning into Holly Hills as a high priority.

The board had initially discussed this at their Feb. 2, 2022, workshop when the project had a preliminary estimate of $980,000, and committed to fund it at that cost with the use of CVTA funds, according to board documents.

Since that time staff has worked with VDOT to further develop the project and move it toward design and construction. The latest proj-

gel – although she has been Mary a few times – and was joined in the experience by 9-year-old daughter Ivy (angel) and 11-year-old son Kainoa (shepherd).

Tanaka said it has never crossed her mind to miss participating in such a long held family tradition, especially since it means so much to her dad.

“We were given roles when (my dad) felt like we were old enough to participate. It has just kind of become a tradition. My sister and I say every year it doesn’t feel like Christmas until the night of the nativity. It is just something we have always done,” she said.

But even beyond the family tradition, Tanaka loves that in a time when the hustle and bustle of the holidays tend to take over, the nativity “brings us back down to the basics of what we celebrate Christmas for.”

“Daddy says every year before we get started to always remember Christmas is about Jesus’ birth and we are here to share that message with whoever shows up. He always says it doesn’t matter if it is five people or 500, that we are doing it for the message of Jesus,” she said.

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

ect estimate puts the project cost at $2,337,394.

Staff has applied for RSTP funds to fund the additional cost. The outcome of the application for RSTP funds will not be known and approved by the Richmond TPO until later in the spring of 2023. VDOT has a draft agreement prepared to administer the project, but requires the board of supervisors commit to funding the project to move forward.

saturday under the stars at Powhatan state Park will be hosted by the richmond astronomical society throughout 2023.

Richmond. Donnie liked the idea, so we did,” Stokes said. “For a few hours one night in December The James Center was transformed into Bethlehem. It was quite a task to say the least. But that night by the grace of God MCBC brought Bethlehem to downtown

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MUDDY CREEK BAPTIST

Muddy Creek Baptist is a small country church located in rural Trenholm established in 1774. The members, families and friends have been coming together to perform the Live nativity for 42 years, most recently offering three showings on dec. 21.

Muddy Creek Baptist Church’s Live nativity has become a family affair for several local families, such as the stokes family: top row, Berkeley, Kendall, dennis stokes (nativity director), Lisa and Bo; bottom row, Woody, Ivy and Kai.

some of the angels in the Live nativity in 2022 were Grace Boatwright, Charlie Potter, sophia Huckaby and Laura Card.

This winter, be smart and stay safe

ROSLYN RYAN Richmond Suburban News

Ask me about the weather over the past few weeks, and I’ll be happy to offer a few descriptive phrases: Desperately cold. Insanely cold. Absurdly, ridiculously, mind-numbingly, lip-tinglingly, frozen-finger flippin’ cold. Yes, yes I know – the cold around here, despite dipping down into the single digits over the Christmas holiday, seemed like small potatoes compared to the weather that some places around the country were facing. We didn’t have to put up with driving snow or snarled traffic, and, as of yet, we have been spared the worst winter has to offer. Some of us may even, at least furtively, have begun looking ahead to those few welcome signs of spring.

Unfortunately, for those of us who are already dreaming of crocuses, winter is almost certainly not done with us. And even if, by the grace of God, we manage to make it to the month of May without a true winter wallop, there are still a number of precautions that will ensure that both people and pets stay safe in the cold.

Residents are strongly advised to stay off frozen ponds and parents are urged to remind their children about the dangers of frozen water. Dog owners should also be careful not throw sticks or balls onto the ice. Should a dog go onto the ice and get into difficulty, don’t attempt to carry out a rescue. If a pet or person gets in trouble on the ice on a frozen pond or lake, call 911 immediately.

A few more tips to bear in

mind, courtesy of the Red Cross:

Page 2A

„ All heaters need space. Keep children, pets and things that can burn (paper, matches, bedding, furniture, clothing, carpets, and rugs) at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.

If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs, carpets or near bedding

or drapes. Plug power cords directly into outlets — never into an extension cord.

„ Be careful when tackling strenuous tasks like shoveling snow in cold temperatures.

they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.

„ Stay off the roads whenever possible during inclement weather, and use extreme caution when traveling in snowy or icy conditions.

JIM RIDOLPHI Contributing Columnist

„ Check on your neighbors, especially elderly people living alone, people with disabilities and children.

„ Bring pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure

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It would be difficult to list the societal and cultural changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, but few would argue our lives were changed permanently from months of isolation, limited activities and untold hours alone in our homes.

Although I have no confirming information, I suspect that one of the most obvious impacts was on the takeout food service. It seems ordering online and picking up food to go has become more of the rule than the exception, and restaurants have adjusted menus to accommodate customers who prefer to gather their food and enjoy it in the comfort of their homes.

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As Powhatan residents have seen time and time again, our local fire-rescue personal are unmatched in their dedication

Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3 Email: paidnotices@timesdispatch.com Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue.

and will respond to calls for help no matter the time of day or night and regardless of the weather. Countless lives have been saved thanks to their commitment to serving Powhatan County. That said, the less we see of them at work the better. So please stay smart, stay warm and staff safe.

And cross your fingers for an early spring.

OBITUARY SUBMISSIONS

Small acts sometimes have the greatest impact

at several local establishments.

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As temperatures plunged last week and I needed a day off from cooking, I ordered from a local eatery and headed out to pick up my dinner. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one seeking refuge from the kitchen – the place was packed.

Customers crowded the takeout section of the restaurant, while the dining room was relatively empty, perhaps confirmation that America’s dining habits are changing.

I’m not sure why I was hesitant to use these services, although I did utilize takeout services during the pandemic by calling in an order and having it delivered to my car minutes later.

But, I soon conceded that online ordering was more efficient and user-friendly than I had anticipated, and now, I regularly order online and pick up food to go

A long row of chairs was placed along the wall to accommodate those waiting for orders, but they remained empty except for one gentleman, who sat nervously on the edge of his seat.

After periods of inactivity, the man would suddenly wave his arms as if he was speaking to a large group of people, but never uttering a sound.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Have an idea for a community news story? E-mail news tips to Laura McFarland at lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com or call at 804-363-1577.

ders. I turned to thank the person working behind the busy counter.

Do you have a news tip, story idea or photo to submit? E-mail Laura McFarland at lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com

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“Is he OK?” I asked shifting my eyes toward the man in the chair.

Have an idea for a community news story? E-mail news tips to Laura McFarland at lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com or call at 804-363-1577.

“He’s just in here getting warm,” the employee said. “I’m trying to let him stay as long as I can until someone complains.”

News tip, story idea, community events, photos, birth announcements, 40th anniversaries & above or 80-year-old birthday & above announcement submissions can be e-mailed to Lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com or call 804-363-1577

He wasn’t as old as he looked, evidenced by his frothy full head of white gray hair, and I was immediately intrigued by his actions.

There was no wait for my food, and it was sitting ready on a shelved unit marked Online Or-

wich and a cup of soup. When I reached for my wallet, the clerk said no payment was required, and he ordered the food.

send news items to Powhatan today e-mail: lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com or call 804-363-1577

I grabbed my bag and exited, heading to my car and eventually the comfort of my warm house, but something would not let me leave the parking lot.

I re-entered the restaurant and immediately took the seat beside the man.

“Hello there. How are you?” I asked him.

He replied with a big smile but no words. But, something in his eyes revealed a dignity not easily recognizable at first glance. I returned his gesture with a smile.

I thanked the counter person, waved goodbye to the man in the chair, and headed home. The takeout food was great, and I sat and thought of the man in the chair as I enjoyed it.

Powhatan Today, Month day, 2022 Advertise

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Make no mistake, my small act of kindness deserves no recognition and my gesture was uneventful in the general scheme of things; but, the plight of the man is important.

Call 746-1235 for details.

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“I’m going to get you something to eat. Is that OK? You stay warm and have a happy holiday,” I said patting him softly on his shoulder.

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The smile returned and he looked at me and nodded.

Call 746-1235 for details.

I headed back to the counter and told the employee that I would like to buy the man a sand-

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He, most likely, represents only one of America’s walking wounded who survive on the fringes living on the edge. I’m certainly not naïve enough to believe the problem can be solved by one specific act of kindness; or vain enough to pat myself on the back for a humane act I would expect from any of my fellow citizens. But regarding compassion, one-on-one is not a bad place to start, and as my Mother always advised, when it comes to kindness, you always receive more than you give.

Dear Editor, Once again I am amazed at the generosity of our community. The Walmart Pharmacy Angel Tree has been a part of the Christmas Mother program since we opened our doors in 2012. Over the years you have given so much and this year was no exception. The tags were hardly in place and the gifts came flooding in. Simple acts of kindness bring so much joy to those less fortunate and to witness the overwhelming response in itself brought me such joy. Thank you for helping to make a difference for so many people. Now that Christmas and New Year’s Day are in the rearview, mirror my wish is that we keep the spirit of Christmas alive all year. I was reading an article about Dolly Parton (one of my favorite people) where she expressed these sentiments about being kind to each other and ending the violence toward one another by working together to solve the problems of today. We can lend a hand, offer a kind word, talk it out, know we are all one, and remember smiles are free. As evidenced by the Angel Tree, when we work together we can make a difference. Peace to all.

News tip, story idea, community events, photos, birth announcements, 40th anniversaries & above or 80-year-old birthday & above announcement submissions can be e-mailed to Lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com or call 804-363-1577

It just might be contagious.

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS

Donna White Walmart Pharmacist (retired) Moseley

Deadline Friday following

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Got a email lmcfarland@ powhatantoday if it’s to important

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conversation. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/powhatantoday

Sincerely,

Fine Creek Volunteer Fire Department Company 4 held its Santa Runs for 2022 from Dec. 17 to 22. The big guy at the North Pole took time to visit good little boys and girls, adults and pets in some of the neighborhoods they serve to spread some Christmas cheer.

SEC Youth Tour applications open

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

High school juniors across Southside Electric Cooperative’s service area are encouraged to apply for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour as the trip heads back to the nation’s capital for a in June.

SEC will take several high school juniors on the June 1923 trip that will include visits to many of Washington, D.C.’s iconic sites and museums, a Nationals baseball game, a dinner cruise on the Potomac, a night at the theater and a day on Capitol Hill to meet legislators. SEC pays all the expenses for its students.

The deadline to apply for Youth Tour is Jan. 31, 2023.

Next summer’s Youth Tour will be the first trip to D.C. since 2019 due to the pandemic.

“It is going to be a fantastic week in our nation’s capital,” said Joy Stump, a community relations coordinator at SEC and one of the Cooperative’s chaperones. “We will experience all the excitement and fun of being in Washington, many of the popular attractions, wonderful restaurants and meeting members of Congress, plus getting to know students from all over the United States.”

EC’s delegation will join students representing electric cooperatives from other parts of Virginia, Maryland and Delaware along with participants from

across the nation to experience the sights and sounds of Washington, D.C.

Any high school junior who lives and attends school (or homeschool) in one of SEC’s 18 counties is eligible to apply. Students’ parents do not have to get electricity from SEC.

Students must fill out an application and submit a written essay of no more than 500 words explaining an issue they are interested in that could be discussed with a legislator. The application, complete rules and more information is available at sec.coop/ YouthTour.

Students and parents with questions about the trip should contact Stump at 434-645-3219 or joy.stump@sec.coop or SEC’s other community relations coordinator and chaperone, Mark Thomas, at 434-645- 3276 or mark.thomas@sec.coop.

Founded by local communities in 1937, Southside Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric- distribution cooperative that has more than 58,400 active services across 18 counties in central and southern Virginia. Headquartered in Crewe, SEC has district offices in Altavista, Crewe, Dinwiddie and Powhatan. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Wind

on

“Most weekend and holidays we see about half that many calls for service,” said Tom Nolan, director of public safety communications.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF COMPANY 4

PHOTO BY RENE HOLY

On dec. 30, 2022, Bill Melton was sworn in by Powhatan County Circuit Court Clerk Teresa dobbins as the newest republican representative on the Powhatan County electoral Board. His term began Jan. 1, 2023, and will expire on dec. 31, 2025. He joins existing members Frank Flannagan and nancy ayers.

MELTON SWORN IN AS ELECTORAL BOARD MEMBER

ranked as a major weather event.

“We were fully staffed and ready for this event. We brought our employees back from leave and were all hands-on-deck,” she said.

According to data provided by Powhatan County 911 Emergency Communications, from midnight

Dec. 23 to 12:01 a.m. Dec. 24,

there were 85 total incoming calls. Many were routine calls, with 21 calls for traffic hazards and three for power lines down.

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

From A1

PHOTO COURTESY OF DOMINION ENERGY dominion energy crews work to remove a downed tree off a power line caused by high winds on dec. 23.

In Year 2, Henderson continues to build his game

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

From the day he first stepped on the floor as a freshman, Matt Henderson has always had more responsibility than your typical first-year forward.

Playing with a team that relied on its perimeter game and largely center-less small ball, Henderson joined the Indians roster and was tasked with everything from defending centers down low, getting possessions where he’d run the offense and, in critical junctures, being the player with the ball in his hands with the game narrowing in on crunch time.

Now in his sophomore season and coming off a terrific football season as one of Powhatan’s de facto deep threats in the passing game, Henderson is getting just as much opportunity to lead

and be a relied on scoring presence on the basketball team.

He’s not treating it like anything new though.

“All the guys, we’re all friends and everyone gets along so there’s no hardships with leading the team,” Henderson said.

Henderson and the Indians, off to a 2-6 start under new head coach Brock Geiman, are still settling into a new offensive system predicated on more ball movement, less one-on-one attacks and shot selection based more on the flow of that ball movement and how the defense is reacting.

A change in style will always take time, but Henderson says the team is taking a page from the book of the Philadelphia 76ers’ famous “Trust the Process” motto that defined their rebuilding era

in the mid-2010s.

“That’s our big quote for the year is trusting the process,” he said. “I feel like we’re getting there, and each day is a great day. We’re competing hard in practice and making everyone better.”

The primary theme of trusting the process is patience, something Geiman has displayed with his team and something Henderson says he and his teammates have appreciated in the early parts of the season. Having a coach that can relate to his team and work with them through this adjustment period has been a big help in Powhatan competing during their first few games while still learning and developing together at the same time.

Aside from the team-based adjustments, Henderson is always working

on his own game as well. Playing with the AAU club Team Richmond from the spring into the summer, Henderson’s playing talented opposition when the Powhatan season ends while also working through different roles on Team Richmond, something that only adds to the versatility he’s already demonstrated at the high school level.

In the AAU circuit, Henderson taps more into the frontcourt experience he had in his freshman year at Powhatan, mostly setting up shop in the post and guarding bigs more often than he’s defending on the wings. It’s less ball handling and distributing than he’s used to with the Indians now, but it all cultivates into a balanced play style.

Looking ahead: what to watch for as the winter season restarts

After a few weeks off from their respective seasons, winter sports in Powhatan will be back up in full force with some entertaining matchups approaching on the calendar.

The Powhatan wrestling team will get back into things when it travels to Bristol, Tennessee for the highly anticipated Bill Brimer Brawl in the Hall on Jan. 6-7. The two-day tournament will be held at Viking Hall at Bristol Tennessee High School. The 33-team field will be a tough test for Powhatan’s top wrestlers, who will be taking on opponents across Tennessee and Virginia.

For the girls basketball team, who sits at 5-4 on the season and is coming off an impressive 5625 win over Caroline, matchups against Clover Hill, L.C. Bird and Cosby start the season back up as the Indians look to stay in the hunt for the top spots in the regional standings.

Their matchup against the Skyhawks will be a big one to watch, with L.C. Bird off to a 5-1 start to the season and looking like a true postseason. The Skyhawks recently demolished a solid Hermitage team (6-1) in a 54-23 game on Dec. 27 and will look to add to their three-game win streak.

The boys basketball team

looks to snap a five-game losing skid after two consecutive wins over George Wythe and Goochland, and the Indians will have that opportunity when they restart the season with a matchup on Jan. 4 against Clover Hill. The Cavaliers have struggled out of the gate thus far with just a 1-6 record.

Two days later, a date with the 5-3 Skyhawks awaits as another big test for the Indians.

After strong results at the Hawk Invite, the Powhatan swim team will also get back in the pool for its first competition back when it goes to SwimRVA for a Colonial Heights-hosted meet on Jan. 12.

STAFF REPORT

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Powhatan’s Corynn Lampman (pictured) and the Indians have a big matchup against the 5-1 L.C. Bird Skyhawks to kick off their post-break portion of the season.

FILE PHOTO

Powhatan sophomore Matt Henderson has been a go-to scoring option for the Indians in his second season.

The 2022 sports season in photos

The year 2022 has been as eventful time for sports in Powhatan, with notable star athletes and teams having outstanding performances throughout the year.

Many of those moments were captured on camera.

From Mitchell Johnson’s

historic title run in the VHSL Class 4 state championship to Faith Henderson’s appearance as a first team All-Metro honoree, there are plenty of moments to choose from, but these are the photos that encapsulate another special year for sports in Powhatan.

“Really, that versatility for me has been really helpful for either season,” he said.

Henderson’s preference

does include the ball being in his hands more on the wings though, where he can operate as a driver to the rim or push the ball in transition with his rim-running teammates.

With his two favorite players currently in the

often testing out their signature moves and applying them to practice shootarounds to see what might stick and come in handy in a live-game situation.

“I don’t really have a role model, but just watching basketball growing up, the flow and knowledge of the game comes pretty easy to me,” he said.

When it comes to the quintessential Matt Henderson play though, he points to his signature spin move on the drive. With a head of steam and a defender in front of him, Henderson’s drive to the right can often turn into a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it spin to his left that leaves a defender slow to react and gives the Powhatan sophomore a clear look in front of the hoop.

That play often gets opened up by his reputation as a knockdown shooter from the perimeter, forcing defenders to quickly decide whether to run him off the line and allow him to get to his spot at the rim off a drive or close out and hope he doesn’t kill them with his jumper.

What comes with that reputation as a scorer means more attention or game planning to account for Henderson, though it’s not something he’s ever worried too much about. He credits teammates like Jack DeBord and their own shooting talents with easing up the defensive attention thrown his way.

“I’d say there’s some more attention just from last year, but I don’t feel like it’s too much more,” he said. “Everyone really has their role on the team and we work well together so I don’t feel like the main target of every defense, but I can see some more attention coming my way compared to last year.”

With 14 games left on the season, Henderson is now firmly entrenched as one of the core members of the team that is tasked with closing out the season strong. It’s a big ask for the sophomore, but from the composure he’s displayed in the biggest moments of his young high school career, you’ll likely never see him display much concern on the matter.

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

STAFF REPORT

Powhatan wrestler Mitchell Johnson (left) and dominion’s Jimenez Jacob fall to the ground after Johnson’s multi-overtime win in the 195-pound championship at the VhsL Class 4 wrestling championships.

FILE PHOTOS

SHABAN ATHUMAN , TIMES-DISPATCH

Left to right: saint Gertrude’s erin Woodson, thomas dale’s nylah Wilson (below), James river’s Lanie Grant (above) and Powhatan’s Faith henderson were named to the 2022 allMetro first team.

Powhatan soccer player Parker sloan leads his teammates in celebration after a goal in the region 4B championship game against Chancellor.

Powhatan pitcher Madalyn Johnson (left) celebrates with teammate emma Phillips after a 2-1 win over Clover hill.

Powhatan wide receiver Matt henderson stiff arms a George Wythe defender in the team’s 51-16 win.

Powhatan sprinter Mayson Jenkins competes in the 4x400 relay at Powhatan’s senior night district competition on april 22, 2022.

NBA being forwards Jayson Tatum and Giannis Antetokounmpo, both of whom have carved out illustrious careers in part because of their ability to creatively get to the paint, Henderson looks to those players as guides to his own skillset,

Why ‘Keyhole’ could be perfect garden design

VIRGINIA MCCOWN Contributing Writer

In “The Poisonwood Bi-

ble” by Virginia writer

Barbara Kingsolver, we read how the character Mama Tataba was doing what Africans have been doing for generations – vegetable gardening by “hilling” or building mounds. Mama Tataba understood that even after months of drought, the rainy season would return just like it always did. Priceless seeds grown in mounds of soil would be preserved when the rains arrived. If spared by flooding, they would thrive.

Did raised bed gardening originate in Africa? Yes, I believe it did. I’ve read several versions of the origin of the keyhole garden. Most claim it came from Africa. Some give credit to the Christian missionaries. I believe it came about as a happy collaboration of several cultures and traditions – as well as by an added pinch of science.

What is a Keyhole Garden?

About as close to a near-perfect gardening system as you can get, it’s essentially self-sufficient. It provides its own fertilizer through self-composting. It conserves water. If you’re older, have a disability or are very young, the keyhole garden is compact, productive and accessible. The garden design even meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

To visualize it, imagine this circular garden as a timeworn keyhole using an old fashioned skeleton key. Kits can be bought online, but a keyhole garden can be created at home using bricks and other easily found supplies.

The Keyhole design

The original or traditional design is a raised circular garden with a wedge cutout. The wedge provides easy ingress and egress to the center of the garden where a cage or perforated container acts as a composter. The raised bed promotes adequate drainage in a boggy area – or an area prone to flooding or monsoons.

By watering the keyhole garden in the middle or into its compost bin, the water will drain into the compost and then spread the nutrients into the outer sections of the garden.

Field stones are generally the most available resource, but bricks, cement blocks, hay bales and even fencing materials can be used as long as the materials used are sturdy enough to support the soil. Keyhole

gardens are generally small – or 6 feet in diameter – but the size can be altered to fit the user’s needs.

Location is important

When beginning, choose an area of your yard that’s not the show piece. For most of us, that would be a back or side yard. It should be sunny all day, if you intend on growing vegetables. The garden should be level or at only a slight incline.

Interest in keyhole gardening was renewed shortly before the pandemic hit. Many gardeners considered it but that’s as far as it went. On the other hand, Goochland-Powhatan Master Gardener Claudia Muelhaupt actually went forward and built a keyhole garden. I recently had the opportunity to talk with

her about her experience.

Q: When did you start your keyhole garden?

Claudia: My husband and I built our keyhole garden during the summer of 2018. My husband made sure it was leveled correctly, and we filled it with garden soil. We allowed the garden to sit until the following spring. We only started up and fed the composter. We chose a trash can for the composter.

Q: What materials did you use?

Claudia: We used bricks for the walls. We haven’t had any leaking or critter problems—only deer!

Q: Are you pleased with your vegetable yields?

Claudia: In 2019, I planted tomatoes, but it was a disaster thanks to the deer. In 2020, I planted peppers and basil. The harvest was okay. A cover crop was sown and overwintered between 2020 and 2021. In 2021, I planted tomatoes with great results. In 2022, I planted peppers and cucumbers. The cucumbers

did great but the peppers were only okay.

I believe it takes two to three years for the keyhole garden to deliver great results.

Q: If you could, would you do anything differently?

Claudia: I would’ve chosen a sunnier location. My keyhole garden has afternoon shade.

Q: We see kits as well as articles online that show non-cylindrical keyhole gardens. Would you recommend building a square shape or a circular shape? Or does it matter at all?

Claudia: I like my keyhole garden. Build it with whatever materials or shape that suits you.

What is compost and how do I make it?

Compost is a cornucopia of organic matter. Mixed together and left to fester along with plenty of moisture, heat and air, kitchen scraps can be turned to what some call “black gold.” The keyhole garden

enables its user to recycle many of the discarded peelings back into the garden as a soil amendment and nutrient. It’s easy and it’s cheap.

Compost is created by placing layers or tiers of organic matter between layers of soil. Compost is considered “done” when the matter has broken down into pieces small enough to use easily.

Materials to use:

„ Autumn leaves

„ Grass clippings

„ Non-animal kitchen scraps such as fruit and vegetable peelings

„ Eggshells

„ Coffee grinds and used tea bags

„ Fallen fruit

Materials to avoid:

„ Annual and perennial weeds which may contain seeds or roots

„ Diseased crops

„ Corncobs and citrus rinds

„ Animal kitchen scraps as they may attract vermin and other pests

„ Grass clippings or other plant matter containing herbicides

„ Coal and charcoal ashes, which may have contained toxic materials

For more reading:

„ All You Need to Know About Keyhole Gardening by Glenda Taylor, 2021 https://www.bobvila.com/ articles/keyhole-gardening

„ How to Make a Keyhole Garden: The Ultimate Raised Bed by Elizabeth Waddington, 2022 https:// ruralsprout.com/keyhole-garden/

„ Keyhole Gardening, the Germinator by M. Brown, 2013 http://www. extension.iastate.edu

Virginia McCown is a master gardener and master food volunteer living in Central Virginia along with her garden and assorted creatures both great and small.

21 Sagittarius, people are expecting much of you this week, especially higher-ups at work. You may need to find the motivation to keep going. The end result will be worth it.

CAPRICORN • Dec 22/Jan 20 Family time is a hot commodity for you right now, Capricorn. Even after the holidays, you have a few other events on the calendar that will bring relatives together.

AQUARIUS • Jan 21/Feb 18

It can be difficult to let things go and trust other people. However, the free time that you’ll get will enable you to tackle other items on your todo list, Aquarius.

PISCES • Feb 19/Mar 20 If you are thinking about going back to school or learning a new skill, this is the time to do it, Pisces. Start shopping around for programs.

CLAUDIA MUELHAUPT PHOTOS

In a keyhole garden, named for the similarity of its shape to an old-fashioned key slot, a source of nutrient-rich compost is placed in the center. the cutout helps gardeners access the container.

Keyhole gardens like this one produce the best harvest when located in areas that receive full sun.

VIRGINIA:INTHECIRCUITCOURTOFTHE

COUNTYOFPOWHATAN

COUNTYOFPOWHATAN,VIRGINIA, aPoliticalSubdivisionoftheCommonwealth ofVirginia, Complainant, v. GUSMICHAUX,ETAL, Respondent(s). CaseNo.CL22-742

ORDEROFPUBLICATION

Theobjectofthissuitistoenforcethelienof theComplainant,CountyofPowhatan,Virginia,fordelinquentrealestatetaxesagainstcertainrealpropertylocatedintheCountyof Powhatan,Virginia,describedasfollows:

TaxMapNo.024-19 AccountNo.2147

Allofthatonecertaintractorparcelofland, togetherwiththeimprovementsthereonand appurtenancesthereuntobelonging,lyingand beinginHarrisDistrict,PowhatanCounty,Virginia,containing6.0acres,moreorless,and bearingthedesignationTaxMapNo.024-19, referencetoCountyrecordisherebymadefor amorefulldescriptionoftheproperty. AndbeingthesamepropertyconveyedtoGus andElizaMichauxfromWileyandAdaYoung byDeeddatedFebruary6,1905,andrecorded intheClerk’sOfficeoftheCircuitCourtof PowhatanCounty,VirginiaonFebruary8,1905 inDeedBook32atPage338.

Thisdescriptionismadesubjecttoalleasements,conditions,agreements,restrictions, andreservationsofrecordwhichaffectthe propertyhereindescribed.

ITAPPEARINGthatanAffidavithasbeenmade andfiledstatingthatduediligencehasbeen used,withouteffect,toascertaintheidentity andlocationofcertainpartiestobeserved, thatthelastknownaddressesfortheRespondentshereinareasfollows:GusMichaux, whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselast knownaddressisunknown;TaxMapNumber 024-19;AccountNumber2147whoselast knownaddressisunknown;ElizaDean Michaux,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedand whoselastknownaddressisunknown;Mary Michaux,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedand whoselastknownaddressisunknown;Rosa Michaux,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedand whoselastknownaddressisunknown;Martha Michaux,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedand whoselastknownaddressisunknown;MonroePalmer,whoisbelievedtobedeceased andwhoselastknownaddressisunknown; SylviaMichaux,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselastknownaddressisunknown;WinstonTinsley,whoisbelievedtobe deceasedandwhoselastknownaddressisunknown;MatthewTinsley,whoisbelievedtobe deceasedandwhoselastknown addressisunknown;GustavusMichaux,whoisbelievedto bedeceasedandwhoselastknownaddressis unknown;EdwardMichaux,whoisbelievedto bedeceasedandwhoselastknownaddressis unknown;MariaRandolphMichaux,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselastknown addressisunknown;GeorgeEdwardMichaux, whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselast knownaddressisunknown;MariaMichaux, whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselast knownaddressisunknown;AnnaMichaux Heyliger,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedand whoselastknownaddressisunknown;WilliamHeyliger,whoisbelievedtobedeceased andwhoselastknownaddressisunknown; PlummerMichaux,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselastknownaddressisunknown;MarthaHenryMichaux,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselastknown addressisunknown;AnnaMichaux,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselastknown addressisunknown;PeytonWashington,who isbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselast knownaddressisunknown;PeytonWashingtonJr.,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedand whoselastknownaddressisunknown;BeatriceWashingtonHalls,whoisbelievedtobe deceasedandwhoselastknownaddressisunknown;SilasHalls,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselastknownaddressisunknown;LillianJamesWashington,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselastknown addressisunknown;JohnJames,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselastknown addressisunknown;SallieMichaux,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselastknown addressisunknown;MarshallWilliams,whois believedtobedeceasedandwhoselastknown addressisunknown;AnnaL.Williams,whois believedtobedeceasedandwhoselastknown addressisunknown;EvaWilliams,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselastknown addressisunknown;MontgomeryWilliams, whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselast knownaddressisunknown;ArthurWilliams, whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselast knownaddressisunknown;StephenMichaux, whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselast knownaddressisunknown;NelliePittman Michaux,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedand whoselastknownaddressisunknown;StephenMichauxJr.,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselastknownaddressisunknown;VirginiaMichaux,whoisbelievedtobe deceasedandwhoselastknownaddressisunknown;HarveyL.MichauxSr.,whoisbelieved tobedeceasedandwhoselastknownaddress isunknown;AlbertaCabinessMichaux,whois believedtobedeceasedandwhoselastknown addressisunknown;HarveyL.MichauxJr., whoselastknownaddressis1315 TStreet, Richmond,Virginia23223;SamuelMichaux, whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselast knownaddressisunknown;MarieBartley Michaux,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedand whoselastknownaddressisunknown;Gloria MichauxTrent,whoselastknownaddressis 2700BallsvilleRoad,Powhatan,Virginia 23139;FredArcherMichaux,whoisbelievedto bedeceasedandwhoselastknownaddressis unknown;ElizabethThorntonMichaux,whois believedtobedeceasedandwhoselastknown addressisunknown;ArcherMichaux,whois believedtobedeceasedandwhoselastknown addressisunknown;MaryLouiseBirch Michaux,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedand whoselastknownaddressisunknown;Emma Michaux,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedand whoselastknownaddressisunknown;AndrewMichaux,whoisbelievedtobedeceased andwhoselastknownaddressisunknown; AnthonyMichaux,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselastknownaddressisunknown;MinnieMichaux,whoisbelievedtobe deceasedandwhoselastknownaddressisunknown;LillianMichaux,whoisbelievedtobe deceasedandwhoselastknownaddressisunknown;MiltonSims,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselastknownaddressisunknown;BeatriceSims,whoisbelievedtobe deceasedandwhoselastknownaddressisunknown;WalterC.Sims,whoisbelievedtobe deceasedandwhoselastknownaddressisunknown;SylvesterC.Sims,whoisbelievedto bedeceasedandwhoselastknownaddressis unknown;BeverlySims,whoisbelievedtobe deceasedandwhoselastknownaddressisunknown;MaryL.SimsHarris,whoisbelievedto bedeceasedandwhoselastknownaddressis unknown;DorisJollySims,whoisbelievedto bedeceasedandwhoselastknownaddressis unknown;GarySims,whoisbelievedtobedeceasedandwhoselastknownaddressisunknown;andthatanyofficers,heirs,devisees, andsuccessorsintitleoftheRespondent namedhereinaremadepartiesRespondentto thisactionindividuallyand/orbythegeneral descriptionofPartiesUnknown,itishereby ORDERED thatthepartieshereinandallPartiesUnknownand/orwhoselocationcannot beascertainedappearonorbefore January27, 2023 intheClerk’sOfficeoftheCircuitCourtof theCountyofPowhatan,Virginia,anddowhat maybenecessarytoprotecttheirinterestsin

within15daysfromdateofsale.Nopersonal checksaccepted.Saleissubjecttopostsale confirmationandauditofthestatusofthe loanincluding,butnotlimitedto,determinationofwhethertheborrowerfiledforandobtainedbankruptcyprotection,enteredintoany repaymentagreement,reinstatedorpaidoff theloanpriorto thesale.Inanysuchevent,or iftrusteeisunabletocompletethesale,orifit issetasideornotfullycompletedforanyreasonexceptpurchaser’sdefault,thesaleshall benullandvoid,andthepurchaser’ssoleremedy,inlaworequity,shallbethereturnofthe depositwithoutinterest.Uponpurchaser’sdefault,thedepositshallbeforfeitedandthe propertyresoldattheriskandcostsofthe defaultingpurchaser.Saleissubjecttoallpriorliens,easements,restrictions,covenants, reservationsandconditions,ifany,ofrecord, aswellasinchoateliensandanyothermatterswhichwouldbedisclosedbyanaccurate surveyorinspectionofthepremises.Realestatetaxeswillbeadjustedtothedateofsale. Allcostsofconveyance,deed,examinationof title,recordingcharges,grantor’staxandpossessionwillbeattheexpenseofthepurchaser.Allrisksofcasualtyimmediatelypassto thesuccessfulbidder.Timeisoftheessence. Winningbiddermustsign amemorandumof saleimmediatelyuponcompletionofsale.Additionaltermsmaybeannouncedatthetime ofsale.Trustee’saffidavitand acopyofthe noticeofsaleavailableattheforeclosuresale. Theopeningbidisnotannounceduntilthe sale.Currentsalestatusavailableat dolanreid.com/foreclosure-sales.THISISA COMMUNICATIONFROM ADEBTCOLLECTOR. ANYINFORMATIONOBTAINEDWILLBEUSED FORTHATPURPOSE.

ForInformationContact: DolanReidPLLC,SubstituteTrustee(s) 12610PatrickHenryDr.,Ste.C, NewportNews,VA23602;(757)320-0255 PublishOn:December28,2022 &January4, 2023

cuitCourtfortheCountyofPowhatanonJanuary12,2023,at10:00a.m.,thepropertylocated attheaboveaddressanddescribedasLot3, SectionB,FoxrestatIndianFields,Countyof Powhatan.TERMS:CASH.PROPERTYSOLD ASISWITHSPECIALWARRANTYOFTITLE.A depositof$15,000.00or10%ofthesuccessful bidamount(whicheverislower)willberequiredimmediatelyofthesuccessfulbidder,in cashier’scheckorcertifiedfundsonlypayable toorsignedoverto"DOLANREIDPLLC,TRUSTEE",balanceduewithin15daysfromdateof sale.Nopersonalchecksaccepted.Saleis subjecttopostsaleconfirmationandauditof thestatusoftheloanincluding,butnotlimited to,determinationofwhethertheborrower filedforandobtainedbankruptcyprotection, enteredintoanyrepaymentagreement,reinstatedorpaidofftheloanpriortothesale.In anysuchevent,oriftrusteeisunabletocompletethesale,orifitissetasideornotfully completedforanyreasonexceptpurchaser’s default,thesaleshallbenullandvoid,andthe purchaser’ssoleremedy,inlaworequity,shall bethereturnofthedepositwithoutinterest. Uponpurchaser’sdefault,thedepositshallbe forfeitedandthepropertyresoldattherisk andcostsofthedefaultingpurchaser.Saleis subjecttoallpriorliens,easements,restrictions,covenants,reservationsandconditions, ifany,ofrecord,aswellasinchoateliensand anyothermatterswhichwouldbedisclosed byanaccuratesurveyorinspectionofthe premises.Realestatetaxeswillbeadjustedto thedateofsale.Allcostsofconveyance, deed,examinationoftitle,recordingcharges, grantor’staxandpossessionwillbeattheexpenseofthepurchaser.Allrisksofcasualty immediatelypasstothesuccessfulbidder. Timeisoftheessence.Winningbiddermust sign amemorandumofsaleimmediatelyupon completionofsale.Additionaltermsmaybe announcedatthetimeofsale.Trustee’saffidavitand acopyofthenoticeofsaleavailable attheforeclosuresale.Theopeningbidisnot announceduntilthesale.Currentsalestatus availableatdolanreid.com/foreclosure-sales. THISIS ACOMMUNICATIONFROM ADEBT COLLECTOR.ANYINFORMATIONOBTAINED WILLBEUSEDFORTHATPURPOSE.

ForInformationContact: DolanReidPLLC,SubstituteTrustee(s) 12610PatrickHenryDr.,Ste.C, NewportNews,VA23602;(757)320-0255 PublishOn:December28,2022 &January4, 2023

Homes forSale

RealEstate Policy All realestateadvertisedhereinissubjectto theVirginia FairHousingLaw, whichmakesit illegaltoadvertise“any preference,limitation ordiscrimination based on race,color, religion, nationalorigin,sex,elderliness,familialstatus,orhandicap.” We willnotknowingly acceptanyadvertising for realestatethatis inviolationofthelaw. Allpersonsarehereby informedthatallthe dwellingsadvertisedare availableonanequal opportunity basis.

HOMES FOR SALE