[New] 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. 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.

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

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

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 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. 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

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.

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.

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 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. 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.

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.

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.

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. 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. 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.