Powhatan Today –01/25/2023

Chamber of Commerce celebrates 35 years

LAURA MCFARLAND

Managing Editor

POWHATAN – Moving forward in 2023, the word the Powhatan Chamber of Commerce leadership most wants to define the year is connection.

Connecting with fellow business people and the community is what Teresa Melton, president of the Powhatan Chamber Board of Directors, said she wants to drive the year ahead for members as individuals and businesses.

“My vision is that we are going to connect with each other and more people in the community, grow our businesses in the community and surrounding areas, and just be relational and help each other grow,” Melton said Thursday, Jan. 19 at the Chamber’s annual celebration.

Dozens of local business people attended the annual event held at new local business Classic Granite and Marble. The event was special this year both because 2023 marks the 35th anniversary of the Powhatan Chamber of Commerce and because it honored three individuals for their service above self.

The biggest award given out at the annual meeting was the 2023 Kathy Budner Award of

Late comeback spoiled by buzzerbeating three

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

PCPS highlights internet safety measures, tips

LAURA MCFARLAND

Managing Editor

POWHATAN – Powhatan County Public Schools (PCPS) turned its focus on internet safety again last week with a panel discussion held by staff members and the sheriff’s office.

The purpose of the hour-long panel held Jan. 19 was to discuss how PCPS and community partners are promoting internet safety and digital citizenship. A panel of five people responded to questions from the public regarding the school’s practices and precautions as well as offering tips on things parents can do to keep their youth safe.

The panel consisted of Amanda Henley, computer resource teacher at Powhatan Elementary; Jill Dewey, first grade teacher at Flat Rock Elementary; Jeff Durrett, director of technology for PCPS; Detective Sgt. Austin Schwartz, Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office; and Tom Sulzer, principal of Pocahontas Elementary. The panel followed a Q&A format, touching on a wide variety of topics raised by the audience throughout the hour. The internet safety panel was streamed live and is available in its entirety on the school division’s Youtube channel.

Some of the topics the panel discussed included:

„ Parental controls available to PCPS families: Durrett highlighted a tool he first introduced to the community last fall. Powhatan Middle School successfully piloted a new internet filtering program called Blocksi last year. The product offers more comprehensive web filters and parental controls than the existing web filter. The program will be implemented divisionwide in the next school year but will have further pilots at Powhatan High School in February and the elementary schools in late spring.

Schwartz talked about devices parents can use at home that connect through the routers to allow them to monitor activity and screen time on devices. He mentioned paid services such as Circle and Bark and free parent controls offered by most internet service providers.

Dewey pointed out the benefit of using parental controls to put a phone to sleep for certain hours to limit screen time and the possibility of children using them into the night.

„ Identifying and blocking websites: Until the end of this

Excellence, which went to former chamber executive director Angie Cabell. She was the 14th recipient of the award, named in honor of the chamber’s first

executive director, which is given to a member who has demonstrated a selfless contribution

PHOTOS BY LAURA MCFARLAND

Classic Granite and Marble owner Tony Kilic welcomes Powhatan Chamber of Commerce members to his facility for

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25

Lonesome d ove e quest rian Center, which is located at 6137 Old Buckingham road, provides year-round therapeutic horseback riding exclusively for veterans with special needs and disabilities. Focusing on veterans in Central Virginia, the goal of this program is to improve the quality of life for the participants through activities that are positive to their cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being. as of Jan. 1, 2021, the program is also welcoming first responders to come ride with the program. From January through March, volunteers are asked to arrive at 10 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 11 a.m. upcoming dates are: Jan. 25; Feb. 7, 14 and 22; March 7, 14 and 22. From april through september, volunteers are asked to arrive at 9 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 10 a.m. upcoming dates are: april 4, 18 and 26; May 2, 16 and 24; June 6, 20 and 28; July 11, 18 and 26; aug. 1, 15 and 23; sept. 12, 19 and 27. From October through november, volunteers are asked to arrive at 10 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 11 a.m. upcoming dates are: Oct. 3, 17 and 25; nov. 7, 14 and 29.

There are no sessions in december. LdeC is able to provide a variety of services to the veterans because of dedicated volunteers. Those who would like to help and have fun at the same time are asked to consider becoming a member of one of these teams. For more information about Lonesome dove, visit http://ldequestrian. com/ or contact 804-356-6327.

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. upcoming programs are: Jan. 25, HumbleBee Project. This ongoing project is featured monthly. n o-sew anti-pill fleece blankets are created and tagged which offers opportunity to socialize while doing good for others. Completed blankets are taken to Children’s Hospital of richmond at VCu and given to pediatric inpatients adjusting to the demands of their medical care and treatments; Jan. 26, Game day; Jan. 31 – Learn digital Book options and app use from Powhatan Library staff. any technology-related class, you’re welcome to bring your own device, although that’s not required for learning. 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

Powhatan Middle School students engage in Health Labs

Health and P.E. teacher

Libby Acampora’s students have been engaging in Health Labs. So far they’ve learned about the respiratory system with a balloon lung model. In the last two weeks, students continued to learn about nutrition in a fat food lab (using food samples and comparing translucency on paper) as well as a sugar buzz lab which

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on saturdays. Meeting rooms are available by reservation; study rooms are available first come, first served.

The library offers e-books through Overdrive and materials to borrow in person or by using Books to Go. With Books to Go, patrons may reserve print materials, dVds, and audiobooks 24/7 online at www. powhatanlibrary or by phone during open hours at 804-598-5670; once the patron is notified that their order is ready, they have three days to pick it up at the to-go shelf.

The outdoor library book drop is open 24/7 for returning library items; however, patrons must return mobile hotspots to the circulation desk inside the library. The library accepts donations and the Friends of the Library bookstore is open during library business hours. Visit www.powhatanlibrary.net or call the library at 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 story Time on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Participants will read stories, sing songs, learn finger plays and more! story Time generally meets in front of the fireplace, and occasionally in our outdoor space. Business network International (BnI) Powhatan chapter meets virtually from 8 to 9:30 a.m. ever y 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 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. 26

Just Kids, an affordable clothing shop selling gently used children’s clothes, sizes newborn to 8 plus, and warm coats, is open. The store is 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.

Graceland Baptist Church, 975 dorset road, holds a community meal called at the Table at 5:30 p.m. on the four th

compares the absorption rate of sugar vs. starches in the bloodstream. In each lab, students collaborate with a group of their choice, understand the lab steps, complete the lab and report results using a Google form (hypothesis, steps, results and conclusion). It’s been so much fun using information students learn in science about labs and using it in Health. Acampora said she has enjoyed using more hands-on learning in Health. In the future, she plans to sign up for the STEM lab to conduct the labs.

Thursday of each month. Come enjoy a homecooked meal, a brief Jesus story, fellowship, and music. all are welcome. extension specialists and industry experts share timely topics for farmers in the Virginia Cooperative extension ag Today held virtually at 9 a.m. ever y 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 VC e webpage and youTube video recordings can be found at https://www.youtube.com/ playlist?list=PL7_2QuVzrPXdpysV2Hy11CH8KBrluifyO. Contact stephanie romelczyk (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.

Mill Quarter republican Woman’s Club (MQrWC) will meet on the fourth Thursday of the month at Italian delight restaurant, 1795 south Creek One, Powhatan. Fellowship begins at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7 p.m. The organization meets the fourth Thursday of every month unless otherwise advertised in the Community Calendar or MQrWC’s Facebook page. MQWrC is an active group and interested in expanding. Visitors are always welcome. The original Powhatan aa meets from 7 to 8 p.m. every Thursday in the Powhatan Village Building. The Powhatan rotary Club meets at 7:30 a.m. every Thursday at the County seat restaurant.

FRIDAY, JAN. 27

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.

SATURDAY, JAN. 28

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.

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.

MONDAY, JAN. 30

a Powhatan Hope n arcotics a nonymous ( na ) meeting will be held from

Area students named to Bridgewater College’s Fall 2022 Dean’s List

BRIDGEWATER, VA –

Nearly 550 students at Bridgewater College were named to the Fall 2022 Dean’s List, which was announced by provost and executive vice president Dr. Leona A. Sevick. Students on the Dean’s List have attained a 3.4 or better grade point average out of a possible 4.0.

Students from your area on Bridgewater College’s Fall 2022 Dean’s List include:

Isabelle Bauer of Moseley, a digital media arts major at Bridgewater.

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. 31

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, 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.

Powhatan a nti-Litter Council ( a LC) and yard Works 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. 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, 2023. Hours for tree drop-offs 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.

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 week next June. seC will take several high school juniors on the June 19-23 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. This summer’s youth Tour will be the first trip to d.C. since 2019 due to the pandemic. seC’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

Bridgewater. Bridgewater College is a private, four-year liberal arts college located in the Central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Founded in 1880, it was the state’s first private, coeducational college. Today, Bridgewater College is home to approximately 1,450 students.

Isabelle Torrijos named to the Dean’s List at Lehigh University

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.

The new Bridge of reason aa meeting is held at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at Powhatan Mennonite Church, 3549 Old Buckingham road, Powhatan. It is an open, decision and literature meeting for Powhatan, Goochland, and Cumberland counties. aa meets at 8 p.m. every Tuesday at st. Luke’s episcopal Church on Huguenot Trail.

UPCOMING

Girl scout Troop 3029 is helping the Huguenot Volunteer Fire 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 804467-4313 or Ljbal65@aol.com. aarP Tax-aide volunteers will be offering free tax return preparation again this year at the Powhatan County Public Library. due to COVId-19 restrictions last year, volunteers were only able to provide drop-off services for most of the season. However, this year, the plan is to return to face-to-face appointments. Tax preparation appointments can be made online beginning Jan. 25, 2023, through a link on the Powhatan Library website. To better manage appointments, volunteers will only be opening a few appointment days at a time. additional appointment times will be added as earlier times are filled. Make an appointment only once you have received all your tax documents. When you come to your appointment, bring the following items: prior year tax return; social security cards for everyone on the tax return and drivers photo Id to confirm your identity; all your tax documents; and copy of a voided check for direct deposit of any tax refund. Free tax return preparation appointments will be in the large conference room of the Powhatan Library between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday beginning Wednesday, Feb. 1 through Friday, april 14, 2023.

Please see CALENDAR, Page A7

Southern New Hampshire announces fall2022 academic list honors

MANCHESTER, NH –Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) recently recognized several local students on being named to the Fall 2022 Dean’s List and President’s List. The fall terms run from September to December.

Parrish of Powhatan were named to the President’s List.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution with a 90-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 170,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs.

Molly Ecroyd of Moseley, a health and exercise science major at Bridgewater.

Katelyn Seagraves of Moseley, a health and exercise science major at Bridgewater. Brandon Washburn of Powhatan, a computer science major at Bridgewater.

Jordan Wise of Moseley, a biology major at

BETHLEHEM, PA –Dean’s List status, which is awarded to students who earned a scholastic average of 3.6 or better while carrying at least 12 hours of regularly graded courses, has been granted to Isabelle Torrijos in the Fall 2022 semester.

For more than 150 years, Lehigh University has combined outstanding academic and learning opportunities with leadership in fostering innovative research. The institution is among the nation’s most selective, highly ranked private research universities.

Emily Georges named to Belmont University

Dean’s List

Bella

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Ifyouwouldliketohelptheanimals inourcare,youcandosobydonatingtoour medicalfundatClawsandPaws, 4313AndersonHwy.,Powhatan,VA23139

PowhatanSheriff’sOffice|DivisionOfAnimalControl Phone:804-598-5672|Fax:804-598-5109

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email:mwall@timesdispatch.com 8460TimesDispatchBlvd., Mechanicsville,VA23116

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer. Christopher Davis of Powhatan was named to the Dean’s List.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired eight-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer. Jacob Stokes of Moseley, Niajhe Ly-Mcdougald of Powhatan and Hannah

Powhatan Post Office (George T)

NASHVILLE, TN – Belmont has announced the list of students recognized on the Dean’s List for the Fall 2022 semester. Of the approximately 52% of Belmont’s 7,100 undergraduate students who qualified for the Fall 2022 Dean’s List, Emily Georges of Moseley was listed.

Dean’s List eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C. Located 2 miles from downtown Nashville, Tennessee, Belmont University comprises nearly 9,000 students from every state and 33 countries.

STUDENT CORNER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF POWHATAN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Powhatan County Public Schools is constantly challenging and engaging its students in exciting ways. These are a few snapshots of some of the division’s awesome recent activities, projects and lessons.

Powhatan elementary school recently recognized its december students of the Month. In addition to the recognition within the school building, students of the Month can proudly display a yard sign, delivered by Powhatan elementar y staff, in their front yard for several weeks.

raquel Iga is a wonderful Powhatan

High school student doing amazing things to help people in the Powhatan community. she started an allergy-friendly section in one of Powhatan’s food pantries. she has been advocating and fundraising to make this happen for at least a year. Last year the KInd club helped her raise money for her to buy food supplies to stock the allergy-friendly section. she recently went shopping with the funds and was able to purchase many items to stock the pantry. The school division applauds Iga for seeing a need, finding a solution and following through to help others.

house at the Jan. 17 performance

Sidecar Cocktail Lounge opens at Winterfield

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

A new cocktail lounge concept is coming to Midlothian in February. Located on the corner of Winterfield and Robious roads, Sidecar Cocktail Lounge will feature a rum forward twist to the traditional cocktail bar.

Sidecar Cocktail Lounge will sweep you away from suburbs into the warm, breezy and whimsical streets of mid-century Miami. Sidecar will embody the vibe and energy of bygone times when the sun was always shining, and the rum flowed freely. The beverage menu will span from recognizable classics to island inspired creations with a bold yet playful food menu to match. Although it will be rum-forward, you can expect to see a curated spirits list including hard-to-find bourbons and tequilas.

Sidecar is located next to Toast, New American Gastropub and will share its kitchen. Restaurateurs Jes-

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO a new cocktail lounge concept is coming to Midlothian in February. Located on the corner of Winterfield and robious roads, sidecar Cocktail Lounge will feature a rum forward twist to the traditional cocktail bar. From left to right are owners Jessica Bufford, Josh Bufford, Greg Hill and Chris staples.

sica and Josh Bufford have teamed up with restaurant veteran, Chris Staples (Lucky AF, Eat Restaurant Partners) and Royal Rum Society Founder and Master Rummelier Greg Hill,

to bring this rum-focused lounge to life. Along with nightlife, the lounge will serve as the worldwide headquarters for the Royal Rum Society (www.royalrumsociety.

com) and hold regular educational events in conjunction with global spirits partners. Private dining, special events, and possibly an early hours coffee shop are in the works for the space.

Sidecar Cocktail Lounge is slated for an early February opening. For more information, visit www sidecarcocktaillounge.com or follow the restaurant on social media @sidecarcocktaillounge.

sixth graders in Leslie Lyons’ science classes spent last week exploring energy, forces and motion in the Powhatan Middle school Innovation Lab. They created and built propeller cars powered by rubber bands and designed experiments as they figured out how to make their cars roll as far as possible. One car traveled nearly 18 meters (almost 60 feet)!

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

SUPERVISORS DISCUSS POWHATAN’S NEEDS WITH CONGRESSMAN

Powhatan County supervisors Mike Byerly, left, and steve McClung, right, met Jan. 19 with 5th district Congressman Bob Good. The purpose of the meeting was to share information with Good that was deemed important to Powhatan and its citizens. Good reached out to Powhatan and its citizens in an effort to support the needs and wishes of mutual constituents. Byerly said the trio discussed Powhatan’s population in general and its aging population. The county has approximately 18.5% of its citizenry at age 65 and older. In the next 10 years that will grow to 25%. There is the possibility grants exist the county could be awarded to help defray the cost of a community center if the county so chooses to move in that direction. a community center offers opportunities to a much more expansive segment of the population. “We could see younger citizens helping teach older citizens with technology while the wisdom and experience of the seniors could also benefit the younger participants. These would be federal dollars if we qualify for a grant. The congressman was very attentive to the needs and wants here in Powhatan,” Byerly said. There will be a liaison who will have an office in the county and she will be here one day each month to assist the county with its needs as they pertain to the congressman’s responsibilities, he added.

The first grade students at Pocahontas elementary showcased their singing talents to a packed

of snow Way Out.

Arrests

One female was charged on Jan. 10 with weapon possession by a felon (Felony) and reckless handling of a firearm (Misdemeanor).

One male was charged on Jan. 13 with petty larceny (M).

One female was charged on Jan. 13 with petty larceny (M).

One female was charged on Jan. 13 with assault and battery of a family member (M).

One male was charged on Jan. 13 with possession of a controlled substance (F).

One male was charged on Jan. 14 with assault and battery of a family member (M). Weekly incident report Jan. 9 — 15 –

Internet

From A1

school year, PCPS is using a filtering program called Lightspeed Filter (formerly Relay) that limits websites using language, images and other criteria. Sulzer pointed out the ability for staff to report websites to the technology team at any time.

Durrett said that all web filters have a default set of criteria that block certain websites but added the internet is “dynamic” and new websites are being created all the time. One benefit of the products the school division uses is “they harness the power of all their customers to try to keep up with all these new sites that are created.” Each night the vendors examine the databases of all customers to see what they have blocked and then incorporate that into a database pushed down to all customers.

“So we actually start the day with a new database every day,” Durrett said, adding it is a team effort to combat the “arms race” that is keeping up with the way the internet changes.

PCPS offers Parent Resource Center

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Powhatan County Public Schools’ Parent Resource Center offers assistance to families and educators by encouraging effective partnerships between home and school.

The goals of the Parent Resource Center are to:

„ Provide direct support through listening and problem-solving with families and educators. These communications can take place in-person, and/or through phone and email conversations.

„ Assist family members and staff in locating resources and information relevant to topics of interest, both in the Parent-Community area in PCPS school libraries and with outside agencies and organizations.

„ Offer information

on local family support groups and programs.

„ Collaborate with other local agencies and PCPS Committees to provide interactive workshops on general and specific topics.

„ Share information on the Special Education process. Follow the link on the PCPS home page, http:// www.powhatan.k12. va.us/, to navigate to the Parent Resource Center site.

Regular Parent Resource Center office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

For more information, contact Becky Boswell, coordinator of the Parent Resource Center, at 804598-5700 ext. 147 or prc@ powhatan.k12.va.us.

„ Student safety: Henley said she starts teaching internet safety in kindergarten and does safety lessons at the beginning of the year for all grade levels. She discusses reporting things they see that look wrong, fighting cyber bullying and steering them away from inappropriate devices.

Schwartz said the sheriff’s office partnered with PCPS last year and he visited the elementary schools to give an internet safety presentation to the fifth graders. There are already talks to offer the presentations again this year.

Sulzer said librarians also play a role in fighting misleading information by talking to their students about trusted sources.

Durrett agreed with all of the others but also talked about making sure students are taught to be watchful of what personal information is being asked for by a program.

„ Cyber bullying: Cyber bullying is not as much of an issue at the elementary levels as it is with middle and high school students,

Sulzer said. The division looks at each case individually, including how and when it is occurring and the impact it is having. In most cases, it is treated as an infraction of the Students Rights and Responsibilities.

Some cases may rise to the level where the sheriff’s office would start an investigation, usually falling under harassment code sections, but it doesn’t happen often, Schwartz said.

„ Screen time: Dewey said when she is planning her school day and the possibility of including the students using Chromebook, her rule is no more than 20 minutes at a time, a maximum of three times of day. Students are adept with computers; she wants to make them comfortable with interpersonal skills and learning to get along and communicate.

„ Student privacy: The school division has a set list of approved apps per grade level that can be downloaded to their Chromebooks, getting away from those that ask for student information.

„ Digital citizenship: Parents should be reiterating at home the importance of good digital citizenship, including knowing the difference between things that are OK to share or not, Henley said.

Sulzer also emphasized parents working with their

children to find a balance with technology including having conversations about what behavior is allowed. He recommended making sure children are interacting with others online in an open space in the house without headphones so conversations can be monitored; limiting their screen time (but also teaching them to set their own limits); and even accessing their web browsing history.

Henley recommended resources offered on www. commonsensemedia.org/ for parents under the Parent Tips and FAQs tab.

„ Blind spots: Schwartz said one potential area that is overlooked is gaming systems, which also offer parental controls that can be used to monitor and keep youth safe. He emphasized making sure youth know what information is appropriate to give out to strangers, such as where they live or go to school. One of the warnings he gives parents is that people don’t just have to be worried about the stranger at the playground anymore.

“Somebody can harm your child 3,000 miles away using the internet. They can use the information your child provides them to do that, so it is good to have those conversations with your child,” he said, reiterating the parents are the

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“front line” of protecting their children. He also added it is not always about their child doing something wrong; there are people looking to take advantage of children and some youth just don’t have the knowledge to know everything to look for as red flags.

„

Parting words: The technologies available to young people today are excellent resources, but with those new technologies come new responsibilities for adults to protect children from potential risks, Schwartz said. He emphasized that technology is not going away, so adults need to step up and do their part to protect children.

Durrett said the panel’s purpose was both to show the steps the school is taking to keep children safe but also to show that it has to be a community effort.

Durrett placed notes and links on the school division’s website, http:// www.powhatan.k12.va.us/, under Division News, and said people can still send questions they have about safety.

Parents also need to be aware of the way they are modeling the use of technology at home with their own behaviors and make an effort to find family activities that are not related to technology, Dewey said.

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Powhatan County Public schools held an internet safety panel on Jan. 19 featuring amanda Henley (from left), computer resource teacher at Powhatan elementar y; Jill dewey, first grade teacher at Flat rock elementar y; Jeff durrett, director of technology for PCPs; detective sgt austin schwar tz, Powhatan County sheriff’s Office; and Tom sulzer, principal of Pocahontas elementar y.

POWHATAN ELEMENTARY PTO HOLDS GRANDPARENTS BREAKFAST

PHOTOS BY LAURA MCFARLAND

Powhatan Elementary School’s PTO had a rush of a morning on Jan. 18 as hundreds of children and their grandparents attended the Grandparents Breakfast at the school.

attending the breakfast were: front row from left, Victoria rivera and nicholas and emmanuel richardson-rivera; back row, Carlos Clinton, rushaud richardson and danielle richardson.

Grandparents Bill and Brenda Long came to have breakfast with southerly Jarvis.

Grandparents Minister necil Oliver and James Oliver wait in line with Cayden Wilkerson.

Grandparents stanley Llewellyn and esther Bowles wait in line with emmett and Parker Llewellyn.

The Grandparents Breakfast was so popular that a long line of people waited to be served.

Grandparents Tammy Carson and Ken and Becky Brooks came to have breakfast with Paisley Brooks.

eating together at the event were: from left, Bruno sanchez, alfredo Chiluiza, Cruz Lopez, Victoria Lopez, yuri yomayusa and John Gomez.

Grandparents sandi and Tom Holmes wait in line with Wesley Hauck-Holmes and Cindy and amanda Howell.

Grandparents Troy and Jennifer May wait in line to eat with adalynn and Kayson douberly.

Principal Constance deal pitched in to help sodexo employees like dorothy Kohler handle the rush.

eating breakfast together are Joshua dickerson, from left, ed Woolridge, Gina dickerson and Karen Woolridge.

eating breakfast together were: from left, abram spainhour, Kynslee Woosley, shirley naylor, summer spainhour (standing) and Liyah spainhour.

Rev.BryanStevens,Pastor 10a.m.–WorshipService 8:30a.m.–ChurchSchool

eating breakfast together were: from left, sue, aubrey and don Farrell; Camden eggleston, Mel Pennington and raylynn Watson.

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to local businesses and to the chamber. Recipients are chamber members whose service and performance positively reflects excellence as demonstrated through their work ethic and contributions to the Powhatan community.

In announcing the award, Melton praised Cabell’s extraordinary leadership attributes, perseverance and ambition.

Cabell ensured top performance in herself and inspired the same in others; worked to maintain success despite adversity in the past few years; excelled at pushing the envelope and dreaming big whenever possible; and made small business owners and county residents feel welcomed with her motto, “there’s always room at the table,” Melton said.

Cabell expressed deep gratitude for the honor but said it was possible only because of the hard work and dedication of the members.

Also awarded at the event was the Susan Ash Award, an existing honor that hasn’t been given in several years. Longtime board member Ash presented the award to Jamie Babcock and praised him for working diligently behind the scenes; volunteering at major community events like the Festival of the Grape and the Powhatan Christmas Parade; and serving as a “role model for leadership, service and a passion for helping others.”

Babcock, who was completely surprised with the award, offered a simple thanks for the recognition.

Ash was then surprised with a new Service Award presented by past president Ed Velasquez to honor her for 25 years of service. The award is meant to showcase the immense commitment of contribution, support

and dedication demonstrated by Ash to the Powhatan Chamber.

Ash, who has been involved with the chamber since 1997, said it was a “labor of love and I have enjoyed every minute of it.” Speaking to newer members, she said the most important piece of advice she could give to them would be “you only get out of an organization what you put into it.”

“Paying your dues is the first step and the easy step. Put time into it, get to know the people and you have a wonderful chamber of really caring people,” she told the crowd.

Ash, who recently stepped back from the chamber after many years of leadership, said in a separate interview that she has loved watching the organization grow and develop through the years. She hopes as it grows and attracts new members that it never loses the personal touch, she said.

“It is a caring group of people. It is not just an organization where people don’t care about you; we all care about each other. The people who volunteer are doing it out of the goodness of their hearts. There is just a real human element to it that other organizations don’t have because they are too big or impersonal,” she said.

Budner became executive director in 1992, which was four years after it was started by a group of Powhatan businessmen advocating to make sure Powhatan didn’t adopt BPOL taxes. She served in the position until 2008.

More than three decades after it started, she said the chamber has grown and developed but still retains its tradition of a mix of monthly meetings and social gatherings that bond local business people and gives them a place to connect and learn.

“It feels very rewarding and very fulfilling. The chamber still means so much to me as far as having something not totally as my own but it was sort of my baby. To see it develop has been really rewarding,” she said.

In a separate interview, executive director Nicole Riley pointed out what an incredible achievement it is for the Powhatan Chamber of Commerce to have reached 35 years, saying “it is not a small feat to make it 35 years in business.”

“Powhatan is small but mighty. We have a lot of small businesses, we have a lot of growing businesses in the county. People are just excited to get out there and offer their expertise,” she said.

Looking ahead to 2023, she is eagerly anticipating milestones such as the 20th annual Festival of the Grape; a business summit they are trying to organize for the spring; further collaboration with the Small Business Development Center; continued emphasis on quality monthly meetings known as the Food for Thought luncheons; and helping connect members with needed resources.

“Thankfully I have had a really good foundation from some pretty amazing women leaders in business before me, so honestly, I am just looking to continue on that path,” she said. “I am hoping to continue the vision Angie put in place. I think there is a lot of work still to do. Business is changing and evolving and I am excited to evolve the chamber to be current for businesses.”

For more information about the Powhatan Chamber of Commerce, visit www.powhatanchamber. org or contact Riley at 804598-2636 or director@ powhatanchamber.org.

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

OPINION

Turning a different kind of page

LAURA MCFARLAND

Managing Editor

When librarian Charles Joynes first asked me to participate in Saturday’s Writers Roundup event at Powhatan County Public Library, I will admit to a little trepidation.

A key reason was that, while I am definitely a writer, my medium felt different than what is done by those authors who write books. I know there are books that are compilations of articles and columns – one of the participating authors, Nancy Wright Beasley, even wrote one called “Reflections of a Purple Zebra.”

But regardless of what genre you choose, there seems to be very much an element of authors pouring part of themselves into their books that is not something I usually strive to do. Questions that budding authors often have tend to wonder about a person’s background, inspirations, influences, processes, paths to

getting published, etc.

Outside of this weekly column, I don’t want my personality or preferences showing up in most of what I write beyond my writing style itself. If I am doing my job correctly, when you read my news articles, you shouldn’t be able to discern my personal thoughts on a matter; you are reading about a person, place, issue or event that I have done my best to represent fairly, accurately and without bias.

Nevertheless, I agreed to Charles’ request. So that is how I found myself rolling into the library a few minutes before 10 a.m. Saturday – other authors had to bring in their books, I just had to grab a stack of the library’s copies of the Powhatan Today – and choosing an unclaimed table in the corner where the teen section is located.

Did I have expectations? If anything, I thought I might get some circulation questions and say hello to a few people I know. Beyond that, I was just going to

see what happened. The three hours went by surprisingly quickly. I had pulled a couple of magazines from the library’s shelves to read if there was a lull and I never really made it past the table of contents.

Yes, I was visited by several people from Powhatan who know me, including some of the authors. We discussed some of the local happenings, including friends in poor health, board meetings, homeschooling, local nonprofits and more.

A young woman came up to my table who visited the library looking for Pokémon in the Pokémon GO game. She assured me that the library and Fighting Creek Park are bursting with them. The conversation with her was funny because the natural beauty and activity of the backdrop behind me – the gorgeous park visible beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows – kept pulling her attention. At one point she cried “squirrel” when she spotted one behind

First encounter leaves lasting impression

JIM RIDOLPHI

Contributing columnist

Arecent announcement

from Rome conveyed the sad news that Italian movie star Gina Lollobrigida passed quietly last week at age 95. I didn’t take note of the announcement due to any allegiance to the international superstar who captured the hearts of returning GIs following World War II, my father being one of them. I had a different reason for noting her death.

Crowned Miss Italia in 1947, Lollobrigida made her American debut on the big screen in 1953 acting alongside Humphrey Bogart and Jennifer Jones.

But those accomplishments had absolutely nothing to do with my association with the superstar. As mentioned earlier, my father often spoke her name around our house, and our small television was always tuned to any show the featured the Italian actress on its guest list. As a small child, the name didn’t mean much and I had no fascination with the foreign

From A2

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 804-5985670 or library@powhatanlibrary.net.

PowH er Hour is a casual networking lunch event for women in business designed to support, develop and connect female business professionals in our community. This event is held on the first Tuesday of the month at various locations. The next event is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at Mabel’s, 1800 a south Creek One

film star, but that changed when Lollobrigida appeared in an obscure film called Trapeze with Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis in 1956.

Shortly after its premiere in Richmond, my father packed up the family in our 1955 Chevrolet Biscayne and headed out to the to see the movie. My mother voiced her immediate concern that the movie’s theme was too mature for my sister and I, but her concerns eased as we noticed a number of families with children strolling toward the theatre.

That was my first exposure to Gina. I was too young to appreciate the finer points of the Italian actress, but the movie contained just enough action and circus scenes to capture the attention of an easily distracted 6-year-old.

The movie featured fantastic circus acts, and trapeze scenes that were breathtaking and kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

I was less concerned with the real storyline, a love triangle amongst three members of a trapeze team, as the plot thickened by the challenge to

Beekeeping for Beginners school is designed for those who intend to start a honeybee colony. registration consists of four Tuesday night classes: Feb. 14, 21 and 28 from 7-9 p.m. at the Prince edward County e xtension Office (100 d ominion d r., 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 subjec t 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. The Powhatan Chamber of Commerce’s Food for Thought luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16 at County seat restaurant and Gathering Place. The featured speaker will be Teresa McBean, enneagram practitioner. The enneagram is a

perform a daring triple somersault, a feat only accomplished by a few select experts.

That’s the part that kept me watching as Lollobrigida played both men and eventually ended up with Lancaster after Curtis successfully completed the triple jump.

Now, my father was always a perfect gentleman to my mother, and he would never be so crass or inconsiderate as to comment on Lollobrigida’s obvious good looks. But, he was obviously pleased with the production as we exited the theatre.

The movie also made a lasting impression my sister and I, and we begged for weeks for our father to install a trapeze like swing on an old oak tree in our backyard. We spent hours swinging on the makeshift trapeze, pretending we were prepping for the triple somersault.

Throughout a lifetime, hearing the word trapeze immediately takes my mind back to the evening at the movies, and although I don’t recall seeing Lollobrigida in any additional movies, I still remember her name.

definitive tool that gives us deeply personal (and eerily accurate) insight into who we’re wired to be and why we behave the way we do. register at powhatanchamber.org.

Powhatan County Public schools will hold a 2023 Career Fair from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 18 at Flat rock elementar y s chool, 2210 Batterson r oad. There will be in-person and virtual interviews with school administrators. register at www.powhatan.k12.va.us.

Powhatan County Public Library has a wonderful line up of adult programs to get you out of your house on those wintery days. On s aturday, 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.

me. I am all for randomness so I responded “wiewiorka,” which is squirrel in Polish. It’s the only Polish word I know, taught to me years ago by a friend while we were watching the movie “Up.”

Several family members of a library staff member who came out to show support and meet some local authors stopped by my table and the conversations were varied and interesting.

I met some but not all of the roughly 20 authors who displayed their offerings, including several Powhatan residents. I am going to give Charles major kudos for attracting such a diverse group who spanned so many genres – children’s literature, historical fiction, romance, mystery, haikus, poetry, young adult fiction and more.

About halfway through the event, I asked Charles how he thought it was going. Leading up to the event, he said he had no expectations and was just hoping for a good turnout.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

School board member plans

town halls

Dear Editor, Tuesday, January 10 was the date of the first Powhatan County School Board meeting that I was honored to attend as a board member. I want to thank all the Powhatan citizens that helped put me into office by voting for me, hosting meet and greets, putting up signs and knocking countless doors with me.

I intend to do my best to serve all Powhatan County residents by being as transparent and accessible as I possibly can be. Beginning in February, I will have a Town Hall meeting on the third Monday evening of the month (beginning Monday, February 20) at 7 p.m. at Manakin Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall at 985 Huguenot Trail. Additionally I will be at the Dunkin Donuts in Powhatan for more Coffee with Vicki’s at 2650 Wilton Square Place the morning of every regularly scheduled School Board meeting (beginning Tuesday, February 21 ) from 8 to 10 a.m. All Powhatan residents are invited to attend either meeting or both.

Vicki Hurt Powhatan County School Board District 1

Need rationale for specifics in policy

Dear Editor, I appreciate those who speak to the obvious as frequently their audience requires the clarity such an offering provides. However, what’s of much less value are those who offer comments missing the essence of an argument or who fail to factor the logical extension of their argument. Such was the case at the 1/10/23 Powhatan County School Board (PCSB) meeting when a PCSB member spoke to the obvious concerning the possibility of a policy written today changing over time as new players are introduced to the school administration or the school board. That board member is correct…. policies can and often should change in whole or in part depending on the circumstance of the day. However, that should not be a rationale to dilute actions called forth by today’s reality.

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS

“You never know after hibernating for a few years, is the interest in the community still out there?” he said. “I am pleased with the turnout and I am happy so many authors came out.”

Could it have had more attendance? Always. Most of the authors had books to sell, and the more people in attendance the more exposure they get and the possibility of selling their works.

But I liked how library staff and Friends of Powhatan Library members constantly circulated the room and gathered feedback. Library director Chandra McPherson and Charles both mentioned bringing the event back next year and evaluating this weekend’s event to determine what worked and what needed to be improved, and that attitude will hopefully help it continue to grow and flourish.

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

Yes, a policy conceived today offering a specific set of prohibitions may well be changed downstream. However, those seeking such change will be forced to do so in the full light of day as the new policy being advanced will be debated in the context of the old. Such debate is necessary and will not happen if the policy is too generally written at the outset. Dealing with an overly generalized policy is like hitting a tennis ball against a mattress… the ball simply doesn’t bounce back and allow an effective return of serve.

Later in the meeting the same board member offered a nonsensical rationale for not stating specifics, suggesting a specific policy would have to include as many objectionable conditions as there are parents voicing them. While it was suggested that the number of conditions could rise to 1,000, I suspect the illustration offered was hyperbole used to garner support. However, such a possibility is no reason to simply link the policy to the county’s approved curriculum or generalized guidance emanating from the VDOE.

Even if the three listed “specifics” called for in the revised draft are exceeded by one, by a dozen, or even 1,000 different prohibitions, then so be it. The focus must not be on the number. Instead, the challenge we face is protecting our children and grandchildren from an outside assault. An assault as was witnessed by the book reading that aptly illustrated the gravity of the situation.

Parents, teachers and school administrators require well-constructed, highly visible guardrails established for all to apply as they navigate and guide themselves and their children. That specificity protects both students and teachers as well as providing parents with well-defined criteria against which to evaluate classroom conduct.

Establishing a very specific set of policy do’s and don’ts today will provide a baseline against which future changes can be debated and rationale for doing so placed in the public square for all to see. The resulting transparency may well temper those seeking change allowing most, if not all, of the original intent to survive.

Robert Powers Powhatan

Sports Editor Robby Fletcher rfletcher@powhatantoday.com

Production Manager denine d angelo ddangelo@mechlocal.com

Sales Representative tom haynie thaynie@mechlocal.com

Classifieds Cindy adams cadams@mechlocal.com

Powhatan Today welcomes your Letters to the editor on topics of concern to you and the community. Letters, which should be no longer than 400 words, must include the name, address and telephone number of the author. The deadline is noon theThursday before publication, but letters may be held until the following week upon the editor’s discretion. The publisher or editor of Powhatan Today reserves the right to edit or withhold from publication any letter for any reason whatsoever. Once received, all letters become the possession of Powhatan Today. Letters reflect the opinion of the author, not necessarily that of Powhatan Today or its staff.

PHOTOS BY LAURA MCFARLAND

WRITER’S ROUNDUP HIGHLIGHTS LOCAL AUTHORS

Powhatan County Public Library held its Writers Roundup, on Jan. 21, bringing about 20 authors to speak with the public about their books and give them an opportunity to sell a few copies. The authors were spread out at tables throughout the library during the three-hour event.

Leadership

From A1

what Powhatan was before today. Potter had stories about how the county’s turkey population is what it is today, his young days mowing the grass throughout the Village,

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and many more. Bailey was able to add in his knowledge and memories of all of the farms that used to exist in Powhatan and the folks that helped to shape this county into one that can handle the current population. Boelt touched on many topics but notably the recognition of E. Floyd Yates in all

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of his additions to Powhatan, the transformation of the Village area and the county as a whole, as well as memories of Maxey’s Store and the other local businesses.

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Two bus tours – one to the General Assembly and another around Powhatan County – tie in history

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and current events to round out the diversity of material covered in class.

Each year the class is organized by three alumni from the previous year with the help of an executive board. This year the tri-chairs are Baylee Nunnally, Bill Donati and DJ Johnson.

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SPORTS

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 | Powhatan, Virginia | seCTIOn B

Swim team sets records in senior night win

ROBBY FLETCHER

Sports Editor

In Powhatan swim’s senior night matchup against Colonial Heights, there were school records broken, beloved senior swimmers celebrated and a team riding high with another complete performance resulting in a victory.

Seniors Cole Malkerson, Summer Kantanen, Lucy Redlich and Margaret Compton have given the Indians a steady presence of leadership and quality performances in the pool during their time with the swim team. That was the case again on Jan. 21, as the team battled Colonial Heights for the second time this season and came away with victories in the boys, girls and total team score categories.

The girls team outscored Colo-

nial Heights 99-44 and the boys team won with a score of 82-66, making the combined final tally 181-110.

There were also two school records set on the special occasion, with Malkerson, Brandon Vallent, Zach Kantanen and Nathan Orban making their mark on the Powhatan record books with a 200 freestyle relay time of 1:40.33 and Malkerson later setting a new school mark on his own in the 100 butterfly with a time of 59.21 seconds.

In the second event of the day, Powhatan earned its first win in the girls 200 medley relay, with Kantanen starting off her senior night on a high note by starting out the race. She was followed by Maria Stallings, Jenna Autry and Elizabeth Vallent, and the four

Powhatan swimmers won with a 2:07.27 mark, far ahead of Colonial Heights’ 2:16.44 finish.

Vallent later won in the sixth event of the meet with a 2:32.44 finish in the girls 200 individual medley and in 50-yard freestyle with a time of 27.40 seconds.

Then, Malkerson set his butterfly record, but it wasn’t a complete runaway victory. He had to beat out Colonial Heights senior Travis Marks, who gave him a good fight and was just behind his record-setting mark with a time of 1:00.31.

Marks and the Colonials got a little bit of revenge during Powhatan’s second record time, beating Powhatan in the 200 freestyle relay with a time of 1:39.50, which

Powhatan’s late comeback spoiled by buzzer-beating three

that gave them their first lead since the first minutes of the third quarter.

The Indians were down by eight points with just under six minutes to play in the fourth quarter and from that point on,

outscored the Trojans 16-8 to come within seconds of a huge win that would snap a threegame losing streak.

The Trojans had other plans

PHOTO

Henderson leads in back-toback wins

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

The Powhatan boys basketball program has reached the point in its season where rematches against familiar district foes will stand in the way of earning a regional tournament spot.

Two of Powhatan’s three games last week came against teams they’ve already defeated – Maggie Walker and George Wythe.

In the second go-round, the results stayed the same.

The Indians took care of business first with a narrow 55-53 defeat of the Green Dragons at home on Jan. 17 and then the next day, they dominated their rematch with the Bulldogs in a 72-53 victory.

Ironically, the results were flipped compared to the first meetings, with Powhatan beating George Wythe in a one-point victory thanks to a Ryan Flippo game-winner on Dec. 2 and later cruising to a convincing 63-35 win in Maggie Walker’s own gym on Jan. 10.

In both rematches, sophomore Matt Henderson was at his very best, leading the team in scoring in the two games, first adding 16 points against the Green Dragons and then pouring in 30 points against the Bulldogs.

Track team celebrates senior class in home meet

ROBBY FLETCHER

Sports Editor

Powhatan’s indoor track and field team honored its senior class and hosted four schools in the process for a senior day district track meet that saw the team’s top athletes impress at home on Jan. 17. The team celebrated seniors Angel Cedillo, Alicia Dickerson, Raquel Iga, Elias Morris, Liam Clancy, Carter Nuckols and Rebecca Stevens. This was the second senior day celebration of the year for Iga and Stevens, who both ran on the cross coun-

try team for Powhatan as well.

Sophomore Elizabeth Weimer was the lone first place winner after running a 5:38.06 in the 1600-meter run, but the team had multiple top-10 finishes against Dominion schools Clover Hill, Manchester, James River and Huguenot. Behind Weimer in the 1600 was a slew of Powhatan runners, with Ella Green, Stevens, Shannon Seay and Raquel Iga rounding out the top-5.

Powhatan’s 4x200 relay team also finished with a second place result in front of James River

C&F Bank’s Athleteof the Week C& FBa nk AthleteoftheWeek

SWIMMING ALL-STAR

WHO: KAYLABLINN

WHATSHE DID:

individualandrelayvictoriesonthe

waytoafirstplacefinishinthegirls competitionsandsecondintheboysraces.

Oneofthebestperformersforthe IndianswasfreshmanKaylaBlinn,who cameawayvictoriousinahandfulof events.

NexttoseniorSummerKantanenand sophomoresJennaAutryandElizabeth Vallent,BlinnhelpedPowhatanwinthe 200-yardmedleyrelaywithati meof 2:09.76andlaterthe200-yardfreestyle

relayin1:54,fivesecondsaheadof NewKentinsecondplace.

Shewasn’tdoneyetthough, laterfinishinginsecondplace behindVallentinthe200individual medleywithatimeof2:45.86.

Hernextbigwincameinthe 100-yardfreestyle,whichsawthree Powhatanswimmerstakethetop-3 inBlinn,freshmanLaurenScythes andjuniorKatherineHarrison.

and Huguenot, with the group finishing in 1:59.75, just behind Clover Hill’s time of 1:53.99.

In the 55-meter dash, which had 21 runners compete on Powhatan’s track, sophomore Aleah Burnett had a standout finish for the Indians, placing fourth with a time of 8.12 seconds. Clover Hill took the top-3 spots in the race, with freshman Malaysia Rasheed winning in 7.64 seconds. In Cedillo’s senior day run in the 55-meter dash, he also had a highlight finish, placing fourth

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Coaches Shannon and Rick Malkerson (far left and right) honor seniors

Malkerson, Summer Kantanen, Lucy Redlich and Margaret Compton.

Powhatan places sixth in Big Blue Invitational

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

Powhatan’s wrestling season continued on this past week with a chance to impress at the Big Blue Invitational held at Christiansburg High School on Jan. 21-22.

The Indians left Christiansburg with a sixth place finish out of 18 competing s chools, with third place finishes from Britton Proffitt, Talon Harness and Natalia Sanchez leading the way. Gavin Utley and Luke Wells also turned in fourth place results while Ricky Huber claimed fifth.

Sanchez continued a strong senior season in the 113-pound class with an opening round pin in 3:33 and later a 16-1 tech fall over Salem’s Braden Armes to get into the semifinals. After a loss there, she finished with back-to-back pins in the consolation bracket to win third place, including one in 1:59 against Rustburg’s Eric Santiago in the third place game.

In the 144-pound bracket, Proffitt won his first two matchups with pins in 1:07 and in 12 seconds before a defeat in the semifinals. Like his fellow senior teammate Sanchez, that didn’t get Proffitt down though, as he brought in another lightning

Swimming

From B1

was a 0.83-second difference.

Toward the end of the meet, Powhatan railed off four straight victories to help the team win, with the girls 200 freestyle relay team of Autry, Kantanen, Hayden Russell and Kayla Blinn winning in 1:54.84, Malkerson winning the 100-yard backstroke in 1:01.52, Chloe

Proffitt winning the girls 100 backstroke in 1:17.89, and Christopher Naoroz winning the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:17.66.

Compton and Redlich competed together on their senior night in the 400-yard freestyle relay, the last event of the meet. Working with Summer Campbell and Stallings, they finished with a time of 5:14.57.

Powhatan also competed against Louisa

Henderson

From B1

Henderson was a constant for Powhatan in the Maggie Walker matchup, adding four points in each quarter, including a bucket and much-needed free throws to help give his team the late advantage.

Next to Henderson was also a 16-point showing from senior Jack DeBord, who went scoreless in the opening frame, but went on to knock down two threes and score eight points in the fourth quarter. With those two accounting for 12 of the team’s 15 points in the final eight minutes, they were able to withstand a strong final run from the Green Dragons, who scored 20 points in the fourth quarter led by two 3-pointers from KJ Dowling.

After surviving that final effort, the Indians looked fresh in their next performance, which started with the defense shutting down the Bulldogs decisively while their own offense quickly got cooking.

It was a 35-12 Powhatan

Track

From B1

quick first period pin in just 16 seconds before taking care of business against Cave Spring wrestler Davis Henritze with a 12-4 major decision win in the

County prior to its senior night on Jan. 13, which started with the Indians winning the first six events, including wins in both 200-yard medley relays, a win by Zach Kantanen in the 200-yard freestyle (2:13.37) and an extremely fast 200-yard individual medley performance from Malkerson where he blasted through the race in 2:16.77. Malkerson was 15.43 seconds ahead of second place.

It was a good day for Autry as well, who was part of the 200 medley win and the 200 freestyle win, but also finished first in individual events like the 50-yard freestyle (30.55 seconds) and the 100-yard butterfly (1:13.52).

Coming off a spectacular senior night, Powhatan now looks forward to a matchup against Orange County on Jan. 28. The teams will compete at SwimQuest Aquatic Center starting at 4 p.m.

lead at halftime, with Henderson scoring 13 points and sophomore Jamison Wallace shooting the lights out of the gym for nine points at the half.

The Bulldogs were ultimately able to generate some offense in the second half, but their troubles stopping the Indians still persisted. While Henderson continued to look unguardable with a 17-point half, the Indians also got scoring production from guys like guard D.J. Jackson, who scored all nine of his points on the night in the final two quarters, and Kaleb Lenhart, who chipped in six points after the break.

The last game of the week was Powhatan’s only loss, which came at the hands of the Midlothian Trojans in a 65-49 finish.

Now standing at 6-10 on the season with six games remaining, the Indians have games against Huguenot (4-11) on Jan. 25 and Monacan (9-7) on Jan. 27 in this week’s schedule, with both games holding substantial weight on Powhatan’s postseason aspirations.

among 28 runners with a time of 6.93 seconds.

Two Powhatan athletes then placed within the top-5 in the girls shot put event, which had a total of 14 throwers competing. In fourth place was junior Whittney Anderson, whose throw of 26 feet, 11.50 inches was just outside a top-3 finish, with two

third place match.

Harness also had a solid showing in Christiansburg in the 132-pound class, going 4-1 with three pins to claim third

Girls basketball

From B1

though, pushing the ball down the floor and finding an open shooter waiting in the corner. That shooter, junior Megan Bunting, wouldn’t miss with the open opportunity, burying the triple as time expired and giving life to a team that minutes ago had looked lost after giving up their eightpoint lead.

In overtime, the Trojans took advantage of the momentum the buzzer-beater gifted them, stealing a 6863 victory over the Indians in what should be considered the most exciting game to be played on the Powhatan floor this season.

Midlothian’s win can largely be attributed to their consistently killer perimeter game that was set up by skip passes and decisive ball movement against Powhatan’s trap-heavy defense. Midlothian knocked down 13 3-pointers out of 23 field goals, with Bunting, Lexey Knoll and Danielle Marmo hitting three apiece.

Despite the result going in the opposition’s favor, Powhatan head coach

of those spots occupied by Manchester athletes Allison Jones and Ellie Nuckols and the top spot taken by James River freshman Tia Neblett at 33-03.00.

On her senior day, Dickerson took fifth place with a throw of 26-11.

In the boys shot put, the senior Morris had a memorable senior day outing, placing second with a best throw of 39-11, which was behind a 40-8 performance from James River’s

place. His quickest match came against Salem’s Manuel Bonet in the second round, which took just 19 seconds. He won his third place match with a pin in 4:29

versus Grayson County’s David Mitchell.

Utley meanwhile went 3-2 in the 138-pound bracket, with a sudden death victory in the quarterfinal meeting versus Abingdon’s Michael Maxfield being a highlight. The battle went scoreless all the way down to overtime, where Utley finally gained the advantage with a game-winning takedown.

Wells also went 3-2 in the 120-pound division, with notable highlights being an opening round pin in 1:06 against Blacksburg’s Brady Ankrum and a 21-9 major decision victory over Staunton River’s Josh Manning in the quarterfinals.

Huber took home fifth place after bouncing back from consecutive losses in the semifinals and the consolation semifinals with a late pin in 4:50 over Staunton River’s Austin Powell in the fifth place match.

Powhatan gets to stay at home for its next meet, with the team hosting the Arrowhead Invitational on Jan. 28. That is the last meet of the season for the Indians before they host the Region 4B Tournament on Feb. 10-11. robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@powhatantoday.com.

Steve Washburn said he was proud of the fight his team displayed to get back into the game as well as their composure in handling a game that wore on every player both physically and emotionally.

“I’ve coached for a long time, and one thing I know is the score doesn’t always define what type of effort you’ve gotten and our effort was extreme,” Washburn said. “We had some young players step up in some new situations and really provide us with a muchneeded lift. We never got down.”

One such young player was freshman Emily Gibbs, who was instrumental to the team’s late comeback. The up-and-coming guard put together a fantastic performance off the bench, pitching in 12 points and hitting the go-ahead bucket in the final minute with a highly-contested baseline jumper that saw the ball bank off the backboard and roll through the net.

“Emily has just progressed so far,” Washburn said. “For a ninth grader to step into that kind of situation and really handle the ball the way she did and shoot the ball the way she did really says a lot about

Andrew Melton. One of the best performers for the boys’ side of the track and field team was sophomore Torie Nash, who continued a season in which he’s consistently been among the top finishers in triple and long jump events with a second place triple jump and a seventh place long jump result at home. His triple jump result of 36-2.50 was just behind James River senior Matthew Don Weaver, who won with an im -

her and how far she’s progressed since the season started.”

Powhatan was led by a great performance from senior Katherine Cerullo, who headed the team with 18 points and was the driving offensive force for the Indians girls basketball team in the first half with 11 points. Thanks to her scoring efforts, the Indians were able to take a 32-30 lead into the half. Cerullo’s layup with three seconds left off a steal from Samantha Flippo also gave the Indians their three-point lead before the buzzer-beating 3-pointer.

Sophomore Emma Terry gave Powhatan a big lift the first half alongside Cerullo, adding 11 of her 12 points including five points in a one-minute span early in the second quarter that saw her bury a corner 3-pointer and lift up a soft floater on a drive down the middle of the paint to give Powhatan an early 25-23 lead in the second quarter.

Junior Corynn Lampman also added 12 points and made some huge plays down the stretch despite being hampered by a leg injury in the fourth quarter. After taking a hard foul on a drive with 1:45 left in the

pressive 41-foot leap.

On the track, juniors Grant Johnson and Justin Myers took home second and fourth place finishes in the 500-meter dash, with Johnson 1:13.19 result coming just behind top finisher Andrew Hathaway from Clover Hill (1.11:78). Myers’ 1:13.86 had him comfortably ahead of fifth place finisher Dylan Sandeford from Manchester (1:16.14).

The Indians also had a collectively strong finish in the

fourth quarter, Lampman took a moment to recover and hit two much-needed free throws, helped force a jumpball the next possession on a half court trap with Flippo, and hit a huge baseline mid-range jumper with 1:03 left to keep it a one-point game.

Despite the late-game heroics from multiple players, the game came down to that one final play in the fourth quarter, which saw the Indians lose sight of one shooter in the left corner.

“We kind of got caught ball-watching a bit,” Washburn said. “We hadn’t really gone over those situations yet, I was a little concerned about fouling the jump shooter, and I think we got a little out of sorts and they found the right person. She hit a big shot; it was a really high-pressure shot. We just kind of got disoriented and two people went after the same person and left someone wide open.”

Powhatan can get back on the right track when it hosts Monacan for another important Dominion District matchup on Jan. 26. That game tips off at 7:15 p.m. robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@ powhatantoday.com

1600-meter run, with freshman Dylan Mapes leading the way with a third place finish in 4:55.51 followed by junior Tane Jeffs in fourth place (5:11.71), sophomore Caleb Edling in sixth place (5:15.11), sophomore Gionvanni Hernandez in seventh place (5:16.47) and junior Owen Kearns in 10th place (5:32.37). Next up for Powhatan is a meet at St. Christopher’s indoor track against a field of seven other schools on Jan. 28.

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER senior guard sam Flippo scores a layup after getting a steal.

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Powhatan senior Britton Proffitt placed third in the 144-pound bracket at the Big Blue Invitational on Jan. 21.

AARP Virginia issues scam alerts

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

AARP Virginia regularly issues fraud alerts to make Virginia residents more aware so they can protect themselves.

„ Credit repair scams: Getting yourself out of debt is hard work and it is time intensive. Be wary of offers of guaranteed quick fixes. Criminal scammers prey on financial fears by offering simple solutions. These offers usually involve up-front fees (which are illegal), bad advice like stopping communication with your creditors and vague details on what services they provide. If you need help getting out of debt, turn to an organization like the nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

„ Avoid crypto scams: Be vigilant about cryptocurrency scams. Fraud involving crypto investment schemes and crypto as payment in other schemes skyrocketed in 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Reported losses exceeded $1 billion.

Last year, the evergreen online romance scam turned into crypto “investment opportunities” – starting on such platforms as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn in addition to dating sites and apps. The target can see their assets gaining value as they continue to invest more money, only the crypto exchange they are on is fake. When they try cashing out, they’re told they must first pay excessive fees, and they don’t get their money back.

In the ‘crypto as payment’ schemes, criminals convince targets that some urgent matter requires quick payment and direct them to a nearby crypto-ATM machine that converts cash into electronic currency. These losses are virtually unrecoverable.

The best way to avoid these scams – really any scam – is to know about them so you can avoid engaging from the start. Seek a financial advi-

sor’s guidance on investing, and anyone pressuring you to pay by crypto to address and urgent or time-sensitive matter is a criminal.

„ When a favor is really a scam: We all want to be helpful, especially when the request comes from our boss, a friend or a community leader. This instinct is something criminals take advantage of. That’s why you should be suspicious of any urgent message that asks you to “do me a favor.”

These scams can impersonate a boss needing last-minute gift cards for an employee appreciation event, or a local faith leader who needs a quick favor of you to buy gift cards to support a family in need. These quick gift card requests promise reimbursement, which never comes.

Be aware of short, urgent text messages, emails or social media messages asking for your help purchasing gift cards. Criminals can hack into the profiles of friends, family, and community members to send messages in their name. In the professional space, the message often looks like it’s from your employer, but the criminal may have added a letter or number to the sender information.

Like so many scams, this one relies on getting the target into a heightened emotional state – of course you want to respond to your boss quickly or help your faith community support those in need. If you ever get a message asking for your help buying gift cards, contact the sender in a way you know to be legitimate and verify. Chances are the request was from a criminal scammer.

„ Elder abuse checklist: Federal data suggest that losses from elder financial abuse perpetrated by a known person are greater than when fraud is perpetrated by anonymous scammers. Far too many families find out about financial

LEGALS

abuse too late and regret not seeing the signs or asking more questions.

With older adults, sudden mood changes, either depression or excitement, could be signs that something is amiss. Talk with elderly relatives about financial exploitation and discuss what they can do or are doing to protect themselves and their money. Above all, respect their right for your older loved ones to make their own decisions as they are cognitively able, but leave the lines of communication open.

„ Five signs of a Social Security impostor: Certain scams can come and go but there is one that never seems to fade away – the Social Security impostor scam. According to the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline, Social Security impostor scams were the most frequently reported type of scam in 2021. In fact, according to the Federal Trade Commission, there have been nearly 312,000 reports of Social Security impostors, with overall losses topping $95 million over the past five years. Even though there are different variations on this scam, each typically contains one of these five red flags. The impostor:

1. Threatens to suspend your Social Security number

2. Warns of arrest or other legal action

3. Demands or requests immediate payment

4. Pressures you to disclose personal information

5. Promises to increase your Social Security benefit Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877-9083360.

CALLPOWHATANTODAY 1.800.476.0197x16

NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING

POWHATANCOUNTYPLANNINGCOMMISSION

Noticeisherebygiven,pursuantto §15.2-2204ofthe Codeof Virginia, thatthePlanningCommissionof PowhatanCountywillconduct apublic hearingon Tuesday,February7,2023at6:00PMinthe PowhatanCounty VillageBuilding Auditorium,3910OldBuckingham Road, toconsiderthe following request:

22-08-CUP:NilesGoode

(District#1:Manakin/Subletts/Flatrock) requests aconditionalusepermit(CUP)toallowaHome-Based Truck HaulerBusinessusewithintheAgricultural(A-10)zoningdistrictperSec. 83-163oftheZoningOrdinanceoftheCountyof Powhatan.Theuse wouldbelocated at 1987Hancock Road, TaxMap Parcel#30-14F,in eastern PowhatanCounty approximatelyamileeastonHancock Road (U.S.Rt.716)fromtheintersectionof Jude’sFerry Road(U.S.Rt.613) andHancock Road.The2021Long RangeComprehensive Plandesignates thesubjectpropertyas RuralAreasontheCountywideFutureLand UseMap.

22-10-CUP:Morrissette (District#2: PowhatanStation/Graceland) requests aconditionalusepermit(CUP)tocreateanasphaltorconcrete plantintheAgricultural10(A-10)zoningdistrictperSec.83.162ofthe ZoningOrdinanceoftheCountyof Powhatan.Theproposeduseislocated on TaxMaps#53-35A,#53-36,#53-32,locatednorthoftheintersection ofGenitoandDorset Roads,insoutheastern PowhatanCounty.The subjectpropertyconsistsof6.7acres.Aconceptplanhasbeenincluded inthe application.The2021Long RangeComprehensive Plandesignates thesubjectpropertyas RuralAreasontheCountywideFutureLand UseMap.

22-07-REZ:UTT RealtyLLC (District#3:Bethesda/LeesLanding) is requestingto rezone TaxMap Parcel26-77fromAgricultural-10 (A-10)toCommerceCenter(CC).This request,if approved wouldamend approximately13.9acresofthe PowhatanCountyzoningdistrictmaplocated at thecornerofMaidens RoadandAndersonHighway withthephysical addressof2500Maidens Road.The2021Long-RangeComprehensive Plan designatesthesubjectpropertyasGatewayBusinessontheCountywide FutureLandUseMapwiththeintentofthisdistrictaimedtoaccommodate employment-generatingcommercialandlightindustrialusesthatsupport localeconomicdevelopmentgoals.

Themeetingmaybewatchedlive by visitinghttp://powhatanva.gov/432/ Live-Stream-of-Powhatan-County-Meetings.

AllPlanningCommissionmeetingsareopen to thepublicandinterested personsareencouragedto attendonthedayandtimespecified above. Copiesoftheproposedplans,ordinances,andamendmentsmaybereviewed intheDepartmentofCommunityDevelopmentinthe PowhatanCounty AdministrationBuilding(3834OldBuckingham Road)between8:30AM and5:00PMofeach businessday. Copiesofstaffreportsareavailableprior tothePublicHearingupon requestandwillbe availableonline at least five (5)dayspriortothemeeting at http://powhatanva.gov/agendacenter.Please call(804)598-5621withanyquestions.

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