Powhatan Today –04/26/2023

With challenges, Indians tennis learning through experiences

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

School board still refining policy on books

Editor

As part of a continued effort to rid Powhatan County public school libraries of material that could be considered sexually explicit, the county school board took a closer look last week at the policy governing the removal of such material.

During the April 18 Powhatan County School Board meeting District

1 representative Vicki Hurt made a number of suggestions for revising the policy.

Among those suggestions were that the policy be clarified to say that the superintendent or superintendent’s designee would be set the procedure for selecting library materials, as well as that the “strong majority” vote listed as necessary to remove a book or other resource be changed to a “simple majority.”

Hurt also suggested that the policy be changed so that any community member could challenge a book they found in the school library, not just a parent or guardian.

Hurt said she felt that a resident or community member “should always have the right” to challenge a book, particularly since the school board is asking residents to serve

on a recently-created task force that will help review challenged material.

“I don’t want the tax payers to feel as though we are leaving them out,” Hurt explained.

While most of Hurt’s suggestions were met with agreement by her fellow board members, District 3 representative Valarie Ayers questioned the logic of expanding the pool of people who could officially challenge books.

Rather than allow anyone to recommend a book be pulled, the

matter should, at its heart “come down to protecting children,” Ayers said. “I almost feel like it should be left to the parents or guardians, because they are the ones that have a direct relationship with our children.”

After a few more minutes of discussion, it was decided that the language regarding both who could challenge books and the majority needed to remove them would remain in the policy for now.

The policy board members were discussing, IIBD, was only up for discussion, not a vote, and will be available on the school division’s website for the next month so that the public may review it.

A BEAUTIFUL DAY TO CELEBRATE THE EARTH

Powhatan residents could scarcely have asked for more beautiful weather as they gathered in the Courthouse Village for the county’s annual Earth Day celebration. The event featured local crafts, demonstrations and several other conservation-themed displays. For more photos, see page 3A.

Law will up penalties for catalytic converter theft

ROSLYN RYAN

Editor

When Firefly Childcare on New Dorset Circle was targeted by thieves in search of catalytic converters in April of last year, the business joined a growing list of businesses and individuals that had been similarly victimized.

Now, newly signed laws mean harsher penalties for those who steal, sell and buy the parts scrapped for the precious metals inside. This new legislation was sponsored by Sen. Frank Ruff, R-Clarksville, and other lawmakers.

A catalytic converter is a device that looks like a small muffler

along with the exhaust system.

It is designed to convert the environmentally hazardous exhaust emitted by an engine into less harmful gasses. To do this, manufacturers use platinum, palladium or rhodium. In recent years, the values of these precious metals have increased significantly, and many investigators are attributing the dramatic increase in catalytic converter thefts to rising metal costs, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin recently signed the bills into law that, starting July 1, expands the definition of racketeering activities, greatly increases imprisonment

and fines, imposes felonies, and makes the resale of catalytic converters illegal within Virginia and across state lines.

In previous years, punishment for petit larcenies like catalytic converter thefts had weakened, said Del. Wren Williams, R-Stuart. “If you steal one, you walk out with a misdemeanor and just do it again,” he said. “They’re being stolen in broad daylight—sometimes while being filmed—with no consequences. We haven’t slowed it down, because there were no teeth on the punishment.” The issue was heard at the

grassroots level long before it made its way to the governor’s desk.

“While the implications of the bill encompass more than stealing catalytic converters, it was brought forward by a Farm Bureau leader because the theft of these items is rampant in many parts of the commonwealth,” said Martha Moore, senior vice president of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation governmental relations.

As related bills tighten criminal charges, “what’s unique about my bill,” Williams said, “is that it hits crime syndicates or enterprises that are running catalytic converter theft rings.”

While the school board members have faced criticism recently from some members of the community who have accused them of attempting to ban certain books, particularly those with LGBTQ characters or story lines, Hurt did stress in her remarks that she doesn’t see it that way. “I want to make it clear that our entire intent is certainly not to ban books,” she said. “We’re not looking at certain characters, or how someone identifies by their gender. We’re just looking at sexually explicit material, which is basically, in my opinion, pornographic material that we just don’t feel comfortable being available to minors.”

Cox, Williams push back on rec center

ROSLYN RYAN Editor

After an hour-long conversation regarding a proposed community center in Powhatan, county supervisors were left with the one vexing question they haven’t been able to answer: If they build it, who will come?

Board members spent of significant portion of their April 17 workshop discussing the matter with members of the Powhatan Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, who were in attendance in part to request that board authorize a feasibility study regarding the construction of new community center for the county. The funds for the study would come from the $500K already allocated to Parks and Recreation in the county’s current capital improvement plan.

As the advisory council’s report to the board noted, community recreation centers are common around the region and can be found in neighboring Goochland, Hanover and Chesterfield. They vary in size and construction—Goochland’s facility, for example, is a 14,000 square foot former high school while one of Chesterfield’s three centers is just 5,000 square feet—but all serve to offer programs ranging from cooking and art classes to recreational sports.

But while advisory commission chairman Cameron Palmore pointed out that Powhatan’s existing recreational facilities are typically booked solid and little space exists to host the kind of programs that serve, for example, the county’s 55+ community, at least two board members appeared unconvinced that a dedicated community center is warranted here.

Farmers market kicks off season May 4

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

In the age of one-click shopping for your every need, is there still a place for farmers markets?

The answer from the Powhatan County community is a resounding yes!

This will be the third year that the Powhatan Village Market has been managed by the nonprofit RVAgriculture and held on the beautiful shady grounds of Bienvenue. Some market days in 2022 brought in over 500 members of the community to shop. Why?

The market provides Powhatan residents with easy access to local food and other goods, which support the livelihoods of farmers, producers, and artisans. The community prioritizes spending their dollars locally. They value

fresh, local, seasonal food, as it lasts longer, tastes better, and is more nutrient dense. The market also provides a friendly welcoming place to slow down and catch up with neighbors while listening to live music and enjoying tasty food truck dinners. So what sort of goods and services can the community expect to find at the Powhatan Village Market? In short, everything!

Shoppers will find lots of fresh produce, artisan breads and baked goods, pastured raised meat and eggs, honey, locally roasted coffee, bouquets, selfcare products, plants, mushrooms, kombucha, artisan creations, jams, nut butters, dog treats, gifts galore and so much more! Marketgoers can even get

their knives and lawn/garden equipment sharpened by Jason May of Blade City and get their hair cut by Shay Hodges of Fades by Shay.

Shoppers will notice that this year the market will thankfully provide even more activities for kids. Through an incredible new partnership, Powhatan Parks and Recreation will provide their Kid Zone every Thursday to give children a fun safe place to play while their parents shop and socialize. Some kids will even be getting in on the action as vendors. The Next Generation Youth Market Program of Powhatan 4H offers a series of educational classes that prepare young

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

For the third year in a row, the Powhatan Village Market will be held on the grounds of Bienvenue. The market will once again feature food and craft vendors, music and plenty of activities for kids.

ROSLYN RYAN

PHOTO BY ASH DANIEL

Hurt

Ayers

Rita Mae Worley Settle SETTLE, Rita Mae Worley

February 26, 1942 to april 19, 2023. heaven gained another angel on april 19, 2023. she left us after a prolonged battle with dementia. she is survived by her husband of nearly 62 years, norman lane settle. she is also survived by her two sons, norman settle Jr. and wife, dixie, as well as Gregory W. settle and his wife, Cindy. she had one granddaughter that she loved dearly, Krystal M. settle. she is also survived by her younger siblings, drema roach and dennis Worley; as well as many nieces and nephews including, Michael and shannon Worley, ryan and sara douglas, Matthew Worley and Carrie ann Worley. she was preceded in death by her parents, delmar Worley and ruth pittman Worley; as well as her older brother, delmar “Bud” and his wife, patricia Worley; and nephews, scott Worley, Jeremy Worley and dwayne Chick. rita was born in Beckley, West Virginia. she graduated from Woodrow Wilson high school in 1960, married on June 12, 1961 and spent many years traveling to the beach with family, camping and visiting with family and friends. she worked at J.C. penney in Chesterfield for 25 years. she always had a smile on her face, no matter what she was doing and enjoyed the company of many family, friends and coworkers. a visitation will be held Monday, april 24 at 10 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. in the Bennett & Barden Funeral home Chapel, a graveside service will follow in the powhatan Community Cemetery. online condolences may be made at Bennettbardenfh.com.

POWHATAN TODAY RACK LOCATIONS

Shell Station 1300 anderson highway, 23139

Powhatan Library

2270 Mann road, 23139

Atkinson Insurance

3829 old Buckingham road, 23139

NEWS AND NOTES

Two upcoming sales will offer plants aplenty

The annual Kates Day Plant Sale will take place on Wednesday, May 3, from 2 – 5 p.m. at the Virginia Correctional Center for Women. This one-day event, sponsored by The Elizabeth Kates Foundation, will feature eautiful plants and flowers, grown by inmates in the VCCW horticulture program, plus delicious baked goods and hand-made crafts. Items will showcase the talents of inmates at VCCW who have worked hard all year for this big day. Proceeds fund scholarships, literacy and vocational opportunities for incarcerated women. The VCCW is located at 2841 River Road, in Goochland. Please note that photo identification is required for admittance to VCCW, and visitors must pass through a metal detector before entering. Purses, phones, Apple watches and Fitbits are not allowed. Visitors may bring only an ID, cash, checks and car keys with them. No credit cards. Plastic bags will be provided for these items upon your arrival. Dress code regulations stipulate modest clothing, and sleeveless blouses or shirts, leggings, camouflage clothing, and orange clothing are not allowed. Jeans must be neat, no frayed hems or holes and knee-length Bermuda shorts are allowed but not short shorts.

The Second Annual Plant Sale for the Powhatan Garden Club will take place on Saturday May 6, with a rain date on Saturday May 13. The sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.. at the Country Living Homes yard at Flat Rock.

Most plants are locally grown and are acclimated to the area. By shopping “local” one can save gas and a trip! Garden club members will also be at the sale and they can answer gardening questions one might have .

Annuals on sale will include hanging baskets of flowers, zinnias, marigolds, nasturtium, impatiens and coleus.

Perennials will include helleborus, Oak leaf and Annabelle hydrangeas, lirope, ferns, Japanese maple trees and day lilies. Vegetables will include tomatoes, peppers, cantaloupes, honeydew melons, zucchini and pumpkins.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26

p owhatan County p ublic l ibrary is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Monday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. tuesday through thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on saturdays. Meeting rooms are available by reservation; study rooms are available first come, first served. the library offers e-books through overdrive and materials to borrow in person or by using Books to Go. With Books to Go, patrons may reserve print materials, dVds, and audiobooks 24/7 online at www.powhatanlibrary or by phone during open hours at 804-598-5670 and can choose to pick up their books inside on the Books to Go shelf or outside in the Books to Go lockers. Books to Go orders are held for three days after notification. 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 through the Friends of the l ibrary. t he Friends of the library Bookstore is open during library business hours. Visit www.powhatanlibrary. net or call the library at 804-5985670 for more details, and like the library’s Facebook page for all the latest, up-to-date library news, information and program schedules.

Community Driving School 3229 anderson highway, 23139

Goodwill 1885 stavemill Crossing lane, 23139

Corn planting underway after abnormally dry month of April

Higher temperatures in early April led to abnormally dry, moderate drought conditions across Virginia.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s April 9 crop progress report found that 93% of topsoil moisture in Virginia was adequate, and 6% was short on soil moisture. Additionally, 12% of subsoil moisture was short and 88% was adequate.

Lynchburg experienced the highest average departure from normal temperatures, with an average high of 73 degrees, which is almost 7 degrees above normal.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s U.S. Drought Monitor, 51.4% of Virginia experienced abnormally dry conditions, and 20% had moderate drought as of April 11. March was the eighth driest month on record with 1.8 inches in total precipitation—down almost 2 inches from normal, U.S. Drought Monitor reported.

Despite historically dry conditions, Virginia corn growers have been busy preparing their fields for planting. Since the first week of April, 5% of the state’s corn had been planted, according to the USDA report.

While soil nutrients are not lost during a drought, heavy rainfall after a dry period can wash away heavy clay that carries valuable nutrients and topsoil, according to Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Extension advises homeowners to incorporate organic matter into clays and other soil types to improve soil structure, mulch to conserve moisture and control soil splashing, or use trickle irrigation near the base of plants to reduce runoff.

Night walk will take park visitors on search for owls

A Full Moon Owl Prowl will take place at Powhatan

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 804698-0438 for more information.

Mark your calendars for the next powhatan Civil War roundtable meeting at 6:30 p.m. on the third thursday of the month at the County seat restaurant. the speaker will be nathan Madison and he will be speaking on the subject of “ the richmond locomotive Works.” dinner will be included with a fee of $20 for members and $24 for non-members. rsVp required. to reserve space, contact pat Whitmer at 240-2980141 or powhatacwrt@gmail.com. Visit www.powhatancwrt.com.

Market is a youth-led maker and growers market for young entrepreneurs ages 9 – 17. the goal of the market is to cultivate young entrepreneurs by gaining life skills needed to develop and operate a business. Weekly workshops take place after school where they learn about funds handling, communication, building a business plan and more. Workshops will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. april 28 at the powhatan extension office. next, youth are given the opportunity to sell their products monthly from June to september. all products sold at the market must be made or grown by the young person. For more information, contact Cathy howland at chowland@vt.edu.

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

t he Free Clinic of p owhatan serves residents from powhatan, a melia 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.

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 804690-9220 for more information.

the Woman’s Club of powhatan meets at 10 a.m. every third Wednesday of the month, at May Memorial Baptist Church, 3922 old Buckingham road, powhatan, from september to May. there are no meetings in June, July and august to attend a meeting, call membership chairman Kay Watson at 804240-4896 to let her know you will be coming or just simply drop in; the welcome mat is always out. Visit the Facebook page for Woman’s Club of powhatan. the powhatan lion’s Club’s 47th annual steer roast will be held on Wednesday, april 26 at the powhatan Volunteer rescue squad Field, 3920 Marion harland road. rain or shine. Gates open at 5 p.m. and meals start at 6 p.m. take-out meal service available. live entertainment by legal tender par ty Band. tickets are $25 in advance ($30 at the gate) and children under 12 enter and eat free. see any lions Club member or call 804-794-1440. lonesome dove equestrian Center, which is located at 6137 old Buckingham road, provides yearround therapeutic horseback riding exclusively for veterans with special needs and disabilities. Focusing on veterans in Central Virginia, the goal of this program is to improve the quality of life for the participants through activities that are positive to their cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being. the program is also welcoming first responders to come ride with the program. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 9 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 10 a.m. ldeC is able to provide a variety of services to the veterans because of dedicated volunteers. t hose 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.

THURSDAY, APRIL 27

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 include: april 27: 10 a.m. Game day thursdays. Many games will be made available (Mahjong, Bingo, cards, Wii, cards, puzzles, rummikub, Boggle, Would you rather, taco/Cat/ Goat/Cheese/pizza etc) and you’re welcome to bring your own. Connect with friends, old and new over a cup of coffee or tea and a game. registration appreciated.

Just Kids, an affordable clothing shop selling gently used children’s clothes, sizes newborn to 8 plus, 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 h ouse, 3926 o ld Buckingham road. Just Kids is a ministry of May Memorial Baptist Church. Clothes cost $2 per bag. a Called to Care Meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first and third thursdays of each month at powhatan United Methodist Church. this organization offers both support to persons who have health issues and those who are caring for persons with health issues. the meetings may include guest speakers on a myriad of topics related to aging and good health. Guest speakers have included a nurse practitioner, neurologist, nutritionist, physical therapist and many more. all are welcome to attend. this group is facilitated by Judy Cain-oliver, licensed clinical psychologist. the powhatan Food pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon on thursdays, saturdays and tuesdays at 2500 Batterson road. Contact the pantry at 804-372-9526 or powhatanvafoodpantry@gmail.com.

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 romelczyk (sromelcz@ vt.edu) for information on joining the meeting live. Watched or listened to VCe aG today? let us know how we are doing! Find our survey here: https://vce.az1.qualtrics.com/ jfe/form/sV_6fiyBb914ayrdn7 the powhatan chapter of the naaC p meets at 7 p .m. on the third thursday of each month in the training room of the powhatan african american Cultural arts Museum, 4290 anderson highway (inside the gym of the pocahontas landmark Center). all are welcome. For more information, contact Gail hairston at 804-598-3435 or powhatannaacp@gmail.com.

the original powhatan aa meets from 7 to 8 p.m. every thursday in the powhatan Village Building. the powhatan rotary Club meets at 7:30 a.m. every thursday at the County seat restaurant. the powhatan ruritan Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. at rosa’s pizza and italian eatery in Flat rock. dinner will be served followed by a program and a brief meeting. they are a community service organization dedicated to our county. all are welcome. For more information call Jake Berman at 804-651-4503. the powhatan Chamber of Commerce luncheon will be held at noon at County seat restaurant. Visit www.powhatanchamber.org.

p owhatan County p ublic l ibrary’s teen anime Club will meet from 4 to 6 p.m. april 27 in the small conference room at the library. teens ages 12 to 18 FRIDAY, APRIL 28

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. Connect with friends, old and new over a cup of coffee or tea and a game. april 28: 8-10 a.m.

Walking/Gym. Weekly winter walking in the gymnasium rain or shine. you’ll be in good company with others interested in staying active this spring. 9 a.m. Bodies in Motion tai Chi style – registration required. instructed by Martial arts Master lanzillotti. registration appreciated. 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.

t he p owhatan County p ublic schools youth art Month exhibition will be on display at the pocahontas landmark Center through april 28 during regular business hours.

n ext Generation 4- h youth

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. the 17th annual spring Garden Fest will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. saturday, april 29 at reynolds Community College, 1851 dickinson road, Goochland. a free, family-friendly event that is a celebration of all things related to gardening so stop to see: the GpMGa plant sale will offer a wide variety of plants at great prices; ask the Master Gardener booth will offer free gardening help and advice; and gardening vendor booths will have lots of fun items to delight gardeners. attend a full day of classes and tours for a one-time $35 registration fee (additional materials fee for workshops). Classes include Growing trees in harsh environments, propagation of native plants, plant it and Forget it, planning your home landscape, native alternatives to invasives, designing the small Garden, exploring Butterflies, and insects in the Vegetable Garden. tours of the college gardens will include reynolds Campus, herb Garden and rain Garden. hands-on workshops will be Create your own Mosaic art pot, oyster Mushroom Cultivation and Create a Fresh Flower tiara. Classes, tours and workshops fill up quickly, so register early for the best selection. Complete descriptions and online registration is available at www.gpmga.net or by contacting the Goochland extension office at 804-556-5841.

an upcoming craft fair is looking for vendors. the fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on april 29, rain or shine, at st. John neumann Catholic Church, 2480 Batterson road, powhatan. the cost is $20 for an outside parking space and $30 for inside the church’s hall with an 8-foot table. For more information or to purchase a space, email a manda Mc d onough at amandamcdonough72@yahoo.com.

the powhatan high school leftovers Club will continue its efforts to fight against cancer with the Color-a-Cure Fun run/Walk at 9 a.m. april 29 at the high school football field, 1800 Judes Ferry road. Check in by 8:45 a.m. this is a FUn 5K featuring several color stations where each participant (dressed in all white) will be doused with color each kilometer. each color represents a different type of cancer and the fight against it! For more information, visit http://coloracure. weebly.com/.

MONDAY, MAY 1 a p owhatan h ope n arcotics anonymous (na) meeting will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday at pCC Church, 4480 anderson highway, powhatan, room 102. it is an open discussion meeting. Wheelchair accessible.

TUESDAY, MAY 2

powhatan County public library has an action-packed spring program lineup for 2023. par t two of the library of Virginia’s Genealogical seminar series, Freedom of information act, will be held april 25 from 1-2 p.m. allen Gernhardt will go over what kind of information is accessible, how to request information and an overall introduction of the Foia. For details, contact powhatan County public library at 804-598-5670 or library@powhatanlibrary.net. the new Bridge of reason aa meeting is held at 7 p.m. every tuesday at powhatan Mennonite Church, 3549 o ld 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 County democratic Committee meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on the fourth tuesday of each month in the powhatan County library.

powher hour+ Monthly luncheon is held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p .m. on the first t uesday of the month at different locations throughout the

county. Visit https://www.powhatanchamber.org/events/ powher-hour-monthly-luncheon/. lonesome dove equestrian Center, which is located at 6137 old Buckingham road, provides yearround therapeutic horseback riding exclusively for veterans with special needs and disabilities. Focusing on veterans in Central Virginia, the goal of this program is to improve the quality of life for the participants through activities that are positive to their cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being. the program is also welcoming first responders to come ride with the program. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 9 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 10 a.m. 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.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3 the Community Matters program for Wednesday, May 3 at 10 a.m. is “ancient art of spinning Wool” will be taught by Kat oliver. explore fiber from start to finish, from raising and harvesting wool from shetland sheep and angora rabbits to spinning, dying and plying artisan yarn. Meet an angora rabbit and feel how fine their fiber is. Community Matters meets at the pocahontas landmark Center, 4290 anderson highway.

THURSDAY, MAY 4 t he p owhatan Village Farmers Market opens for the season on thursday, May 4. the market is open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. every thursday through oct. 26 on the grounds of Bienvenue in the Village. you’ll love reconnecting with your favorite vendors and meeting over 15 new ones! the market offers a huge variety of local goods like seasonal produce, unique breads and baked goods, coffee, honey, pastured meats, kombucha, eggs, mushrooms, artisan creations, self-care products, flowers and even dog treats. While you shop enjoy live music with powhatan sensation landyn llewellyn and tasty food truck dinner from Momma’s BBQ! this season our local parks and recreation will provide kids’ activities every week and they have all sorts of fun stuff planned for opening day! prizes for the kiddos and friendly dogs are always welcome. this season your family will also love visits to the booths of the powhatan state park powhatan library, Master Gardeners and so many more critical community organizations. next Generation 4-h youth Market is a youth-led maker and growers market for young entrepreneurs ages 9 – 17. the goal of the market is to cultivate young entrepreneurs by gaining life skills needed to develop and operate a business. Weekly workshops take place after school where they learn about funds handling, communication, building a business plan and more. Workshops will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. May 4 at the powhatan extension office. next, youth are given the opportunity to sell their products monthly from June to september. all products sold at the market must be made or grown by the young person. For more information, contact Cathy howland at chowland@vt.edu.

FRIDAY, MAY 5 the 39th annual Beef and Music Festival will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 5 at Blessed sacrament huguenot school, 2501 academy road. your $55 ticket includes admission for one adult and one raffle entry; dinner by smok n pigz BBQ; live music; children’s activities including petting zoo, pony rides, and more; and live and silent auctions. Visit BshKnights.org/BMF for more information! the event will be held rain or shine. sponsorship opportunities available! the powhatan Volunteer Fire department Company 1 Golf tournament Fundraiser will be held on Friday, May 5 at Mill Quarter plantation Golf Club, 1525 Mill Quarter road. shotgun start at 1 p.m. registration opens at 11 a.m. dinner provided. awards, raffle prizes. Contact lisa aberle, golf tournament chair, at Fundraising@pfvd1. org or 804-382-4273.

UPCOMING

indoor yard sale will be held by the Women’s organization of saint John neumann Catholic Church located at 2480 Batterson road in powhatan on saturday, June 3rd, 8 a.m. to 2pm, rain or shine. proceeds benefit church ministries. scout troop 3029 is helping the huguenot Volunteer Fire department achieve a long-held goal of building a memorial to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks of sept. 11, 2001 at the station. the Girl scouts are selling 411 bricks inscribed with the name, rank and company of a firefighter, law enforcement officer or paramedic killed during the attacks. a donation of $23 will cover the cost of one inscribed brick in honor of a first responder. to purchase a brick, visit www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/

POWHATAN CELEBRATES EARTH DAY

Powhatan held its annual Earth Day Celebration on April 21, gathering residents of all ages to the Courthouse Green to enjoy the spring weather, celebrate the planet and learn about protecting the environment.

What happens to the items we recycle?

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Many of today’s adults grew up recycling bottles, cans and paper products. That’s made it easy to take the benefits of recycling for granted. Recycle Across America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expediting environmental progress, notes that there’s much to learn about the many products that find their way into recycling bins and recycling centers every day.

„ Residents of the United States discard 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour. Recycling just one ton of

plastic bottles saves the same amount of energy as a single two-person household consumes in an entire year. Despite that, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that only around three million tons of plastics were recycled in 2018.

„ Recycle Across America notes that every three months enough aluminum is deposited in landfills to build the entire commercial air fleet of the United States.

„ Recycling a single aluminum can saves enough energy to power a television for three hours.

„ According to Recycle Across America, the amount of office paper discarded each year in the United States is enough to build a 12-foothigh wall from Seattle to New York.

„ Recycling paper is highly effective, as more than 37 percent of the fiber used to make new paper products in the United States comes from recycled sources.

„ The Empire State Building in midtown Manhattan is one of the tallest buildings in the United States. Two Empire State Buildings could be filled every three weeks with

the glass bottles and jars that end up in American landfills every year.

„ The Steel Recycling Institute reports that recycling steel saves enough energy to provide electricity to 18 million homes for a year.

„ Recycle Across America reports that one ton of recycled cardboard saves 46 gallons of oil. Waste Management notes that 70 percent of commercially shipped cardboard boxes are recovered for recycling. Increasing that percentage could conserve even more oil.

PHOTOS BY ASH DANIEL

Gloria aspinwarner, right, enjoyed a few minutes with napa and owner Jimmy Burk.

the earth day celebration was once again held in the Powhatan Village.

sally taylor, a member of the Powhatan anti-litter Council, shows off her earth day hat.

tom walton reads poetry about farming aloud.

aubriana anderson, 7, works the crafts table.

homemade jam made by ruth henshaw.

area.”

Rec center

District 4 supervisor Bill Cox asked why the Parks and Rec Department was not focusing more on creating more walking trails in the county, something Cox said the community had expressed a desire for in the past.

“Why are you switching from what the community told you to something completely different?” Cox asked. “In my world, with the people I talk to, there is

Calendar

From A2

memorial911. Checks payable to troop 3029 may also be mailed to laura Baltz at 1510 holly hills road, p owhatan, Va 23139. For more information, contact Baltz at 804-467-4313 or ljbal65@aol.com. lonesome dove equestrian Center, which is located at 6137 old Buckingham road, provides yearround therapeutic horseback riding exclusively for veterans with special needs and disabilities. Focusing on veterans in Central Virginia, the goal of this program is to improve the quality of life for the participants through activities that are positive to their cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being. as of Jan. 1, 2021, the program is also welcoming first responders to come ride with the program. 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: May 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:

Richmond 11:45-12:30

@SouthernStates

Broad St.

LIKEUSONFACEBOOK!

FISH WAGON

ToPlaceanOrderCall 1-800-643 -8439 www.fishwagon.com

zero interest in a senior center.”

“As we are evolving our inventory, having just trails doesn’t cut it,” said Palmore pointing out that a community center could offer programming and amenities that could appeal to many more residents, not just seniors.

walking on a trail,” Carmack said. “If you’re 80 years old and you want to do a Tai Chi class, you’re not doing it on a trail. I mean, that’s the whole point of a fitness center.”

Cox, however, remained unconvinced.

“I moved to rural, conservative Powhatan County not to have the government be the answer to all my needs,” Cox said. “And not to have the government surround me with the things that I can get on my own.”

Williams assured the advisory council members that the stumbling block the board was facing had less to do with whether the community center would be a benefit to the county and more to do with making sure it was truly needed.

Carmack

District 5 supervisor Karin Carmack agreed with Palmore, noting that a recent community survey highlighted a desire for programs that focus on healthy activities but not necessarily just those that are trail-related.

“There’s more to fitness than

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. t h ose 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. next Generation 4-h youth Market is a youth-led maker and growers market for young entrepreneurs ages 9 – 17. the goal of the market is to cultivate young entrepreneurs by gaining life skills needed to develop and operate a business. Weekly workshops take place after school where they learn about funds handling, communication, building a business plan and more. Workshops will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. May 11, 18 at the powhatan extension office. next, youth are given the opportunity to sell their products monthly from June to september. all products sold at the market must be made or grown by the young person. For more information, contact Cathy howland at chowland@vt.edu. powhatan state park has planned a series of monthly r a nger le d hikes to explore the park throughout 2023. each month, park visitors can join in a hike on a different trail in the park and learn about local history and wildlife. all hikes begin at 10 a.m. registration is required and limited to nine hikers per trip. email powhatan@dcr.virginia.gov with the subject line “hiking series”

Notes

From A2

State Park on May 5 at 8:30 p.m., and again on June 3 at 9 p.m.

The event will be held at the park’s River Bend Campground Parking Lot. Participants will take a walk under a full moon

“I’m almost 76 and I walk every day on the trails on my property,” he said.

“That’s you,” Carmack said. “Just because you do that doesn’t mean that the rest of the community doesn’t want something like this. Just because someone lives in a rural community doesn’t mean they don’t want any sense of community. In fact, I think [a sense of community] is more important when you live in a rural

including the desired date/hike to reserve your spot. Upcoming events are: april 29: pine trail, meet at yates parking area; May 27: Coyote run trail, meet at equestrian lot; June 24: river, Gold dust and turkey trail, meet at equestrian lot; July 29: Cabin trail/Big Woods trail, meet at the playground area; aug. 26: pine trail, meet at yates parking a rea; s ept. 30: Coyote run trail, meet at equestrian lot; oct. 28: river, Gold dust and turkey trail, meet at equestrian lot; nov. 25: Cabin trail/Big Woods trail, meet at the playground area; and dec. 30: pine trail, meet at yates parking area. Wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and bring plenty of water. Children are welcome but be aware that some hikes may exceed 4 miles and require navigating uneven terrain in all weather conditions.

the Westchester Concert series is back with a full summer 2023 lineup planned. all concerts are from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Westchester Concert Field. each concert will benefit a different nonprofit. Upcoming performances are: June 1, en’novation (autism society of Central Virginia); June 15, the english Channel (Chesterfield historical society of Virginia); June 29, the Jangling reinharts (Free Clinic of powhatan); July 13, 64 Crayons Band ( rVaG); and July 27, Good shot Judy (Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia). For more information, visit www.shopwestchestercommons.com. Juneteenth powhatan, a day of celebration, culture and history,

to search for some of the park’s most elusive nighttime predators — owls! Walk along under the quiet cover of darkness and listen for their haunting voices as they cry out across the landscape, then practice identifying the unique calls of three different species of owls and learn how their fascinating adaptations have made them

Cox said that he remained uncomfortable with the idea of the county building something seems, to him, to be “a building looking for a reason to be.

And I keep trying to find a reason for it to be and I haven’t found it yet.”

Williams

For his part, District 1 David

will be held from noon to 4 p.m. June 17 both inside and outside at the pocahontas landmark Center, 4290 anderson highway. activities will include an exhibit and program, food and vendors, music and a kids zone. the event is rain or shine. it is free and open to the public. donations are welcome. relay for life south of the James, the combined relay for life event for p owhatan and Chesterfield counties, will be held from 4 to 10 p.m. saturday June 10 at powhatan h igh s chool, 1800 Judes Ferry road. Come support the fight against cancer by walking laps and fundraising as a team or participating in the event and supporting the different teams’ fundraisers. highlights include enthusiastic teams joining together in the fight against cancer, performances, food for sale, themed laps, a survivor’s l ap, luminaria that can be purchased in honor or in memory of a loved one, and much more. Contact event lead pat Johnson at pat. rflsoj@gmail.com. saturday Under the stars at powhatan state park will be hosted by the richmond astronomical society throughout 2023. events are open to the public and held at the equestrian / trailhead parking area. Visitors are welcome to bring their telescopes and test them out under a dark sky with assistance from our astronomers. this is a great opportunity to try out a new telescope that might have been a holiday gift. no telescope is required, though. you can always check out the views through ours or just bring

a formidable night-time predator. The walk will be up to one mile along a gravel road with frequent stops to listen for owl calls. The full moon will provide a generous amount of light, but walkers can bring a flashlight or headlamp if they’d like, ideally with a red light setting to prevent disrupting the nocturnal animals. This

“I don’t think any of us are opposed to the idea of serving the community, or any different parts of the community,” said Williams. “I just want to make sure that there is a need, and that whatever we do with the taxpayer’s tax dollars is going to be done in a responsible fashion, so that we don’t look over and say we built that big shiny building over there and it’s not being used.”

a comfortable chair. event times are listed below, but volunteer astronomers will be on site before the event to provide telescope assistance. note that the $5 park fee applies at all times; park fees are waived for volunteer astronomers who are sharing their expertise or equipment for the event and volunteer astronomers are welcome to continue to observe through the night after the public hours. astronomers that can help with any of these events, send a message to president@richastro.org. Upcoming dates are: 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. July 22; 8 to 10 p.m. sept. 16; and 5 to 7 p.m. dec. 9. ONGOING t he p owhatan Village Farmers Market season will be open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. every thursday from May 4 through oct. 26. the market is on the grounds of Bienvenue in the Village. you’ll love reconnecting with your favorite vendors and meeting over 15 new ones! the market offers a huge variety of local goods like seasonal produce, unique breads and baked goods, coffee, honey, pastured meats, kombucha, eggs, mushrooms, artisan creations, selfcare products, flowers and even dog treats. While you shop enjoy live music and a tasty food truck dinner! this season powhatan’s local parks and recreation will provide kids’ activities every week and they have all sorts of fun stuff planned for opening day! prizes for the kiddos and friendly dogs are always welcome. this season your family will also love visits to the booths of

event is free.

Community invited to take part in “Card Shower” for Cleo

The family of Cleopatra Carter of Powhatan is re-

ChurCh DireCtory

Genito Presbyterian Church

2910GenitoRd.Powhatan, VA 372-9074

WorshipwithusthisSunday Churchservice @ 9:30AM Sundayschool @ 10:30AM

E vergreen C ommunity C hurch (PcA)

Proclaiming&PracticingtheGospelofJesusChrist WorshipServiceat10:00AM Meetingat2210BattersonRoad,Powhatan.

Pastor NickKrauss

ECCPCA .ORG 598-8844

SundaySchool 10AM

WorshipService11AM

PastorJohnEngle 603-933-0141 3540OldBuckinghamRd. www.pmchurch.net

1801HuguenotTrail

SundayWorship10am

BryanM.Holt,Pastor

804-378-3607

www.EmmausChristianChurch.org https://www.facebook.com/2emmaus/

M ee tingSundays inFar mville, ForkUnio n, M idlothian, PowhatanandOnline. Visitpcc wired.net fo r servicestimes& lo cat ions 598 -1174pccwired.net

MountCalvary

BaptistChurch

2020RedLaneRoad Powhatan,VA23139

Pastor,LarryB.Collins

SundaySchool9:45a.m.

Sunday Worship 11:00a.m.

WednesdayBibleStudy 7:30p.m. Office804-598-2398

Providence Presbyterian Church

“WorshipingandWitnessing inWesternPowhatan since1825”

WorshipService11:00am

AllAreWelcome! 598-4970 Located1950RidgeRoad (Rt.627)

LivingAsChrist’sDisciplesWithinOur HeartsandBeyondOurDoors

PowhatanChristian Fellowship

SundayMorningWorship 11:00a.m.

SundaySchool10:00a.m.

WednesdayNight7:30p.m.

3308 PleasantsRoad, 1/4mileoffofRoute711 RussCress, Pastor 598-0733

St.John Neumann Catholic Church

Rev.WalterG.Lewis,Pastor

Saturday -5p.m.

the powhatan state park powhatan library, Master Gardeners and so many more critical community organizations.

t he p owhatan Coalition of Churches is looking for one or more volunteers to manage the Food pantry which serves over 100 households each month. p rimary responsibilities include training and coordinating volunteers, overseeing purchasing and inventory, record keeping and reporting, and publicity and communications. if you feel called to this vital ministry to neighbors in need please contact theresa Fields at powfields@comcast.net or 804-372-9526.

agricultural lands in Goochland and powhatan counties continue to be eligible for conservation assistance funds from Monacan soil and Water Conservation district (sWCd) for stream exclusion fencing, establishing rotational grazing fields, developing water resources, wells, springs and stream access points, reforestation of critical areas and establishing or enlarging buffer areas along waterways. Funds are also available for nutrient management plan development and implementation, cover crops and numerous other conservation practices. Monacan encourages producers to explore options now since program options have recently been revised and significantly improved for the producer. the district has highly skilled employees who are well trained in both the technical aspects of conservation management and program delivery.

questing a card shower in honor of her 70th birthday on May 3, 2023. If you know Cleo, then you know she loves to send and receive greeting cards. If you would like to take part in this “Shower of Cards” for her special day, please send congratulations to1776 Cambridge Drive #130 Richmond Va. 23238

Worship: 8:30&10:30am www.powhatanumc.us WeekdayPreschool(ages2-5) 598-6090

2253RossonRd. JustoffRt.13intheVillage 598-4438

Sunday -8:30a.m.&11a.m. 598-3754 www.sjnpowhatan.org LocatedbehindFlatRock VillageShopping Center

PCPS Elementary School Honor Roll

Powhatan Elementary

School

First Grade All A’s

annabella Back

Bryce Bellamy

Kate Brown

lilly-Kate Campbell

Carl Chinnis

waylon Cole

Carina Colpo

rowan Guzman

ella harris

Caleb henley

lucas hiatt

tucker Kennedy

willow King

elsie liford

Carson lowder

Megan Mann

oliver rothwell

Kinsley strickland

ryleigh tapp

dawson Vaughn

Justin weng

leah yarbrough

First Grade All A/B’s

Calista adam

andrew amantea

lilly amiss

McKayla arrington

Mason Baldwin

Keller Bowles

ellie Bridges

Chamreun Carneal

dekker Cosgrove

Gerald damiani

Kayson douberly

Joanna harris

ava hitt

southerly Jarvis

Kade Jefferson

Carter Kimsey

nevin Koch

Cole layman

Mason McGraw

aubrey Mcintosh

rhett nice

Gentry nice

Magnolia nice

Brayden osborne

dylan Phelps

Jaxon richardson

Jahari robinson

annie sexton

hunter thomas

Brycen trentham

Second Grade All A’s

aiden albert

Greyson Batchelor

alyssa Brice

abigail Carneal

Phineas Chowanski

Cooper Cosgrove

Claire dillon

ella eakin

Benjamin eggleston

ivy ellinghausen

Gavin helton

addison hudson

Jase Kellam

avery lanpher

linck Martin

easton Martin

sadie ouellette

adalynn turley

alexander Upson

olivia wyatt

Second Grade All A/B’s

adley Grace ailor

Berklee atkins

Cary Berger

Braxton Bew

Kyle Brammer

Gibson Bray

Xavier Campbell

raelynn Campbell

Konstantine Chowanski

elizabeth dickerson

George evans

henley Goree

Carter hall

Maybrie lloyd

Brantley Martin

isaiah nichols

Brooke Pennington

riley rhodes

riley rich

Val rober ts

Jason saur

Finley shenk

lincoln stough

Cole sweet

hadley taylor

Bryson trevillian

robbie walton

Kade ware

Jameson wood

Third Grade All A’s

addison Ballou

Beau Barnes

eiley Crist

alice Geary

thomas Golden

Chance Johnson

Claire Kerns

Kellan lewis

lindsey lewis

henry liford

emmett llewellyn

Cole McQuiddy

Cooper Merchant

Bella nester

landon Porter

rachel reynolds

evan smith

anna walker

harper webb

Third Grade All A/B’s

Jeremy Boland

Ben Brammer

aiden Bukas

logan Campbell

libby Carter

Cici Chavez

andress Chinnis

ellie Collison

addy douberly

Parker Ferguson

Bradley Frohman

emersyn Garner

Grace harper

Madisyn haynie

addison hess

Cindy howell

Jayse Jones

lucy Kennedy

Cruz lopez

levi luck

lorelai nice

landon Painter

Chayse Phelps

noah rober tson

everlee sauerbrey

Kaydance seay

halee shepperson

Chloe sherman

Khloe smith

Max watson

easton welsh

allie whitlow

ainsley wilson

Fourth Grade All A’s

weston Campbell

austin Corcoran

Colton Foor

addison Graves

Piperherring

Katherine isley

Magnolia Koch

everret Morales

leverette nice

adalen Pantle

Katleigh sadler

natalie simmons

noah spence

eleanor striker

Maci thompson

rylan williams

trey woodson

Fourth Grade All A/B’s

abigail asencio

eli Cash

adeline Conyers

Gage Crist

liam douglas

adrian Garcia

Mason Garner

Catherine Gerow

Charlotte Gregory

reed Griffin

Colby hicks

lanie Jastram

symone Johnson

Brantley lynch

Cole Marshall

Mason rober ts

lillian roszel

Chase sanders

Jackson saunders

Clara shirkey

Maddox steele

Bella worsham

Please

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

POWHATAN FAMILY MOOSE LENDS SUPPORT TO LOCAL LITTLE LEAGUE

randy taylor, administrator of the Powhatan Family Moose Center, recently presented a donation of $1000 dollars to ashley Cook and Colleen schwartz for the Powhatan little league association.

PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED

CUMBERLAND CLOTHES CLOSET RAISES FUNDS FOR FREE CLINIC OF POWHATAN

Barbara daniels, right, director of the Cumberland Clothes Closet, recently presented a donation check to dawn stiller clinic manager of the Free Clinic of Powhatan. in addition, the Cumberland Clothes Closet also supports the mission of the Powhatan Free Clinic by providing vouchers for patients to purchase needed clothing and other items.

ChurCh DireCtory

Pastor StephenBattaglia 2390 EmmanuelChurch Road www.newwalkbible.org

SundayWorship10:00AM

SundaySchool9:00AM

BibleStudyWed.7:00PM 804-372-9254

St.Luke’sAnglicanChurch

555RiverRoadWest(PattersonAvenue) 3.5mileswestof288intersection www.stukesrichmond.org

SUN.9:30amMorningPrayer 10:00amMass WED.6:00pmEveningPrayer

MOUNTZION BAPTISTCHURCH

2591RidgeRoad

Powhatan,Virginia23139

804-598-2051

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

MuddyCreek BaptistChurch

Sunday School - 9:45a.m. Worship - 11a.m.

Pastor JeffBeard,MA,MBA

3470TrenholmRoad www.muddycreekbaptist.org

Advertise in Powhatan

Today’s Church Director y. Call8 04 -746 -1235 ext.2fordetails.

GracelandBaptistChurch

Dr.RonaldWyatt,Jr.,Pastor Contemporary–9:00a.m. Sund aySchool–9:45a.m. Worship–11a.m.

Children’sWorship–11a.m.

FIRSTANTIOCH BAPTISTCHURCH

3920MAIDENSRD.,POWHATAN

804-598-2301

SundaySchool10:00a.m.

SundayMorningService 11:00a.m.

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

1530CookRoad(Rt.636)

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

3619HuguenotTrail

Powhatan,V irginia2 3139 www.finecreek baptis t.org SundaySchool:9:45a.m. Wor shipSer vice:11:00a.m. Traditional VernGilmer,Pastor

Loving,Investing,Fulfilling,Empowering

Senior Pastor JustinWilson SundayService10:30am 2410NewDorsetCircle www.Communitylifechurchpowhatan.org

Sunday10am,11am&6pm

Wednesday7pm

TravisL.Keith-Pastor ChurchOffice:794.7054

JustAcrossfromSouth CreekShoppingCenter! www.glbcpva.org

entrepreneurs aged nine to seventeen to be a vendor four times during the season. It was heartwarming to see the outpouring of community support given to these talented local youth last year!

The Powhatan market serves as a well-needed gathering place. Numerous critical community organizations participate, such as Habitat for Humanity, Animal Control, the Goochland Powhatan Master Gardeners, the local library and even our State Park. This year the Free Clinic, NAACP, James River Master Naturalists, and the Drexel Morrell Center will be added to the team to increase awareness and elicit support for each of their missions. Marketgoers are always encouraged to use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dollars at the market.

The vendors and community members have everything to do with why the Powhatan Village Market is known as the friendliest market around. Farmer Greg Paul of Chicory Hill Farm in Powhatan brings pasture-raised meat to the market. He described his experience as a vendor by stating, “The Powhatan community welcomed us like family when we relocated our farm here two years ago. A huge part of our warm welcome came from the awesome vendors and wonderful patrons of this friendly little farmers market. Being a part of this farmers market right here in our own community is so rewarding! It’s such a privilege to have gained the trust of so many that now feed our products to their families on a regular basis.”

The camaraderie among the vendors is palpable and inspiring. Leslie Cave of Cave’s Creations, who provides delectable handmade treats, described her vendor experience in 2022 this way: “I was welcomed with open arms by every market veteran last year. From help in how to line up my tent to what to expect and tips. I became part of the community fairly quickly and it was proven when I lost my dog. I was rallied around and helped greatly through that time.”

Powhatan resident and coffee vendor Alexa Boyt of Batteaux described the friendly welcoming vibe of the market by remarking, “We love being a part of the community that shows up every Thursday afternoon! Laughing and working together with vendors, getting to know new friends, listening to live music, it all happens at the market and we can’t wait to enjoy another season!”

Upon the close of the market season last year, local resident Judy Ringgold remarked “These folks seem like family. We loved our Thursday time with all of you. Thank you! You were rays of sunshine every week.”

All who visit the market each Thursday will enjoy tunes from local musicians and appreciate having no dishes to clean after dining on meals from some of the best food trucks around. Special events like the popular Market Dog Day will be back, as well as a host of other celebratory market days! You don’t want to miss a single Thursday! There’s so much to enjoy at this beloved community gathering place right in the Village where all are welcome.

The 2023 season kicks off on May 4 at 4 p.m. and will continue each Thursday from 4-6:30 p.m. through October. Opening day will include music from Powhatan sensation Landyn Llewellyn, face painting and games for the kids from Powhatan Parks and Recreation and delicious dinner from Momma’s BBQ. Of course the big attraction will be the vendors you’ve missed and new ones who can’t wait to meet you!

in

The 2023 season kicks off on May 4 at 4 p.m. and will continue each Thursday from 4-6:30 p.m. through October.

Planting depth a critical part of ensuring healthy, thriving trees

CONTRIBUTED REPORT Spring is for planting! But when it comes to trees and shrubs, you may want to double-check your planting technique. Not long ago, the local Extension Office received a question about why some landscape trees in the common area of a neighborhood were failing to thrive. They were covered in lichens and the branches were dying back. Some were tilted rather than standing upright. All of the

trees in the nearby forest seemed to be perfectly healthy, so what could be going on?

People occasionally blame lichens for tree decline, but they are a symptom that a plant is growing slowly rather than the cause. After some sleuthing, we discovered that the trees in this case had not been planted deeply enough, and a large portion of their rootball, although covered in mulch, was multiple inches above the surface

of the ground. Trees and shrubs should be planted at the same depth as they were planted in a pot or in the ground at a nursery. Generally speaking, this means the “root flare” is level with the soil surface. Holes for woody species should be only as deep as the root ball, but twice as wide. It is helpful to chop some horizontal slits into the side of the hole, especially in heavy clay soils. Backfill the hole with the same soil and tamp it

down just enough to remove air pockets. There is no need to fertilize or amend the soil, although finished compost can make a nice mulch material for around your new tree or shrub. That leads to another common sin of spring: the mulch volcano. Mulch should be spread evenly and shallowly around the root zone of a plant, never heaped against the trunk. For newly planted plants, you can mound

the mulch into a small berm or “donut” around the outside of the mulch ring. This can help hold water during waterings. Springs in Virginia can be hot and dry, which is hard on new plants. So while spring is for planting… so is fall. In fact, we at the Extension Office much prefer to plant new woody plants in the fall. If you haven’t yet gotten around to planting perennials this spring, you might want to consider holding off a while yet.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Fresh produce always abounds at the powhatan Farmers Market.

addition to locally grown produce and homemade delights, unique crafts are always part of the market.

Above: Musician landyn llewellyn will return to entertain market shoppers this year.

Left: Kaz Mock serves as the market manager for the powhatan Village Farmers Market. JOEL VERGARA

opening day at the powhatan Village Market is sure to draw an enthusiastic crowd. Vendors will once again offer dozens of options, from produce to crafts to homemade jellies and desserts.

OPINION

Got a not-so-green thumb? Local help abounds

When it comes to gardening and growing things, there are some in our community who just seem to have a gift. You know the ones: Their lawns are lush and green, their flower beds bursting with color. If they have a vegetable garden (and they probably do), it is laid out and tended in a way that brings forth a bumper crop of delicious produce throughout the growing season.

They know what to plant where, when to water, and which garden tools are worth having.

If this sounds like you, I’d like to thank you for giving the rest of us something to which we can aspire. Because some of us have quite a ways to go. Just speaking for myself, if

I was not blessed with a green thumb I was at least gifted an enthusiastic one. Like many would-be gardeners, I enjoy nothing more than gleefully picking up an armload of seed packets, looking carefully over the instructions printed on the back, and then marching confidently outside each spring to commit all manner of seed-sowing sins. While good common sense would suggest calling in an expert, my usual m.o. is to wing it, planting things where I think they will look best and paying only fleeting attention to things like soil quality, sun exposure and spacing. The results, as you might expect, are usually not great, though nature usually manages to triumph—at least to a certain degree—over my ham-handed efforts. My flowers usually sur-

vive for a while and my tomato and pepper plants will offer up a tiny harvest, just enough to keep me coming back year after year. Still, as I drive through the county or visit those who do grow bountiful gardens, I know just how far I have to go. Fortunately, in Powhatan, we do have access to plenty of help when it comes to everything from vegetable gardening to keeping our lawns healthy. One suggestion for all gardening skill levels is to reach out to the Powhatan County office of Virginia Cooperative Extension for help with any issues you might be having (the office also offers numerous garden-related workshops throughout the year). Through the Extension Office, residents can also access help from local Master Gardeners, members of the local commu-

nity with special training in horticulture who volunteer their time to share their knowledge with the community.

For more information on the Powhatan Extension Office, visit www.powhatan.ext.vt.edu or call (804) 598-5640.

Also, for all green thumbs and non-green thumbs alike, this Saturday brings the 17th annual Spring Garden Festival to J. Sargent Reynolds Community College (1851 Dickinson Road, in Goochland). The free, family-friendly event is a celebration of all things gardening and is put on from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. by the Goochland-Powhatan Master Gardener Association (GPMGA) in cooperation with Reynolds Community College and the Virginia Cooperative Extension. The event includes the muchloved GPMGA Plant Sale, with

a wide variety of plants at great prices, an Ask the Master Gardener station for free gardening help, and lots of fun gardening-related vendor booths. For a small fee, participants can also increase their gardening knowledge through classes, workshops, and tours. A food truck will also be on site selling breakfast and lunch items.

As for me, I think this might be the year I finally see the light and ask for help as I go about getting my garden started. Will this be the year my flower beds and vegetable plants finally flourish? Time will tell—but I’m ready to get growing.

Do you have a garden project you’re particularly proud of, or a tip you’s like to share? Send it to news@powhatantoday.com and we’ll include it in an upcoming issue.

Annual list of sonic entries helps define who we are

Because we must have lists for almost everything possible in our everyday lives, the Library of Congress designates 25 songs or sounds each year that make up a prestigious list of artists, songs and recordings that, as a society, we deem worthy of national recognition.

Since 2000, the Library’s National Recording Registry has documented and cataloged some of the nation’s most memorable songs and memorialized many of our most famous sounds. It’s not all about music, either. The collection includes sounds of coverage from

Kayleigh young

Fifth Grade All A’s

Graham Bilthuis

allison Burkhart

andrew Collison

liam dickerson

Colin dillon

Michael Gibbs

Kirsten hayton

Cutler Johnson

Mason llyod

Colton Madures

stetson nice

Gracelyn Peyton

Kelsie ryman

Julia wilson

Fifth Grade All A/B’s

Jackson arnett

Jordyn Batchelor

June Boyer

Maelynn Campbell

amelia Chavez

hailey Conlon

luke Cottone

elise Fitch

Jonathan harris

Carsten Johannsen

Parker Kellam

isla Kimsey

taylor landess

Maddox nelson

tristan o’neil

Grey rober ts

Charlie saur

ryleigh scott

Charles simons Jr.

Brendan stafferi

Jaxon stringfield

9-11and other significant sounds from history including coverage of Hank Aaron’s historical 715th home run as described by legendary sports caster Milo Hamilton.

The collection includes the earliest known recording of jazz pianist James Johnson’s “Harlem Strut” and other famous tidbits of sound including a conversation with Robin Williams.

“The National Recording Registry reflects the diverse music and voices that have shaped our nation’s history and culture through recorded sound,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden in an NPR article last year.

To those who think the list

hannah taylor

davin torklesen

Br yleigh trevillian

Mark young

Pocahontas Elemen-

tary School

First Grade All A’s

aubriana anderson

rober t anderson

emerson aycock

wyatt Baskette

elijah Black

olivia Bourdon

levi Burton

Grady Carpenter

Megan davenport

emery davis

lorelei elam

trevor elton

Kayleigh Gajewski

lydia Glass

ian holt

sawyer hutto-dzen

Grace Johnson

Mason laurimore

Kellen lavimodiere

asher Matney

Madeline Merkel

Max Moyer

ellianna oliveri

Charles Pierson

silas Powell

Carter schwend

easton shepka

austin shock

Carter sill

Melissa swanson

emmett tomblin

eliza tompkins

Madison Utt

Zoey walters

Vivian watson

McKinley whitlock

First Grade All A/B’s

Victoria acevedo

Penelope adams

Belle ainsworth

annabelle anderson

sire anderson

Matthew andrews

Braylee austin

waylan Berry

Maddux Brown

Grayson Collier

Gunner Comer

Gunner Culler

Charles Fobes

luke Forstner

Brailey Foster

Cooper Franklin

hailey Gerber

everett Graham

ezekiel hay

avery hershey

henry hertzler

sofia hudson

andrea hunting

Parker Jamerson

Gabriel James

Mason Jastram

reid leonard

noemi lucaci

Chase Machotka

Kennedy Martin

Jackson McCord

natalie Milam

lillian Mooney

esther nebel

Jade oliveri

alexandra Patterson

Peyton Pegram

has too much of a high-browed tone, with entries like Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin” and Queens’ “Bohemian Rhapsody,” there’s something on the list for everyone. The Wu-Tang Clan’s “Enter the Wu-Tang” joined the exclusive catalog last year.

This year’s list, announced earlier this month, also includes a wide variety of artists and genres including Madonna, Daddy Yankee, Mariah Carey, The Police and Led Zeppelin just to name a few.

Even the Super Mario Brothers theme was tapped for recognition on this year’s list, a first for video game themes.

One of the more puzzling selections from this year’s list is John Lennon’s “Imagine,” a title

aubrey Pentecost

daniel Pierce

Benjamin Pullin

Jacob Putnam

ander shiver

Kaelynn spence

Caroline stremovihtg

oliver taylor

Bentley toskes

ashley wallace

Georgia young

Second Grade All A’s

Carter arencibia

summer Bakes

hayden Bartlett

Madelynn Beach

aidan Belcher

dylan Bellot

Benjamin Bernard

levi Bourdon

aevan Bridges

eirnin Buchholz

tessa Burgos

nolan Campbell

Kaiden Carey

lucas Coleman

Jacob Cosgrove

Pax dabney

Gentry davis

Mackenzie deBois

Kathy dickerson

Conner elton

Grayson Fishburne

lily Foltyn

danny Foster

Colton Franklin

sophie Frantz

Giovanna Green

declan hannaford

lenna hansen

I would have thought should have been added years ago. Turns out the classic is the first recording by a former Beatle to be added. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band made the list in 2003.

Now, I don’t question the credentials of the people selected to make the selections, but how in the world could Lennon’s Imagine have taken so long to be recognized? The same goes for other well-known reminders of culture contained in this year’s list.

The 2023 list also includes its fair share of Billboard hits including “Sherry” by the Four Seasons, Bobbie Gentry’s “Ode to Billy Joe,” Irene Cara’s “Flashdance” and the Euryth-

Jamie hernandez

Foster hill

alexa hodges

lucy hoyt

Bella Jackson

Bryton James

lily Kamakeeaina

ethan Kimble

tobias leandro

taylor lessner

Cooper long

luna lunde

sadie Miller

Cora Mock smith

deklen Moore

Joanna Moyer

Connor neumann

Jakoby Pierce

aislynn Plummer

Jacqueline Plunkett

Brady Pond

alora reese

Mackenzie rogers

Gavin rohlfing

sydney samuel

Jeremiah savage

Kally senger Bennett smith

luke sulzer

logan taylor

trenton thames

Maynard timberlake

annalise toney

annalise toney

annalise toney

alexander Verkay

elliott wagner

Cora ward deacon waters

nolan watson

Kinsley wills

haevyn wolf

raygan wood

lyla yandle

mics’ “Sweet Dreams.”

And two of America’s most popular sing-along tunes made the 2023 list. John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and Jimmy Buffet’s “Margaritaville” are now forever recognized, many years after a nation pegged them national classics many years ago.

This year’s additions bring the total number of entries to 625. Considering the nation’s extensive and varied sound heritage, the number of future designees seems almost infinite.

And, I’m infinitely appreciative of this year’s inclusion of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” a song that for many of us, defines a generation. Again, what took so long?

stone williamson

anna wright

Third Grade All A’s

anaiyah Bailey

Kalynn Bareford

Second Grade All A/B’s

Jace agnew

nicolette arnold

Brantley Bounds

wyatt Carpenter william Carroll

elaina Collins

Madalyn Cosgrove

Chace Cutright

nikoli Fisher

haven Fleming

Madison Gibbs

riley harris

Vivian haynes

Bentley Jackson

edward lewis

Blake lindsey

Gyasi Mcintosh

Calvin Miller

Cormac Morris

timothy Mosby

Jr.

Parish Moses-shelton

sadie newman

Jace nuckols

remington Quinones

John-logan samford

ethan sandoval

ryan saunders

Kayelynn scott

audrey shaw

lola shears

Grant skeens

haileyanne skinger

stephen stanley

Jaxxon VanCampenhout

Cecil ward

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS

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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.

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Girls lacrosse falls in close matchup to Western Albemarle

Last year’s girls lacrosse season was one for the books for Powhatan, capped off by a trip to the state tournament and an appearance in the regional finals. The Indians rarely suffered defeat during the season, seeing their only two losses come against Western Albemarle in a 16-6 in regionals and later in the state tournament to Rockbridge.

Flash forward to this year, and the Western Albemarle Warriors are still a thorn in the side of another talented Powhatan team.

With new challenges ahead, Indians tennis is learning through experience

ROBBY FLETCHER

Sports Editor

The 2022-23 tennis season has been unlike any other for Powhatan head coach Lee Kelley.

With just two upperclassmen on the roster surrounded by four freshmen, the Indians entered the season with inexperience across the board. Just two of the starting six players in the lineup hold tournament experience and many are within their first years of playing the sport.

Kelley, who has been with the program for five seasons, senses that as he’s gotten older, the ability to relate with his younger players grows a little bit harder. This season, he’s focusing on balancing a stern approach with more patience, hoping to give the team’s newcomers time to adjust, but also keep them on track so that they may one day become the top players leading the team onto the court.

“You’re like a grandfather, so for me, I needed to be two things: a grandfather and a coach,” Kelley said. “This is

something that I’m getting used to.”

His biggest help comes from junior captain Isaac Kelley, who has been a model leader for the team. Just in his second season of playing himself, Kelley is the voice that can relate to the newer players, but carry the weight of keeping the team in-line and focused at practice.

Coach Kelley says his captain has never missed a practice, is always adding in new techniques to his game and finding ways to make himself a better tennis player.

“He meets the standards, he’s done it over and over. He’s done very, very well,” Kelley said.

In between practice sessions are matchups against a myriad of teams stacked with top-level talent that’s been on the court for years. Teams like Midlothian, Cosby and James River have come away with big wins over the Indians, who have managed to steal a match or two thanks to the high level of play from sophomore No. 1 Jamison Wallace, who has built on an

impressive freshman season that saw him win a doubles regional title and play at the state tournament level alongside Jacob Pfab. Wallace continues to look the part of a future state champ, exhibiting quick feet, a blistering serve and the endurance to handle prolonged battles against similarly talented No. 1 players. While the scores against those teams may read from the surface like lopsided beatdowns, there’s much more going on in every match that the Indians are taking as learning opportunities. Take their most recent loss on April 18 to the Cosby Titans, who sit at 7-2 as one of the top teams in the district. Kelley called playing the Titans “as close to a college level as you’re going to get,” pointing to the way the team’s preparation, coaching and skill development have led to them being a consistently tough team to play.

The Titans won all six singles matchups, including two that went down to the wire: a

thrilling showdown between Wallace and Joseph Braud that finished 7-6, 6-4 and a No. 3 matchup between Powhatan’s Isaac Kelley and Nico Villar May that went 6-3, 6-4.

The losses were tough, but the team bounced back, winning two of the three doubles matches thanks to sets of 6-2 and 6-4 from the top combo of Wallace and Maxwell Pestka and 6-3, 6-4 from the duo of Noah Lawson and John Dinardi.

“We have to get used to the noise, we have to get used to their camaraderie,” Kelley said of the team’s matchup against Cosby. “We don’t face that with other schools.”

The loss stung, but there were positives found by the end of the day. The team may be overmatched against stronger opponents like the Titans, who will undoubtedly be a team to watch during the regional tournament, but the Indians have done well in beating similarly younger opponents.

Riding into their first meeting of the season with a 4-1 record, the Indians were as confident as ever that they could take down the undefeated Warriors, and though the result shows an 12-8 loss, they were as close as anyone this season to coming up on top against the lacrosse giants.

The Indians are one of three teams to be within five goals of the Warriors in a game this season, giving it their very best to take down the Warriors on the road.

A four-goal performance from sophomore attacker Erica Krauss led the way for the Indians, as she gave the Warriors fits with her ability to drive to the net and deliver powerful shots past the keeper.

Two goals from freshman Blakely Dowdy and additional scores from Caroline Camp and Kate Adams helped the Indians keep up with the Warriors’ attack, while sophomore goalie Mackenzie Halfon played a big role in keeping the score close by saving six shots thrown her way.

Ultimately though, the Warriors were still too tough to handle, extending their undefeated win streak despite getting more of a sweat from a stout Indians squad.

Powhatan was quick to respond to the loss, dominating the next two opponents to the point where not a single shot went into Halfon’s net.

Powhatan softball edges past Manchester for seventh win

Sports Editor

It’s not often a game yields multiple home runs within its seven innings, but on Thursday, April 20, the fans at Manchester High School were treated to a spectacular display of hitting between the Lancers and the Powhatan Indians softball teams.

Four home runs were knocked out of the park in the Dominion District matchup, three of which were attributed to the Indians in a 4-3 thriller that moves their record to 7-3 while the Lancers drop to 6-4.

Freshman Mazie Harmon led off for the Indians and delivered the first homer of the day on just the third pitch of the game, connecting on the ball with a line

WHO: AVA HARPER

WHATSHEDID:

drive down center field to make it a 1-0 lead for the Indians entering the second inning.

In the bottom of the third, the Lancers got their lone home run of the day, tying up the game 1-1 when junior Mia Woolfolk sent one past the right field fence.

After that, the Indians fans witnessed a rarity in the top of the fourth, as the Indians got back-to-back home runs from Ava Harper and Madalyn Johnson to make it 3-1. Harper recently homered a shot over the fence in last week’s demolition of the L.C. Bird Skyhawks, and that hitting success continued when she put another one down left field for the team’s second run of the day.

Immediately after, Johnson

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

gamesandmovingtheirrecordto 6-3ontheseason.

winagainstL.C.BirdonApril13.

took a break from pitching by getting in on the action with a hit that sailed down center field on a 2-0 count.

Powhatan’s defense responded promptly by holding Manchester scoreless to enter the top of the fifth inning, where they added to their lead when Harper hit a line drive single that sent Harmon home for a 4-1 lead.

Johnson tossed three of her nine strikeouts on the day in the fifth and sixth innings to help hold the Lancers scoreless, but the home team’s defense similarly got off the field without further damage to keep the deficit down to three entering the bottom of the seventh.

TheIndianssoftballteamisin themidstofastringofgreat performances,winningfourstraight

Manyhelpinghandshave contributedtotheirstrongplay,one ofwhichissophomoreAvaHarper, whohadahugeRBIdoubleinthe team’s9-5winoverCloverHillon April11,andlaterknockedaball outoftheparkintheteam’s16-1

Harper’shomercameinthebottom ofthesecond,ashershotblasted over thefencedown center field and gavetheIndiansthreerunsinan instanttomakeit7-0.Shelaterhad anRBIdoubletoaddtothescoring barrageandsolidifyPowhatan’s four th s traightwin.

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

ROBBY FLETCHER

Junior Isaac Kelley has emerged as a team captain for the Powhatan tennis team, which currently holds a 3-6 record.

ROBBY FLETCHER

Softball Standout

Titans overpower Indians in anticipated soccer matchup

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

In an exciting matchup between Powhatan and Cosby’s soccer teams, two top opponents within the Dominion District, the chances the two teams might meet again in the postseason was on the minds of all the fans in attendance.

The Indians, traveling to the home of the Titans with a string of wins that gave them confidence heading into the bout, were confident they could overpower a stifling and disciplined Titans team that entered the game with a hot streak of their own.

Cosby came out firing on all cylinders though, cutting off Powhatan’s runs on the attack, forcing the Indians into playing a short game while they took control of possession and finished with a 4-1 victory.

The Titans opened the scoring 14 minutes into the first half, when Ka’eo Gonsalves put them in front. The Titans held the ball, won the battle in corner kicks and generally disrupted Powhatan’s offensive rhythm in the first half, though Powhatan forward Fischer Daniel did get one promising shot off that was set up by freshman Dylan Mapes.

Still, the Titans added a second goal to enter halftime up 2-0, and that lead grew to 3-0 25 minutes into the second half on a goal from Jesus Hernandez-Arguinzones .

Four minutes later, the Indians finally got one to go their way when Daniel delivered a perfect free kick cross that was headed in by midfielder Connor Nickerson to make it 3-1 with 21 minutes left.

While that goal provided a jolt for the Indians, the Titans continued to respond, scoring their fourth and final goal to make it 4-1 and put the lead too far within reach for Powhatan.

It was a tough pill to swallow for a Powhatan team that entered the matchup with confidence after collecting some wins off of its spring break, but on Tuesday

Softball

From B1

With one last chance to tie or take the lead, the Lancers nearly staged a comeback, but came a run short of tying the score. The Lancers got runners on base on their first three atbats, including an RBI double from junior Eliana Rodriguez and an RBI single from Woolfolk.

With momentum mounting in the nick of time, the Lancers’ comeback was stunted by a massive double play sparked by junior Skylar Galderise. Needing just one more out, Johnson delivered from the mound, striking sophomore Sarah Connell out swinging to help the Indians hold on in an entertaining finish on the road.

The Indians will finish out their four-game road trip with games against Midlothian on April 27 and J.R. Tucker on May 1.

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

Tennis

From B1

Powhatan’s three wins against Monacan, L.C. Bird and Manchester have all come in convincing fashion, with the team winning 24 of a possible 27 matches versus those three foes.

With seven more opponents left on the schedule before the postseason, the Indians look to finish strong and take every opportunity in stride. There’s patience and an understanding that the team can play the long game on the way to contention in the district, but the signs of improvement continue to be evident, regardless of what’s shown in the win/loss column.

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

Lacrosse

From B1

night, it was the hosting Titans that looked like the more confident side.

The Indians can get back on the right track when they take on Midlothian on the road on Thursday, April 27 at 7 p.m.

Above: powhatan’s shaw stancil battles for the ball against a Cosby attacker in powhatan’s 4-1 loss on april 18.

Left: powhatan goalie austin Whitlock punches a ball out of the 18yard box on a Cosby corner kick.

VCU baseball powered by Powhatan’s Eike in cleanup hitter’s return home

ZACH JOACHIM Richmond Times-Dispatch

Like many Richmonders who’ve fallen in love with baseball at a young age, Powhatan’s Brandon Eike grew up attending Richmond Braves and later Flying Squirrels games at The Diamond.

And after a couple years at North Carolina, the 2019 Region 4B player of the year and AllMetro honoree at Powhatan High has returned home to launch long balls and handle the hot corner for VCU on the field that once captured his childhood imagination.

“It’s awesome, it brings back memories of growing up, you’re watching them out there like ‘Yup, that’s going to be me.’ Sure enough, I’m out here playing now,” Eike said on Wednesday afternoon, sitting in those same stands and gazing out over that same field as his Rams warmed up for practice.

Eike was born in Henrico, and lived in Hanover for a time before moving out to and growing up in Powhatan. The junior third baseman and cleanup hitter has been VCU’s most formidable bat this spring following his transfer from the Tar Heels.

Through 33 games, he’s hitting .352 with seven home runs, 45 RBIs and 13 doubles, all teamhighs. His 32 runs scored and .606 slugging percentage are second.

Teammates have dubbed him

“Big Eike,” and any time he does damage to the opposition, the refrain in the Rams dugout is “You got Big Eiked!”

Eike said he hasn’t changed much in his approach to find such a groove at the place, aside from simplifying his load a bit and trusting himself to generate power naturally without taking huge swings.

He credited a regimented routine off the field involving a healthy diet, including ample hy-

A 19-0 win over Clover Hill and a 21-0 win over Manchester put Powhatan up to a 6-2 record with six games remaining on the

dration, plus strong sleep habits and a positive mindset with his scorching pace at the plate.

“That helps me come out here and be sharp,” he said. “And once I get on the field, it’s just about staying with my approach, staying confident and keeping things simple.”

Fellow Powhatan High alum Logan Amiss, a redshirt-senior outfielder for the Rams, helped connect Eike with the program during the transfer process. Eike loved his time at UNC and still calls many of the Tar Heels close friends. But he was ready for a fresh start and wanted to be closer to home.

Eike initially got in contact with former VCU coach Shawn Stiffler. When Stiffler moved on to Notre Dame, Eike didn’t really consider going elsewhere. He knew the

schedule. With Western Albemarle likely awaiting the team in the postseason again, Powhatan looks as good as it has ever been,

reputation of former Clemson assistant and incoming Rams coach Bradley LeCroy from Tigers players and was keen on playing for a man he called a players’ coach.

“He’s really open and honest with us, which is a trait of any good coach. He tells it straight up, what we need to work on,” Eike said of LeCroy.

“And at the same time he lets us play, he’s not overcoaching us, lets us be aggressive and that’s what he preaches. We have to set the tone, good teams coach themselves and establish a culture within itself.

“That’s what I was looking for with a new program, you want somebody that’s going to have your back, and he does. He sets the tone each and every day.”

Eike said family and friends were ecstatic when he told them he was coming home to don the

and now has a close result with a top-tier team to prove it has the potential to hang with any team in the region.

black and gold. He’s got supporters at games every weekend the Rams are home, and lauded a Richmond baseball community that helped foster his own love for the game.

“The support is definitely there, they show up pretty much every weekend, I couldn’t be more thankful for that,” Eike said, adding that parents Kathy and Chris have always helped him maintain a positive mindset.

“It’s a great environment to play in.”

Eike was a standout pitcher and played shortstop and third base at Powhatan before being recruited by UNC as a two-way prospect, though at VCU he’s settled on being a position player.

He credited the staff at Powhatan, namely former longtime Indians coach and VHSL Hall of Fame inductee (2020) Gregg Conner, with setting up an infrastructure that fostered his own and plenty of other college players’ development.

His favorite moments in a Powhatan uniform include a comeback, walk-off win over Hanover in 2018.

“They just have a really good system starting at the middle school level all the way up, each level kind of builds on each other, they all teach the same things and that’s why they’ve developed the guys they have over the years,” he said.

VCU (17-16, 3-3 Atlantic 10) began a four-game homestand Friday against George Mason (16-17, 3-3 A-10).

Eike’s Rams have a three-game weekend series against the Patriots before No. 7 Virginia (304, 11-4 ACC) and 2021 co-AllMetro players of the year Griff O’Ferrall (St. Christopher’s) and Jay Woolfolk (Benedictine) come calling Tuesday at 7 p.m. at The Diamond.

Powhatan’s next matchup will come against Midlothian on Wednesday, April 26 at home. The game starts at 7 p.m.

ROBBY FLETCHER PHOTOS

COURTESY OF VCU ATHLETICS

Former powhatan high standout Brandon eike leads VCU with a .452 average, seven homers, 45 rBis and 13 doubles.

Cosby came out firing on all cylinders, cutting off Powhatan’s runs on the attack, forcing the Indians into playing a short game while they took control of possession and finished with a 4-1 victory.

Honor

From A7

Kendall sopp

Kate weaver

Virginia weiss

harper westby

Roll

Grayson slipsager

Collin smith

Kayden smith

Kendyl southers

taylor stauffer

James taylor

emma tompkins

Maddox traylor

elizabeth williams

Vincent yates

Third Grade All A/B’s

Joshua alston

ethan Barley

logan Brown

ror y Buchholz

raelynn Cardwell

Brooklyn Carmichael

addilyn Church

Kian Cosgriff

abigail Cox

Keegan Crawley

amelia Cumbea

selene Cummings

ryleigh daniel

Vincent deBois

ellie dinch

diego escalera ovalle

rober t Fobes

Justin Franklin

Cory Fridley

Joseph Gajewski Jr

Kali Green

olivia hixon

McKenzy homer

damian house

dominic house

Carter Jastram

emma Jenkins

langston Kantzler

arabella Kelly

Faith legette

wyatt leonard

richie lewis

Fletcher lindsey

ella long

weston lourinia

Kinsley Maher

hunter Marshall

Josiah Matney

dalton Morrison

Connor Murray

declan o’reilly

liam olsen

Miranda ortiz

Paisley Parker

hensley Patterson

emory Paulin

Katherine Pierson

Kensley Pigg

tannar Pine

Xander raymond

trey redmond

rylan rezek

Claire whitlock

aiden yanez

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david arencibia

savannah Berry

Katherine davis

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dominic Fried

dylan Kaloski

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tyler ledford

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richard Peterson

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eden tomblin

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eleanor watson

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avery alexander

Kezziah anderson

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aubree Bondurant

aubrie Br yant

lillian Chassereau

Brantley Coley

wesley Cox

liam Crawford

Kylie Crawford

ellison davis

Zakary elton

Claire Fairchild

alexander Fife

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sophie Fontenot

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austin Frasier

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lillian Gildea

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Maryah Greenstreet

Bryson Gregory

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allison howard

Callum hoyt

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Jordynn lilly

Jaxon lilly

ava Martin

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landen Mauck

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trevor Moseley

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nora Pond

George richter

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sophia rodriguez

whitney shelton

Clay shock

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NoticeofDestructionofConfidential StudentInformation

PowhatanCountyPublicSchoolsareintheprocess ofpurgingspecialeducation recordsforstudentswho graduated,transferredorwithdrewfromPowhatanCounty PublicSchoolsduringthe2017-2018schoolyear.Ifyouor yourchildmeettheabovecriteriayoumayhavetheoriginal record.PleasecontactPowhatanHighSchooltoarrange topick-upthe records. We requestadvancenoticeoftwo businessdayspriortopickup.Officehoursavailablefor pick-upare9:00a.m.to11:00a.m.Filesnotpickedupby May23,2023willbedestroyed.

NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING POWHATANCOUNTYPLANNINGCOMMISSION

Noticeisherebygiven,pursuantto §15.2-2204ofthe Codeof Virginia, thatthePlanningCommissionof PowhatanCountywillconduct apublic hearingon Tuesday,May2,2023at6:00PMinthe PowhatanCounty VillageBuilding Auditorium,3910OldBuckingham Road, toconsiderthe following request:

23-05-REZ: Jesse (District#2: PowhatanStation/Graceland) requestsa rezoningoftheparcellocated at TM#41A-1-B-6from ResidentialUtility (R-U)toCommerceCenter(CC).Theparcelislocated approximately 0.83miles westoftheintersectionbetweenAndersonHighway (Rt.60) andStavemill Road.If approvedthe applicantintendstousethe existing structureonthepropertyasanoffice building.The2021Comprehensive PlandesignatesthesubjectpropertiesasGatewayBusinessonthe CountywideLandUseMap.

Themeetingmaybewatchedlive by visiting http://powhatanva.gov/432/Live-Stream-of-Powhatan-County-Meetings. AllPlanningCommissionmeetingsareopentothepublicandinterested personsareencouragedto attendonthedayandtimespecified above. Copiesoftheproposedplans,ordinances,andamendmentsmay be reviewedintheDepartmentofCommunityDevelopmentinthe PowhatanCountyAdministrationBuilding(3834OldBuckingham Road)between8:30AMand5:00PMofeach businessday. Copies ofstaffreportsareavailablepriortothePublicHearingupon request andwillbe availableonline at least five (5)dayspriortothemeeting at http://powhatanva.gov/agendacenter.Pleasecall(804)598-5621with anyquestions.

BOARDOFEQUALIZATION For PowhatanCounty

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Publicnoticeisherebygiventha ttheBoardofEqualization for Po whatanCounty,willmeetontheday’shereafterlisted forthepurposeofhearingcomplaintsofinequalitiesincluding errorsinacreage.Uponhearingsuchcomplaints,eitheroral orwritten,theBoardwillgiveconsideration ANDINCREASE, DECREASEORAFFIRM suchrealestateassessments.Before achangecanbegranted,thetaxpayerorhis agentmust overcome aclearpresumptioninfavoroftheassessment. Thetaxpayeror agentmustprovide apreponderanceofthe evidencetha ttheassessmentofthepropertyisnotuniform withtheassessmentsofothersimilarpropertiesorthat thepropertyisassessedinexcessofitsfairmarketvalue. Appointmentswillbescheduledever y20minutestominimize waiting. To appearbeforetheBoardofEqualization,please call804-598-5799from8:30A.M.and5:00 P.M. MeetingsoftheBoardtohearobjectionswillbeheld at: 3834OldBuckinghamRoad, Powhatan, VA 23139

Thedate(s)andtime(s)are:

May2,20235:00PMto8:00PM

May4,20232:00PMto5:00PM

May9,20235:00PMto8:00PM

May11,20232:00PMto5:00PM

May16,20235:00PMto8:00PM

May18,20232:00PMto5:00PM

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(Additionaldatesandtimeswillbescheduledifnecessar yandadvertised). Byorderofthe PowhatanCountyBoardofEqualization