02/07/2018

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February 7, 2018

www.cumberlandtoday.com

Vol. 8, No. 2

Supervisors re-elect chair, vice chair

By Laura McFarland News Editor

Cumberland bounces back after 63-30 setback, page 6

C

UMBERLAND – Kevin Ingle was named chairman of the Cumberland County Board of Supervisors for the second-straight year at its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 9.

Ingle, who represents District 3, was once again approved unanimously by his fellow board members in a vote taken at the board’s first 2018 meeting.

Parker Wheeler, District 5, who was vice chairman in 2017, was also unanimously re-elected into KEVIN INGLE the same position for the coming year. The board reorganizes every January for the upcoming year.

Ingle said it felt good that the other members of the board were willing to put that PARKER WHEELER type of faith in him again as the board moves forward into 2018 with many things to accomplish.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2018, he said the supervisors and county staff members have to work harder than ever to see BOARD, pg. 2

INSIDE

PHOTO BY LAURA MCFARLAND

Members of the Cumberland County Local Emergency Planning Committe are shown at their first meeting of 2018, held Jan. 16 at the Cumberland Rescue Squad Building.

Planning for the worst

By Laura McFarland News Editor

C

UMBERLAND – The Cumberland County Local Emergency Planning Committee had its first meeting of 2018 in January to reaffirm its

goals and make sure the group is moving in the right direction to be more active and prepared in case of an emergency situation.

Under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), Local Emergency Planning

Committees (LEPCs) must develop an emergency response plan, review the plan at least annually, and provide information about chemicals in the community to citizens.

CHS Forensics Team excels in invitational competition, page 8

see LEPC, pg. 12

Tax-Aide returns for new season Three volunteers with AARP Foundation TaxAide, the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation program, started work this week UMBERLAND – A small but dedicated on helping low to moderate income taxpayers group of local volunteers is once again in the of all ages, but especially the senior population, thick of helping take some of the stress out of tax with face-to-face tax assistance services for basic season for local residents. see TAXES, pg. 3

By Laura McFarland News Editor

C

COMMUNITY: State park celebrates birds with day of activities P3 AGRICULTURE: Retreat to focus on forest lands P5

CUCPS begins second semester with professional development day, page 9

EDUCATION: Code RVA High School accepting appliactions P8 ENTERTAINMENT: Commonwealth Chorale seeks singers P9

BOARD

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Continued from pg. 1

Need for blood in winter critical

By Laura McFarland News Editor

F

or the last few weeks, snow and below freezing temperatures have had a huge impact on the daily lives of people in Cumberland County and most of Central Virginia.

Snow canceled schools, closed offices and businesses, and had people staying home from work and other commitments to avoid driving on unsafe roads.

I saw numerous social media posts that demonstrated some people were clearly going a little stir crazy being cooped up indoors even for this short amount of time.

I definitely had a few such moments, and I didn’t even have any children to entertain.

Unfortunately, not everybody could stay off the roads, and some of the people who ventured out found themselves stranded or in wrecks. Fortunately, Cumberland County faired mildly compared to many other parts of Virginia and the East Coast, with a few accidents but very few injuries, according to Sheriff Darrell Hodges.

As the snow and ice dissolved, one thing that really caught my attention was the urgent call for blood donations in the midst of all the bad weather.

On several occasions, the American Red Cross issued an urgent need for blood donors of all blood types to make an appointment to give now and help address a winter blood donation shortage.

According to a press release sent out by the Red Cross, severe winter weather had a tremendous impact on blood donations already this year, with more than 150 blood drives forced to cancel, causing more than 5,500 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected.

This is in addition to seasonal illnesses, such as the flu, and hectic holiday schedules collectively contributing to more than 28,000 fewer donations than what was needed in November and December.

“Even temporary disruptions to blood and platelet

donations can diminish the availability for hospital patients,” said Berandette Jay of the Appalachian and Mid-Atlantic Red Cross Blood Services Region. “It’s the blood on the shelves that helps save lives in an emergency, and that’s why we’re asking eligible individuals to make an appointment to give blood or platelets today.”

While all blood types are urgently needed, there is a more critical need for the following blood and donation types right now: Type O negative, the blood type that can be transfused to almost everyone and is what doctors reach for in trauma situations, and Type B negative, which can be transfused to type B Rh-positive and negative patients.

I have never had a blood transfusion, but multiple family members and friends who either underwent surgeries or were in accidents have required them through the years. I am incredibly grateful that when it was their time of need, someone had already stepped up to donate blood.

While I could not find any upcoming blood drives scheduled in Cumberland, the American Red Cross helps you to search by location to see if there are any in certain areas that might meet your schedule by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The website also has information on how an organization or business can host a blood drive.

On the same website, the Red Cross has a page about why people should donate blood. It lists reasons such as being asked by a friend, knowing a family member or friend might need it someday or just believing it is the right thing to do.

But, as the website says, regardless of your reason, “the need is constant and your contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply. And you’ll feel good knowing you've helped change a life.”

Laura McFarland may be r eached at Lmcfar land@ powhatantoday.com.

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Cumberland Today

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February 7, 2018

attract new businesses – small and large – to Cumberland. The board is always working to improve the financial status of the county, he added.

“We do need to try to help people with the tax base rather than the households having to basically provide almost all of it. Hopefully, we can do some more support for tax relief if we were to get those businesses in,” he said.

The county has a shell building it needs to get occupied and is trying to promote incentives for new businesses to open, he said.

“We are just really ready for somebody to take that over and put a good size business in there hopefully. Plus we’ve got other lots available in that property,” Ingle said.

Regarding the upcoming budget season, Ingle said the supervisors will have to look hard at the requests and be selective on what it chooses to fund. In April 2017, the board voted 3-2 in favor of moving $131,000 out of its capital maintenance reserve fund to appropriate it to the Cumberland County Public Schools. Ingle said he hopes that doesn’t need to happen again going forward.

Ingle praised county administrator Vivian Giles for always being “very inventive in trying to come up with ways to cover the needs and requests for the county. She has helped us many times with many ways with refinancing and restructuring loans to be able to free up money as of now.”

“Budget season, everything always has an increase. We are standing firm to try to make no increase to any tax rates, so we are going to have to get real

inventive on how to cover everybody’s requests,” he said.

Wheeler echoed Ingle’s appreciation for his fellow board members having enough faith in him to re-elect him as vice chair.

Going into 2018, he also said the biggest challenge faced by the board of supervisors, as with most small counties, is getting business into the county.

“We have several things we are working on that we are almost certain are going to happen, but we just have to wait and see when they happen,” he said.

Going into budget season, Wheeler said he has no particular goals other than working to satisfy the needs of the county and the citizens and “get the county on an even keel.”

“It is going to be a little different budget year this year I think. Some of the demands are not going to be as much as they were, but you’ll still have quite a bit,” he said.

The board unanimously adopted its meeting schedule for 2018 at the January meeting. All meetings are at 7 p.m. and will be held in the Circuit Courtroom of the Cumberland Courthouse unless otherwise noted.

The regular meetings will be held on Feb. 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11.

Budget Workshops, which will be held at 7 p.m. in the Administration Conference Room, will be on Feb. 21 and 22. A budget public hearing will be held on April 3 in the courtroom.

The board also unanimously approved its by-laws, code of ethics and standards of conduct, all of which it reviews on an annual basis. The documents were unchanged.

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

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Bear Creek Lake State Park celebrates feathered friends Contributed Report

The Central Piedmont Virginia Master Naturalists in partnership with Bear Creek Lake State Park welcome you to learn about bluebird habitat and how to attract bluebirds to your yard, as well as how to maintain and predator-proof your houses. The workshop will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17 at Bear Creek Hall within Bear Creek Lake State Park, 22 Bear Creek Lake Road in Cumberland.

This annual community event will help you prepare for the upcoming spring season, as bluebirds will soon be staking out their territories and choosing a home to raise their young.

The house kits are made of high quality cedar and are ready to assemble. There will be assembly tools available. This is a great activity for the whole family; a parent or responsible adult should accompany children.

Pre-registration is required. There will be a limited number of kits available and couples/families may reserve a maximum of two

TAXES Continued from pg. 1

kits. The workshop is free, but a donation of $10 per kit is requested, payable at the workshop.

Information on the activity and registration may be made by contacting JoAnn Jones at 434-5479180 or joajonz1@gmail. com.

Following the workshop, at 1:30 p.m., park ranger Sarah Haney will present the program “Raven about Birds.”

Humans have had a profound effect on birds over the years. Our developments have changed the habitat of birds for better and for worse. What we discover about bird species found throughout the world can tell us a great deal about the state of habitats and biodiversity. By studying birds and keeping records, we can learn how to coexist together.

Meet at Bear Creek Hall for a 45 minute presentation to learn the basics of bird watching followed by a 30 minute stroll through the woods to see how many birds we can identify together. This guided walk over moderate terrain will look at two different types of habitats and what types of birds are likely to live there. The ranger will have a limited number of binoculars available for use during the program.

Both of these events METRO CREATIVE will celebrate the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), an annual event hosted by the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that engages

bird watchers of all ages to count birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Participants are asked to count birds for 15 minutes or more on one or more days of the four-day event and report their sightings online at birdcount.org. This year marks the 21st annual GBBC and will be held Feb. 16 to 19. Anyone can take part in the GBBC, from beginning bird watchers to experts, and you can participate from your backyard, or anywhere in the world.

The award winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to make reservations in one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at 800 933 PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

and with the first two Mondays of Tax-Aide already full by the end of January and the rest of the schedule filling up quickly, Parker said he is expecting a busy tax season.

Taxpayers are reminded to bring several items in order to have their tax return prepared: picture ID for taxpayer and spouse; Social Security Card for all individuals on the return; last year’s tax return; all documents pertaining to their income; all documents/receipts pertaining to expenses such as medical, tax, charity, and business; any childcare expenses including provider name and ID number; checkbook or other official bank document showing bank account and routing number for direct deposit, and two copies of any power of attorney, divorce decree allowing dependent claim for tax purposes, and complex broker statements.

All the tax returns are submitted electronically.

The volunteers cannot do tax returns for Schedule E - rental property, Schedule F-farm or casualty loss, Parker said.

While the program continues to grow, the biggest challenge continues to be finding volunteers who can help do the tax returns, he said. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year.

“We just don’t seem to be able to get anyone within the county but we have plenty of people who want us to do their taxes,” he said.

federal and state income tax returns, Quinten Parker, local coordinator, said. The service will continue until April 16.

The purpose of the program is to do a service for people who struggle with doing taxes themselves but can’t have their taxes commercially prepared, Parker said. The services are free and you do not have to be an AARP member to benefit from it.

Volunteers will be available from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays during that period of time at Cumberland Library, 1539 Anderson Highway. The only day services are not offered is Feb. 19, when the library will be closed for Presidents’ Day. Appointments are being made in person at the library or by calling 804-4925807.

The program generally increases the number of tax returns it files each year, Parker said.

In 2017, volunteers filed about 115 returns.

It was actually less than they were expecting to do because the program had adopted new software, called TaxSlayer, and there were many problems that had to be worked out with it.

“It slowed us down significantly. It didn’t bring up the information on people who had been in there before, so it was almost like everybody was a new person we were doing taxes for,” he said. “It took us more time, so we had to cut Laura McFarland may be r eached at back on the number of appointments.”

Lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com.

Those bugs seem to have been worked out,

Cumberland Today

February 7, 2018

3

OBITUARIES

LOTTIE BOATWRIGHT-GOODE Lottie Lee Boatwright-Goode, 77, of Richmond, departed this life on Saturday, January 20, 2018. She is survived by her children, Linda and Wayne Boatwright, Lisa Miller and Gwendolyn Boatwright-James (Timothy). A viewing was held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 26, at Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service-South Chapel, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, with the family receiving friends 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service was held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 27 at Woodville Church of the Nazarene, 2012 Selden Street. Interment Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery, Cumberland.

devoted wife, Easter Coles; son, Leroy "Huckie" Coles III; loving mother, Juanita Coles; two sisters, Cynthia Allen and Charlotte Smith; four brothers, Ronald (Lisa), Donald (VeeAnne), Gregory (Gail), Steve (Patricia); sister-in-law, Lenora Alston (Joel); brother-in-law, Elmus Mosby (Betty); 11 nieces, 13 nephews, six aunts, three uncles; goddaughter, Makayla Hampton; and a host of family and friends. His remains rested at the Robert Mealy Funeral Home, 2530 Dogtown Road, Goochland, VA 23063.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 22 at Emmaus Baptist Church, 2104 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland, VA 23063. Interment Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 283 Sugarfork Road, Cumberland, VA 23040.

ALEX HAISLIP

LEROY COLES JR.

Alex William Haislip, 74, of Farmville passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2018. He was born on February 26, 1943 Leroy "Roy" Coles Jr., 66, of Cumberland, departed this life in Scottsville to the late Merman and Virginia Poe Haislip. He on Friday, January 19, 2018. He was preceded in death by his was the Pastor of Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ in Farmville father, Leroy Coles Sr. He leaves to cherish his loving memory his for 40 years. He was a family man who loved to help people and loved his family, including his church family. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janice Turbyfill Haislip; two sons, Alex W. Haislip Jr. (Teresa) of Buckingham, Joseph W. Haislip (Donna) of Cumberland; one daughter, Theresa H. Leonard (Daniel) of Cumberland; 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; four brothers, Lewis Haislip (Judy), Bernard Haislip (Linda), Garland Haislip (Joanne), Johnny Ray Haislip (Renee); two sisters, Shirley Lampkin (Jimmy), and Virginia Amando (Rudy), and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10 at the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ.

Family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9 “Backpacks of Love ensures at the Puckett Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be that no child goes hungry. made to the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, 17 Ligontown This is especially important in Road, Farmville, VA 23901.

Help Feed Hungry Kids in Cumberland

Cumberland County, where food access is limited. Basic needs, such as hunger, must be met before students can be expected to learn.

We are thankful that Backpacks of Love assists in filling this void for our students and families.”

—Dr. Amy Griffin, Superintendent, Cumberland County Schools

WILLIAM LICKEY William H. "Bill" Lickey, 86, of Blackstone passed away on Monday, January 1, 2018. He was the devoted husband of 62 years to Elaine Wray Lickey. Bill is survived by six children, Jon (Janet) of Illinois, Dennis (Renee) of Beaverdam, David of Aylett, Bobby (Nanette) of Glen Allen, Hazel (Sandy) of Caroline and Faye (Shawn) of Cumberland; 16 grandchildren and 20 greatgrandchildren. He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Henley during the Korean War and was retired after 20 years as a postal letter carrier for the Lakeside Branch of the U.S. Postal Service in Richmond. The family received friends from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 13 at the Joseph McMillian Funeral Home, 1826 Cox Road (Bus. Hwy. 460), near Blackstone. A private memorial service will be held in the spring. Bill was a longtime and dedicated member of the American Legion, so the family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to his local post, American Legion Post #40, P.O. Box 104, Blackstone, VA 23824.

SALLY PATTERSON Sally H. Patterson was born on November 30, 1925, in Cumberland to the late Cephas and Martha Mosby. She was predeceased by her husband, James Patterson, and her beloved

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Cumberland Today

February 7, 2018

daughter, Diane Johnson-Dunston. At an early age, she was baptized and joined Mount Olive Baptist Church, where she served while residing in Cumberland County. Sally was educated in Cumberland and Prince Edward County Public Schools and also lived briefly in New Jersey during her educational development. During her work life, Sally held many jobs as a means of providing for her family. Among those, she was a seamstress.

Sally lived her life to the fullest. She loved music and loved to dance! Everyone who met her could tell that she was a very generous and kind-hearted person because she would make them feel like family. She could always be counted on to lift the spirits of those around her. She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life her two daughters, Deloris Stewart and Alberta Holman (James); six sons, Larry Patterson (Wynola), Chester Patterson (Marcia), Charles Patterson (Rhonda), Jerry Patterson (Yvonne), Glenn Patterson (Estelle) and Michael Patterson; one son-in-law, Thomas Dunston, and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also leaves one sister, Arnetha Hatcher; one sister-in-law, Frances Mosby; and a host of additional relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16 at Marian Gray Thomas Funeral Home, 64 Cartersville Road, Cumberland. A funeral service was held at noon on Saturday, January 20 at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 283 Sugar Fork Road, Cumberland. Interment Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 283 Sugar Fork Road, Cumberland.

COREY PERVALL Corey Anthony Pervall, 48, of Cumberland departed this life on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 in Cumberland at his mother's residence. He was born to John and Maple Pervall on August 29, 1969 at Southside Community Hospital in Farmville. He was reared in a home with lots of love and affection. At an early age, Corey confessed Christ as his Savior, was baptized, and joined Rocky Mount Baptist Church. As a child, he attended Cumberland County Public Schools, where he graduated with the Class of 1987. After graduation, he moved to Norfolk and worked in construction. While there, he attended Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Courtney McBetha. Shortly after returning home, he later resided in Richmond, where he started his own Janitorial Service (C.A.P.S.). He was a devoted son, grandson, a stylist and fashionable person who wore a bright and full smile to set it off. He was a true and devoted person who would help anyone in need. Even when he was tired and in pain he never complained. He leaves to cherish his memory his parents, John and Maple Pervall; a daughter, Shaleta Pervall; grandmother, Susie Langhorne; granddaughter, Sophia Pervall; four aunts, Deloris Hayes (Jessie), Betty Perkins (John), Ruth Hampton and Gracie Pervall; six uncles, Anderson Pervall, Walter Langhorne, Lester Langhorne, George Langhorne (Mary), Wayne Langhorne and Charles Langhorne; cousins, other relatives and friends. His remains rested at Marian Gray Thomas Funeral Home, Cumberland, where public viewing was held from noon to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 23. A funeral service was held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24 at Rocky Mount Baptist Church, Cumberland. The Rev. Larry E. Smith, pastor, officiated. Interment in the church cemetery.

see OBITUARIES, pg. 5

Weekend retreat to focus on managing forest lands Contributed Report

Central Virginia landowners can learn more about actively managing their forest lands during the ninth annual Forest Landowners’ Retreat, to be held March 16-18 at Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center near Appomattox. Topics will include forest management planning, timber sales, wildlife management, invasive plant control, basic tree identification and measurement skills and more. A tour of the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest will showcase pine and hardwood management, wildlife practices and water quality protection.

OBITUARIES Continued from pg. 4

MARION TAYLOR JR. Marion M. "Buddy" Taylor Jr., 81, of Cartersville, passed away on Monday January 29, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Nellie L. Taylor; children, Cathy Taylor of Fredricksburg, Wayne Taylor of Locust Grove; step-children, Brenda Blevins of Powhatan, Paul Inman of Powhatan, Debbie Scott of Manakin Sabot and Jeff Inman of Amelia; two grandchildren, Christopher Taylor, Taylor Davis, both of Richmond; 17 step grandchildren; 10 step great-grandchildren and one step great-great-grandson. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

SHIRLEY TILLERY Shirley Ann Streat Tillery, 74, of Richmond departed this life on Tuesday, January 9, 2018, in Richmond. She is survived by a son, Dexter Tillery; a brother, Benjamin Streat (Mary); two aunts, Lucille Evans and Mozelle Johnson (George); an uncle, John Streat; a sister-in-law, Dorothy B. Streat; two nieces, Melba Turner (Chris) and Brandy Weaver (Kevin); nephew, Marvin Streat (Debbie); other relatives and friends. Her remains rested at Marian Gray Thomas Funeral Home, Cumberland. Funeral service was held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 13 at Little Fork Baptist Church, Cartersville. The Rev. Larry Mayo, pastor, officiated.

Family received friends one hour prior to service at the church. Interment in the church cemetery.

JULIA TOMLIN Julia Ann Deskins Tomlin (née Adams) passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, peacefully and surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Helen Cook Burgess and Willam Adams and bother, Aubrey Burgess Jr. She was a graduate of Southside Virginia Community College with a business management degree. She is survived by sisters Lisa (Garris) Johnson of Farmville,

Sponsoring partners for the retreat are the Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program.

“This program provides an excellent introduction to forest management issues, especially for those new to land ownership,” said Ellen Powell of the Virginia Department of Forestry.

“We use a combination of classroom and field sessions, taught by experts, to get participants fully engaged in learning,” said Jennifer Gagnon of Virginia Tech’s Forest Landowner

Education Program. “The weekend retreat format also allows people to share their experiences with other landowners.”

The program starts early on Saturday, so Friday night lodging is available and encouraged. Three registration options are available: with Friday and Saturday night lodging at $100 per person or $190 per couple; with Saturday night lodging only at $75 per person or $140 per couple; or a commuter option without lodging at $50 per person or $90 per couple. Meals included with all options are Saturday breakfast, lunch,

and dinner, and Sunday breakfast and lunch.

To register online or download a brochure, visit http://forestupdate.frec.vt.edu. The deadline to register is March 2. For more information, contact Jennifer Gagnon at 540-231-6391 or jgagnon@vt.edu.

Persons with disabilities who desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity may also contact Jennifer during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations, no later than March 2. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.

Christina Burgess of Farmville, and Ann (Joe) Eriksen of Des Moines, Iowa; brothers William “Jimmy” Adams of Farmville, Tommy and Troy Adams of Dinwiddie; daughters, Tammy (James) Nelson of Chesterfield, Amy Swanson of Farmville, and James Deskins Jr. of Cumberland. Her biggest joy in life came when she became a grandparent to Madeline, Alana, Matthew, Julianna, Trey, Emmie and Jackson. She loved them all beyond measure and cherished every moment she spent with them.

Julia adored and was close to her nieces, Angela Patterson and Ashley Barton and their children.

She was blessed in her life with a plethora of close friends and she never met a stranger. Julia was a successful business owner at The Hitchin’ Post and at Julie’s Cafe. She will be missed tremendously by all who knew her. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 6 at Shorter Funeral Home. Family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 5 at the funeral home. Interment at Trinity Memorial Gardens.

how precious and unique they were to her. Most of the babies born in the family have sat in her lap within the first few weeks of their lives. During this time, she would hold them, talk to them, love on them, and mold their heads and noses. She would continuously tell her children and grandchildren to "treat everybody right." On Saturday, January 20, 2018, Bibb peacefully went home to Glory. She was preceded in death by her husband, Waverly Trent; children, Sheldon Trent, Charles Trent, and Nancy Wheele; brothers, Philemond Jones and Leake Jones; sisters, Sallie Jackson and Ruth Epps; and grandchildren, Doron Royall and Katrina Jones. She leaves to cherish her memory 1 children, Waverly Trent (Florence), Walter Trent (Rosa), Robert Trent, Mary Edmonds (George), Laura Langhorne (Reggie), Julia Athey (Alonzo), Annie Trent (Timothy), and Dorothy Trent (William) all of Cumberland, Margaret

Jones, Parker Trent (Sheila), and Porter Trent (Gloria) all of Richmond; a son-in-law, Raynard Wheele of North Carolina; five sisters-in-law, Helen Jones, Marion Phelps, Eva Langhorne, and Ada Langhorne all of Cumberland, Shirley Lee of California; one brother-in-law, Albert Trent of Cumberland; 27 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; two devoted friends, Martha Jane Booker and Nash Booker; two devoted cousins, Shirley Webb and Nita Bell Sims; and her loving caretaker, Ann Baker. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 26, at Marian Gray Thomas Funeral Home, 64 Cartersville Road, Cumberland.

A funeral service was held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 27 at Rocky Mount Baptist Church, 919 Stoney Point Road, Cumberland. Interment, Rocky Mount Baptist Church Cemetery.

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BIBB TRENT Bibb Jones Trent, daughter of the late Porter and Blanche Jones, was born on September 25, 1928 in Cumberland. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Savior and joined the Rocky Mount Baptist Church Choir. She attended Benson Springs School. In 1947, she married Waverly Trent; from this union, 14 children were born. For the majority of her life, Bibb was a homemaker who not only raised her children, but raised her grandchildren as well. She worked at Wendy's Restaurant for four years, then Lakewood Manor until her retirement. Bibb enjoyed attending services at several different churches. She used to sing with the Rocky Mount Baptist Church. Bibb was a very humble servant who loved God. She greeted everyone she met with kindness and her warm smile. She loved spending time with her family; every time you saw her, she was always with one of her girls. Every opportunity the family had to sit and talk with her was an absolute treasure. She had several children and many grandchildren, but somehow she always made them all understand

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Cumberland Today

February 7, 2018

5

Cumberland Today Sports Cumberland bounces back after 63-30 setback

By Billy Fellin Sports Editor

Cumberland’s boys basketball team had been on a roll prior to traveling to Goochland on Jan. 26.

The Dukes had won three straight games and eight of their last nine prior to taking on the Bulldogs.

But, a stifling Goochland defense and a cold night shooting from the floor led to a 63-30 defeat for Cumberland.

Ja’Quan Brown got the game off to a good start for Cumberland with a 3-point shot to give the Dukes an early lead.

Goochland then went on a 6-0 run to take the lead, but Kajuan Copeland made it a one-point deficit for the Dukes with back-to-back free throws.

It was 8-7 Goochland later in the quarter when Goochland went on a 7-0 run that quickly

made it an eight-point deficit.

The gap widened in the second quarter as Goochland had another 8-0 run that made it a 14-point hole that Cumberland was in.

In the second half, Cumberland tried to get back into the game with an offensive burst of six straight points, but Goochland ended the quarter with a string of 10 points that extinguished any chance of a Dukes comeback.

Brown and Ziahir Berry each led the Dukes with eight points.

Cumberland bounced back after the setback at Goochland with a 58-49 win against Buckingham on Jan. 30.

The Dukes are 12-4 this season and as of Jan. 31 are in third place in the James River District.

Cumberland will play against Central Luneburg on Feb. 1, Bluestone on Feb. 5

and Randolph-Henry on Feb. 7 to close out the regular season. prior to the James River District tournament and the Region

GIRLS B-BALL Cumberland’s girls basketball team hit a tough stretch of the schedule and dropped five games in a row.

After back-to-back wins over Bluestone on Jan. 9 and Randolph-Henry on Jan. 10, the Dukes fell to Prince Edward, Amelia, Nottoway, Goochland and Buckingham.

The loss to the Knights was a tough one, a 39-38 final on Jan. 30. Cumberland was close against Nottway on Jan. 23 as well, falling 34-32.

The Dukes hosted Central Lunenberg, Bluestone and will PHOTO BY BILLY FELLIN travel Randolph-Henry in Cumberland’s Noah Bland (5) drives past Goochland’s Quincy Snead (24) toward the basket during the final three regular-season Goochland’s 63-30 win over the Dukes on Jan. 26 at Goochland High School. games.

Artis named Dukes football coach Contributed Report

The Cumberland County School Board has approved the hiring of Jamaal Artis as the new football coach for Cumberland High School for the upcoming school year.

Artis joined the Cumberland High School staff for the 2017-2018 school year as a Health and Physical Education teach and as an assistant football coach.

Artis has extensive experience in football.

As a high school player, he

6

was a four-year varsity letterman for VHSL Hall of Fame Coach Dwight Reagan at Sussex Central. He played on four-straight regional championship teams, one state championship team and one state championship runner-up. He was an all-district defensive end.

In college, Artis played in Division III competition at Chowan College, where he lettered twice, playing linebacker and defensive end. After college, he played six years of semi-professional football with

Cumberland Today February 7, 2018

the Virginia Ravens, which is based out of Richmond.

Artis was head coach and offensive coordinator at Tidewater Academy from 20042006 and at King and Queen Central from 2006-2009.

He joined the Lee-Davis coaching staff from 2010-2013 as assistant coach and running back/special teams coordinator.

He held the same position at Armstrong High School in 2014, and then was assistant coach and defensive back/ special teams coordinator at

Prince George in 2015.

In 2016, Artis was assistant coach as well as quarterback/ defensive backs coach and the offensive coordinator.

Artis replaces Ed Knapp, who resigned from the post prior to the Nov. 10 playoff game against Central Lunenburg, a 56-20 loss.

Athletic Director Alfonso Bell coached the playoff game.

Knapp was in his third season as head coach of the Dukes.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Cumberland was 0-11 last Cumberland’s Jamaal Artis was recently named the new head season. football coach of the Dukes.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR WEDNESDAYS The World War II Round Table holds meetings beginning at 7 p.m. at the Father Val Hall of St. John Neumann Catholic Church located 2480 Batterson Road in Powhatan.

Cumberland County Public Library will hold Mother Goose on the Loose, a new story time option for all children from birth to age 3. It meets at 10 a.m. Wednesdays. The story hour will Incorporate songs, nursery rhymes, lap-sit activities, movement and music and integrate the latest early literacy techniques into the library program.

Cumberland County Public Library will hold Reading with Ellie Mae at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays. Ellie Mae the Reading Dog visits the library to lend a friendly paw and ear for Preschool Story Time.

Pre-school age children and their caregivers are invited to an hour of stories, nursery rhymes, songs and crafts.

THURSDAYS The Cartersville Volunteer Rescue Squad holds a Bingo game on the third Saturday of each month. Doors open at 4:45 p.m. and games start at 6 p.m. Jackpot depends on the number of players. All proceeds benefit the rescue squad. No children under 12 allowed. For more information, call Ann at 804-3140966.

Rotary Club of Farmville meets at noon at Charley’s at 201 B-Mill St. in Farmville.

The Woman’s Club of Cumberland, GFWC meets at 1:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month at Payne United Methodist Church. Visitors interested in exploring membership are cordially invited to come to any meeting.

SATURDAYS “Christian Motorcyclists Association Powhatan” chapter Living Wheels meets at 6 p.m. on the third Saturday of

each month. Members of the public are invited to join the members at Company 1 Fire Station at Old Buckingham Road and Mann Road. For more information, call 804598-1834 or 804-357-6730 or 804-512-8835.

MONDAYS The Cumberland chapter of the NAACP meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month at Cumberland Public Library.

Contact 804-909-0049.

A free health screening is offered from 4 to 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at 2294 Cartersville Road in Cartersville (the old Cartersville Medical Building). The screening includes checks for blood pressure, BMI, weight, glucose, height, and cholesterol. No appointment is necessary. Contact 804-375-9850.

The Loaves of Love Food Pantry will be open from 5 to 7 p.m. the first Monday and from 3 to 5 p.m. the third Sunday of each month at 2294 Cartersville Road in Cartersville. For more information, contact 804-512-7547 or go to www.loaves-of-love.com.

TUESDAYS The Powhatan Moose Lodge will host smoke-free Bingo with doors opening at 6 p.m. and games starting at 7 p.m. every Tuesday and every third Friday. For more information, call 804-598-2809.

H.O.P.E. – Helping Others Prepare for Eternity is a Ladies Group that meets at 7 p.m. every third Tuesday of the month in the Fellowship Hall at Cartersville Baptist Church. All women are invited to join. Bingo starts at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the Powhatan Moose Lodge. For more information, call 804598-2809.

Cumberland Clothes Closet is open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. each Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month. The CCC

is located in the Community Center Building C-7 (Old Cumberland School building) and has gently used clothing, glassware, shoes and small appliances for sale.

ONGOING Backpacks of Love, a nonprofit committed to eliminating hunger in school-age children by providing nourishing food for their weekend, needs help. In addition to the constant need for donated individual-sized food items, adults or students are needed to double bag the plastic bags the group packs in, which will help expedite the packing process. (This job can be done at home if people pick up bags at the pantry office.) The group also needs help breaking down boxes for recycling. This job should be done weekly preferably on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/ or Thursdays after packing days. These are great jobs for students looking for community hours. Contact Gloria at 804-598-2723.

Narconon Arrowhead is here to help you. Narconon offers free addiction counseling, assessments, and referral services to rehabilitation centers nationwide. Call 1-800468-6933 or log on to www. narcononarrowhead.org.

UPCOMING Free Tax preparation through the AARP Tax-Aide program will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Monday starting in February. This excludes Presidents’ Day on Feb. 19. The program will run through April 16. Register at the Cumberland County Public Library or by calling 804-492-5807. Appointments preferred.

The Cartersville Volunteer Rescue Squad will offer an EMT First Responder class from 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays (some Sundays), starting Feb. 8 at the Cartersville Volunteer Rescue Squad, 1667 Cartersville Road. Call Kim at 804-375-

3399 or email cvvrs5@gmail. com.

drink and ice will be available for sale. It is BYOB - bring your own booze.

A Youth Mental Health First Aid will be open to anyone The Friends of Bear Creek over the age of 18 interested Lake State Park, 22 Bear in helping youth who may be Creek Lake Rd., Cumberland, struggling with mental health hold regularly scheduled problems, substance abuse meetings and activities and issues, or suicidal thoughts. hope that you will be able to Only 30 seats are available. join them. They will next meet CEU's may be available for at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11 this course. The classes at Bear Creek Hall. The park will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on is so grateful for the help Thursday, Feb. 15 (Part 1) and support that the Friends and Thursday, Feb. 22 (Part Group provides, and encour2) at Powhatan High School, ages all who regularly visit 1800 Judes Ferry Road. You the park to attend. Meetings must attend both sessions to are typically held the second receive your certificate. This is Sunday of each month. Call a complimentary course. Conthe office for information on tact Robin Pentecost by email any changes to the schedule, prior to Feb. 8 at rpentecost@ or to be put on the FOBCL goochlandva.us. mailing list. Hope to see you there. Most of the regular The Cartersville Volunteer Fire meetings are held at Bear Department will hold a ValenCreek Hall, but check with the tine’s Dance from 8 p.m. to park office for meeting locamidnight at 2298 Cartersville tion. Come be a Friend and Road, Cartersville. Cost is $10 make new friends. You can per couple or $12 per person. contact the Friends by email This is a fundraiser for the at friendsofbearcreeklake@ Cartersville Fire Department. gmail.com.

Live music will be provided

by Southern Ambition. Food, A free community "Be Our

Date" Valentine Dinner at Fitzgerald Baptist will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb 14 at Fitzgerald Memorial Baptist Church, 14 Fitzgerald Road, Cumberland, VA 23040.

All are welcome but you must sign up by calling 804-4925151 by Feb. 9 and leave your name and number if you want to attend.

Lonesome Dove Equestrian Center in Powhatan needs volunteers to help with sessions with veterans participating in equine therapy. Helpers are needed starting at 10 a.m. on Feb. 14 and 20, and March 6, 14 and 20. To volunteer, call 804-318-6485. Visit www. ldequestrian.com.

Due to inclement weather closing schools, Feb. 19, March 23, April 20, May 23, and May 24, will be full school days. May 25 will be the last day of school and an early dismissal day for students.

This is aligned to the approved 2017-2018 school see EVENTS pg. 8

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Cumberland Today

February 7, 2018

7

Code RVA applications for rising ninth-graders due Feb. 23 Staff Report

CodeRVA Regional High School is currently accepting applications for students who will be ninth-graders in the 2018-2019 school year.

The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018. Selected students will be notified by email on March 9.

Code RVA is an innovative, regional, public high school in central Virginia focused on preparing students for college and careers in computer science and coding.

The school will accept 69 students from the 12 of the 13 partnering school divisions for the next school year. Each CodeRVA partnering

school division receives a specific number of student slots, as determined by the CodeRVA School Board and the partnering school division.

Cumberland County receives slots for two incoming freshmen, who will begin classes on Sept. 4, 2018.

One of CodeRVA’s goals is to address socioeconomic, gender, and racial inequities in STEM-related education. To this end, CodeRVA’s selection process will be independently-operated and hosted by a contractor with a successful history of providing student lottery-based selection systems that support

programs that seek representation reflective of the community it serves.

CodeRVA partnering public school divisions are: Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell City, New Kent, Petersburg City, Powhatan, Prince George, Richmond City, and Sussex.

Any student that is eligible for enrollment in ninth grade during 2018-2019 in a CodeRVA partnering public school division may apply for CodeRVA Regional High School. Private or home schooled students may apply if the student’s permanent residence is in a partner-

ing county or city. If not currently enrolled in a CodeRVA partnering public school division (private school or home schooled), evidence of eligibility may be required.

CodeRVA applicants should have a interest in and passion for the study of computer science. There are no academic requirements to apply for CodeRVA Regional High School.

(Individual school divisions may have their own local requirements.) Questions regarding student eligibility may be sent to the CodeRVA at info@coderva.org.

For more information, visit www.coderva. org.

CHS Forensics Team excels in invitational competition

EVENTS Continued from pg. 7

calendar.

Contributed Report

The Cumberland High School Forensics Team attended the New Kent Forensics Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 27. Forensics is a competitive speaking competition that includes poetry reading, extemporaneous speaking, prose reading, humorous and serious dramatic interpretation, original oratory, duo interpretation, and impromptu speaking.

Charles Haigh, forensics coach, noted that this was their first competition of the season. He stated, “I’m very proud of this group as they are a young team with awesome potential.”

Notable finishes include the following: Hallye Workman - first in Poetry Reading, Tanner Cochran – third in Humorous Dramatic Interpretation, Allison Amos - fourth in Poetry Reading,

Angela Finchum - fourth in Impromptu Speaking, Dawn Helton - fifth in Extemporaneous Speaking, Carley Thompson sixth in Prose Reading, Tanai Carter - sixth in Impromptu Speaking.

The next competition will be at the Region 1B Tournament held in February.

The Heart of Virginia Beekeepers will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6 at the Prince Edward County Extension Office across from Lowe's in Farmville. State bee inspector Jessica Driver will speak. Anyone who has bees or is interested in bees is welcome. For more information, call Mary Jane Morgan at 434-315-1433 or visit Facebook.

Sweets in the Stack, the library’s annual community fundraiser, will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 24.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO The library is taking donations The CHS Forensics Team display their individual medals and trophies: Annabelle Williamson of money or items for baskets (team co-captain), Rahemma Fulani (team co-captain), Denise Mullins, Tanai Carter, Dawn to be raffled off at the event.

Helton, Angela Finchum, Essence Ayers, Allison Amos, Carly Thomspon, Blessin Franklin, Tanner For more information, contact Cochran, and Hallye Workman. the library at 804-492-5807.

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February 7, 2018

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CUCPS begins new semester with professional development day Contributed Report

F

aculty members of Cumberland County Public Schools kicked off second semester with Recipes for Success—Part II, a professional development day that included sessions on understanding standards, creating and using project-based assessments, incorporating Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) at the elementary level, curriculum enhancement for Pre-K, and two Ignite sessions.

The inspirational keynote address was delivered by Hamish Brewer, currently the skateboard riding principal of Fred M. Lynn Middle School in Prince William, who was instrumental in turning around a school where 40 percent of students were English language learners and over 80 percent of the students were economically disadvantaged. Brewer, who was named 2017 National Distinguished Principal by the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals, shared insights into his unique leadership style and encouraged teachers to be “relentless” in their efforts to engage students in learning.

In keeping with the theme of the day,

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Hamish Brewer, left, encourages teachers to be “relentless” in their mission to engage students in learning. Alfonso Bell, transportation coordinator and athletic director, is the winner of the Chili Cook-off.

faculty members participated in a chili cookoff and a cornbread bake-off during lunch.

The winner of the chili cook-off was Alfonso Bell, representing the Transportation and Athletic Departments; second place winner was Myrna Barr, representing the CHS/CMS

Ruritan Club sets a gold standard

Foreign Language Department. The winner of the cornbread bake-off was Karen Langhorne, representing the CHS office staff; second place winner was Sheri Almond, representing the central office staff.

When surveyed about the effectiveness

of the day, one teacher stated that this was “a wonderful way to kick off 2018.” Others praised the quality of the experts presenting, the time to collaboration with peers, and the inspirational messages received throughout the day.

Commonwealth Chorale searching for singers to join in spring concerts

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Cartersville Ruritan Club receives the Gold Social Development Award for its many community service activities performed during 2017. Fred Shumaker, the club’s current president, receives the certificate from Paul Folliard, zone governor of the Appomattox district. The award, the highest awarded to an individual club, included the following accomplished activities: citizen home improvement project; donated to Cumberland Library; donation and delivery of Christmas Baskets to shut-ins; scholarships to college students (several meetings); donation to Cumberland County Public Schools Foundation; donated to Christmas Benevolent Fund; donated to World Pediatrics Project via Dr. Julian Metts; donated to Special Olympics and donated to Harvey Hurricane Relief.

Interested singers are invited to join the Commonwealth Chorale in preparation for spring performances of Mozart’s Requiem, along with selections from the Easter portion of Handel’s Messiah. Rehearsals will be held Tuesday evenings, beginning Feb. 6, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Farmville Presbyterian Church, 200 W. 3rd St. All are welcome to participate; no auditions are required. Performances will be at 3 p.m. on March 11 at Farmville Presbyterian Church, 200 W. 3rd St., and at 3 p.m. on March 18 at Farmville United Methodist Church, 212 High St. Young singers ages 12 and over are also invited to rehearse with the adults. For further information, call 434-392-7545 or visit the chorale’s website at www.commonwealthchorale.org or its Facebook page at https://facebook.com/commonwealthchoraleva/.

Cumberland Today

February 7, 2018

9

Local man charged with involuntary manslaughter in fall 2017 crash Corinne N. Geller, public relations director for the state police, said in an email last week that the twovehicle crash occurred at 4:20 a.m. on Oct. 6 on Route 45 in Cumberland, less than 1 mile south of Route 669.

Trooper C.L. Foster, who investigated the crash, found that a 1997 Chevrolet S10 pickup truck was traveling north on Route 45 when it ran off the right side of the highway as it came into a curve, Geller said.

The pickup then came back into the roadway, crossed the centerline and struck a southbound 2003 Ford Escape. The impact of the crash caused the pickup to run off the highway and overturn onto its side.

Dowdy, who was reportedly the driver of the pickup truck, was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of serious injuries. He was wearing a seatbelt.

The driver of the Ford Escape, Thornton, was transported to UVA Hospital and died several days later, on Oct. 19. She was wearing a seatbelt.

According to court records, Dowdy’s trial has been set for May 8.

By Laura McFarland News Editor

CUMBERLAND – A 23-year-old Cumberland man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with a fatal car crash last fall that killed a 66-year-old Cumberland woman.

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office served arrest warrants on Justus F. Dowdy of Cumberland on Thursday, Jan. 25 in relation to a crash that occurred on Oct. 6, 2017, on Route 45, said Sheriff Darrell Hodges. The case was investigated by the Virginia State Police, but the sheriff’s office served the warrants on Jan. 25 after a grand jury indicted Dowdy two days earlier.

Dowdy was charged with two felony charges, involuntary manslaughter and aggravated involuntary manslaughter, and two misdemeanor charges, driving under the influence: first offense and reckless driving, endangering life/limb/property, according to court records.

Annie V. Thornton of Cumberland, who was driving the vehicle Dowdy is charged with hitting, died on Laura McFarland may be r eached at Lmcfar land@ Oct. 19 in Charlottesville. powhatantoday.com.

Library prepares for Sweets in the Stack

PHOTO BY LAURA MCFARLAND

Lauraetta Jones-Yates, event organizer and the circulation manager, prepares baskets for the upcoming Sweets in the Stack, Cumberland County Public Library’s annual community fundraiser. The event will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 24. The library is taking donations of money or items for baskets to be raffled off at the event. For more information, contact the library at 804-492-5807.

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The Cumberland County Public Schools Foundation Inc. and Centra Southside Community Hospital are proud to present the annual Run High Bridge 5k.

The event will start at the Camp Paradise entrance of the High Bridge Trail State Park and offers an out and back run across the legendary High Bridge. Proceeds will go to scholarships for Cumberland County School graduates and grants to teachers.

The St. Patrick's Day 5K Run/Race will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 17 at the Camp Paradise location at High Bridge Trail State Park, 1466 Camp Paradise Road, Rice, VA 23966.

The cost to register is $20 through March 3; $25 from March 4 to 15 and $30 on the days of packet pickup and race day. Race Day registration is available. Runners and walkers can register at the Start/Finish beginning at 8 a.m. or online, (Camp Paradise Road/Aspen Hill Road (Rt. 601), Rice, VA 23966. Pre race packet pickup will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 16 at the Southside Virginia Family YMCA, 580 Commerce Road, Farmville, VA 23901.

The start/finish location/parking is Aspen Hill

Road (Rt. 601), Rice, VA 23966. Cost of parking is $4. There is expanded parking at race site.

Due to the width of the path across the bridge, the race cannot accommodate strollers and pets.

Participants who register by 11:59 p.m. on March 3 will receive a High Bridge t-shirt. Sizing is unisex, extras are available on a first-come basis at packet pickup. A certified instructor will lead a warm-up session from 8:15 - 8:45 a.m. near the Start/Finish line.

Top three overall male and female finishers, top Masters (40+ years of age) male and female, plus the top male and female finishers in the following categories: 12 & under, 13 – 19, 20 – 29, 30 – 39, 40 – 49, 50 - 59, 60-69, 70 and over. Timing and scoring of the Run High Bridge 5k will be provided by Riverside Runners.

A 50/50 raffle will be held with $5 tickets available for purchased during registration. Tickets delivered at packet pickup or on race day. Must be present to win.

Note that High Bridge State Park is still open to the public.

For more information, visit https://runsignup. com/Race/VA/Rice/runhighbridge5k or https:// sites.google.com/view/cucpsfoundation/home.

Financial Peace University gives Richmond SCORE offers free workshops for small businesses guidance to assist local families Staff Report

RICHMOND – SCORE, part of a national allvolunteer nonprofit resource partner of the Small Business Administration (SBA), has two workshops scheduled this month.

They are: 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9 – “How to Start Your Own Small Business.” Learn the basics of starting a small business from local experienced small-business professionals. In a lecture and open discussion format with other entrepreneurs, you will learn about writing an effective business plan, website design strategies, choosing the right legal structure, proper business insurance, successful marketing plans, and much more. The fee is $90, add a business partner for $50. The event includes lunch for all participants. Register at www.

Richmond.Score.org or 804-350-3569.

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at the North Courthouse Road Library at 325 Courthouse Rd. in North Chesterfield. – “How to Price Products & Services.” Nothing is more critical to your small

business’ success than your pricing decisions. This session covers tips and tools you can use to improve your pricing and profitability. You’ll learn how to calculate costs and break-even, different pricing methods, and ways to beat a low-price competitor.

Register at www.Richmond.Score.org or 804-3503569.

SCORE provides no-cost, confidential advice and mentoring to start-ups and existing small business owners throughout the Richmond Region.

SCORE mentors are all volunteers with significant senior executive and business ownership experience in a broad variety of disciplines, including marketing, finance, operations, management, logistics and many more, who volunteer their time to help small businesses in the Richmond area grow and prosper.

Mentors are trained in counseling techniques and adhere to a strict code of ethics against any potential conflicts of interest.

There are approximately 11,000 SCORE mentors in the U.S.

Contributed Report

More than 4.5 million people have positively changed their financial future through Ramsey Solutions’ Financial Peace University (FPU). Created by financial expert Dave Ramsey, the nine-week course provides families and individuals with practical tools to gain control of their finances and set themselves up for long-term financial success.

FPU will be held in Powhatan at Evergreen Community Church, located at 2895 Lower Hill Road. The first class will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6 and last for nine weeks, wrapping up on May 1. Go to www. fpu.com/1055858 for more information or to register.

Evergreen Community Church is extremely excited to be offering this course to the local community in Powhatan, said Chris Williams, class coordinator.

“Financial Peace University has had a

major impact on my own family’s life, equipping us with the skills and tools to begin reshaping our financial future. I am confident that it will change lives in our own community by helping families begin a journey that leads them to financial freedom,” he said.

Through common-sense principles, FPU gives people the tools they need to change their behavior and succeed financially. Along with Ramsey Personalities Rachel Cruze and Chris Hogan, Ramsey teaches lessons on budgeting, relationships and money, getting out of debt, saving for emergencies and investing.

On average, families who complete FPU pay off $5,300 and save $2,700 in the first 90 days.

Following the class nearly 94 percent of those families budget regularly.

An FPU membership includes access to online video lessons, a one year subscription to the EveryDollar Plus budgeting tool, member workbook for all nine lessons and other additional resources. Go to DaveRamsey.com/FPU.

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Winter wonderland

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The latest winter storm of the season hit Cumberland on Jan. 17 and dropped several inches in most parts of the county. Whiles schools were closed for the rest of the week, Cumberland families found plenty to keep them busy and snapped a few photos of residents enjoying the winter weather. Shown are Anthony Price, left, 12, of Cumberland, and Shawn Price, 7, and his friend Olaf.

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LEPC Continued from pg. 1

The group met on Tuesday, Jan. 16 for its first meeting of the year to review its purpose with members as well as the resources available to the LEPC in case of different kinds of emergencies. The LEPC is only required to meet once a year, but Vivian Giles, county administrator and county attorney, said she would like to see the group meet more than that if they are amenable because it is “compliant but that doesn’t mean it can’t always be better.”

“It is imperative that we have a meeting and keep the LEPC compliant, because if we don’t have one then we are not eligible for reimbursement should we have an emergency,” Giles said.

The group already set its next meeting on June 13 at the Cumberland Rescue Squad Building. The building also serves as the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for the county.

The LEPC membership must include at a minimum elected state and local officials; police, fire, civil defense, and public health professionals; environment, transportation, and hospital officials; representatives from community groups and the media, and owners and operators of facilities subject to the requirements of this sub chapter.

As far as community involvement, one of the

most important resources Giles stressed was the county’s emergency alert system. Anyone can click on a link for Alerts and Notifications on the county’s homepage, http://cumberlandcounty.virginia.gov/.

Tom Perry, chief of Cumberland County Fire and EMS and deputy emergency management coordinator, said there are a few potential “threats” where the LEPC’s plans would likely be needed. One of the biggest is an incident at the Colonial Pipeline Tank Farm such a a large bulk storage facility catching on fire. He pointed out that tractor trailers are constantly hauling any number of materials up and down Route 60 that could wreck over time and create problems any day of the week.

Any issues upstream on the James River that could create a hazardous materials response in Cumberland County need to be considered, he said. The Cobbs Creek Reservoir, which is currently under construction, is a consideration, but Perry said that it is extremely regulated through the Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency since the project deals with the James River Other potential threats are cell towers in the county because of the batteries and the chemicals that are stored on site, Perry said. All of those facilities are required by law to submit a Tier2 report regarding any hazardous materials to the county and to all the local agencies, Perry also disperses to the proper fire and EMS agencies.

“A lot of this stuff occurred after 9/11 and trying to make sure local governments stayed on top of any situations that might affect their county,” Perry said.

Any time the governor declares a state of emergency for the whole state or even a specific region, a big question is what does that mean for us locally, Perry said. When that happens and it affects Cumberland, the county becomes eligible for federal funds as long as everything is accounted for and tracked properly.

“Part of what they asked us for is an emergency plan for what if something catastrophic happens down there. We are not equipped in Cumberland County to handle an emergency response like that,” Perry said. “We would respond initially … whether it is fire, EMS, rescue, whatever we have to do, but we would have to call for outside resources.”

One good thing Cumberland County has now is two highly trained, qualified fire marshals that can investigate environmental crimes, Perry said. So if there was a spill, they become involved and “that does help us to recover funds and to make sure the insurance companies and the people responsible for the spill are accountable for their part in this. That is a big help as well.”