Powhatan Today –01/20/2021

Inside A5 AfricanAmerican history class gets initial approval

Powhatan, Virginia B1 Greenhow takes 1st in 300m dash at Monacan

Vol. XXXIV No. o. 29

January 20, 2021

Clinics held to give Powhatan first responders COVID-19 vaccinations

By Laura McFarland Editor

P

OWHATAN – Powhatan County took steps to protect its first responders last week when it arranged for the first round of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to be administered to a large group of firefighters, EMTs, sheriff’s deputies, and 911 dispatchers.

County staff worked with Emergency Services Solutions (ESS), Powhatan’s contract provider, to get approval from the Centers for Disease Control and the Virginia Department of Health to handle the inoculations, said Curt Nellis, emergency management coordinator. The above first responders, as well as Powhatan State Park Police and school nurses, fall into the high priority groups currently scheduled to receive the vaccine, which includes frontline essential employees.

The first dose of the vaccine was administered to personnel in two clinics held on Monday, Jan. 11 and Saturday, Jan. 16 in the Pocahontas Landmark

PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND

Emergency Services Solutions COO Josh Mullins administers a COVID-19 vaccine to firefigher James Orban during a clinic held for first responders.

Center’s gym building. ESS personnel administered the vaccine to 89 people on Jan. 11 and 196 people on Jan. 16. Corresponding clinics will deliver the second round of vaccines to those individu-

als on Feb. 8 and 13.

Nellis said he feels good knowing that the Powhatan first responders are getting the opportunity to receive the vaccine early on and found department

heads in the affected offices appreciated the effort as well.

“They were very supportive. They appreciate that we are providing this opportunity for their staff, that we are not waiting for someone, that we took the initiative on our own to take care of our own people,” Nellis said.

The first day of vaccines was purposefully kept light, with 10 appointments per hour in three three-hour blocks spaced out from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Nellis said. After the first went so well, he said he felt comfortable ramping up the capacity to 200 patients for the clinic on Saturday.

“We are going to find out whether or not that is our comfort number. If that 200 works for us, that would be the size of future clinics,” he said.

Nellis said he is already working on a schedule of clinics to administer both doses to other first responders. He sees these early clinics as a good way to practice in case they end up helping to administer vaccines to later priority groups as the shots become available. Wider insee VACCINE, pg. 6

Social services aims to help those in Man charged with attempted capital need with new transitional house murder of a law

By Laura McFarland Editor

DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Powhatan, VA 23139

Prsrt. Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Powhatan, VA Permit No.19

POWHATAN – The Powhatan County Department of Social Services recently acquired a house that will serve community members who find themselves in a bind with nowhere else to turn.

The Hope House Transitional Housing program overseen by Community Action will act as a short-term

transition house serving domestic violence victims, families that have been evicted from their homes, and individuals temporarily displaced from their homes because of emergencies or while critical repairs are being done, said Renee Van Natter, community action coordinator.

Previously, when people sought help with social services in these kinds of emergency situations, the only option the county had was to put them up in a hotel in Chesterfield, she said.

Now, social services employees have much more flexibility in helping

enforcement officer

By Laura McFarland Editor

Shown is the kitchen of a Powhatan home purchased to use as a transitional house for residents experiencing an emergency and in need of temporary housing.

see HOUSING, pg. 6

POWHATAN – A Powhatan County man has been charged with attempted capital murder of a law enforcement officer after he allegedly fired on Powhatan deputies responding to an alarm call at his residence in the early hours of the morning last week.

Michael Andrew Layman, 50, is charged with two counts of attempted capital murder of a law enforcement officer and one count of recklessly

LAYMAN

handling a firearm in connection with an incident that happened early on Wednesday, Jan. 13, according Jeff Searfoss, chief deputy with the see CHARGED, pg. 8

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

School board elects Hymel, Cole for 2021 leadership

By Laura McFarland

board members in a vote taken at the board’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 12.

Hymel, who is serving as chairwoman for the first time, served as vice chairwoman of the board in 2020.

Rick Cole, District 1, was chosen unanimously as the vice chairman, a position he

Editor

POWHATAN – Kim Hymel was named chairwoman of the Powhatan County School Board in the first meeting of 2021.

Hymel, who represents District 5, was approved unanimously by her fellow

HYMEL

COLE

see SCHOOL BOARD, pg. 4

Powhatan Elementary team creates new teacher lounge

By Laura McFarland Editor

POWHATAN – Powhatan Elementary School employees needing to step away from their busy and hectic schedules for a short break now have a new relaxing place to rest and recharge.

Members of the administrative team at the school recently unveiled a new relaxing lounge they have spent the past few months planning and then executed over the winter break.

Remodeling the room involved a collaboration between school employees and parents who worked in secret to take an outdated see LOUNGE, pg. 8

Jenny Johnson, Constance Deal, Jackie Batchelder, and Isabella Worrell are shown in the new teacher lounge.

PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND

Page 2A

Powhatan Today, January 20, 2021

DELEGATE WARE’S REFLECTIONS ON THE ANNUAL ‘BLACK HISTORY MONTH’ Several years ago, our Delegate Lee Ware was asked by a colleague in the House (who now is a State Senator) to speak on the Floor of the House of Delegates during ‘Black History Month.’ He did so, and he was accorded a standing ovation. With the cancellation this year of Powhatan’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Day Breakfast, Friends of Lee Ware offers Mr. Ware’s remarks as an occasion for remembrance and reflection.

As an historian, and also as the delegate for a large constituency of black citizens, with many of whom I have enjoyed long years of warm friendship, I accepted at once the invitation extended by a Member “from across the aisle” to offer some reflections on Black History Month.

It is fitting that we set aside time each year to recognize and to affirm the achievements of Virginians--and Americans--who happen to be black. After all, there was a time when the experiences and the accomplishments of blacks were assigned a subordinate place in the narrative of American history. So today, permit me to offer a word of congratulations especially to our fellow members who as blacks rightly take an especial pride in serving as Members of the oldest continuous legislative body in the Western world.

I extend these congratulations also, of course, to all Virginians who are black--and with them to all Virginians, without regard to racial considerations. *** In his immemorial summons to the American people, Martin Luther King, Jr. defined a dream that of course included full participation in the political and economic life of the nation for all Americans, but let us today pay particular attention to his precise words: “I have a dream,” Dr. King declared, “that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

O B I T UA R I E S JAMES DOYLE James Robert Doyle, 81, of Powhatan, passed into glory on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. He was the widower of the late Carol Jane Amory Doyle. He is survived by his brother, Raymond T. Doyle Jr. of Hampton; sons, Christopher (Curtis) DOYLE and their children, James Mitchell, Roberts Franklin, Martha Amory, Annie Josephine; David Doyle and his children, David James and Savannah Faith; cousins, close friends in the Snead, Taylor and Carroll families, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Ellen Schoonmaker Doyle; and sister, Mary “Deanie” Woodmansee. A native of Hampton, he gradu-

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Wednesday, Jan. 20

Owing in no small part to the lives and labors of the black men and women in this room today—and to their pioneering predecessors--our Commonwealth, and our nation, have advanced a long way toward the realization of that dream.

Race remains important--of course. Yet it is now by no means the primary determinant in our lives, socially, economically, or politically. Much has been accomplished by Virginians in the half-century since the great civil-rights milestones of the 1960s. Yet much remains to be achieved.

One of my own dreams, for example, is that there will come a day when a majority of the honorable delegates among us today who happen to be black are members of my own political party. When that day comes--when race is not at all a factor in the minds of any of our voters--then, then we will have erased yet another hyphen in the self-definition of the Virginian—and of the American, people. *** There would have been no America that we can imagine, and surely there could have been no Southern culture worthy of the name, without our black brethren.

I say brethren, because it is indisputable that religion, and specifically Christian faith, is inseparable from the experience of black Virginians, and that an undying devotion to the faith of the Christian, and a courageous appeal to the obligations of Christian love, are among the principal contributions of blacks to Southern life.

Recently two celebrations have occurred in my own community of Powhatan that wonderfully illustrate this point. One celebration was of the ongoing restoration of Belmead Plantation. The other was the annual Martin Luther King Youth Day Community Breakfast.

Belmead was the plantation home of Philip St. George Cocke, the son of one of Thomas Jefferson’s closest friends and a general in the Army of the Confederate States. After the War, Belmead was purchased by Katharine Drexel, daughter of a wealthy Northern industrialist. She had converted to the Roman Catholic communion--my own communion--and in time became one of the first American women to be canonized by the Church as a saint. And with the wealth from her family, and with the faithful labors of The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, the religious order she founded, Belmead--home once to a slave owner--became, for many decades, a school for the education of the children, and the grandchildren, of former slaves. *** MLK Youth Day was hosted by Little Zion Baptist Church--a “black church” --and was held in the building of Powhatan United Methodist Church, a “white” church. Over 200 men, women, and children, black and white--and Indian, too--came together to remember Dr. King’s original dream and to enjoy the fellowship of a dream that has largely become a living reality of our community.

As I will state in a Resolution about the event, In every tradition that manifests a revelation of the eternal there is a summons to accord equal respect to all individuals within the hierarchical communion that is crowned by the Divine, and without regard to the ephemeral considerations that often enough prevail in social, political, or economic matters; and “…within the Graeco-Roman and Christian traditions from which the American order derives, the highest expression of the bond of fellowship finds expression in the declaration that, ‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.’”

This is the belief—and it is emphatically a religious belief--that was central to the summons proffered to the American people by Martin Luther King, Jr. And it this appeal, broadened of course to embrace men and women without regard not only to race but to religion, that is the justification for the observance of Black History Month.

One day, I hope, there will be no need for a “black history month.” That day will come when we will have achieved Dr. King’s dream—when we will have crafted the national narrative that so effectively embraces all of us that no consideration whatsoever will be given to color, and none to “race”--except the human race.

Powhatan County Public Library has decided due to COVID-19-related safety measures to pause in-person library service until further notice. Books to Go and Curbside Print services continue to be available with pickup in the library atrium during library business hours, which are currently Monday – Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All planned holiday virtual library events will go on as scheduled. With Books to Go, patrons may reserve print materials, DVDs, and audiobooks online or by phone. To take advantage of this service, patrons have two options: place items on hold online through the catalog at www.powhatanlibrary. net or call the library at 804598-5670 to request items.

Online hold placement is available 24/7. Phone service is available during library business hours. Holds placed after 4 p.m. (online or via phone) will be available on the next business day. To utilize curbside print/copy service patrons may submit one printing/copying request per day for up to 10 pages of black and white printing at no charge. Requests may be submitted via email to print@ powhatanlibrary.net. Staff will notify the patron via email when the print request is ready for pickup on the table at the library’s main entrance.

To utilize curbside print/copy service patrons may submit one printing/copying request per day for up to 10 pages of black and white printing at no charge. Requests may be submitted via email to print@ powhatanlibrary.net. Staff will notify the patron via email when the print request is ready for pickup on the table at the library’s main entrance.

All returned items continue to be placed in quarantine after return before they are returned to circulation. Fines are waived through Jan. 30, 2021. The library remains unable to accept donations at this time. Contact Powhatan County Public Library at 804-598-5670 or library@ powhatanlibrary.net.

Powhatan County Public Library will hold Facebook Storytime at 10:30 a.m. on the library’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pg/ powhatanlibrary Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Family Storytime is on Tuesdays and Music and Movement is on Wednesdays.

Business Network International (BNI) Powhatan chapter meets virtually from 8 to 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday. Visit Www. BNIVA.com for information.

To attend a meeting as a guest contact Chapter President Sandy Duncan at sandy6284@msn.com.

Feeding Powhatan is a nonprofit food pantry that exists to feed people who are struggling financially in the Powhatan community.

The pantry will be open from 5 to 7 p.m. at 2408 New Dorset Circle (next to Community Life Church). Visit us on Facebook to check for updates and changes at Feeding Powhatan or call 804-303-6431.

Authorized and Paid for By Friends of Lee Ware, Bill Edmunds, Treasurer

ated from Hampton High School and the College of William & Mary’s Old Dominion campus, creating a career in the insurance field with Life of Virginia, SunLife and Crown Group. Active in serving the less fortunate, he was affiliated with the Shriners International of Acca Temple, and also volunteered for many years in disaster relief with the American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels and the senior citizen transportation group. Mr. Doyle was an active member of church parish life everywhere that he lived, serving on laity boards and supporting the altar guild. He was most recently a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Powhatan, where he will be laid to rest following a graveside Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 23, at 1 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital and the American Red Cross. www.bennettbardenfh.com.

The Free Clinic of Powhatan has resumed in-person appointments. Located at 3908 Old Buckingham Road, the clinic offers free health services for uninsured and low income residents of Powhatan, Cumberland and Amelia counties. Services include medical, dental, dietary, counseling, women’s

Conservation District has approved approximately $260,000 dollars of funding to area farmers and landowners.

The funding is from the Virginia Agricultural Cost Share Program (VACS). The purpose of this funding is to cover a portion of the cost for farmers to install conservation practices to reduce erosion and nutrient runoff to improve water quality. This funding will implement approximately 144 separate conservation practices in Goochland and Powhatan counties.

These practices included converting erosive cropland to permanent grassland, installing fencing and excluding livestock access and waste from streams, continuous no-till cultivation of crops, and several new practices to more efficiently use and prevent runoff in the application of nitrogen and phosphorous from cropland.

The grant of funds from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation for this program is the largest amount of funding the Monacan District has received in the last ten years. There are still funds available to assist other farmers and landowners with installing additional practices. For information, contact the Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District at 804-556-4936.

health. Call 804-598-5637 to schedule or request more information. Patient visits are by appointment only. Registration for new patients is 4 to 7:30 p.m.

Mondays. Lab services are provided from 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays. Patient appointments are 4 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays.

Administration hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Thursday, Jan. 21

The Powhatan Food Pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursdays, Saturdays and Tuesdays and 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays at 2500 Batterson Road. Contact the pantry at 804-372-9526 or powhatanvafoodpantry@ gmail.com.

The original Powhatan AA meets from 8 to 9 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.

Awaken to Hope Al-Anon meets at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday at St. John Neumann Catholic Church.

Saturday, Jan. 23

Powhatan AA meets at 8 p.m. every Saturday at Manakin Episcopal Church on Huguenot Trail.

Powhatan Food Pantry is in need of volunteers on Saturday mornings for food pickups at both Food Lion stores. Vans for pickup are provided. Contact Theresa Fields at 804-389-9136 or powfields@comcast.net.

The Coalition of Powhatan Churches has available resources to help people who would like assistance in learning to manage their finances. If you know of anyone who needs or would like to have this service, or to get more information, call Robin Cupka at 804-8019851.

Available now Emergency Housing relief funds to assist with rent, mortgage or other housing concerns. Powhatan Community Action Agency has received funding for housing relief for families in Powhatan County who have been affected by COVID19. Contact Renee Van Natter at valerie.vannatter@ dss.virginia.gov or via cell at 804 814-5332.

Powhatan County Public Schools has identified locations to park school buses that will give Wi-Fi access to students who need it. The Wi-Fi enabled school buses are part of the school district’s plan to help families with poor connection to the internet.

The locations of the school buses are: Little Zion Baptist Church, 5680 Cartersville Road; Muddy Creek Baptist Church, 3470 Trenholm Road; Mount Zion Baptist Church, 2591 Ridge Road; Providence Presbyterian Church, 1950 Ridge Road; Powhatan Volunteer Rescue Squad Sub Station, 5901

Monday, Jan. 25

A Powhatan Hope Narcotics 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, Jan. 26

The new Bridge of Reason AA meeting is held at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at Powhatan Mennonite Church, 3549 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan. It is an open, decision and literature meeting for Powhatan, Goochland, and Cumberland counties.

AA meets at 8 p.m. every Tuesday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Huguenot Trail.

Upcoming

Register now for "2021 Virtual Beginner Beekeeping Class" to be held Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021 and presented by Heart of Virginia Beekeepers. For details, the time of the class, and to receive the link to the class, email: tommyanelson@ gmail.com.

Ongoing

Volunteer dentists and hygienists are needed to staff the expanded dental services that will be available when the Free Clinic of Powhatan moves into its new location after the New Year. Providers can volunteer as little as once a month or more frequently.

Coverage initially needed one morning or one late afternoon/early evening.

However times are flexible and can change based on provider availability. Consider joining the dedicated group of volunteers who help keep Powhatan residents healthy in mind, body and spirit.

Contact Connie Moslow at 804-379-6484.

The Monacan Soil and Water

see CALENDAR, pg. 3

Fax submissions to calendar to 804-344-8746 email to news@powhatan.com, or mail to 8460 Times Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville, Va 23116. Deadline is 3 p.m.

Wednesday for the following week’s issue. Calendar announcements cannot be taken by phone. We reserve the right to edit all items submitted.

Powhatan Today, January 20, 2021

Schools keep adjusting to changes during pandemic

By Laura McFarland Editor

POWHATAN – The Powhatan County School Board received an update last week on the school year and how it is going a few weeks into the start of a new semester.

Dr. Eric Jones, superintendent, updated the board at its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 12 about various aspects of school life, including the return of some virtual students, sports and athletics, health and safety, and how the school district is monitoring different metrics to make sure it can continue in-person learning.

Virtual students return Currently one of the biggest tasks for school administration has been taking the necessary steps to transition back virtual students who took the option of returning to full inperson or hybrid learning, Jones said. When that transition takes place on Jan. 25, the division will welcome back 81 elementary students, 71 middle schoolers, and 39 high schoolers.

Preparing for those students to return has involved many steps, Jones said. The division is transitioning three virtual teachers back to face-to-face instruction to help with class sizes. Because of borderline high numbers in fourth grade classes at Flat Rock Elementary School, staff are monitoring the situation to see if a new teacher needs to be hired or someone needs to be moved to help offset the class sizes.

The division has also sent out letters to homeschool parents inviting them to come back to virtual or face-to-face instruc-

tion and has seen five students from three families return as of Jan. 6, he said.

While he didn’t have direct numbers of other school districts to compare to Powhatan Schools, Jones said he believes it has one of the highest percentages of students in some kind of face-to-face instruction at 83.7% total.

“I don’t know of any other county that is even close to us in terms of the depth and breadth of faceto-face instruction that we are offering to almost 84% of our students. We are proud of that and thankful for our staff for rising to that challenge and doing that,” he said. “So far the transition to face-to-face for those virtual students has gone very well without any major hiccups in terms of scheduling issues and those types of things.”

Health and safety Jones pointed out that there are four main factors that determine movement along the continuum of virtual versus in-person instruction. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) School Metrics has two key indicators, and Powhatan had reached red (highest risk) in both. This includes the total number of new cases per 100,000, which was 822.2 as of Jan. 18, and the percentage of PCR tests that are positive, which was 11.5%.

"We have seen a slight decrease in those numbers over the last few days but they are still alarmingly high. So that is something we are concerned about,” he said.

Another key factor, the school’s ability to implement key mitigation strategies, remains strong because PCPS isn’t seeing the same type of increase

in the schools that is happening in the community.

The number of COVID cases in PCPS is the third factor and staff and student attendance is the fourth.

Jones said he and his staff review all of that information daily to make informed decisions, and currently the only indicators giving them pause are the community numbers.

Susan Smith, who represents District 2, asked Jones at what point the school division would decide to make a change. He said it is difficult to answer and would be based on discussions with the health department.

“I think as long as our mitigation strategies are working and that we continue to not see a precipitous climb in cases within our schools that we will continue to move forward,” Jones said. “I did receive some indication that the VDH is coming out with some updated guidelines that are going to be based on some new information and some studies that have come out that basically say schools are the safest place to be right now.”

The division had its first outbreak of PCPS staff in January, although it did also have an outbreak of Sodexo staff about a month ago, Jones said. In the recent case, a preschool class at Pocahontas Elementary School was closed down after multiple exposures and some spread of the virus. This was the first classroom closure, he said.

A COVID-19 Dashboard the school division is maintaining on its website shows a total of one employee and 16 students tested positive for the virus see CHANGING, pg. 5

Two teachers earn National Board Certification The Powhatan County School Board recognized Allison Yandle, a Pocahontas Elementary School teacher, and Elizabeth “Liz” McCrory, a Flat Rock Elementary School teacher, at its Jan. 12 meeting for having attained National Board Certification. Working toward National Board Certification is a rigorous endeavor that increases the effectiveness of teachers. Through a systematic examination of their teaching practices through videotaping classroom lessons and analyzing student work, teachers deepen their knowledge of subject matter and become more skilled in daily classroom instruction and student PHOTO BY LAURA MCFARLAND assessment. A National Board Certificate attests that a teacher has met the highest standards established for the profession. Teachers complete a four-component process that includes three classroom-based portfolio entries and one assessment center exercise. Certification is good for five years and must be subsequently renewed by completing a similar but shorter process. Yandle and McCrory are part of the National Board Support Co-hort with the Metropolitan Education Training Alliance (META), a partnership among Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Richmond City, and Powhatan County Public Schools, and the School of Education at the Virginia Commonwealth University, to support teachers through this rigorous process. With the addition of this year’s two new National Board Certified teachers, Powhatan now has a total of six National Board Certified teachers currently employed and is supporting four more teachers through the META Co-hort.

Page 3A

Powhatan deputies honored with MADD Awards

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

The Richmond Area Chapter of the Mothers Against Drunk Drivers recently honored members of the Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office with the 2020 MADD Awards. The awards are based on making arrests of people who are driving under the influence or while impaired. The local recipients are Sgt. Phillip Barden, from left, Sgt. R.N. Riopedre, and Cpl. Jamie Hamill.

CALENDAR Continued from pg. 2

Old Buckingham Road, and Macon District Volunteer Fire Department (Company 3), 6377 Old Buckingham Road. Families may also access Wi-Fi at Powhatan County Public Library, 2270 Mann Road; Powhatan Administration Building, 3834 Old Buckingham Road; Village Building, 3910 Old Buckingham Road; Powhatan Courthouse, 3880 Old Buckingham Road, and Genito Presbyterian Church, 2910 Genito Road. For passwords, hours, and specific locations, visit http://www.powhatan.k12. va.us/groups/80385/return_to_ learning/wifi_hotspots.

PCPS is offering internet hubs for students and families to access the internet for virtual learning. There are daytime and evening options available at Pocahontas Landmark Center (4290 Anderson Highway), Powhatan High School (1800 Judes Ferry Road), and Powhatan Middle School (4135 Old Buckingham Road). The hub at Pocahontas Landmark Center is open from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. PHS hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays.

Middle school hours are 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays. Times may be grade level specific. Any PCPS student is able to sign up for these three-hour sessions, but certain students will require parental supervision.

Signups will be available on a two-week basis beginning the Friday prior to the twoweek period. Students and parents using the hubs will be expected to follow the Health Plan in the Return to Learning 2020 guide. Space is available see CALENDAR, pg. 8

Animal control officer recognized

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Every year in partnership with the National Sheriffs’ Association, the Humane Society of the U.S. presents the Humane Law Enforcement Awards to officers who have taken an exemplary stand against animal cruelty and represent the very best in the field. Sgt. Christine Boczar with Powhatan Animal Control, shown here, recently received one of the awards.

C R I M E R E P O RT Arrests • One male was charged on Jan. 10 with driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated (Misdemeanor), offenses relating to registration (M), trafficoperate vehicle without

displaying plates, eluding officer/failure to stop (Felony), and speeding limit violation.

• One male was charged on Jan. 11 with dogs running at large.

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Powhatan Today, January 20, 2021

Page 4A

Rafter denied second appeal of 2016 murder case

By Laura McFarland Editor

POWHATAN – For the second time, the Virginia Court of Appeals has denied an appeal on behalf of Karina Rafter, who was found guilty last October in the 2016 murder of her estranged husband in Powhatan.

Rafter was sentenced by a jury to serve 20 years for first-degree murder and three years for one count of use of a

SCHOOL BOARD Continued from pg. 1

has held before. The school board reorganizes every January for the upcoming year.

Hymel, who has been a board member since February 2014, said she appreciated her fellow board members’ confidence in her to lead the school board through this year.

firearm in the commission of the murder of John Richard Rafter Jr., 48, on Dec. 9, 2016, at his home in the 2100 block of Flint Hill Road in Powhatan.

Following a five-day trial, a jury decided on Oct. 25, 2019, that Karina Rafter was guilty of shooting her husband in the head with a shotgun while he lay in his bed and recommended the 23-year sentence. Powhatan County Circuit Court Judge Paul Cella upheld the jury’s sentence on Feb. 19, 2020.

She praised Joe Walters, who served as chairman for four years, for his hard work to bring the board together. Walters announced in December 2020 and reiterated last week that he would be stepping back and allowing someone else to helm the board this year. “I plan to continue with that (work) because I believe proactive lead-

Please meet Amber, she was recently owner surrendered. Amber is around 8 years old, spayed, up to date on shots, heartworm NEGATIVE, and microchipped!

The previous owner said Amber was good with children and other dogs. She has had some training so she walks well on a leash and knows a few tricks! We tested her with another dog and she did fine. She is a super sweet girl and just wants love!

If you’re interested in meeting Amber please let us know!

Amber

If you would like to help the animals in our care, you can do so by donating to our medical fund at Claws and Paws, 4313 Anderson Hwy., Powhatan, VA 23139 Powhatan Sheriff’s Office | Division Of Animal Control Phone: 804-598-5672 | Fax: 804-598-5109

ership gets thoughtful and focused results,�

Hymel said. “All board members have the same responsibility and authority; it’s my turn to do the additional duties. I will bring my many past leadership experiences throughout my career to my new role as school board chair.�

In the year ahead, the biggest challenge facing the school board and the school division as a whole is providing students with a solid education during this pandemic in a safe environment, Hymel said. “It is critically important to ensure the utmost cleanliness and hygiene in all our schools for everyone’s safety so that they do not contribute to COVID-19 transmission,� she said.

Parents are sharing the burden more than ever in the education of their children this year, and the division needs to continuously hone in and improve on its techniques for virtual and hybrid learning, Hymel said. “As a parent of two children in our school system, I am acutely aware of the challenges with virtual/hybrid learning. This is something that needs continued attention. We can’t allow our children to be disenfranchised with our unfortunate pandemic situation,� she said. “Just as

Karina Rafter’s attorney filed an appeal on the verdict, contending the evidence was insufficient to support her convictions. Included among those claims was the theory that John Rafter committed suicide or was murdered by another person.

In November 2020, an unsigned opinion issued from the Virginia Court of Appeals denied Rafter’s request for an appeal.

In a second document issued on Jan.

businesses have adjusted to operate with a virtual staff using technology, we need to keep evolving our delivery methods.

What can enrich our virtual/hybrid learning experiences? This is where we need to continue to work together even more closely with parents.�

Powhatan’s teachers and staff have shown that they are called to teach and willing to do whatever it takes, Hymel continued. They have shown their passion and determination to provide their students’ education. “Clearly, they are overworked and under paid. It is imperative they are compensated fairly for their work,� she said.

Hymel added that this is an extremely stressful time for all, with added anxiety and possible depression. The need to focus on the mental health and well-being of Powhatan’s students, teachers, and staff is vital right now.

Cole, who has served on the board for 10 years, said he was happy to serve as vice chairman with Hymel as chairwoman. In a normal year, Cole said he would be excited to see what the year brings, but this year, the focus will be “getting back to whatever normal happens to be.�

Continuing to respond to COVID-19, improving the responses to the virus and its impacts, and im-

13, 2021, a three-court panel of appeals court judges denied Rafter’s petition.

The short letter gave no details other than to refer to the previous appeals court judge’s opinion. It was signed by Chief Judge Marla Graff Decker, Judge Randolph A. Beales, and Judge Glen A. Huff.

Miriam Airington-Fisher, Rafter’s attorney, argued Rafter’s petition in a virtual hearing held on Jan. 7 with the three

proving instruction no matter how it has to be delivered are the most important challenges in the year ahead, he said. Staff and the school board also need to work on better articulating some of their efforts and offerings. “We are getting a lot of comment and questions about different areas of operations, and that is all well and good.

We need to be able to communicate in a way that is effective, that people will understand what we are doing and have confidence in what we are doing,� Cole said. “In today’s society, there is always questioning.

Sometimes people tend to be critical before they know all the information.

So I think one of our challenges is to make sure we get information out in an effective way so that people have it available to them.�

Cole said he is “heartened and excited by the efforts that teachers are making and the successes some teachers are having with online learning.�

Because of his work with Reynolds Community College and its partnership with Powhatan High School, he has good opportunities to interact with hybrid students. “They are so excited to be back in school.

They are so excited to see their friends. That part of it, the more opportunities

CHURCH DIRECTORY St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

SUNDAYS Live Stream Worship!

www.stlukespowhatan.org All are Welcome For more information visit www.stlukespowhatan.org Route 711 at Three Bridge Road 794-6953

The Bridge

Genito Church Presbyterian “Building a Bridge of Hope�

Isaiah 58:12 Church 2910 Genito Rd. Powhatan, VA

372-9074 Worship with us this Sunday Church service @ 9:30 AM Sunday school @ 10:30 AM

Sundays: Morning Worship 10:00 AM Wednesday: Family Life Night 7:00 PM 2480 Academy Road 598-7159 Pastor: Johnathan M. Whichard

Providence Presbyterian Church

EVERGREEN COMMUNITY CHURCH (PCA) Proclaiming & Practicing the Gospel of Jesus Christ Indoor Worship Service at 10:00 AM Meeting at the Powhatan War Memorial Building at 2375 Skaggs Rd, Powhatan, VA 23139

ECCPCA.ORG

598-8844

Rev. Robert Barnes

Worship Service 10 AM Meeting in the gym

Meeting Sundays in Amelia, Farmville, Fork Union, Midlothian, Powhatan and Online.

Visit pccwired.net for services times & locations.

598-1174 pccwired.net

598-4970

Powhatan United Methodist Church Living As Christ’s Disciples Within Our Hearts and Beyond Our Doors 2253 Rosson Rd.

Just off Rt. 13 in the Village

598-4438

Worship: 8:30 & 11 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:45 a.m.

www.powhatanumc.us Weekday Preschool (ages 2-5)

598-6090

Mount Calvary Baptist Church 2020 Red Lane Road

Powhatan, VA 23139 1801 Huguenot Trail Sunday School 9am Pastor, Larry B. Collins Sunday Worship 10am Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 6:45pm Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study Bryan M. Holt, Pastor 7:30 p.m.

378-3607 www.EmmausChristianChurch.org Office 804-598-2398

Community Church Dr. Cavell W. Phillips, Pastor Where there is Unity, there is always Victory.

A church “Where you are welcome�

Wednesday: Bible Study Join Us For Sunday Worship 6:30 – 7:30pm ( 60 Minute 11:00AM – 12:30PM Warm Up To Sunday ) Powhatan Village Building 3910 Old Buckingham Road ucc4me.org Powhatan, VA 804-256-4411

we can build student interaction and do face-toface instruction safely, the better off we are going to be,� he said. “We will just see where it goes. We will continue to watch what happens with COVID. We will continue to watch the safety and health of students.

That is going to have to be our top priority over the next few months until we get vaccines in people and start to see a downward trend in COVID.�

Before the nominations began, Walters thanked his fellow board members for the opportunity to serve as chairman for the last four years. “I think we have accomplished quite a bit together during that period of time, and I thank you for your confidence in selecting me for that position and look forward to continuing to work with you as a member of the board,� he said.

Valarie Ayers, who represents District 3, then nominated Cole for chairman but didn’t receive a second to her motion. Then Susan Smith, District 2, nominated Hymel, which received a second from Walters.

After Ayers had received Hymel’s assurance that she would receive the chairman training from the Virginia School Boards Association, the vote proceeded and Hymel was elected unanimously.

Advertise in Church Directory.

Powhatan Christian Fellowship Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

Worship Service 11:00 am Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Sunday School 10:00 am Wednesday Night 7:30 p.m.

Located 1950 Ridge Road (Rt. 627) 2/10th of a mile north of Rt. 13

see APPEAL, pg. 8

3308 Pleasants Road, 1/4 mile off of Route 711 Russ Cress, Pastor 598-0733

St. John Neumann Catholic Church Rev. Walter G. Lewis, Pastor Saturday - 5 p.m.

Sunday - 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

598-3754 www.sjnpowhatan.org Located behind Flat Rock Village Shopping Center

Call 804-746-1235 ext. 2 for details.

Powhatan Today, January 20, 2021

Page 5A

Board approves African-American history class

By Laura McFarland Editor

POWHATAN – A proposed African American history class once again drew attention from the community as the Powhatan County School Board recently approved the Course Planning Guide for the new school year.

During the board’s meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 12, the board voted unanimously to approve the Course Planning Guide with nine changes, including several new courses at the middle and high schools. However, the African American History class proposed at Powhatan High School was the only one that drew any discussion.

Approval of the course guide does not mean the class will automatically be offered during the 2021-2022 school year.

When it is time for students to choose their courses, only if enough students sign up for a course is a course put on the schedule and a teacher (with help from others) begins creating a full curriculum.

CHANGING Continued from pg. 3

between Jan. 2 and 8, the first week after winter break.

The division is monitoring attendance and the number of students in quarantine as a percentage of total absences, Jones said. He estimated it has represented between 2% and 3% of the student body.

Those who are able to participate virtually are doing so and are counted as being present.

So far, the staff members that have had to quarantine have been covered by substitutes without any major disruptions to operations, he added.

The division is working with the county on plans to provide COVID-19 vaccines for all employees that involve different priority levels based on their exposure to students.

School nurses and those administrators who may have to enter the schools’ designated COVID-19 isolation rooms are the only ones currently in the priority groups to be vaccinated.

Jones pointed out that getting the vaccine is currently voluntary because it is under emergency approval by the FDA. However, they are encouraging staff to receive the vaccine as soon as they are allowed.

“I think there is good momentum at the state level and now at the federal level with expanding access to the vaccine and getting it out there. We are prepared to do what we can to get those individuals vaccinated who are choosing to do so and we

SECOND ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH

During the Jan. 12 public comment periods, 10 people spoke in support of offering the class as a possibility. Among those were students who asked for the chance to take a class focusing on the history of “black and brown people” that look like them.

However, the journey for the proposed course has not been totally smooth. At the school board’s Dec. 10, 2020, joint meeting with the board of supervisors, 10 people spoke during the public comment period about the ideology behind the terms equity, diversity, and inclusion. While most of those commenters did not mention the course by name, a few made references to it and raised objections to at least one of the source materials included in the possible course materials by the Virginia Department of Education, the 1619 Project.

As part of the school board’s discussion before approving the course guide, Dr. Eric Jones, superintendent, pointed out that the development of the African American History class wouldn’t be any

different from adding any other course.

It is a state-approved course that PHS has the opportunity to offer, but the process of building it for local use would be the same.

The state course includes an outline with objectives and a list of dozens of approved sources to choose from, he said. That information will be turned over to the social studies specialist and the teacher who has agreed to teach the course, who will work with the instructional department and other teachers who may want to help develop it.

“Then they will build out the course outline – a course outline that has a list of resources that will be used from that master list or from other verified resources that may exist and then create a syllabus and course outline,” Jones said.

Rick Cole, who represents District 1, said he is excited about the possibilities of the course but understands that some people have concerns. He suggested that if the course has enough students sign up for it that it will be offered, staff can up-

date the school on the development of the course, including the sources they end up referencing.

All of the board members talked about the overwhelming amount of calls and emails they had received about the class, many of them earlier that day. A few mentioned that they didn’t get any feedback from people outright opposing the class; they were against the possible use of the 1619 Project and approving the course without knowing if that would happen.

The residents who spoke about the course were overwhelmingly in support of it, whether they were parents, students, alumni, or community members.

Several pointed out the class is an elective and thus would be taken by choice.

DaLynn Prince-Jones spoke as a resident, member of the Powhatan AntiRacism Coalition, and, most importantly, a mother of three African-American children. She said she was saddened by people who are against her children

will encourage them to do so,” Jones said.

performing arts programs did shows and competitions. The division posted more than 25 videos of holiday music shows and virtual art shows online. There were also competitions in dance, show choir, and band.

“I think our band directors are already planning their next performances coming up for Music in Our Schools Month in March, so we look forward to seeing those again,” he said.

In terms of VHSL athletics, since Powhatan joined the Dominion district, most of the division’s competition is in Chesterfield or Richmond. Richmond is not participating in winter sports this season, but the 14-game regular season for boys and girls basketball has made it so that Powhatan’s teams can face each of their remaining seven district opponents twice.

Currently in season are boys’ and girls’ basketball, cheerleading, boys’ and girls’ indoor track, swimming, and wrestling. Doing out-of-season practice are baseball, football, lacrosse, softball, and volleyball.

Jones pointed out the school has begun streaming through its NFHS camera that was installed in the gym. The highspeed, high action camera will allow the school to show activities in the gym and people can pay a subscription fee of $10.99 per month.

Football and cheerleading will begin their season on Feb. 4. On Feb. 15, cross country, field hockey, golf, and volleyball will begin.

Jones pointed out that balancing that many different sports in a compact schedule in a safe way is a “herculean task that the high school staff and coaches are doing.” It requires a great deal of juggling, he said, but the division has a robust health and safety plan that covers everything from cleaning schedules to masks (worn during practices but not competitions).

The budget for athletics took a hit this year by not having the football season, which is a revenue generator, but that was offset by not having spring sports during the 2019-2020 school year after a regular full fall season, Jones said.

“We were able to move into this year with a positive balance. We will be fine this year and not need to reallocate funds to the athletic department,” Jones said.

Jones also talked about Community Service Learning, a program that sees students meeting certain requirements in order to receive a Community Service Learning Seal on their high school diplomas. Students are required to complete 80 hours of community service to nonprofit organizations during high school to receive the seal.

Because of the pandemic and some nonprofits not allowing volunteers, the school will still track community service hours but will suspend the requirement for a certain number of hours. Seniors are the ones who will experience the most immediate impact, but it will be weighed for all students with the loss of this year in mind.

Facilities In 2020, the division did a bulk purchase with the county of personal protective equipment using CARES Act before it was originally supposed to expire, Jones said. He said the schools should have enough PPE to get them through this year.

The school division purchased bipolar ionization units, which are integrated into HVAC systems to provide continuous disinfection. Dr. Jason Tibbs, director of facilities, said Powhatan Middle and High Schools and Flat Rock Elementary all have rooftop air handling units that serve large sections of the buildings, and bipolar ionization units were installed in those systems. Pocahontas and Powhatan Elementary schools have standalone units in each classroom, so each individual system received a bipolar ionization unit. The elementary schools also have air purifiers in the hallway purchased earlier.

All of the buildings except the Pocahontas Landmark Center and the joint transportation facility are fully covered with bipolar ionization units, he said. The division is in the process of getting pricing to outfit those two buildings.

Extracurricular activities Before the winter break, the fine and

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Contemporary – 8:30 a.m.

Sunday School – 9:45 a.m.

Worship – 11 a.m.

Children’s Worship – 11 a.m.

Prayer/Bible Study – Wed. 6:30 p.m.

2095 Red Lane Road Children’s Worship (all ages) – 1/2 mile off Rt. 60 on Red Lane Road Wed. 6:30 p.m.

804-598-2455 New Generation Praise & Worship – www.redlanebaptist.org Sunday 6 p.m.

Worship Service 9:00 a.m. Lighthouse Youth – Wed. 5:30 p.m.

Small Groups 10:30 a.m. Miracles of God Sp. Needs Service: 2 p.m. the 2nd Sat. of each month Wednesday Night Classes for all ages at 6:15 598-3481 • 975 Dorset Road Dr. James Taylor, Pastor www.gracelandbc.org

Reverend Mark A. Divens, Sr. Pastor

Praise and Worship Service Sunday School 9:45-10:45 Sunday Morning Worship will begin at 11:00 a.m.

“God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

We walk by faith and not by sight” – Pastor Darnell Carruthers

Sunday School: 10:00-10:45 a.m.

Worship Service: 11:00 a.m.

4731 Bell Road, Powhatan, VA 23139 804-598-5491

Holly Hills Baptist Church www.HollyHillsBaptist.org

(Independent Bible Believing)

Randy Blackwell, Pastor Sunday School - 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship - 11:00 a.m.

Youth Ministry 6:00 p.m.

Adult Bible Study 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7:30 PM

379-8930 1659 Anderson Highway 3½ miles east of Flat Rock

5680 Cartersville Road Powhatan, Virginia 23139 Pastor Gregory L. Beechaum Sr. “The church where Jesus is Alive” 9:00 a.m. ---- Sunday School 9:45 a.m.----- Prayer & Praise 10:00 a.m.--- Sunday Morning Worship 5th Sunday at 11 a.m.

Hour of Power 7:30 p.m. ---- Tuesday Night Worship & Bible Study

Baptist Church “A Church Where Love Never Fails!”

Pastor Otis B. Lockhart, Jr.

MOUNT ZION

Muddy Creek BAPTIST CHURCH Baptist Church

Rev. Bryan Stevens, Pastor 11 a.m. – Worship Service 9 a.m. – Church School Wednesday Bible Study 10 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Sunday School - 9:45 am Worship - 11 am Wednesday Bible Study & Prayer Service - 7:00 pm Pastor Jeff Beard, MA, MBA 3470 Trenholm Road www.muddycreekbaptist.org

375-9212

Advertise in Powhatan Today’s Church Directory.

Call 804-746-1235 ext. 2 for details.

804-375-9404

Hollywood

2591 Ridge Road Powhatan, Virginia 23139 804-598-2051

Graceland Baptist Church Dr. Ronald Wyatt, Jr., Pastor

1059 Dorset Road Powhatan, VA 23139

GREENBRIER BAPTIST CHURCH

see HISTORY, pg. 6

OLD POWHATAN BAPTIST CHURCH 3619 Huguenot Trail Powhatan, Virginia 23139 www.finecreekbaptist.org Sunday School: 9:45 a.m.

Worship Service: 11:00 a.m.

Traditional

2202 Old Church Road www.powhatanbaptist.org

“Your Community Church”

598-2763 Sunday School at 9:30 am Morning Service at 11:00 am Bible Study Every Wednesday Night at 6:30 pm 3964 Old Buckingham Road

Sundays 10:00 AM Wednesday 6:30 PM Experiencing the presence, power and person of Jesus Christ

Loving, Investing, Fulfilling, Empowering Senior Pastor Justin Wilson Sunday Service 10:30am 2410 New Dorset Circle www.Communitylifechurchpowhatan.org Feeding Powhatan Open 3rd Wednesday of the month

FIRST ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday 10am, 11am & 6pm Wednesday 7pm

3920 MAIDENS RD., POWHATAN

804-598-2301

Evening Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

Service times are 8:30AM and 10:15AM Worship online at 10:15AM

Family Worship Center 2901 Judes Ferry Road Powhatan, Va 23139 804-379-8223

Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Morning Service 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Mid Day Bible Study 11:30 a.m.

Brad Russell, Pastor 598-4241

Travis L. Keith- Pastor Church Office: 794.7054 1530 Cook Road (Rt. 636)

www.glbcpva.org

Just Across from South Creek Shopping Center!

Powhatan Today, January 20, 2021

Page 6A

Ware among bipartisan Virginia legislators to take on sky-high energy bills Contributed Report

A

bipartisan coalition in the House of Delegates has announced a legislative package aimed at lowering energy bills in Virginia. The proposals make long-overdue revisions to state law that will enhance consumer protections and provide relief for Virginians struggling with some of the highest energy bills in the country.

If passed, the proposed bills would ensure Virginians get back more than $500 million that they’ve been overcharged by Virginia’s dominant electric utility Dominion Energy since 2017, per State Corporation Commission (SCC) reports.

“Virginians have long been due a refund for paying extraordinarily high energy bills. Energy monopolies in Virginia have kept billions of dollars owed to the people of Virginia,” said Del.Jay Jones, D-89, one of the bills’ patrons. “It's high time the General Assembly puts workers, families, and businesses first.”

Through heavy lobbying, Virginia’s energy monopolies have added several provisions to state law in the last two decades that prevent the SCC from reducing electricity rates and ordering refunds for customers, despite the company’s consistent overcharges.

This group of legislators wants to undo those laws.

“Virginians have seen their utility bills raised by our electric monopolies by at least 25% since 2007 and now

HISTORY Continued from pg. 5

learning about their history and culture.

Prince-Jones spoke in support of using the 1619 Project and not only learning about a history that some people agree with.

“I am ashamed to have to stand here asking the school board to allow African American children to be allowed to learn more about themselves through their ancestors, but it is OK to teach them about Thomas Jefferson, the man

pay the sixth highest energy bills in the country. Before COVID-19, more than 75% of Virginia households had energy bills considered unaffordable by national standards. Low-income people have been disproportionately impacted

by COVID-19,” said Del. Kathy Tran, D-42. “We must act now to bring much needed relief to our constituents.”

A high energy burden is defined as spending more than 6% of income on energy bills. Nationally, the burden of high utility bills falls most severely on minority and low-income communities and Virginia is no exception.

“This legislation seeks to restore to the SCC its original and rightful role in adjudicating rate requests from our public utilities. Owing to Dominioninfluenced legislation, the firm’s rates have not properly been decided since 1992. Ratepayers have paid the burden for this hand-cuffing of the SCC’s authority. Finally, a sufficient coalition has arisen to correct this impropriety, and I am grateful to be able to contribute to the endeavor,” said Del. Lee Ware, R-65.

These bills would restore state regulators authority to give customers full refunds now and reasonable prices in the future. In addition to Jones, Tran, and Ware, the coalition of Virginia House of Delegates members includes: Del. Jeff Bourne, D-71; Del. Carrie Coyner, R-62; Del. Dan Helmer, D-40; Del. Sally Hudson, D-57; Del. Suhas Subramanyam, D-87, and Del. Schuyler VanValkenburg, D-72.

who wrote the Declaration of Independence and stated that ‘All men are created equal.’ But what our history books do not shed light on is while he wrote those words, ‘All men are created equal,’ he is the same man who owned 130 human beings, who were not treated equal,” she said.

McKenzie Prince, a PHS student, said she is one of many AfricanAmerican students who have attended school there and experienced racism. She hopes the class not only offers

VACCINE Continued from pg. 1

volvement would take agreement from the board of supervisors, which Nellis will not seek until he has a solid plan he can present regarding any costs, the personnel involved, and the safety measures.

It would also take approval from the Chesterfield Health District, which includes Powhatan County, because the task of administering vaccines is its responsibility, he added.

“The health department is supposed to be doing this,” Nellis said on Jan. 11 at the first clinic. “We are really helping them out a lot, Chesterfield Health District, by doing this not for them but with them. It takes a big load off of their responsibilities. They don’t have the staff and resources to do this, and this way I can ensure that my folks get through this efficiently instead of waiting for the health department to come up with a system.”

Last week’s clinics were the first larger administration of the vaccine in Powhatan, Nellis said. A smaller vaccination clinic for about 30 people, including him, was held on Dec. 29, 2020, at the health department but was sponsored and administered by the health district. Nellis added he had no reaction to the vaccine except a stiff arm.

Even though Emergency Services Solutions is a vaccination agency with the state, the Powhatan-based company still

good information but allows students to feel there is a class being taught about “people who look like them.”

“It is a shame that I have learned more about my culture and what African American students have endured by educating myself in the last few months than my own high school has ever taught me,” she said.

Greg Ownby talked about the irony of having the discussion on this course in a building that was built to educate black students during segregation.

had to execute contracts with the CDC to provide the COVID-19 vaccines, CEO Blanton Marchese said. The company waited for Moderna, which is easier to store for a long period of time, although he said the goal is to administer them as quickly as possible.

In choosing that vaccine, ESS also did research on its efficacy and safety through trusted resources, Marchese said, adding he would be taking the same vaccine. He said the county is also using electronic resources that allow them to do health check-ins with people who have been vaccinated and also remind them of their second appointments.

“It’s fair that people are cautious, but all of our leadership team is getting it because we are that comfortable,” he said.

Nellis pointed out that taking the vaccine is a personal choice and that the county will offer several chances in case there are people who are unsure about the vaccine now but might change their minds at a later time.

“Lots of people were hesitant to take it. They have read stuff and done some research and now they want it. So we want to give them every opportunity to get that,” he said.

James Orban, a volunteer firefighter with Company 1, got the vaccine on Jan. 11 to protect himself and his family. His wife, who is a healthcare worker, researched the vaccine, and before she got the shot, they dis-

HOUSING Continued from pg. 1

those in need.

“People have an option now; before they didn’t have an option. No matter the emergency or what their situation was, we told them what we had to offer them and that was their only option, and it was a hotel in another county,” Van Natter said.

“Now we have an option that better serves the residents of Powhatan that are coming to us. And when they do come to us, they are in dire straits, there is an emergency, and they are looking to us for answers. Now we have something that is a lot more practical and better for serving them.”

One of the key parts of using this as a transition house is to actually help the clients get back on their feet, whatever that may involve, said Sharon Rochelle, director of social services.

“We will do case management with the family. … When we say transitional house, that is what we mean. It is not that we are going to throw them to the curb; we are going to work on getting them permanent housing. But at least they have a place to stay while the need is there until we can find another place for them to go,” she said.

The house, which is at an undisclosed location for safety reasons, is on several acres of land and is set back from the road, Rochelle said. It has multiple bedrooms and came with furniture in good condition donated by the last homeowner, which was a big help in starting to furnish the home.

Social services will also work with community partners to help with everyday needs tied to the house, such as a local fatherhood program that has agreed to help maintain the property grounds and local food pantries donating food.

Purchasing one or even

cussed their choices together.

He missed an initial opportunity to be vaccinated but didn’t hesitate when he saw the county was offering a clinic for first responders.

“I think this is outstanding, especially for volunteers. That the county is actually looking out for not just the paid staff but for volunteer staff is amazing,” he said. “It is an honor to be able to get it this quick. I know that there might be some people out there that are struggling to get it that probably need it before us, but it is still amazing that we are able to get it for free and it is readily available.”

Orban said firefighters who are not EMTs have been restricted on emergency services calls, but they still interact with people in motor vehicle accidents and other emergencies.

Sitting in the gym lobby during the 15-minute wait that follows the shot to make sure there is no immediate reaction, Orban said the process was as easy as getting a flu shot.

Firefighter Joseph Dunn said in addition to all of the social restrictions COVID-19 has placed on people, he hasn’t run a call with Company 2 since January 2020 because he has high-risk family members he wanted to keep safe. For him, taking the vaccine is giving him the peace of mind to consider volunteering to run calls again, he said.

He said having the vaccine would reduce his anxiety levels about catching the virus and

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Shown is the interior of a Powhatan home purchased to use as a transitional house for residents experiencing an emergency and in need of temporary housing.

two homes to help families in transition was a long-term goal for social services, Rochelle said.

The need for housing was one of the items contained in the Community Action Needs Assessment, which she became aware of upon accepting the position in Powhatan.

The ability to purchase this home was made possible by the reallocation of a $250,000 donation in 2020 from Bob and Karla Curtis, Van Natter said.

The couple had donated the money to help people who were having trouble paying their rent or mortgage as a result of lost income from COVID-19.

However, CARES Act funding was made available that could also fill that need. Since the federal funding originally had an expiration date, they used that money first.

Instead, social services asked the Curtises if the money they donated could be used for the Hope House project, which they agreed to, Rochelle said.

“Bob and Karla just

wanted the money directed toward people who may, for some reason, be in a position to lose their home or be homeless because of a situation. So they were both more than supportive of us using it that way,” Rochelle said.

Van Natter pointed out that using the Curtis funds instead of governmentfunded grants means they don’t have to adhere to certain income guidelines that might exclude someone genuinely going through a crisis.

“Whether you make $80,000 a year or $30,000, you still have domestic violence issues. There are problems across the board for all income brackets,” she said. “It felt horrible to have to turn people away just because they didn’t meet the income requirements but they still needed the help. To be able to serve everyone is just a whole different feeling.”

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

PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND

Lt. Marilyn Durham, a sheriff’s deputy, and firefighter Joseph Dunn wait the required 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine to watch for immediate side effects.

bringing it home to a loved one.

Having served in the U.S. Air Force and gotten multiple vaccinations before, Dunn said he felt like if he could “get anthrax shots and make it through that, COVID is not going to be anything.”

“I didn’t go in with a blind eye. I did my research, whether it is online or word of mouth from other people who took the vaccine and what their experiences were. I felt like whatever the risk was, it was a good thing to do,” he said.

Lt. Marilyn Durham said that working for the sheriff’s office, she is constantly around other people, as is her husband, Eugene, who is a paid firefighter in Chesterfield and a volunteer with Company 3 in Powhatan. He plans to get the vaccine as well, she said.

“I think it is going to be something anyway that we have to get every year, just like you would the flu shot,” she said.

Durham said everyone in her household actually had COVID-19 in November 2020 at different levels, but it was still pretty mild. Durham and her husband both had a fever for nine days. She lost her sense of smell while he lost his sense of taste.

“For the most part, we all came out of it OK. But I do worry and I can see where some people, if you weren’t in really good health, how it could really knock you down. To me it felt like flu on steroids with the body aches,” she said.

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

What elective course would you most have wanted to take in high school?

E-mail answers to editor@powhatantoday.com or share them on the Powhatan Today’s Facebook page.

January 20, 2021

Page 7A

History is complex, teaching it should be too

By Laura McFarland Editor

A

t the end of 2020, my parents came to visit me for the holidays and I was faced with how to entertain them for more than a week in the midst of a pandemic, cold weather, holiday season closings, and taking into consideration some mobility issues.

The majority of our time together was spent at home, doing crafts, playing games, and watching movies. The one real escape came with a quick visit a few hours west, during which time we went to Poplar Forest. This was land Thomas Jefferson inherited from his father-in-law in 1773 and where he chose to build a vacation home.

The architecture of the home is beautiful, but, to be honest, since the interior is very sparsely furnished (probably because of ongoing restoration work), the tour didn’t have as much impact as other historical homes we have visited together.

Instead, the more engaging part of the visit for me was an exhibit in the basement. It included a history of the property, including who owned the house after it was sold out of the Jefferson family. But most interestingly, it included one of the more detailed examinations of the enslaved community tied to the home that I have seen in the historic homes and plantations I have visited (which I admit is not an exhaustive list and there could be some out there that far surpass this one).

Part of the exhibit talked about a slave’s life, which involved working from sunup to sundown, Monday through Saturday. Children 10 years old and younger cared for their siblings; older children and teenagers helped their parents in the field with tasks such as weeding, planting seeds, and gathering wheat, and some were sent to apprentice in different tasks. At age 16, young men and women began their permanent roles within the plantation labor force.

The opposite of winning

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist

If you live long enough on this planet, you’re likely to see almost everything and anything. Life experience provides a certain perspective that prepares one for the most unexpected occurrences, and, as life progresses, it’s easy to embrace a belief that you’ve seen it all.

And for those of a certain generation called Baby Boomers, we have witnessed extraordinary events, a timeline of history that bolsters the belief that nothing could surprise or shock us. After all, it’s the generation that experienced the assassination of a president, men walking on the moon, terrorist attacks on soil we considered sacred and technological advances that have changed the way we live our everyday lives.

We’ve lived and learned that the old adage never say never is fair warning for a world whose future never ceases to amaze.

As I watched a group of unruly protesters transform to a band of domestic terrorists on Jan. 6 in Washington, D.C., I quickly realized I was witnessing something unique: one of

Another display wrote about specific slaves by name and shared what little was known about them. One of them struck harder than others for me. It was a short paragraph about a woman named Aggy who, at age 23, gave birth to a daughter named Sally. According to the exhibit, she was likely the child of the white overseer. He left Poplar Forest in 1815 but purchased Sally, then 3 years old, six months after he left. For some reason, he returned ownership of the little girl to Jefferson in 1817, “thus allowing Aggy and Sally to stay together.”

Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the United States; wrote the Declaration of Independence; drafted the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom; doubled the size of the United States, and founded and designed the University of Virginia. On March 2, 1807, he signed into law the Act of Prohibiting Importation of Slaves, which said that no new slaves were permitted to be imported into the United States, effective Jan. 1, 1808. This was the earliest date permitted by Article 1, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution.

And yet, during his lifetime, Jefferson enslaved over 600 human beings – 400 people were enslaved at Monticello and the other 200 people were held in bondage on Jefferson’s other properties, according to the Monticello website.

As such a high profile historical figure, all of these facts about Thomas Jefferson are ones that I would expect (or hope) are taught in a standard curriculum of a required history class at some point in K-12. But history is vast, and sometimes the details – about people like Aggy and Sally – get lost.

So why am I talking about a holiday outing to our readers other than to share some interesting things I learned?

Last week, the Powhatan County School Board voted unanimously to approve updates to the division’s Course Planning Guide. All proposed new courses are included on this list. When it is time for students to choose their

L E T T E R S TO T H E E D I TO R

those events that mark our history with an asterisk and receive a bold black headline on the nation’s timeline.

Several days earlier, I engaged in a normal Facebook conversation with some friends. Like everything in life today, the discussion quickly assumed a political tone.

It was the usual back and forth regarding the recent election, but one post seemed more ominous than the others.

“You’ll find out what’s really happening on Jan. 6. You can bet on it,” the post read.

Now, I’m not a security expert but the warning seems serious. I got the feeling that many knew more than me regarding the planned rally in Washington on the same day Congress planned to certify results from the recent presidential election.

Weeks ago, I had stopped trying to convince friends that Joe Biden has received the majority of votes in November, and I realized they were responding with a certain brand of confidence that assured this result would be overturned. Their beliefs were reinforced by a chorus of politicians who see OPPOSITE pg. 8

In every encounter we are Residents’ rights are being given a choice to seek more violated by proposed landfill Dear Editor, When I think back to all that we faced in 2020 and continue to face - from COVID to social injustice to the division of politics, I am forced to find a silver lining.

While I have been able to find more than one, these challenging times have taught me more than anything to maintain hope. Hope for our future, hope for our children's future.

Along with many others, I struggle with the loss of community. However, in reality, we lost this long ago as we have been chasing the wind trying to keep up with all of the demands life brings. In this, I have asked myself, how do we begin a new, as a united community?

Every encounter we have, we are given a choice to seek and understand. Understand ourselves a little better. When we over-react to a situation – we should take time and ask ourselves; is this truly what upsets me.

When we find our answer, we should ask ourselves again – as there may be more than one reason to our reactions.

With others, when they make certain choices we may not agree with or understand – always place a higher value in asking a question rather than taking the easy approach of assuming.

As I look through the eyes of a child, as a baby, everything is new. My daughters are not at ages to understand intent or have the ability to assume – which is what makes them so pure. There are no assumptions or stereotypes. In each new experience, I watch their faces and how they observes the world, seeking to understand. It is when they begin to understand, they find more enjoyment.

Our goal should be to have infinite curiosity and grace with one another – just as a child does.

As we have been forced to slow down in life, I believe we have been given time to find a mustard seed of hope for a change in our future, and come together no matter our differences. In this, maybe we can create a paradigm shift in our homes, our community and our nation.

Sarah Koch Powhatan County

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courses, if enough students sign up for a course, it is put on the schedule and a teacher (with help from others) begins creating a full course curriculum.

Among this year’s list of new proposed courses was an elective class called African American History, which garnered a great deal of attention at recent meetings. It is a new course offered by the Virginia Department of Education that comes with a long list of resources that could be used by the teacher to build the course.

In December, a large group of residents spoke at a board meeting and a few raised issue with some of the sources that might be used for the class, namely the controversial 1619 Project. They talked about diversity, equity, and inclusion as good concepts but argued that the ideology behind them has been hijacked.

Then at last week’s meeting, another large group of people came out in support of the class, including current students who are excited about the opportunity to sit in a history class and learn more about some of the people “who look like me.”

Although the class will probably have more scrutiny put on it than any other in recent history as Powhatan High School teachers create the curriculum, it was approved and will be offered as an elective choice for students for the next school year. It is especially noteworthy that the class is supposed to include components of local history. Powhatan has a rich history I continue to learn about all the time and there are many locals who could discuss recent historical events from a Powhatan perspective.

So, I applaud the school board’s decision and would love to see other potential classes that take a deeper look at our nation’s history and the people who helped shape it.

History is complex. Our country, like any other, has people in its history books that did amazing things.

Some of them also did some pretty horrible things. It’s OK to learn about both.

Nick Vandeloecht

nvandeloecht@powhatantoday.com

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cadams@mechlocal.com

Dear Editor, Last week I started a discussion regarding our county’s constitutional right to local self-governance. I discussed Dillon’s Rule violating the Virginia Constitution doctrine as being unconstitutional. Part II, I would like to now address the Virginia Legislature.

For over a hundred years, the Virginia Legislature has been dismantling the authority of county authority, reducing their powers in VA Code 15.2, as merely administrative arms of the state. This too, violates our Virginia Constitution, and no one challenges out of fear of a lawsuit against the municipality.

If the counties, especially the rural counties, do not start using the words in our fundamental Virginia Constitution doctrine to reaffirm the authority of the locality’s supervisors, how long before an unwanted activity attacks this community?

Clearly, the people’s rights are being violated by Green Ridge Recycling and Disposal Facility, at the sacrifice of all Powhatan citizens and children in the county, (including the 6 miles used in the DEQ NOI assessment). These Powhatan families will be listening to the trucks’ back up beeping, tail gates slamming, bull dozers operating all night and other equipment operations all night, have the school buses and commuter traffic on the 9-mile, two lane portions of Rt. 60 safety at risk, the increased emissions air pollution and garbage stench drippings lingering at every stop light down the corridor.

When it comes to making governing decisions that will affect you, your family, our quality of life, local ecosystems, property values and the future livability of our community, we must empower our supervisors to represent the needs of our county. What best serves one county, such as Chesterfield County, might not be in the best interest of Powhatan.

The Powhatan supervisors have the opportunity to reaffirm the constitutional right to “county” local government authority. This conservative community would have the support of most of its citizens. It is clearly a rights-based community.

It doesn’t mean anti-business laws or infringing on your personal property. They are common sense laws to see LETTERS pg. 8

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Powhatan Today, January 20, 2021

Page 8A

APPEAL Continued from pg. 4

judges. Her argument focused on testimonies heard during trial that John Rafter had told people before his death that he was afraid of his estranged wife. She argued this hearsay testimony should not have been allowed.

She also argued for the inclusion of John Rafter’s prior medical records, which she said supported the possibility of suicide.

Beales pointed to the findings of the medical examiner, which ruled out suicide.

Matt Ackley, a Henrico deputy commonwealth’s attorney, tried the Rafter case as a special prosecutor with co-council Susan Parrish. Ackley did not have to argue the case again before the three judges but watched the proceedings.

“We are pleased that the court of appeals views the ruling of the lower court the same way we did,” he said.

Valarie Ayers honored for 25 years of service to school board

PHOTO BY LAURA MCFARLAND

CALENDAR Continued from pg. 3

on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Kelsey Brice at 804-598-5700.

Habitat For Humanity Powhatan needs appliance and furniture donations for the Habitat Store. Email hfh. powhatan@gmail.com or call 804-594-7009. Habitat does pick-ups for a $20 donation to the Critical Repair program.

Ride Assist Services is now accepting ride requests.

Powhatan county ambulatory seniors age 60+ can call 804-698-0438 or email RAServices.PVA@gmail.com to be registered as a rider in the program. They will then be able to request transportation by volunteer drivers for medical appointments.

CHARGED Continued from pg. 1

Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office. No one was injured during this incident.

At about 1 a.m., the sheriff’s office received an alarm call from a residence in the 300 block of Bellson Lane, Searfoss said. Responding deputies found the front door of the residence standing open. The deputies announced their presence and were immediately fired upon from outside the residence multiple times.

“They were super lucky because there were two deputies there initially and that is a pretty re-

OPPOSITE Continued from pg. 7

presented volumes of supposed and untested evidence that election fraud was really the reason for Biden’s victory.

My own limited investigation did not confirm this.

I searched for names of thousands of voters who had allegedly voted illegally in Georgia as one affidavit stated citing all of the votes were submitted by underage voters. After hours of research I found none. I found the complaints that claimed to provide lists of illegal voters and their names, but could not find a single example.

It was enough to convince me that ongoing legal challenges to the election would not succeed. A sense of naiveté led me to

Valarie Ayers was honored at the Jan. 12 meeting of the Powhatan County School Board for serving on the board for 25 years, from January 1996 to present. Staff presented her with a plaque, flowers, and a gift and expressed appreciation for her service to the citizens of her community in District 3 and for her leadership and commitment to serve with the members of the school board. Dr. Tracie Omohundro honored Ayers for her service to education, saying ‘Her dedication and commitment has enriched the lives of students and served as an example for all.’ A surprised Ayers said it has been the greatest honor of her life to serve on the school board and reiterated her dedication to the education of Powhatan students. “It is first and foremost in every decision I make,” she said.

mote place and not well lit. So it was a real challenge. There was no real way to determine where the rounds were coming from specifically. They couldn’t pinpoint it,” Searfoss said.

Additional Powhatan Sheriff’s Office deputies responded as well as units from the Chesterfield County Police Department and established a perimeter around the area since the suspect’s location was unknown, he said.

Searfoss said the suspect fired shots more than once but did not say how many times. Law enforcement did not evacuate any of the surrounding homes but “we did contact adja-

cent homeowners and have them shelter in place.

Eventually, the suspect, who was identified as Layman, was located on an adjacent property inside an unoccupied structure, Searfoss said.

“Once we located him they were able to talk him out,” he said.

Records show Layman was taken into custody at 6:57 a.m. He was arraigned on Jan. 14 and is being held at Piedmont Regional Jail without bail.

A psychological evaluation has been ordered.

Further investigation revealed Layman had set off his own residential alarm.

This investigation is ongoing.

believe that a majority of voters would eventually accept the results. After all, I’d heard the same rhetoric from Hillary supporters who claimed irregularities in her 2016 defeat, but then, as now, I considered the complaints a clear case of sour grapes.

But, the week of Jan. 6 shattered some long-held beliefs that truth always prevails, especially when the conversation is political. Those years of perspective allowed me to accept the fact that each election has a winner and a loser.

If the core foundation of our democracy, our elections, cannot be accepted or trusted, it’s hard to imagine a future for representative democracy.

It’s also certain that when all the votes are counted in every election across the country, someone

walks away disappointed.

In the end, I suppose it’s reassuring that our system survived the challenge, and, when other institutions have faltered in the face of authoritarian demands, our electoral system, the stalwart of our democracy, stood fast to the onslaught.

I, like many, have remaining questions regarding how such an event could occur at our Capitol Building, and how warnings that were clear to even a seasoned, some would say pickled, reporter could have gone unnoticed, or worse, unprepared for.

And if Americans are willing to revel and celebrate their political victories, we also must be open to the possibility of losing. Remember, candidates win only half the time.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Admin team members Loretta Mabry, left, and Isabella Worrell work on the new teacher lounge.

The team added many personal touches to make the space welcoming and relaxing.

LOUNGE Continued from pg. 1

teacher lounge and turn it into a new respite room where staff can plan lessons, gather for meetings, or just have a few minutes of peace and quiet, said Constance Deal, principal.

“We just want somewhere they feel they can go and have a time to relax, gather their thoughts, and take a few minutes for themselves or to see a friend,” Deal said. “The other day I came in here with a friend and we just sat and chit chatted. It wasn’t even school related items. That is nice sometimes that you feel you can go somewhere and not just talk ‘school talk.’ You can talk about life situations and find out what is going on in their family and things like that.”

The idea for the room started back in September 2020 after one of the teachers suggested it would be nice to have a teachers lounge or a coffee bar, said Jackie Batchelder, a math coach and administrative team member.

The team members were especially mindful of how important a place like this might be because of the changes brought to the elementary schools by COVID-19 restrictions, she said. In a normal school year, teachers may have a little time to themselves in their classrooms when their students left to go to resource classes such as art and music or when they went to lunch or recess, depending on their schedules.

“With all of the COVID restrictions, the resource teachers were going into the teachers’ classrooms instead of the kids coming out. So the teachers didn’t have a space to go to and plan or just have a quiet space to work,” Batchelder said.

Even if a resource teacher is in charge of the class at the time, teachers trying to concentrate on grading work or making plans are still likely to be distracted because they either want to help with the project or will step in to help manage the students, said Jenny Johnson, reading coach and admin team member.

“We definitely just wanted a place for

LETTERS Continued from pg. 7

hold accountable the terms of projects accepted, restoration directly from pollutant harms, (currently the restoration funding is placed in a state general public fund - not restoring the harm). Common sense laws could authorize the banning of plastic bags, synthetic pesticides on county-owned property and maybe in-

them to go and leave the realm of students and be able to think about where those students need to go in this calming atmosphere,” she said.

The group started planning in September but sought out help. Since many of the school’s PTO members are also teachers in the school, they couldn’t make an official request for assistance to the PTO without ruining the surprise, Deal said. Instead, they reached out to Kelly Corcoran, one of the parents, and asked her to discretely spread the word among parents who didn’t work at the school.

Parents showed great support by donating cash and some gently used items, Deal said. The trick was pulling it off all in plain sight.

“During pick up line sometimes parents would hand me something in a bag that said surprise and I said what is this,” she said with a laugh, adding they hid the items all over the school until they were ready to work on the room.

They started cleaning the room in November 2020 and moving old equipment out and then came in Dec. 19 to paint the room, Batchelder said. The rest of the work on the room was done during the winter break by members of the admin team, which also included assistant principal Isabella Worrell and Loretta Mabry, special education lead teacher.

The room now also includes a coffee station and individual snacks and drinks stations for employees that is replenished daily. Employees have been bringing in a few more items from home to add to the room, and they hope to get a nice table where they can sit and talk.

The room was unveiled on the first day back after the break, Jan. 4, with a cocoa bar in the hallway to celebrate, she added.

Worrell said the room is a vast improvement over the old space, which was available for staff members to use but wasn’t welcoming. So far the feedback they have received shows the room is a big hit with staff members, she added.

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

centives to private farmers choosing to use organic land management practices. Common sense laws supporting local small businesses instead of being forced to accept big box stores, also protect the 2nd amendment to carry our firearms freely.

Common sense laws will restore the citizens’ privilege of true democracy, to decide what is best for the Powhatan commu-

nity.

Who would support a lawsuit? Many would!

How can you put a price on constitutional freedoms? If you believe the words here to be true, email me at VRonnau@ VNDER.org. Our mission is to assist counties to defend their constitutional right to local self-government.

Victoria Ronnau Powhatan County

January 20, 2021

Powhatan, Virginia

Page 1B

BSH cancels winter sports seasons Continued daily in-person instruction from beginning of year factored into decision

By Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor POWHATAN – Blessed Sacrament Huguenot has made the decision to cancel its 2020-21 winter sports seasons, Athletic Director James Poore said last Monday.

It’s been a tough year on everybody,

and it was a tough decision to make, Poore added last Tuesday. But while COVID-19 case numbers spiked in the final quarter of 2020 and remained high in the early part of January, Blessed Sacrament Huguenot, a small private school in Powhatan, has been able to hold daily in-person instruction since the start of the school year without any interruptions. Schools throughout the state have been using virtual and hybrid instructional models.

“It came down to the fact that we’ve been able to have our students here inperson five days a week, and I think

that’s been pretty valuable,” Poore said Tuesday. “That’s something we just wanted to continue to be able to do... we’ve been lucky enough. We’ve done that from the very beginning.”

BSH is also beginning to prepare for the upcoming fall and spring sports seasons.

The fall season, which will feature participation in football, cheer and volleyball from BSH, is tentatively scheduled to run from Feb. 1 to March 27 with the first play date slated for Feb. 16.

The spring season will run from see BSH, pg. 2B

Multiple top times in the U.S.

Powhatan swimmers start new season

Staff Reports

Staff Reports MIDLOTHIAN – It’s official: all of Powhatan’s varsity winter sports teams have now begun their seasons.

Powhatan’s swimming program kicked off its 2020-21 campaign on Saturday, earning multiple first-place finishes in its home meet featuring Colonial Heights at the Swim Quest Aquatic Center.

The boys 200-yard freestyle relay team of Cole Malkerson, Wyatt Malkerson, Russell Holland and Nathan Orban defeated Colonial Heights’ team 1:50.46-1:59.16, and Cole took first in the all-Powhatan 100-yard backstroke in 1:00.85, finishing ahead of Orban (1:16.08) and Caleb Shust (1:30.06).

While Cole was the lone swimmer in the boys 200 freestyle, which was combined with the girls race, he did see SWIMMERS, pg. 5B

PHOTO BY NICK VANDELOECHT/POWHATAN TODAY

Fastest in the 300 Powhatan senior Anthony Greenhow sprints to first place in the 300-meter dash in 34.72 during Wednesday’s track and field meet at Monacan High School. See more results and photos from the meet on Wednesday featuring Powhatan’s student-athletes on page 3B!

Aidin Muminovic is now the country’s fastest 11-year-old swimmer in more than one event.

Taking on the 2021 VA NOVA New Year’s Kick-Off, the Powhatan Middle School student-athlete swam an 18:28.06 to top the national charts in his 11-year-old age division in the 1650-yard freestyle. Muminovic MUMINOVIC also improved on his time in the 100 individual medley, in which he was already the nation’s leader in his age division, with a swim of 1:01:33 in the NOVA January Jubilee on Friday.

Also at the jubilee, Muminovic in the 200 butterfly swam a 2:13.97, which is expected to become the top 11-year-old time in the country in that event as well. The times from the see MUMINOVIC, pg. 2B

Wrestlers sweep 3-meet week

By Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor

NICK VANDELOECHT/POWHATAN TODAY

Powhatan’s Breanna Gillespie swims the backstroke stretch in the girls 200-yard individual medley in Powhatan’s season-opening meet on Saturday in Midlothian.

POWHATAN – When Linwood Hill was asked to give his assessment of his Powhatan wrestling team at this point of the season, the senior captain didn’t hesitate in his response.

“This is the best team Powhatan’s ever had,” said the three-time state qualifier.

Anytime can happen from here on out – and as the 10-month-long COVID-19 pandemic has already shown, athletic seasons could still be cut short – but after 10 team matches, Powhatan wrestling has yet to lose one.

The Indians rose to the challenge in a busy three-meet week, sweeping all five teams they faced to remain undefeated at 10-0.

“It feels awesome. Our kids are do-

NICK VANDELOECHT/POWHATAN TODAY

Powhatan senior Linwood Hill pins King George’s Connor Gamel in Powhatan’s home dual meet on Saturday.

ing a really good job,” said Powhatan wrestling head coach Jonathan Tanaka. “Our staff, coach Zach (Olson), coach Rich (Fitzsimmons) and I are trying to make sure that we’re not

peaking a little too early and just working really hard. Credit to our guys though – they work hard, they wrestle really hard…credit to our sesee WRESTLERS, pg. 2B

C&F BANK’S ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SWIMMING ALL-STAR

WHO: AIDIN MUMINOVIC WHAT HE DID: Competing in the 2021 VA NOVA New Year’s Kick-Off, the 6th grader and swimming standout at Powhatan Middle School did it

again, but this time in a different event. Muminovic swam an 18:28.06 in the 1650-yard freestyle to notch what was listed as the top 11-year-old time in the country this season per usaswimming.org as of Monday, Jan. 11. He was also still the nation’s top time holder in the 11-year-old division in the 100-yard

individual medley (1:02.27) as of Jan. 11. Additionally, Muminovic held top-five 11-year-old times in the nation in the 500 freestyle (3rd, 5:15.41), the 50 free (4th, 25.35), the 200 free (4th, 1:59.01), the 100 free (5th, 55.65) and the 200 backstroke (5th, 2:16.38).

Powhatan Today, January 20, 2021

Page 2B

WRESTLERS Continued from pg. 1B

niors for being the leaders that they are.”

The Indians didn’t lose a single contested match in Wednesday’s tri sweep of Monacan (60-12) and James River (63-0), then dominated the weekend with home wins over Louisa (63-3) and Prince George (65-6) on Friday and King George (64-9) on Saturday.

The team was glad to have Hill back on the mat this weekend after he missed the first seven team matches due to injury. He’s off to a 3-0 start to the year after pinning Prince George’s Thomas Letcher in 1:50 and Louisa’s Alex Bradford in 1:55 on Friday and King George’s Connor Gamel in 33 seconds on Saturday.

“It felt good,” Hill said of making his return to the mat on Friday. “It always feels good to win at home.”

Hill earned all three pins in the 170-pound weight class, to which he moved after wrestling at 195 last year.

His two wrestling partners, Hans Rehme (182 pounds) and state placer Hayden Fitzsimmons (195), have played key roles in helping him get ready for each and every match.

“Since I’m 170 now, just them being bigger than me helps my strength, helps my quickness a lot,” Hill said.

While Hill is back, Powhatan was dealt another blow this weekend when 220 pounder and state qualifier Micah Holt lost Friday night’s match against Prince George by injury default. Tanaka said he had a shoulder issue, and that he was going to get it looked at on Monday. As of Saturday, the team hopes to have him back on the mat by regionals, although Tanaka said a lot would depend on the news that Holt would receive on Monday.

With Holt sidelined for the team’s dual with King George on Saturday, his teammate Mitchell Johnson, who is also Powhatan football’s running back, stepped in to wrestle at 195, and Fitzsimmons bumped up to 220.

Both looked really good. Johnson controlled his match against Alex Radakai, racking up three takedowns and two near-falls to win by a 12-1 major decision. Fitzsimmons pinned Gavin Christiansen in 1:53.

After having to punch up his freshman year and then breaking out as a state qualifier his sophomore season, junior Dylan Coward (113) has been dominant. This week he pinned Monacan’s Cody White in 2:38, rallied past his James River opponent with points on a penalty and an escape in the third period for a 3-2 decision, pinned Louisa’s Caitlyn Beasley in 33 seconds, stormed to a win by tech fall over his Prince George opponent with the help of four near-falls and defeated King George’s Aiden Enzana in an 11-4 decision. He is 10-0 in contested matchups.

Natalia Sanchez, wrestling at 106, earned a huge contested win Friday night when she bounced back from a 6-1 first-period deficit while wrestling Prince George’s Kaleb Key to tie the match with a reversal and a near-fall in the second. From there, she took the lead on a takedown to earn the win in an 8-6 decision. She was also leading King George’s Brendan Kraisser 5-2 at the end of the first period, but Kraisser in the second parlayed a reversal into a pin.

“She did a really good job last night, even today, got on top of that kid, got reversed, but wrestled a really good match,” Tanaka said Saturday. “I’m just super happy for her. She works really, really hard and we’ve been working on her weight and finally got her down to where she needed to go.”

Freshman Talon Harness (120) has also continued to impress. This weekend he overtook Louisa’s Gianpaolo Ciotola in a 6-5 decision with two near-falls in the third period, shut out Prince George’s Micheal Slink in a 3-0 decision with an escape and a takedown and pinned King George’s Zack Falor in 2:28.

“You really worry about those freshmen as far as transitioning to high school, but man, he’s looked really

MUMINOVIC

PHOTOS BY NICK VANDELOECHT/POWHATAN TODAY

Powhatan sophomore Britton Proffitt takes down King George’s Joe Sutton in Saturday’s home dual.

Powhatan junior Mitchell Johnson controls his matchup with King George’s Alex Radakai on Saturday.

good,” Tanaka said. “I’ve been really impressed with his mindset for such a young kid.”

Hans Rehme (182) went 4-0 in contested matchups this week. He edged past his Monacan opponent in a 3-1 decision, pinned his James River and Prince George opponents in 48 seconds and 2:38, respectively, and fended off his King George opponent in a 5-3 decision.

Two-time state runner-up Sean Hall (126) pinned his James River opponent in 1:19, Prince George’s Tavion Allen in 59 seconds and King George’s Gabe Nezbith in 53 seconds. He also routed Louisa’s Owen Greslick in a 15-1 major decision.

State placer Gavin Timmons (132) won all three of his contested matches by pin over Louisa’s Daniel Leale in 47 seconds, King George’s William Lindaur in 2:01 and Prince George’s Christian Cooper in 3:26.

Sophomore Britton Proffitt (138) edged past Prince George’s Alex Noblin 9-6 and pinned King George’s Joe Sutton in 1:25.

Junior Cade Van Buskirk (145) routed his Monacan opponent, defeated Louisa’s Nick Torbush in a 9-4 decision and edged past his Prince George opponent in an 11-9 overtime thriller with a takedown.

State qualifier A.J. Gaskin (152) trounced Louisa’s Tanner Painting in a 12-3 major decision and won by pin over Prince George’s Gage Maccarto in 36 seconds and King George’s Jacob Garrett in 1:42.

Andrew Cheatham (160) pinned Louisa’s Lawton Rowen in 34 seconds, King George’s Chase Lindel in 48 seconds and Prince George’s Micah Osborne in 2:22.

Micah Holt (220) pinned his James River opponent in 32 seconds, and state placer Tanner Palmore (heavyweight) pinned Prince George’s Ashton Miller in 2:23. Adam Camp (170)

BSH Continued from pg. 1B

Continued from pg. 1B

weekend’s meets are slated to officially update on https://www.usaswimming.org/ after press time.

Muminovic’s first-place times at the jubilee also included a 28.93 in the 50yard backstroke, a 1:00.16 in the 100 fly and a 1:01.45 in the 100 back.

March 29 to May 22. First play date is April 13. BSH competes in baseball, softball, co-ed soccer and girls tennis in the spring. All season start times are subject to change.

“We’re looking forward to the fall and the spring, and that’s kind of the

Powhatan freshman Talon Harness wrestles King George’s Zack Falor.

From left: Powhatan junior Andrew Cheatham pins King George’s Chase Lindel; Powhatan sophomore Natalia Sanchez secures points for a nearfall while wrestling her King George opponent Brendan Kraisser.

pinned his James River opponent in the second period.

In addition to pinning Christiansen at 220, Fitzsimmons at 195 pinned Louisa’s Quinton Wash in 2:24 and Prince George’s Willie Headley in 2:51.

With this week, Powhatan completed its final home meets and will look to conclude the 2020-21 regular season on the road.

“I’m really just happy that we were able to get these last two home matches in,” Tanaka said. “Honestly the uncertainty going forward is going to be kind of difficult, but the fact that we

were able to get in our senior night and get in these last two home matches for our seniors, they deserve it regardless of the outcome of the season or…what the future holds for us.”

Tanaka loves their mindset right now.

“Our kids are having fun. Even on days where we’re cutting weight, we’re making the best of it,” Tanaka said.

“We’re just happy I think to be wrestling.

Obviously every day somebody else is told they can’t, so we’re just going to keep doing what we’ve got to do to make sure we keep wrestling every day.”

direction we’re going in,” Poore said.

As far as the 2021-22 season goes, both the boys and girls basketball teams should be able to bring back most of their players who would have competed this year, and Poore noted that the three seniors across those two programs – Carson Conner, Henry Kiefer and Alyssa Shively – also play other sports. He added there are a number of players from the winter

teams who will play in the fall and spring seasons.

Poore said they were still working on the football and volleyball schedules as of last Tuesday, but when it comes to the outlook on competing in the remaining seasons this year, he added: “We’re extremely optimistic that we’ll be able to do those things, but you’re basically going day-by-day.”

Powhatan Today, January 20, 2021

Page 3B

PHOTOS BY NICK VANDELOECHT/POWHATAN TODAY

From left: Powhatan senior Alexis Elzey runs the closing lap in the girls 1-mile run during Wednesday’s winter track and field meet at Monacan High School featuring competitors from Cosby, Clover Hill, James River, L.C. Bird, Manchester, Midlothian and Monacan; freshman Jaden Watkins sprints in the 300-meter dash; sophomore Raquel Iga paces herself in the girls 1,000-meter run; junior Jack Altieri throws in the boys shot put.

Powhatan’s winter track and field season continues Staff Reports CHESTERFIELD – Powhatan High School senior and University of South Carolina signee Anthony Greenhow, who last year set incendiary personal records in the 100-meter (10.49) and 200-meter (21.31) dashes, outpaced the rest of the field in Wednesday afternoon’s 300 event at Monacan High School as he sprinted to a firstplace finish in 34.72 seconds, fending off a strong charge at the end from L.C. Bird’s Makai Lewis.

Wednesday’s meet – Powhatan’s second regular-season event in what’s technically the indoor track and field season – was held outdoors on a sunny day in relatively warmer 50-plus-degree weather, which was likely a welcome reprieve for the runners and

throwers who pressed through the bone-chilling winds of the previous Saturday’s season opener in Louisa County. The meet at Monacan also featured all eight schools in the Dominion District who are currently competing this winter season.

Three throwers and more than 10 runners from Powhatan achieved personal records on Wednesday.

Additional top-eight finishes for the Indians included sixth- and seventhplace results for Asher Timberlake (37-03.5) and Jack Altieri (37-01), respectively, in the boys shot put.

Top-ten finishers for Powhatan included sophomore Cole Whiting, who ran 9th in the boys 500 in 1:15.75 and 10th in the boys 1-mile run in 4:59.84, and senior Alexis Elzey, who finished From left: Powhatan senior Shaniece Morris runs in the girls 300-meter 9th in the girls 1-mile run in 7:13.01. dash; sophomore Cole Whiting paces himself in the boys 1-mile run.

Powhatan brings effort in tough opening stretch

By Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor POWHATAN – Powhatan kept the game close going into the third quarter, trailing 23-21 at the half, but the visiting James River Rapids slowly pulled away to fend off the home team 49-40.

Thursday’s loss bookended a tough and busy opening stretch for the Indians (0-4), who played four of the region’s top 10 teams – L.C. Bird, Monacan and Midlothian included – in six days.

“We were extremely gassed, and gassed at halftime. We didn’t have it in the tank for the second half. We weren’t making shots, falling short, and defensive, too, had some breakdowns,” Powhatan head coach Kristy Henderson said Thursday. “But the effort was there.”

And her players, she added, “showed some glimpses of a really good basketball team.”

“I’m very proud of them,” Henderson said on Thursday. “I’m disappointed that we lost – I feel like tonight could’ve been a closer game for us; the scoreboard didn’t say that – but…we do have a little bit of a rest now to prepare for next week.”

Last year’s scoring leaders on the team, juniors Kayla Terry and Faith Henderson, each netted 13 points, with Terry overcoming a slow start to the season scoring-wise to knock down three 3’s in Thursday’s game.

“She hit some shots tonight; that’s important to her to get her confidence back,” Henderson said of Terry. “Tonight she hit some 3’s, she got a couple of drives to the basket, so tonight was a good game for her…it’s just a confidence builder for us for next week.”

In addition to scoring 7, Powhatan freshman Katherine Cerullo brought down 14 rebounds, and the Indians at times showed strong defensive pressure. In the third quarter, with James River near half-court with possession, Cerullo dashed in and slapped the ball free. Her teammate, senior Jillian Ratliff, secured the steal, and she passed the ball back to Cerullo who sent in the 2-pointer.

PHOTOS BY NICK VANDELOECHT/POWHATAN TODAY

Powhatan High School junior Kayla Terry drives against pressure in Powhatan’s home game versus James River on Thursday.

And then in the fourth, with Faith day, and she piled on 21 points while guarding James River’s Arshae Jack- teammates Cerullo and Corynn Lampson up top and coach Henderson man, also a freshman, scored 15 and 8, shouting, “Faith, go for the ball!” Faith respectively, in Tuesday’s 69-59 setdid just that. She poked the ball free back to Midlothian.

Powhatan is looking to regroup and from Jackson, gathered up the steal and raced it back to the basket. She earn its first win of the season this comdrew the foul for the and-one, which ing week. The Indians were slated to play at Bird on Tuesday. Powhatan will she made after landing the layup.

Coach Henderson noted that her next host Clover Hill on Friday, then reteam is getting better with playing match the Cavaliers on the road on Monman-to-man defense and matching up day. All varsity games are at 7:15 p.m. well with some of the teams. She added of James River’s Jackson, who led all players on Thursday with 16 points: “She’s pretty quick, pretty awesome, can score in a lot of different ways.”

But Henderson also felt that Faith, who was guarding Jackson, “held her pretty good at times tonight.”

“The matchups were good tonight,” Henderson said. “We just, again, I feel like we ran out of gas.”

Faith netted 11 points in Powhat- Freshman Corynn Lampman (34) an’s 66-34 loss to Monacan on Mon- guards in Thursday’s home game.

Junior Faith Henderson (above) and freshman Katherine Cerullo (below) go for layups.

Powhatan Today, January 20, 2021

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Hoops Elite Elite Hoops College Basketball: Indiana at Iowa. Å College Basketball Women’s College Basketball College Basketball: Teams TBA. (Live) SportsCenter (Live) Wheel Jeopardy Celebrity Wheel The Chase (N) The Hustler (N) News Kimmel News Holly Sheldon B Posi Mom (N) Unicorn Star Trek: Disc News Colbert Big Bang Big Bang Hell’s Kitchen (N) Kat Last Man Fox News at Ten DailyMail Mod Fam ET Inside Mr. Super Law & Order: SVU Dateline NBC Å News J. Fallon Last Man Last Man NewsNation (Live) NewsNation (Live) NewsNation (Live) NewsNation Å House to Home Down Home with David (N) (Live) Å PBS NewsHour (N) Currents America Jazz “Our Language (1924-1928)” Amanpour-Co Untamed Wine American Masters (In Stereo) Å (DVS) Diahann Carroll: PBS NewsHour (N) E. B. OutFront Anderson Cooper Cuomo Prime Time CNN Tonight CNN Tonight The ReidOut (Live) All In With Rachel Maddow The Last Word The 11th Hour Shepard Smith Shark Tank Å Shark Tank Å Shark Tank Shark Tank Å The Story Tucker Carlson Hannity (Live) Å Ingraham Fox News at Night Chrisley Chrisley Chrisley Chrisley Chrisley Chrisley Chrisley The Rev Chrisley Chrisley The NBA Basketball: Lakers at Bucks NBA Basketball: Pelicans at Jazz Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Go-Big Show Å Wipeout (In Stereo) Conan Go-Big The First 48 Å The First 48 The First 48 Å Killer Cases Å The First 48 Å ››‡ “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005, Action) Brad Pitt. ››‡ “The Day After Tomorrow” (2004, Action) Å Office Office Office Office Office Office Office Office Daily Office BattleBots (N) Å BattleBots “Turning Up the Heat” Å BattleBots (In Stereo) Å Hoard-Buried Hoard-Buried Hoard-Buried Hoard-Buried Hoard-Buried Ice Cold Gold Gold Rush Å Gold Rush Å Gold Rush Å Gold Rush Å “Moana” (2016) grown- ››› “Tangled” (2010, Children’s) Å grown- The 700 Club Å Andy G. Andy G. Raymond Raymond Raymond Raymond Raymond Raymond King King “Critic’s Choice” “Richest Girl in the World” ››‡ “Splendor” (1935) “These Three” “One Winter” “Snowcoming” (2019) Trevor Donovan.

Golden Golden Golden Golden Rizzoli & Isles Å Rizzoli & Isles Å Rizzoli & Isles Å Rizzoli & Isles Å Rizzoli & Isles Å Windy City Rehab Flip.-America Flip Flip Hunters Hunt Intl Hunters Hunt Intl Beat Beat Beat Beat Beat Beat Beat Beat Beat Beat Hart ››› “House Party” (1990) Robin Harris. ›› “Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns” (2008) Å ››› “Zombieland” (2009, Comedy) Å Movie Resident ››‡ “Jumanji” (1995) Robin Williams.

“Twister” (1996) ››› “Unstoppable” (2010, Action) Å ››› “Lethal Weapon 3” (1992, Action) Last Man Last Man ››› “Smokey and the Bandit” (1977, Comedy) “Smokey and the Bandit II” Swamp People: Swamp People: Swamp People: Mountain Men (N) Swamp People:

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College Basketball College Basketball ››› “Rudy” (1993, Drama) Sean Astin.

College Basketball UFC 257: Poirier vs. McGregor - Prelims SportsCenter (Live) SportsCenter (Live) Wheel Jeopardy Celebrity Wheel The Chase Big Sky (In Stereo) News NCIS Bensin Carbon NCIS: Los Angeles S.W.A.T. “Animus” 48 Hours (In Stereo) News Storm of Big Bang Big Bang 9-1-1 (In Stereo) 9-1-1: Lone Star News Mod Fam Cosmos: Possible 12 News Paid Prg. Ellen’s Game Dateline NBC Å Saturday Night Live News SNL Blue Bloods NewsNation (Live) NewsNation (Live) NewsNation (Live) NewsNation Å FITNATION Slimline HP Computer Work. Belle by Kim Gravel Dooney & Bourke HP Computer Work.

Lawrence Welk Durrells in Corfu The Miniaturist Sun Stud Sun Stud Song of Mountains Disaster Strikes Nature Å (DVS) NOVA (In Stereo) American Masters (In Stereo) Å (DVS) Newsroom-Pam Newsroom-Pam Special Report President in Waiting: Å American Voices Week-Johnson Week-Johnson American Voices Week-Johnson Undercover Boss Shark Tank Å Shark Tank American Greed American Greed Life, Liberty Watters’ World Å Justice Judge Greg Gutfeld Watters’ World Å ›‡ “Robin Hood” (2018) Å ››‡ “San Andreas” (2015) Dwayne Johnson.

“Gone in Sixty” “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” ›››‡ “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” (1983) Mark Hamill. ›››‡ “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018) Constance Wu. Full Go-Big ›‡ “The Ugly Truth” (2009) “Jack Reacher” ›› “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” (2016, Action) ››‡ “Jack Reacher” (2012) Bad II ››‡ “Bad Boys” (1995, Action) Martin Lawrence. ›› “Bad Boys II” (2003, Action) Å Intern ››› “Wedding Crashers” (2005) Owen Wilson. ›› “Couples Retreat” (2009, Comedy) Moonshiners Å Moonshiners Å Moonshiners Å Moonshiners Å Moonshiners Å My 600-Lb. Life My 600-Lb. Life (N) (In Stereo) 1000-Lb. Sisters (N) My 600-Lb. Life Pit Bulls-Parole Pit Bulls-Parole Pit Bulls and Parolees “Earl’s Path” Å Pit Bulls-Parole Up (2009) ››› “Mulan” (1998) Voices of Ming-Na Wen. Å ›››› “WALL-E” (2008, Children’s) Å Two Men Two Men Two Men Two and Half Men Two Men Two Men Two Men Two Men Two Men “Red River” (1948) ›››› “Out of the Past” (1947) ›››‡ “The Night of the Hunter” (1955) “A Winter Princess” (2019) Natalie Hall.

“A Winter Getaway” (2021, Romance) “Country at Heart” “Sister Act 2” “Salt-N-Pepa” (2021, Docudrama) G.G. Townson. Å Salt-N-Pepa: Dream Dream Chateau Love It or List It Love It or List It Love It or List It Diners Diners Diners Diners Diners Diners Diners Diners Diners Diners “Jumping Broom” ››‡ “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins” (2008) “Tyler Perry’s Madea” “Transformers: Revenge” ›› “Transformers: The Last Knight” (2017, Action) Mark Wahlberg. ››› “The Rock” (1996) Sean Connery. ››› “True Lies” (1994, Action) Arnold Schwarzenegger. Å ››‡ “The Guardian” (2006, Drama) Å ››‡ “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005, Action) Brad Pitt. Å Band of Brothers Band of Brothers (In Stereo) Band of Brothers Band of Brothers “Points”

Bowling PBC Collection College Basketball Documentaries ESPN Original Documentaries NFL PrimeTime (N) SportsCenter Funny Videos Who Wants to Be Card Sharks “204” The Rookie (N) News NCIS NFL Football: AFC Championship: Teams TBA. (N) Å FBI “Crazy Love” News Corden Simpson Burgers Simpson Burgers Burgers Fam Guy News America This Week ROH Weakest Link The Wall (In Stereo) To Be Announced Law & Order: SVU News TBA Last Man Last Man NewsNation (Live) NewsNation (Live) NewsNation (Live) NewsNation Å Gourmet Holiday Ninja Kitchen (Live) VitaMix: Blend Lock ’n’ Lock VitaMix: Blend Finding Your Roots Miss Scarlet All Creatures Great Agatha-Eng: Austin City Limits Amer Portrait African Americans Jazz “Our Language (1924-1928)” Berry Gordy: Newsroom-Pam Newsroom-Pam CNN Special Report Å State of the Union American Voices Week-Johnson Week-Johnson American Voices Week-Johnson Shark Tank Å Shark Tank Å Shark Tank Shark Tank Shark Tank Å Fox News Sunday Life, Liberty Revolution Greg Gutfeld Life, Liberty Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVU Mod Fam Mod Fam “Star Wars: Jedi” ›››‡ “Avengers: Endgame” (2019, Action) Robert Downey Jr. Å (DVS) “Crazy Asians” ›››‡ “A Star Is Born” (2018, Romance) Bradley Cooper.

Go-Big Show Å “The Wolverine” ››› “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” (2005) ›› “Bad Teacher” (2011) Cameron Diaz.

National ›› “We’re the Millers” (2013) Jennifer Aniston. ›››‡ “My Cousin Vinny” (1992) Å Wedding ›› “Couples Retreat” (2009, Comedy) ››‡ “Old School” (2003) Luke Wilson.

South Pk Alaska Alaska: The Last Frontier (N) (In Stereo) Undercover Billion. Undercover 90 Day Fiancé 90 Day Fiancé “Unsure and Insecure” Unexpected (N) 90 Day Fiancé (N) Lone Star Law Lone Star Law Lone Star Law (N) Lone Star Law Lone Star Law “Finding Nemo” ›››‡ “Finding Dory” (2016, Children’s) “The Emperor’s New Groove” (2000) Two Men Two Men Two Men Two and Half Men Two Men Two Men Two Men Two Men Two Men “What’s Up, Doc?” ››› “Send Me No Flowers” (1964) Å ››› “Sunday in New York” (1963) Å “A Winter Getaway” (2021, Romance) “Frozen in Love” (2018) Å Golden Golden “Whitney” (2015) “Salt-N-Pepa: Special Edition” (2021) G.G. Townson. Å “No Good Deed” Home Town Å Home Town (N) Home Town Å Home Town Å Home Town Å Guy’s Games Guy’s Games Worst Cooks Cakealikes (N) Å Beat Beat “Family Preys” ›› “Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protection” (2012) Å Martin Martin “Transformers: Last Knight” ››› “Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015) Robert Downey Jr. Futurama A Discovery of A Discovery of A Discovery of A Discovery of ››› “Unstoppable” ››› “The Lincoln Lawyer” (2011, Crime Drama) ››‡ “The Guardian” (2006, Drama) Kevin Costner.

Swamp People: Swamp People: Swamp People: Swamp People: Swamp People:

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The Herd with Colin Cowherd SportsCenter Jalen Ques GMA3: What General Hosp.

Young Bold The Talk Funny Funny Wendy Williams Days of Lives Kelly Clarkson Heat of Night Heat of Night Varied Programs Virginia Varied Cat in Arthur Varied SciGirls Curious Biz Kid CNN Newsroom CNN Newsroom MTP Daily MSNBC Live The Exchange Power Lunch Outnumbered Daily Briefing Varied Programs Supernatural Varied Programs Friends Friends Friends Friends Varied Programs Bar Rescue Mom Mom Varied Programs Varied Programs Hoard-Buried My 600-Lb. Life Pit Bulls-Parole Pit Bulls-Parole Middle Middle Varied Programs Gunsmoke Gunsmoke Movie Varied Movie (12:00) Movie Movie Major Crimes Major Crimes Varied Programs Chop Varied Chop Varied Browns Browns Browns Browns Movie Varied Programs Movie Varied Programs King King King King Varied Programs

Speak for Yourself Varied NBA: The Jump NFL Live Drew Barrymore Dr. Phil Ellen Show CBS6 News Maury Steve Wilkos Tamron Hall News at 4PM Blue Bloods Blue Bloods

Skip Varied Programs Around Pardon SportsCenter 8 News 8 News News ABC News News News CBS Judge Judge Fam Fam News News News News Blue Bloods Last Last

Wild Odd Cyber Curious SciGirls Biz Kid At Home Learning CNN Newsroom Jake Tapper Situation Room MSNBC Live Deadline: White House Closing Bell Fast Varied Bill Hemmer Neil Cavuto The Five

News BBC Amanpour-Co Situation Room The Beat With Mad Money Special Report

Friends Friends Amer. Amer.

The First 48 Mom Mom Two Two Office Office

Varied Family The First 48 Two Two Office Office

Family Family Var. Programs Two Two Office Varied

Griffith Griffith Griffith Griffith Movie Varied Programs Movie Rizzoli & Isles Rizzoli & Isles

Griffith Griffith Movie Varied Movie Rizzoli & Isles

Varied Programs Lone Star Law Varied Programs Gunsmoke Var. Programs Rizzoli & Isles Chop Movie

Varied Programs Varied Programs Movie

King

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Movie Varied Varied Programs Movie Var. Programs Last Last Last

JAN. 25

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FS1 ESPN 8 6 35 12 WGN-A QVC 3 57 CNN MSNBC CNBC FOXN USA TNT TBS A&E PARMT COM DISC TLC ANPL FREE TVL TCM HALL LIFE HGTV FOOD BET SYFY AMC CMT HIST

To Be Announced ››› “Seabiscuit” (2003, Drama) Tobey Maguire. Å College Basketball: Teams TBA. (Live) College Basketball: Teams TBA. (Live) SportsCenter (Live) Wheel Jeopardy The Bachelor (N) (In Stereo) Å (DVS) The Good Doctor News Kimmel News Holly Neighbor Bob All Rise (In Stereo) Bull (In Stereo) Å News Colbert Big Bang Big Bang 9-1-1 (N) (In Stereo) 9-1-1: Lone Star (N) Fox News at Ten DailyMail Mod Fam ET Inside Ellen’s Game The Wall (In Stereo) Weakest Link (N) News J. Fallon Last Man Last Man NewsNation (Live) NewsNation (Live) NewsNation (Live) NewsNation Å Fashion’s Night In Å PBS NewsHour (N) Antique Roadshow Legacy List POV “The Mole Agent” Å Aman Richmond City Council PBS NewsHour (N) E. B. OutFront Anderson Cooper Cuomo Prime Time CNN Tonight CNN Tonight The ReidOut (Live) All In With Rachel Maddow The Last Word The 11th Hour Shepard Smith Shark Tank Å Shark Tank American Greed (N) American Greed The Story Tucker Carlson Hannity (Live) Å Ingraham Fox News at Night Chicago P.D. WWE Monday Night RAW (N) (In Stereo Live) Å Straight Mod Fam Snowpiercer (N) Snowpiercer “Solo: Star Wars” ›››‡ “Avengers: Endgame” (2019) Fam Guy Fam Guy Fam Guy Fam Guy Fam Guy Fam Guy American American Conan Go-Big The First 48 Å The First 48 Å The First 48 Å The First 48 Å The First 48 ›‡ “Identity Thief” (2013) Jason Bateman. Å ›‡ “Grown Ups” (2010, Comedy) Adam Sandler.

Office Office Office Office Office Office Office Office Daily Office Street Outlaws: Full Street Outlaws (N) (In Stereo) Å Street Outlaws Å 1000-Lb. Sisters Dr. Pimple Popper Dr. Pimple Popper 1000-Lb. Sisters (N) Feet-Killing Me Last Frontier Alaska: The Last Frontier- Frozen Edg. Homestead Rescue: Survival Shelter (N) “There’s Something About Mary” (1998) ›‡ “The Waterboy” (1998, Comedy) The 700 Club Å Andy G. Andy G. Raymond Raymond Raymond Raymond Raymond Raymond King King “Of Human Bnd” ››‡ “Criss Cross” (1948) ›‡ “Death of a Scoundrel” (1956, Crime Drama) “Love’s Comp.”

“You’re Bacon Me Crazy” (2020) Å Golden Golden Golden Golden Rizzoli & Isles Å Rizzoli & Isles Å Rizzoli & Isles Å Rizzoli & Isles Å Rizzoli & Isles Å 100 Day Dream 100 Day Dream Ty Breaker (N) Å Home Town Home Town Å Kitchen Crash Å Kids Baking Kids Baking Chopped Å Chopped Å ›› “Sleepless” (2017, Action) Jamie Foxx. Å ››‡ “Notorious” (2009) Angela Bassett.

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” ›‡ “Gone in Sixty Seconds” (2000) Nicolas Cage.

Futurama Futurama Un ››› “Twister” (1996, Action) Helen Hunt. Å The Salisbury: “Silence-Lambs” Last Man Last Man Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Reba Reba American Pickers American Pickers American Pickers (N) (In Stereo) Å American Pickers

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DAYTIME AFTERNOON

College Basketball: Michigan at Purdue.

College Basketball: Seton Hall at Butler.

College Basketball NBA NBA Basketball: Celtics at 76ers NBA Basketball: Nuggets at Suns Wheel Jeopardy Shark Tank (N) 20/20 (N) (In Stereo) Å News Kimmel News Holly MacGyver (N) Å Magnum P.I. Å Blue Bloods (N) News Colbert Big Bang Big Bang WWE Friday Night SmackDown (N) News First Spo DailyMail Mod Fam ET Inside The Blacklist Å Dateline NBC (N) (In Stereo) Å News J. Fallon Last Man Last Man NewsNation (Live) NewsNation (Live) NewsNation (Live) NewsNation Å JAI Jewelry (Live) Diamond Jewelry California Gold Rush Sale (N) (Live) Å PBS NewsHour (N) Wash Hoover Concert-Bowl Gr’t Performances Amanpour-Co Travels Unwine’d Antique Roadshow Legacy List The Restorers Å PBS NewsHour (N) E. B. OutFront Anderson Cooper Cuomo Prime Time CNN Tonight CNN Tonight The ReidOut Å All In With Rachel Maddow The Last Word The 11th Hour Shepard Smith Undercover Boss Undercover Boss Undercover Undercover Boss The Story Tucker Carlson Hannity (Live) Å Ingraham Fox News at Night Chicago P.D. Chicago P.D. Chicago P.D. Chicago P.D. The Rev Mod Fam Bones (In Stereo) ›››› “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) “Star Wars: Re” Burgers Burgers ››‡ “Rampage” (2018, Action) ››‡ “Money Talks” (1997) Chris Tucker.

The First 48 Å The First 48 Å First 48: Shocking Rescue Rescue Rescue: Rewind ››‡ “The A-Team” (2010, Action) Liam Neeson. Å ››‡ “2 Guns” (2013, Action) Å Office Office ›››‡ “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013, Biography) Leonardo DiCaprio. Å Gold Rush: Pay Dirt Gold Rush “Got Your Six” (N) (In Stereo) Blind Frog Ranch Gold Rush Unpolished 90 Day Fiancé (N) (In Stereo) 90 Day Fiancé (N) (In Stereo) 90 Day River Monsters River Monsters Jeremy Wade Dark Waters: Lies Below River Monsters Fam Guy Fam Guy Fam Guy Fam Guy Fam Guy Fam Guy Fam Guy Fam Guy The 700 Club Å Andy G. Andy G. Raymond Raymond Raymond Raymond Raymond Raymond King King ›››› “Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979) Å ››› “The Sellout” ››‡ “The Champ” (1979) Jon Voight.

“Wint. Proposal” “Never Kiss a Man in Cmas. Sweater” Golden Golden Golden Golden Little Women Little Women Little Women: Atlanta “Kick-off Special” Little Women Good Bones Å Self-Made Mans.

Self-Made Mans.

Dream Dream Dream Dream Diners Diners Diners Diners Diners Diners Diners Diners Diners Diners “Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns” (2008) ››‡ “Jumping the Broom” (2011, Comedy) Angela Bassett. ››‡ “X-Men III: The Last Stand” (2006, Action) Futurama ››› “Zombieland” (2009, Comedy) Å “The Matrix” (1999) ››› “Unstoppable” ››› “Star Trek” (2009, Science Fiction) Chris Pine. Å Last Man Last Man Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom The UnXplained The UnXplained The UnXplained (N) Proof Proof The UnXplained

SATURDAY EVENING 3 4 8 9 11 12 15 22 23 24 27 28 29 30 33 34 35 37 39 40 44 47 48 53 54 55 58 60 61 62 66 127 138 146 177

C=COMCAST

7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30

FS1 ESPN 8 6 35 12 WGN-A QVC 3 57 CNN MSNBC CNBC FOXN USA TNT TBS A&E PARMT COM DISC TLC ANPL FREE TVL TCM HALL LIFE HGTV FOOD BET SYFY AMC CMT HIST

SUNDAY EVENING

7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30

FRIDAY EVENING 3 4 8 9 11 12 15 22 23 24 27 28 29 30 33 34 35 37 39 40 44 47 48 53 54 55 58 60 61 62 66 127 138 146 177

JAN. 20

PBC Countdown PBC Collection College Basketball College Basketball NBA Basketball: Celtics at 76ers NBA Basketball: Phoenix Suns at Houston Rockets.

Wheel Jeopardy Inaugu Celebrating America: (N) Å Conners Call Your News Kimmel News Holly TBA Celebrating America: (N) Å Magnum P.I. Å News Colbert Big Bang Big Bang Masked Dancer Name That Tune Fox News at Ten DailyMail Mod Fam ET Inside Inaugur: Celebrating America: (N) Å Chicago P.D. (N) News J. Fallon Last Man Last Man NewsNation (Live) NewsNation (Live) NewsNation (Live) NewsNation Å Rastelli’s Steaks In the Kitchen With David - PM Edition Gourmet Holiday Å PBS NewsHour (N) Nature Å (DVS) NOVA (In Stereo) Disaster Strikes Amanpour-Co Portraits Time/By Miss Scarlet All Creatures Great Inside the Mind: PBS NewsHour (N) Inauguration: Inaugural Concert: (N) (Live) Å The Inauguration Celebrating America: (N) Å The Inauguration The 11th Hour Shepard Smith Shark Tank Å Shark Tank Shark Tank Shark Tank Å The Story Tucker Carlson Hannity (Live) Å Ingraham Fox News at Night NCIS (In Stereo) WWE NXT (N) (In Stereo Live) Å ››‡ “Hancock” (2008) Will Smith. Å ››‡ “Tag” (2018) All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite (Live) Å ››‡ “The Replacements” (2000) Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Full Conan Full Court Court Court Court Court Court Wild Wild Court Court ››‡ “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005, Action) Brad Pitt. Å ››› “The Italian Job” (2003) Å South Pk South Park Å South Pk South Pk South Pk South Pk South Pk Daily South Pk Undercover Undercover Billionaire “Pressure Tests” Moonshiners Å Moonshiners Å My 600-Lb. Life My 600-Lb. Life “Cindy’s Story” (N) 1000-Lb. Sisters Feet-Killing Me North Woods Law North Woods Law: Uncuffed (In Stereo) North Woods Law North Woods Law ››‡ “27 Dresses” (2008) Katherine Heigl. Å The 700 Club Å ›‡ “Bride Wars” (2009) Å Andy G. Andy G. Raymond Love-Raymond Raymond Raymond Raymond King King “Mighty Joe” “Murder, She Said” (1961) “Murder at the Gallop” (1963) “Murder-Foul” “My One & Only” “A Country Wedding” (2015, Romance) Golden Golden Golden Golden Married Married Married at First Sight “Hello, Stranger” Marrying Millions Married-Sight 100 Day Dream House House One One Hunters Hunt Intl Hunters Hunt Intl Guy’s Games Guy’s Games Guy’s Games Kitchen Crash Å Guy’s Games “Tyler Perry’s the Family That Preys” ›› “Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family” (2011) Å ›‡ “Law Abiding Citizen” (2009) Å ››‡ “Jumanji” (1995) Robin Williams. ››› “Beetlejuice” “Forrest Gump” ››› “Twister” (1996, Action) Helen Hunt. Å ››‡ “The Intern” (2015) Å Last Man Last Man Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Forged in Fire Forged in Fire Forged in Fire Forged in Fire Forged in Fire

THURSDAY EVENING C

C=COMCAST

C=COMCAST

JAN. 26

7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 FS1 ESPN 8 6 35 12 WGN-A QVC 3 57 CNN MSNBC CNBC FOXN USA TNT TBS A&E PARMT COM DISC TLC ANPL FREE TVL TCM HALL LIFE HGTV FOOD BET SYFY AMC CMT HIST

College Basketball College Basketball Hoops NFL WWE College Basketball: Teams TBA. (Live) College Basketball: Teams TBA. (Live) SportsCenter (Live) Wheel Jeopardy To Tell the Truth black-ish mixed- Big Sky (In Stereo) News Kimmel News Holly NCIS “1mm” (N) FBI “Clean Slate” FBI: Most Wanted News Colbert Big Bang Big Bang The Resident (N) Prodigal Son (N) Fox News at Ten DailyMail Mod Fam ET Inside Zoey’s-Playlist This Is Us Nurses (In Stereo) News J. Fallon Last Man Last Man NewsNation (Live) NewsNation (Live) NewsNation (Live) NewsNation Å Jane’s Secrets Shoe Shopping Maran Cosm.

Cheers! to Shopping with Leah PBS NewsHour (N) Finding Your Roots Amer Portrait Frontline (In Stereo) Amanpour-Co Travel Keep Up Durrells in Corfu The Miniaturist Secrets-Tower: PBS NewsHour (N) E. B. OutFront Anderson Cooper Cuomo Prime Time CNN Tonight CNN Tonight The ReidOut (Live) All In With Rachel Maddow The Last Word The 11th Hour Shepard Smith Shark Tank Å Shark Tank Streets of Dreams The Profit Å The Story Tucker Carlson Hannity (Live) Å Ingraham Fox News at Night Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVU The Rev Mod Fam “Ocean’s Eleven” ›‡ “Geostorm” (2017) Gerard Butler. ›› “London Has Fallen” (2016, Action) Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Misery Conan Misery The First 48 Å The First 48 Å The First 48 Å The First 48 Å The First 48 Å ››‡ “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005, Action) Brad Pitt. Å ››‡ “The A-Team” (2010) Liam Neeson.

Office Office Office Office Office Office Office Office Daily South Pk Moonshiners Moonshiners “Smoke to the Fire” Å Lone Star Law Moonshiners Å 7 Little Johnstons 7 Little Johnstons Fat Fabulous Unpolished (N) Unexpected Insane Pools Insane Pools: Off the Deep End (N) Treehouse Masters: Ultimate Builds (N) ››‡ “Step Brothers” (2008) Will Ferrell.

The 700 Club Å ›‡ “The Waterboy” (1998, Comedy) Andy G. Andy G. Raymond Raymond Raymond Raymond Raymond Raymond King King “Sword-Desert” “No Angel” (1992) Å ››› “Road to Utopia” (1945) Å Nutty “Color of Rain” “A Winter Getaway” (2021, Romance) Golden Golden Golden Golden Rizzoli & Isles Å Rizzoli & Isles Å Rizzoli & Isles Å Rizzoli & Isles Å Rizzoli & Isles Å Fixer to Fabulous Fixer to Fabulous Fixer to Fabulous Hunters Hunt Intl Hunters Hunt Intl Chopped Å Chopped Å Chopped (N) Å Supermarket Supermarket ›› “Think Like a Man Too” (2014) Adam Brody. Å ›› “Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail” Gone ››‡ “Olympus Has Fallen” (2013) Gerard Butler.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” (2017) “Twister” (1996) ››› “Star Trek” (2009, Science Fiction) Chris Pine. Å ››› “Fury” (2014) Last Man Last Man Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Mom Reba Reba Digging Deeper Beyond Oak Island Curse-Island Proof Proof Curse-Island

Powhatan Today, January 20, 2021

Page 5B

For boys hoops, sustained effort remains a focus

By Nick Vandeloecht Sports Editor

P

OWHATAN – Powhatan High School senior L.J. Alston knocked down four 3-pointers and poured in 23 points total, but experience played a role in Powhatan’s 79-62 setback to Midlothian on Wednesday.

“A lot of those guys have been playing varsity for three years and learning the same system for three years,” Powhatan head coach Ryan Marable said of Midlothian’s players. “Really all I cared about tonight was our effort and our enthusiasm, which – that’s been lacking in the last three games – and we got there tonight, but then, when it came time to make basketball plays... inexperience kind of reared its ugly head, and against a team like that who is really dedicated to the system...if one person doesn’t do their job, then they’re going to find that person and they’re going to make you pay.

“That happened a lot in a lot of possessions, and it just comes with experience, comes with communication and being able to not take plays off.”

Powhatan junior Matthew Hempfield joined teammate Alston in netting double-digits as he scored 11 points.

Midlothian was led by Carter Lovasz, who totaled 12 points in the first quarter alone, hit four 3’s and made 20 points overall.

Despite the loss, Powhatan showed strong pressure at times in Wednesday’s game, applying the full-court press and forcing some mistakes and turnovers. In the third quarter, senior Aaron Nash grabbed a loose ball that was freed from Midlothian’s possession by pressure from Nash’s teammate Ethan Dowdy, and Brylan Rather put the exclamation mark on Powhatan’s possession by hitting the layup off of a spin move down low. In the same quarter, senior JaySun Carroll reached skyward, got his hand on a ball that had been put into motion

by Midlothian, and deflected it into the

PHOTOS BY NICK VANDELOECHT/POWHATAN TODAY

From left, clockwise: Powhatan senior L.J. Alston drives to the basket in the second half of Wednesday’s home game versus Midlothian; junior Matthew Hempfield scores 2; senior Aaron Nash gets a takeaway from Midlothian; senior Brylan Rather leaps up for an attempted layup.

upwards-reaching arms of Alston. The ball from there went to Hempfield, who flipped the layup through the hoop while dashing through the lane and then crashing to the ground, but not before drawing the foul to give himself the and-one try from the free-throw line.

“We want to just apply constant pressure and I think that’s more fun to

coach and it’s more fun to play,” Marable said. “You can make more mistakes that way and hopefully cause more mistakes that way for the other team. We’ve just got to get better at, when we get a turnover or get a stop, then we really take care of the ball on the other end” and make the other team pay when they make mistakes.

Powhatan (1-4) has had a tough

stretch since its narrow loss to Clover Hill last Friday, but for Marable and the team, there were still pros to take away from the two games prior to Wednesday. In Saturday’s 81-47 defeat to L.C. Bird, Powhatan outscored the Skyhawks 13-12 in the third quarter, and Marable noted that the Skyhawks “don’t let up – they don’t stop playing.” The Indians were also winning Monday’s game 23-22 against Monacan before the Chiefs overtook them 64-46.

“Those are those little wins that a young program wants,” Marable said.

“Hopefully the guys can take that and use that as motivation like, ‘Hey, we can hang with anybody...as long as our energy and our effort is there.

“But, just like in anything in life, and especially with these young kids, nobody’s going to be successful if they don’t have sustained effort,” Marable said. “You can’t just bring effort when you want to. It has to be an every-day, every-play thing, and unfortunately we don’t have that mentality right now, but hopefully we get it soon. I’m not going to let them take plays off and not demand that sustained effort, because I’d be letting them down as kids and as players if I just let them be okay with that. I demand that, and hopefully it’ll rub off in their lives after basketball, but hopefully it’ll pay dividends as we continue with our season.”

Rather knocked down four 3’s and scored 17 points in Monday’s game versus Monacan, and Alston hit three 3’s and totaled 13 points. Facing Bird on Saturday, Hempfield knocked down four 3’s and totaled 20 points and Rather hit three 3’s and chipped in 14 points.

Powhatan was originally scheduled to play James River this past Friday, but the game was cancelled. The Indians are next slated to host L.C. Bird on Wednesday and play at Manchester on Friday. Next week, Powhatan will host Clover Hill on Monday and then play at Cosby on Wednesday. All games are slated to begin at 7:15 p.m.

SWIMMERS Continued from pg. 1B

edge out last year’s Class 3 girls 100 breaststroke state champion Riley Bridgman, from Colonial Heights, in the 200 free by one-hundredth of a second, 1:57.19-1:57:20.

Breanna Gillespie notched the top placement in the girls 200 individual medley in 3:19.93 ahead of her teammate Reese Smith From left: Rowan Blashfield swims in the girls 100-yard breaststroke in PHOTOS BY NICK VANDELOECHT/POWHATAN TODAY (3:24.66), and Mia Wilson Powhatan’s season-opening meet versus Colonial Heights at Swim Quest won the girls 100 free in Powhatan’s Mia Wilson swims in the girls 100-yard Aquatic Center in Midlothian; Cole Malkerson competes in the boys 1001:00.34 ahead of Colonial freestyle in Powhatan’s season-opening meet. yard backstroke.

Heights’ Ryleigh Hedge (1:02.22). Wilson added a runner-up finish in the 100 backstroke in 1:12.33, and she also finished second both in the 200 medley relay along with teammates PLACE YOUR AD TODAY (804) 746-1235 ext. 2 Summer Kantanen, Rowan Blashfield and Brea BaldGENERAL Business & Homes win in 2:12.88 and in the Newspaper Carriers Wanted in the Goochland/Louisa areas.

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