Powhatan Today –12/07/2022

Ordinance change allows cameras on buses

School system aims to lower risk to students

By Laura McFarland Managing Editor

POWHATAN – The Powhatan County Board of Supervisors recently passed an ordinance amendment that will allow the school board to have exterior cameras installed that would capture images of vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses with red lights flashing.

During the supervisors’ meeting on Monday, Nov. 28, the board voted in a 4-1 decision to pass the ordinance change, which punishes the passing of school buses with

red lights flashing – commonly known as a stop-arm violation – with a civil penalty of $250.

The lone vote against the amendment came from Bill Cox, who represents District 4 and said he had issues with a “fundamental shift of due process where we are taking a citizen’s right.”

With the ordinance change, the ball is back in the school board’s court on whether to proceed with contracting with Maryland-based company Altumint to run a pilot program at no cost to the county to see if it is effective and should be more widely used.

Superintendent Beth Teigen said in a separate interview that the next step would be for school bus drivers to complete a week-long survey of times their bus is passed illegally when the red lights are flashing. That will help identify routes for the pi-

lot. She said that happened last week with data being collected and analyzed this week.

Next, the school division will need to have an MOU with the vendor, she said, adding it will be January 2023 before the school division would be prepared to begin the pilot process.

If the pilot program is

launched, cameras would be installed on a small number of buses – possibly as low as one – where reports of violations from school bus drivers are higher. Owners of vehicles captured on camera illegally passing a school bus with the stoparm out would receive a $250 civil citation mailed to them by

Crowd flocks to pickleball clinic

By Laura McFarland Managing Editor

POWHATAN – Joe Parker has had family and friends who have played and talked about pickleball, swearing it was a blast, for quite a while, but the Powhatan man said he had never tried it before Saturday.

When he and some friends picked up a paddle during Powhatan County Parks and Recreation’s two-hour Introduction to Pickleball session, he finally got to experience what they had been talking about for so long.

“We ended up staying an extra half hour laughing and playing. What I learned about it is you can

play as calm or as hard as you want. There are so many varying speeds in the game to match who you are playing with,” he said. “We ended up laughing. I am 48 years old and they paired me with a lady who was 70 and she slammed a shot on me!”

Parker praised the way the pickleball clinic was run and the enthusiasm Linda Scott, USA Pickleball ambassador in the Virginia Central District, brought to her introduction to the sport to the crowd of almost 60 people who attended.

“She was extremely enthusiastic and I thought she got through to everybody. It was run really

the vendor with unpaid violations eligible for collections with up to a $100 additional fee.

The school board had asked the supervisors to consider an ordinance change during discussion at its joint meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 1. The request was based on accounts from school bus drivers and citizens of people repeatedly violating a state law making it illegal to pass a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop-arm extended that is stopped to load or unload students.

They noted an incident at about 7:05 a.m. on Sept. 15, which involved a pick-up truck ignoring the stop-arm of a Powhatan County Public Schools (PCPS) bus while students were loading, making contact with the stop-arm itself while illegally passing.

Christmas Parade ready to roll through Village on Dec. 10

By Laura McFarland Managing Editor

POWHATAN – Holiday cheer is set to overflow in the Village this weekend as community members come out to celebrate the 2022 Powhatan Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting being held on Dec. 10.

The annual parade will begin rolling through the Village at 3 p.m., with parade entrants starting on Mann Road and then coming past the courthouse on Old Buckingham Road. But the fun will stretch be-

fore and after the parade with a variety of vendors set up on the Courthouse Green beginning at 1 p.m. and a tree lighting following the parade in the Village Park.

Jamey Epps, chairman of the planning committee, said there was a big push with participation last week, so people coming out for the day can expect about 60 parade entrants, about 35 vendors on the courthouse lawn and five food vendors.

“Last year was a tre-

Fourth graders get a taste for books at Reading Cafe

By Laura McFarland Managing Editor

POWHATAN – A group of Flat Rock Elementary fourth graders were left with a good taste following a Reading Café that saw them sampling both books and sweet treats.

Fourth grade teacher Jordan Walthall planned the interactive exercise for her students, which she hoped would introduce them to new styles and genres of books to work up their appetite for reading.

The Reading Café, which was held in November, saw the students served several “courses” of books that they would briefly peruse to see if it sparked their interest. The students recorded their reactions in a “menu,” checking options ranging from the enthusiastic – “Delicious, give me more!” – to the middle of the ground – “Yum I liked

Powhatan, Virginia

FILE PHOTO

Santa Claus, shown here in 2021, is always a jolly addition to the Powhatan Christmas Parade. This year’s parade is at 3 p.m. Saturday.

PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND

Flat Rock Elementary School fourth grade teacher Jordan Walthall “serves” a new tray of books during the Reading Cafe to Floyd Ray, Jude Singh and Colin Kirby.

BETH TEIGEN, PCPS SUPERINTENDENT

BRAD NUNNALLY, POWHATAN SHERIFF

PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND

During an Introduction to Pickleball clinic offered by Powhatan Parks and Recreation, new players Betty Ashmore and Gerry Smith, back court, play against Amy Conrad and Merge Washko, helped from the sidelines by experienced player Mark Comer, all of Powhatan.

Wednesday, Dec. 7

Powhatan County Public Library will hold Read 2 Rover from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Would you like to gain confidence in your reading skills and have fun? Sign up to read to a certified therapy dog! Reading sessions are 15 minutes per child. A parent or guardian must stay with the child while they read. Register through the library website, http://www.powhatanva. gov/247/Powhatan-County-Public-Library, or by calling 804-598-5670.

Community Matters is a resource for all 55 and forward interested in learning, staying active and engaging with peers. Challenge and socialization are powerful combined and crucial at any age! Program is free; requires independent participation. Weekly sessions with a wide range of topics and activities are held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Rescue Squad Building, 3920 Marion Harland Lane. Information on various offerings, activities and topics presented can be found on Facebook: Powhatan County Reach for Active Services. Call program coordinator Jayne Lloyd at 804-698-0438 for more information.

Powhatan County Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Meeting rooms are available by reservation; study rooms are available first come, first served. The library offers e-books through Overdrive and materials to borrow in person or by using Books to Go. With Books to Go, patrons may reserve print materials, DVDs, and audiobooks 24/7 online at www. powhatanlibrary or by phone during open hours at 804-598-5670; once the patron is notified that their order is ready, they have three days to pick it up at the to-go shelf. The outdoor library book drop is open 24/7 for returning library items; however, patrons must return mobile hotspots to the circulation desk inside the library. The library accepts donations and the Friends of the Library bookstore is open during library business hours. Visit www.powhatanlibrary.net or call the library at 804-598-5670 for more details, and like the library’s Facebook page for all the latest, up-todate library news, information and program schedules.

Powhatan County Public Library will hold a weekly Story Time on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Participants will read stories, sing songs, learn finger plays and more! Story Time generally meets in front of the fireplace, and occasionally in our outdoor space.

Business Network International (BNI) Powhatan chapter meets virtually from 8 to 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday. Visit Www.BNIVA.com for information. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/ BNIOnFire or contact executive director Dawne Gulla at dawne@bniva.com or 804-690-9220 for more information.

The Free Clinic of Powhatan serves residents from Powhatan, Amelia and Cumberland Counties as well as select Chesterfield areas. Services include medical, dental, counseling and women’s healthcare by appointment. Eligibility requirements on website www. freeclinicofpowhatan.org/patients. Registration for new patients by appointment Mondays 5-8 p.m. or walk-in Tuesdays from 10 a.m.1 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, call (804) 598-5637.

The Powhatan Lion’s Club will meet at 6 p.m. at the County Seat Restaurant. Contact Mike Jones at 804-794-1440 for more information.

Thursday, Dec. 8

Teen Anime Club will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at Powhatan County Public Library. Bring manga, notebooks, cosplays, or other projects to work on. We will watch a different anime each meeting. For local teens aged 13-18 (grades 6-12). Application required to join. Pick up one at the library front desk.

Holly Jolly Holiday Market will be held from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8 at Independence Golf Club, 600 Founders Bridge Blvd., Midlothian. It's our annual holly jolly holiday market featuring live music, food and drink specials, kids crafts, vendor market and more!

Just Kids, an affordable clothing shop selling gently used children’s clothes, sizes newborn to 8 plus, had its official opening June 7. Moving forward, the store will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The shop is located in the Memorial Baptist Church Youth House, 3926 Old Buckingham Road. Just Kids is a ministry of May Memorial Baptist Church. Clothes cost $2 per bag.

A Caregiver Support Group will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. the second Thursday of every month at May Memorial Baptist Church, 3922 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan. Build a support system with people who understand. For more information, contact Jayne Lloyd at 804-6980438. Visit alz.org/grva to learn more about caregiver programs and resources.

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

Powhatan Stars Cancer Support Group, formerly known as Powhatan Supporting the Alliance and Respecting Survivors (STARS), meets at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month at The County Seat Restaurant in the back room. The group is for survivors, caregivers and family members to listen and support each other. For more information, contact Sue Bird at 804-212-8651 or Patty Hicks at 804-375-3499.

Extension specialists and industry experts share timely topics for farmers in the Virginia Cooperative Extension Ag Today, held virtually at 9 a.m. every Thursday. These updates are relevant and brief and are recorded for folks who can't join on that day and time. Podcasts (audio only) are posted on Westmoreland VCE webpage and YouTube video recordings can be found at https://www.youtube.com/ playlist ?list=PL7_2QUVzrPXDpYsV2HY11CH8KBrluif yO. Contact Stephanie Romelczyk (sromelcz@ vt.edu) for information on joining the meeting live. Watched or listened to VCE AG Today? Let us know how we are doing! Find our survey

here: https://vce.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ SV_6fiYBb914AYRdn7.

The original Powhatan AA meets from 7 to 8 p.m. every Thursday in the Powhatan Village Building.

The Powhatan Rotary Club meets at 7:30 a.m. every Thursday at the County Seat Restaurant.

The Powhatan Republican Committee’s monthly meeting will be held on the second Thursday of every month at Rosa’s Italian Restaurant. Social time is at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 9

The Powhatan Christmas Mother is holding a 2022 Pet Food Drive for clients this Christmas.

Drop-off locations are: Free Clinic of Powhatan; Goodwyn Lumber, through Dec. 9; 1933 Public House, through Dec. 11; and Murray Automotive, 1731 Douthit Court (across Route 60 from River Run Veterinary Clinic).

Powhatan County Public Library’s Middle Grade Anime Club will meet from 4 to 5 p.m. Bring manga, notebooks, cosplays, or other projects to work on. We will watch a different anime each meeting. For local children aged 8-12. Application required to join. Pick up one at the library front desk.

Graceland Baptist Church, 975 Dorset Road, will hold a Family Movie Night at 7 p.m. featuring “A Christmas Story.”

Saturday, Dec. 10

Huguenot Volunteer Fire Department Company 2 will hold its annual Santa Breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 at the station, located at 1959 Urbine Road. Santa will arrive at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for 5 and under.

Come join us for the Powhatan Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting on Dec. 10. Parade lineup starting at 1 p.m. with the parade starting at 3 p.m., the parade route is along Old Buckingham Road, from Mann Rd to the Courthouse area. There will be vendors in the Courthouse area beginning at 1 p.m. and Santa will be available for Christmas wishes and pictures. The Tree Lighting will be held in the Village following the parade. Applications can be found at www.PowhatanChristmasMother. org or by contacting the Parade committee at PowhatanChristmas@gmail.com Hope to see you there!

Habitat For Humanity - Powhatan depends on volunteers and donors. Habitat is blessed with the community’s helpful and generous participation. The Habitat ReStore at 1922 Urbine Road will be open every Saturday, come November 2022, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The office is located upstairs at the Habitat ReStore and the office number is 804-5947009, ext. 2. Call and volunteer. Help us at the ReStore, perform critical repairs and/or with our upcoming builds.

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

Sunday, Dec. 11

County Seat Restaurant and Gathering Place will present a Gospel Sunday Benefit and Toy Drive from 1 to 3 p.m. Watch and enjoy special performances by Michael Goodwin of the Biscuit Easters and Pastor Cavell Phillips’ Unity Community Church band. The event will see 10% of proceeds from full lunch buffet sales donated to the Powhatan Christmas Mother.

Powhatan Fire and Rescue’s Junior Emergency Technician program meets at 1:30 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month at different locations in the county. The program is free and open to 12- to 15-year-olds from all parts of the county interested in learning about their local fire, rescue and emergency services organizations. Applications may be picked up year-round at the fire administration office in the Village Building. Contact the office at 804-5985646 or Sarah Zobells at szobell@powhatanva. gov for this month’s location.

Monday, Dec. 12

Graceland Baptist Church, 975 Dorset Road, will hold its Miracles of God Christmas Service at 11 a.m. All special needs individuals and their families are invited to come celebrate Christmas through songs, special music, praise, fellowship, poetry, testimonies and the sharing of a Jesus story. It will a great time of fellowship and worship with all those in our community! All are welcome to come and celebrate Jesus’ birth!

A Grief Support Group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. on the second Monday of each month at Powhatan United Methodist Church. All are welcome to attend. This group is facilitated by Judy Cain-Oliver, licensed clinical psychologist.

Powhatan Pastor’s Fellowship provides pastors in the county with fellowship, joint worship experiences and ways to serve the needy in the community. The group meets at 11:30 a.m. on the second Monday of the month at Angela’s Restaurant. The group is open to any pastor; newcomers welcome. For more information, call Michael Edwards, pastor of May Memorial Baptist Church, 804-598-3098.

Relay for Life South of the James meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of the month online. For more information, contact Pat Johnson at 804-241-1161 or pjj804@icloud. com.

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, Dec. 13

Powhatan County Public Library’s Teen Advisory Board meetings from 4 to 6 p.m. Help plan and run teen programs, create library displays, suggest YA books and materials, and get volunteer hours. For local teens aged 13-18 (grades 6-12). Application required to join. Pick one up at the library front desk.

The new Bridge of Reason AA meeting is

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

AA meets at 8 p.m. every Tuesday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Huguenot Trail. The Powhatan American Legion Post 201 meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Legion members invite all veterans of our armed forces to attend the meetings of Post 201 which are held at the War Memorial Cultural Arts and Community Center, 2375 Skaggs Road. For more information, contact David Bradley at 804-306-3740.

Upcoming

Girl Scout Troop 3029 is helping the Huguenot Volunteer Fire Department achieve a long-held goal of building a memorial to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 at the station. The Girl Scouts are selling 411 bricks inscribed with the name, rank and company of a firefighter, law enforcement officer or paramedic killed during the attacks. A donation of $23 will cover the cost of one inscribed brick in honor of a first responder. To purchase a brick, visit www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/ memorial911. Checks payable to Troop 3029 may also be mailed to Laura Baltz at 1510 Holly Hills Road, Powhatan, VA 23139. For more information, contact Baltz at 804-4674313 or Ljbal65@aol.com.

Powhatan County Public Library will hold Brick Slayerz from 4 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 19. This is a LEGO building club for 6-12 year-olds. Bricks and bases will be provided to attendees. A parent or guardian is required to stay with their child during the program.

Community Matters is a resource for all 55 and forward interested in learning, staying active and engaging with peers. Challenge and socialization are powerful combined and crucial at any age! Programs are free; requires independent participation. On Wednesday, Dec. 21, the group will hold A Very Quichey Christmas. Join with other participants for carols with youth, cookie decorating, quiche and salad, and ornament making from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Powhatan Rescue Squad Building. Information on various offerings, activities and topics presented can be found on Facebook: Powhatan County Reach for Active Services. Call program coordinator Jayne Lloyd at 804698-0438 for more information.

Graceland Baptist Church, 975 Dorset Road, will hold a Candlelight Service at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24. It is open to the public.

The Heart of Virginia Beekeepers plans to meet Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at 7 p.m. at the Prince Edward County Extension Office, 100 Dominion Dr., Farmville, VA 23901 next to Lowe's. There will be more information on the bee school and our beekeepers conference. Anyone who has bees or is interested in bees is welcome.

For more information, call Mary Jane Morgan at 434-315-1433. To check on possible cancellations or changes, visit Facebook or our website: heartofvirginiabeekeepers.org.

The Goochland Powhatan Master Gardener Association will hold a “Gardening 101” program on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. from January to March 2023. Registration at gpmga.org has a deadline of Jan. 4, 2023. Class size is limited. Cost is $55 for 10 classes. No volunteer commitment; just the education. For more information, contact Rebecca Crow at 804-598-7015 or gpmastergardener@gmail. com.

The Powhatan Anti-Litter Council meets at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, in the Powhatan County Cooperative Extension Office in the basement of the Village Building, 3910 Old Buckingham Road. Contact 1st Sgt. Rudy Gregory at 804-598-5656.

Register now for our first Heart of Virginia Beekeepers Conference to be held Saturday, Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Blackwood Ballroom of Longwood University in Farmville. For conference details and on-line registration, go to these links: bit.ly/HOVBconference or https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/heart-of-virginiabeekeepers-1st-annual.

Calling local authors. After a several year hiatus, Writers Round-up is returning to Powhatan County Public Library. Tentative dates are Jan. 21 or 28, 2023. If you are an author interested in participating, contact Charles Joynes at cjoynes@powhatanlibrary.net.

Ongoing

The Coalition of Powhatan Churches has available resources to help people who would like assistance in learning to manage their finances. If you know of anyone who needs or would like to have this service, or to get more information, call Robin Cupka at 804-801-9851. Backpacks of Love, a nonprofit committed to eliminating hunger in school-age children by providing nourishing food for their weekend, needs help. BPOL is looking for delivery drivers that would be available to deliver on Thursdays. They are in immediate need of a driver to deliver to Cumberland County and or Amelia County. These are great jobs for students looking for community hours. Always accepting food donations of single serve raviolis, spaghettios, apple sauce, cereal, cookies, crackers and more. Contact Kevin Hardy at 804-350-1127 for more information.

Young people in the 4-H community learn leadership, citizenship, and a vast array of life skills that benefit them for the rest of their lives. Through school-based, after-school, and community clubs as well as camp settings, 4-H members pledge to build a better community, country, and world. The new 4-H year starts Oct. 1 and runs through Sept. 30, 2022, so this is a great time to join a 4-H club! In Powhatan County, 4-H SPIN and project clubs include the following designed for youth ages 9-18: Livestock, Archery, Equine, Dairy Judging, and Shooting Education (waiting list). For our younger youth, ages 5-8 years old, we’re seeking new club leaders interested in starting a second Cloverbud 4-H Club in Powhatan. 4-H School Enrichment programs are also available for homeschool groups. Reach out to Cathy Howland, Powhatan 4-H Extension

Agent, at 804-598-5640 or chowland@vt.edu for details about the 4-H opportunities listed, and/or information on starting new 4-H clubs or programs.

Powhatan Food Pantry is currently seeking volunteer drivers who can pick up food from the local Food Lions on different days between 8:30 and 10 a.m. and transport them to the nonprofit at 2500 Batterson Road. Contact the pantry at 804-372-9526 or powhatanvafoodpantry@gmail.com.

Powhatan Parks and Recreation is pleased to offer the following at the Pocahontas Landmark Center Gym (4290 Anderson Highway, Powhatan). Keep in mind when county offices are closed for holidays, inclement weather, etc., activities will not be held unless specifically noted: Open Gym Walking, Wednesdays, 9-11 a.m.; Open Gym Pickleball, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-11:30 a.m.; Open Adult Special Needs Basketball, every Monday, 10 a.m.noon; Open Gym Adult Volleyball, Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. until Nov. 15; Paid Momentum Volleyball, Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Dec. 1 (contact Cindy Bryant by email at momentumvolleyballclub@gmail.com); Paid Pulse Basketball, Wednesdays and Fridays and 2 Saturdays starting Wednesday, Nov. 30 (contact Brian Griffen by email at vicepresident@powhatanpulse.com); On-going Senior Basketball on Monday nights, 6:308:30 p.m.; Adult Open Gym Basketball on Wednesday nights until Nov. 16; Free Pickleball Clinic coming in December on a Saturday, stay tuned for more details. Continue to follow all COVID-19 guidelines. Everyone will also need to sign a facility use waiver that we will keep on file for one year, and there is a $10 non-resident fee for activities. Remember we ask everyone to wear rubber soled shoes (no heels) on the gym floor and only allow water in the gym. We are still working on other activities as well. Contact the Recreation Office at 804598-5275 with any questions or send an email to mshelton@powhatanva.gov or mwoodel@ powhatanva.gov.

The Friends of Powhatan County Public Library’s Bookshop is open during library hours and accepting donations again. The bookshop accepts books, movies, audiobooks, CDs, and magazines. Materials can be given to a library staff member or placed in the book shop corner (tuck them by the file cabinet in the back), which is at the end of the passageway once you come in the front door. Proceeds from the book sale are used for additional library programming.

The Powhatan County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Help Desk is here for yet another growing season. Although office hours are reduced because of COVID-19 restrictions, the Help Desk is still ready and available.

Email questions and detailed photos of your stricken plants to gpmastergardener@gmail. com and volunteers will try and find a solution for you. You can also directly call the Powhatan County Extension at 804-598-5640 and leave a message. The Help Desk will be in touch. If a real-life diagnosis or determination is needed, large plant samples including root, stem and leaves can be dropped off at the Powhatan County Extension’s office after consulting with Master Gardener volunteer. If you have plants/ shrubs/trees needing identification in your yard, or are new to the Powhatan or Goochland area, we also offer free one to two-hour site visits.

Available now Emergency Housing relief funds to assist with rent, mortgage or other housing concerns. Powhatan Community Action Agency has received funding for housing relief for families in Powhatan County who have been affected by COVID-19. Contact Renee Van Natter at valerie.vannatter@dss.virginia.gov or via cell at 804 814-5332.

Habitat for Humanity-Powhatan always is looking for donations of gently used appliances, cabinets, and furniture such as dining room and bedroom sets (no mattresses or upholstered furniture). Call to drop off at 804-594-7009, ext. 1. Or email store@ habitatpowhatan.org. Habitat also does pick-ups for a $20 donation to our Critical Repair program. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website at habitatpowhatan.org

Volunteer transportation program - free service to Powhatan seniors age 60+ who are unable to drive for basic needs. Drivers receive all information from program coordinator on rides that are requested by registered riders, and accept only rides they are available to fulfill. Call 804-698-0438 or email RAServices.PVA@ gmail.com to register as a rider or apply as a volunteer driver.

Powhatan County Public Library is excited to partner with Wowbrary to offer library patrons the opportunity to subscribe to a curated weekly e-newsletter showcasing new library acquisitions. Each newsletter features the latest bestsellers, movies, audio books, children's titles, cookbooks, mysteries, and more purchased by the library. Wowbrary alerts are free and all you need is a valid email address. Visit www.wowbrary.org to sign up. A Powhatan County Public Library card in good standing is required to check out print and electronic items. To obtain a library card, visit the library or apply online at www. powhatanlibrary.net.

Narconon Arrowhead is here to help you. Narconon offers free addiction counseling, assessments, and referral services to rehabilitation centers nationwide. Call 1-800-468-6933 or log on to www. narcononarrowhead.org.

A box was provided by the National Association of Counties (NACo) to provide citizens a place to bring flags that need to be retired properly. It is located at the County Administration Building in the vestibule area by the front doors. County Administration is working with local groups that hold flag disposal ceremonies and will be routinely transporting the flags collected to these ceremonies. For questions, call 804-598-5612.

Hope Project provides free transportation for Powhatan County residents who have lost their driver's licenses due to drug-related charges. Examples include rides to court, rehab, job interviews, doctor's appointments, and probation meetings. Contact the Hope Project coordinator at 804-301-3324. Give a minimum of 24 hours’ notice.

Christmas Mother program ready for final push

Contributed Report

The Powhatan Christmas Mother program continues its search for the right gift for all each of its clients!

It’s not too late for Powhatan residents and businesses to help: donations are always welcome and the nonprofit has an Amazon wish list people can access from the Facebook page or website. People may also drop by the Powhatan Christmas Mother Headquarters, which is located on the west side of the Pocahontas Landmark, to donate or volunteer to help. The headquarters are open from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Though children and teens

cannot volunteer in the workshop due to privacy and confidentiality there’s a HUGE contribution they can make: the nonprofit needs age-appropriate items for stockings! Teens know best what they’d like to find on Christmas morning and donating items such as earbuds, key rings, fidget toys and squishy stress balls are always welcomed.

Prepare yourselves for the Powhatan Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Dec. 10 in the Village from 3 p.m. to dark. Santa will be on the Courthouse Green from 1:30-2:30 p.m., then in the parade and by the Christmas tree after the parade. People are invited to take

pictures with him and his elf or Mrs. Claus. Carolers from Powhatan High School will perform and there will be hot cocoa and lots of vendors with ideas for Christmas gifts as well as the Christmas Mother Everyday Committee with a booth on the Courthouse Green.

Have you seen this year’s Christmas Mother sweatshirt depicting “Whispering Hope,” 2022 Christmas Mother Kathy Ware’s theme? People can buy a sweatshirt by texting 804912-6482. They’re $25 each. They will only be on sale at Christmas Mother tent on the Courthouse Green during the Powhatan Christmas Parade if

Library plans winter programs for adults

Contributed Report

Powhatan County Public Library has a wonderful line up of adult programs to get you out of your house on those wintery days. The library’s upcoming programs and events include Sunshine Art, Retro Movie Mondays, Yoga, Book Club and Writer’s Roundup.

Shelley Crawford with Sunshine Art will be at the library on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, for winter-themed painting. Immerse yourselves in art-making, with a pre-planned drawn-in winter image. No supplies are needed. This is an amazing opportunity and space is limited, so you must be registered to attend. Registration can be done on the library’s Facebook page, over the phone or on its website.

On Saturday, Jan. 7 and Feb. 18, join other participants for Gentle Beginner’s Yoga with Joanna Bartles. Learn breathing techniques, postures and movements to relieve tension and tightness in muscles and joints. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel, and if able a firm pillow, block or towel for support.

mendous event that brought a lot of people together. We have had a lot of folks ask if it was going to happen again. It had been a while since it happened last year, so I think that folks are looking forward to it – the atmosphere and the togetherness that it starts to bring. It gets everybody in the mood for the holiday spirit,” said Epps, plant manager of Luck Stone, this year’s parade sponsor.

As always, the Christmas Parade will be a great representation of Powhatan’s community spirit, Epps said. People can expect representation from Powhatan Fire and Rescue, the Powhatan Sheriff’s Office, local Scouting troops, youth sports leagues and other youth groups, business, car clubs, the Pow-

Every second and fourth Monday throughout the winter at 11 a.m., the library will hold Retro Movie Mondays. Come in and enjoy some popcorn, watch a classic movie and reminisce. Check out the library’s flyers, call us, or visit the Facebook page for movie title information.

After a few years break, PCPL is pleased to bring back Writers Roundup! Come and meet some of our Richmond area and Powhatan local authors, and also enjoy some snacks and conversation. Mark your calendars! This event will take place Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Are you a local author? If so, and you are interested in participating, email Charles Joynes at cjoynes@powhatanlibrary.net.

PCPL will be ringing in the New Year with hosting a book club. Look for more information in the next month on the Facebook page.

For details, contact Powhatan County Public Library at 804-598-5670 or library@powhatanlibrary.net.

hatan High School JROTC and Marching Band, Powhatan nonprofits, the 380th Army Band and more.

Having such a mixture of parade entrants is great exposure for what Powhatan has to offer, sometimes introducing community members to new opportunities they didn’t know were in the county, Epps added.

Special guests this year are Grand Marshal Dale Goodman, who was the 2021 Christmas Mother; 2022 Christmas Mother Kathy Ware and Santa Claus himself. Santa will be spreading his presence around, meeting with children on the lawn before the parade starting at about 1:30 p.m. and then again after the tree lighting in the park.

Del. Lee Ware and Carolyn Bishop will act as parade announcers again this

year. The Powhatan Today will livestream the parade on its Facebook page.

Similarly, the vendors on the courthouse lawn will be a mixture of nonprofits, educational groups, advocacy groups, arts and crafts vendors and more. This year’s Christmas Mother sweatshirt depicting Kathy Ware’s theme of “Whispering Hope” will be fore sale for $25 each at the Christmas Mother table.

District 5 supervisor Karin Carmack said that rather than having a set time for the tree lighting and having people wait if the parade goes faster than anticipated, organizers just plan to have people move from the parade to the Village Park immediately following the parade for the festivities to continue.

The Powhatan High School Resonance Choir

there are any left. The Powhatan Christmas Mother Everyday Committee is looking forward to its final week, Dec. 12-16, when Santa’s elves will be giving the gifts, food gift cards and pet

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The theme for 2022 Christmas Mother Kathy Ware, “Whispering Hope,” is featured on this year’s sweatshirts, which are now on sale.

food away because of Powhatan’s generosity.

Anyone who hasn’t gotten around to donating, there’s still time and everyone at Christmas Mother headquarters wishes Powhatan County a Merry Christmas.

Submitted by the Powhatan Christmas Mother Everyday Committee.

Wrapped up in Christmas cheer

2 1/2,

Fire and rescue seeks volunteer applicants

Powhatan County’s Fire and Rescue Department is recruiting volunteers and accepting applications. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the Recruitment Officer in Fire Administration at (804) 598-5646, ext. 2816 or visit the volunteer website at www.volunteerpowhatan.org. Remember, this is what your neighbors are doing for you. What would you like to do for them?

will be in the park singing Christmas carols both before and after the parade, she said.

Christmas Mother Kathy Ware will light the Christmas tree, which will stay decorated throughout the season.

Although the Village Park isn’t completely finished and hasn’t had its official ribbon cutting, Carmack said she is excited how far it has come since last year’s tree lighting for residents to see and enjoy.

“I think it looks great. I think it is turning out to be a really nice feature in the Village and it is going to look even better and better as the trees grow and the bushes grow. It is a really nice addition,” she said.

According to the sheriff’s office, Old Buckingham (Route 13) will be shut down from Mann

Road to Yates Lane for the parade. Detours will be in place, said 1st Sgt. Arthur Gregory. Courthouse Tavern and Marion Harland lanes will be completely closed off starting about 1 p.m. There will also be no parking signs posted along Scottville Road, which stretches from Anderson

Highway to the back of the sheriff’s office, this year. There is no rain date for the event. All proceeds from parade and vendor entry fees will benefit the Powhatan Christmas Mother program. For more information about the program, visit www.PowhatanChristmasMother.org.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF POWHATAN CHRISTMAS MOTHER PROGRAM It takes a full roster of elves to make the Powhatan Christmas Mother program happen each year. From left, Volunteer Cary Philbrick makes sure all toys are in top shape. Two key workers since 2004 are Peggy Covert, Christmas Mother assistant, and Veronica Dickson, adoptions coordinator. Covert maintains correspondence, organizes the gift card orders and distribution to all clients, maintains records of all client applications among many other tasks. Dickson coordinates the assignment of clients with families, individuals, churches and other organizations who adopt them. Volunteers Pat Cox and Lois Schalow look up for just a quick photo as they work on gifts. Dawn Stiller, treasurer of the Powhatan Christmas Everyday Committee, talks with a shopping coordinator, Kay Watson. These ladies are at Christmas Mother Headquarters almost every day from late August until delivery day, Dec. 15. Far right with them is Fran Carleton, who is in charge of the program for the children of incarcerated parents.

PHOTOS BY LAURA McFARLAND

Above, 2022 Powhatan Christmas Mother Kathy Ware jokes with volunteers Stephanie Hamersley and Wendy Goodwyn at a fundraiser for the program held Dec. 10 at Rise and Grind in the Village. Volunteers wrapped any presents people brought in for a donation to the program. Right, visitor Emmy McArdle,

wished the volunteers well when she came in with her parents for a drink.

Santa teams up with fire companies

Contributed Report

Powhatan County Volunteer Fire companies are once again planning to visit the communities they serve accompanied by Santa Claus with the return of the much anticipated Santa Runs. The schedules are as follows:

Powhatan Volunteer Fire Department (Company 1)

Santa and his Company 1 elves are pleased to announce the Santa Run schedule for Powhatan Volunteer Fire Department District 1 this year. Santa Runs will be nightly from 6 to 8/8:30 p.m. from Monday, Dec. 12 through Saturday, Dec. 17.

The group will leave the station around 6 p.m. each evening headed to the neighborhoods listed below. The station will announce Santa’s location

and arrival nightly on its Facebook page. Volunteers hope to see all of you during their visits!

Monday, Dec. 12 –Pierce Road, Fox Rest, Fox Rest Terrace, Running Fox Drive, Maddox Crossing Court, Worsham Road to Watercross Court, Powhatan Lakes Road.

Tuesday, Dec. 13 –Mill Quarter Road, Mill Station Drive (main road), Lower Mill Drive, (main road), Fighting Creek Drive to Olmstead, Olmstead Drive, Olde Links Drive, Bent Arrow Drive.

Wednesday, Dec. 14 –Fairpine Drive (main road), Tower Hill, Red Lane (to Mountain View), Mountain View, Georges Road, Janet Lane, Edith Lane.

Thursday, Dec. 15 –Fariss Road (Three Bridge to Steger); Steger Creek Drive; Steger Creek Road; Branchway Creek Drive (off Route 60); Archies

Way; Branch Forest Way; Richards Run.

Friday, Dec. 16 – Tilman Farms Subdivision, 6-7:30 p.m.; Westlake Subdivision, 7:40- 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 –Firehouse, 2-4 p.m.; Courthouse/Scottsville, 6-7 p.m.; Madison Place, 7:15-7:35 p.m.; Pineacre Drive (main road), 7:408:30 p.m.

Fine Creek Volunteer Fire Department (Company 4)

Fine Creek Volunteer Fire Department is announcing its Santa Runs for 2022! Note, there are a few changes this year. The fire department has been in contact with the big guy at the North Pole, and he’s taking time to visit all good little boys and girls, adults and pets!

Santa Runs will begin

Arrests

CRIME REPORT

One male was charged on Nov. 25 with assault and battery of a family member (Misdemeanor).

One male was charged on Nov. 26 with violating a protective order (M), trespassing (M) and obstructing justice (M).

One female was charged on Nov. 26 with petty larceny (M).

One male was charged on Nov. 26 with petty larceny (M).

One female was charged on Nov. 26 with petty larceny (M).

One male was charged on Nov. 27 with petty larceny (M).

One male was charged on Nov. 27 with petty larceny (M).

One male was charged on Nov. 28 with concealment, price alter merchandise (M), possession of controlled substances (F) and possession of burglary tools (F).

One male was charged on Nov. 28 with concealment, price alter merchandise (M), possession of controlled substances (F) and possession of burglary tools (F).

Incident report for Nov. 21 to 27 - Incident type & total calls

Advice 33 Animal calls 31 Assist 12

Attempt to locate 3 B&E 1 Child welfare 1 Civil 1 CPR 1

Death investigation 2 Disabled vehicle 7 Disorder/disturbance 2 Domestic 4 Dumping 1 Follow-up 2 Found property 2

Funeral 1 Gunshot calls 3

Hit and run 1

Hold-up alarm 1 Investigation 2 Larceny 2 Lockout 9 MVAs 24

Overdose 1 Panic alarm 2 Pd alarm 8

Project lifesaver 1 Protection order violation 1 Psychiatric 3 Reckless driver 15

Road rage 2 Shoplifting 4 Structure fire 1

Suspicious 10 Test law 1

Traffic hazard 10

Traffic stop 38

Trailer inspection 1 Transport 1 Trespass 1 Unknown emergency 20 Vandalism 1 Welfare check 6

Powhatan Elementary first nine weeks honor roll

First Grade All A:

SeasonsGreetingsEveryone,My nameisSmileybecauseihavea smileyfaceonmyhip.Iamasuper sweet,andfriendlyyounglady.Not surehowIendeduphere,butIam beingwelltakencareof,butIam surelywantingahometocallmy own.Ifyouarefeelingdownduring theholidays,Givemeachanceto putasmileonyourface,Iwillhelp youeatyourleftoverswhilewe watchtheMacy’sDayParade.Ifyou areinterestedinmeetingmeplease contact804-598-5672andtheywill behappytoscheduleatimeforameetandgreet. P.S.Don’tforgetaboutourfundraiser$$CashforKennels$$.The purposeistoraiseenoughmoneytopurchasenewcagesforourfur friends.WewouldalsoliketoThankEveryonewhohascontributed tothiscause.Ifyouwouldliketomakeadonationyoucandosoby droppingitoffattheshelterlocatedat4000OldPlantationRdormail toP.O.Box133ATTN:AnimalControl.Inthememowrite$$Cashfor Kennels$$.Ifyouhaveanyquestionspleasecall804-598-5672

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

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

Lily Amiss, Annabella Back, Jacob Bellamy, Eleanor Bridges, Lillian Campbell, Logan Carneal, Bella Chamreun, Carl Chinnis ,Waylon Cole, Carina Colpo, Dekker Cosgrove, Landon Dingeldein, Rowan Guzman, Ella Harris, Caleb Henley, Lucas Hiatt, Ava Hitt, Southerly Jarvis, Tucker Kennedy, Carter Kimsey, Willow King, Nevin Koch, Cole Layman, Elsie Liford, Carson Lowder, Megan Mann, Mason McGraw, Aubrey McIntosh, Rhett Nice, Gentry Nice, Dylan Phelps, Jaxon Richardson, Jahari Robinson, Annie Sexton, Alivia Sickmiller, Owen Smith, Kinsley Strickland, Ryleigh Tapp, Cansadie Townsend, Anna Turley, Piper

Wall, Justin Weng, Allie Williams, Maddox Woodson, Leah Yarbrough.

First Grade All A/B’s

Calista Adam, Andrew Amantea, Mason Baldwin, Katherine Brown, Hadley Douglas, Joanna Harris, Amanda Howell, Magnolia Nice, Brayden Osborne, Victoria Riveria, Hadleigh Rose, Brycen Trentham, Dawson Vaughn, Lawson Welsh.

Second Grade All A’s

Berklee Atkins, Braxton Bew, Alyssa Brice, Abigail Carneal, Phineas Chowanski, Cooper Cosgrove, Claire Dillon, Ella Eakin, Benjamin Eggleston, George Evans, Gavin Helton, Addison Hudson, Jase Kellam, Avery Lanpher, Easton Martin, Maylynn Muuse, Sadie Ouel-

1801Huguenot Trail SundayWorship10am BryanM.Holt, Pastor 804-378-3607 www.EmmausChristianChurch.org https://www.facebook.com/2emmaus/

Smiley

it” or “It was okay” – to the downright not their cup of tea –“Yuck!”

Mitt Smith, Colt Sowers, Sullivan Stigall, Charly Towler, Kenley Wall, Autumn Walle, Melissa White, Jay White, Iris Williams, Harrison Zornow.

First Grade All A/B’s

Jeremiah Bateman, Logan Carney, Haven Crawley, Kai Crisostomo, Ava Davis, Joon Harbeson, Austin Martin, Charly Morgan, Jaxon Owen, Wyatt Richmond, Colton Rodriguez, Mason Stables, Liv Sullivan, Liam Sullivan, Olivia Woodard.

Second Grade All A’s

Murphy Andrus, Allison Betton, Ella Bronson Jaxon Brooks, Cailtyn Carson, Madison Daughenbaugh, Braxton Elliott, Quinn Ellis, Finley Emerson, Mason Estes, Harper Friend, Nolan Gall, Wyatt Goodman, Merris Gregory, River Hampton, Mari Jackson, Savannah Jen-

sen, Psalm Krieger, Calianne Lopez, Lucas Lund, Jackson Mayer, Allie McNamara, Jackson Montgomery, Savannah Nalder, Jacob Norton, James Norton, Liam Pugh, Lilyana Rockwell, Aiden Rodriguez, Catie Sabatini, Kira Selim, Leah Serre, Olivia Shearin, Mason Sill, Karis Smyser, Addington Stallworth, Braxton Tiet, Madelyn Trueman, Aida White.

Second Grade All A/B’s

Dawson Allen, SJ Amiss, Mia Barker, Ella Barnard, Harrison Bedard, Gracelynn Berry, Jaxson Beverly, Orville Bowles, Eli Coates, Kenslee Cook, Teegan Cooke, Jaxon Davis, Wyatt Estep, Zane Franklin, Ryland Goode, Stella Grace, Laylon Hall, Forest Hampton, Cohen Hilldrup, Quinn Howard, Maci Knapp, Geofferson Loughrey, Lilly Muse, Dominic Ortega, Logan Rinehart, Anabelle Rinker, EastonRouse, Olivia

Semones, Beckham Smith, Rowen Swainey, Lucas Teel, Aiva Waybright, Regan Wilkes.

Third Grade All A’s

Ben Aldrich, Jack Alexander, Julianne Ayers, Ella Barrett, Grant Baughman, Annabelle Blaisdell, Layla Blaisdell, Georgia Boggs, Richard Bolton, Zachary Brunelli, Greyson Caudle, Ashby Chester, Kaya Clark, Lewis Collins, Fabio Conigliaro, Jase Curtis, Charlie Dunn, Brynn Emery, Connor Fessler, Avia Fischer, Victor Fosse III, Evan Fuller, Catherine Hall, Hadley Hurt, Britney Jones, Patrick Kearns, Gates Lawson, Arturo Leon, Josie Levermore, Scarlet Lewis, Zinnia Long, Ellie Long, Everett Lonnstrom, Graham Lyons, Dhiyan Majmudar, Audrey Mapes, Austin Markland, Olivia Matthews, Rylan Mead, Chase Mesco, Chase Meyer, Alayna Nasee FLAT ROCK, pg. 8

To make the experience even more special, the students wore aprons and chef’s hats and food was brought in by and served by parents so the students could order some sweet treats to enjoy while they read.

Walthall said she was thrilled with the reactions of her fourth graders and that they appreciated the different vibe of the café.

Lilly Hinden said, “I liked it. It felt like we were in a fancy cafe. I really liked it because I feel fancy and I thought the food was really great. It felt like a real cafe experience.”

Classmate Joshua Helms said, “The Reading Cafe, I really liked it because it helped us to understand about different genres and how reading can be fun!”

Bentley Frank said he liked

the Reading Café “because it helped me understand different genres of books and how they can be interesting and fun.”

Another fourth grader, Ollie Gregory, said, “Well, the food was very yummy and I really did not want to put the books that I was reading down. Plus, I really liked my chef’s outfit and I didn’t take it off until recess. It was fun to decorate my chef’s hat, too!”

Aaron Chapman, mother of fourth grader Cora, was one of the parent helpers for the day, filling out the orders for the

children and calling them to come pick them up. She thought it was an exciting opportunity for the students to do something unique in the classroom.

“Obviously, as a parent I think reading is essential to them learning, so I was excited when Ms. Walthall told me about it and said, ‘hey, let’s help out however we can,’ ” Chapman said.

Chapman said Cora already loves reading so she was excited, especially the opportunity at the end of the café to share their

favorite book. The little girl even dressed for the theme, wearing a sweatshirt with cats reading on it, her mom said, adding she loves that they can now visit the classrooms and interact with the

students again after so many missed chances during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

1059DorsetRoad Powhatan,VA23139 ReverendMarkA.Divens,Sr. Pastor PraiseandWorshipService SundaySchool9:45-10:45 SundayMorningWorship willbeginat11:00a.m.

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

GracelandBaptistChurch Dr.RonaldWyatt,Jr.,Pastor Contemporary–9:00a.m. SundaySchool–9:45a.m. Worship–11a.m. Children’sWorship–11a.m. Praise&Worship–6p.m. LighthouseYouth–Wed.5:30p.m. BibleStudy–Wed.6:30p.m. Children’sWorship(allages)–Wed.6:30p.m. MiraclesofGodSp.NeedsService: 11a.m.the2ndMon.ofeachmonth 598-3481•975DorsetRoad www.gracelandbc.org

SundaySchool-9:45a.m. Worship-11a.m. WednesdayBibleStudy& PrayerService-7:00p.m. PastorJeffBeard,MA,MBA 3470TrenholmRoad www.muddycreekbaptist.org

FIRSTANTIOCH

3619HuguenotTrail Powhatan,Virginia23139 www.finecreekbaptist.org SundaySchool:9:45a.m. WorshipService:11:00a.m. Traditional VernGilmer,Pastor Family WorshipCenter “YourCommunity Church” 2901JudesFerryRoad Powhatan,Va23139 804-379-8223 Sundays10:00a.m. Wednesday6:30p.m. Experiencingthepresence, powerandpersonofJesusChrist

www.newwalkbible.org SundayWorship10:00AM SundaySchool9:00AM BibleStudyWed.7:00PM 804-372-9254 Loving,Investing,Fulfilling,Empowering SeniorPastorJustinWilson SundayService10:30am 2410NewDorsetCircle www.Communitylifechurchpowhatan.org 1530CookRoad(Rt.636)

OLDPOWHATAN BAPTISTCHURCH BradRussell,Pastor 598-4241 Servicetimesare 8:30a.m.and10:15a.m. Worshiponlineat10:15a.m. 2202OldChurchRoad www.powhatanbaptist.org

PHOTOS BY LAURA McFARLAND

Flat Rock Elementary School fourth graders in Jordan Walthall’s class participate in a Reading Cafe where they sample different types of books. Shown clockwise from top left: Noah Hoppin, Harper Hedgepeth and Landon Gall sample their books; Ben Frank, Sydney Shelton, Ollie Gregory and Leland Jackson are focused on the books of different genres; and Aidan Hines, Bentley Francisco and Taygen Graham talk about the books they are sampling.

Flat Rock Elementary first nine weeks honor roll

First Grade All A:

Rayland Ambrose, Audrey Amorese, Mila Andrus, Jarvis Ashman, Ava Baake, Elija Blakeney, Isaac Chapman, Harrison Chewning, Tyler Chim, Cole Compton, Greyson Cooke, Callie Crockett, McKenna Dillard, Brooklynn Draper, Legend Elder, Cataleya Erazo, Summit Fischer, Douglass Peyton Fisher, Mason Freeland, Nora French, Ziibi Guilford, Dakota Hall, Maura Harris, Paisley Hicks, Isaiah Hoosock, Julianna Horne, Delaney Hughes, Kaiden Hummel, Sophia Jackson, Dylan Jameson, Stella Johnson, Jackson LaRue, Freya Lindsay, Libby Long, Gracie Loveday, Leah McMillian, Reese Meyers, Elliott Moore, Alex Moore, Roslyn Moore, Henley Moore, Declan Murray, Charles Norton, Kyle Papelino, Charlotte Perkins, Penelope Purvis, Zion Richardson, Fallon Rock, Kaylen Rupard, Levi Ryan, Phillip Selz, Lyle Sharp, Braelyn Smellie,

Supervisors approve wood, stump recycling business

By Laura McFarland Managing Editor

POWHATAN – The Powhatan County Board of Supervisors approved a conditional use permit (CUP) last week for a wood and stump recycling business off Genito Road that received some pushback from local residents.

During the supervisors’ meeting on Monday, Nov. 28, the board voted in a 3-2 vote to approve the CUP for Soil Solutions LLC to create a business where contractors can drop off plant material and pick up wood chips and topsoil. The applicant will also be creating woodchips on-site for direct distribution.

The 63.62-acre property is located at 2040 Genito Road. The subject property is the former N.B Goodwyn Lumber Site.

Chairman Mike Byerly, who represents District 3; Steve McClung, District 2; and Karin Carmack, District 5, voted to approve the CUP while David Williams, District 1, and Bill Cox, District 4, voted against.

One factor in the case was a rail line that bisects the rear of the property. The rail area features a spur that comes off into the property that was once used to help ship wood products out on the rail line. Applicant Tim Kinney said he has secured access with Norfolk Southern to utilize the existing railway and spur with some repair needed for it to be functional. He is looking into rail as the primary distribution method for exporting wood chips but is yet to find a viable distribution center off the rail line.

Until Kinney is able to find a destination point for the chips to be delivered the primary way tree materials will come into the site and chips will leave the site is by truck, according to the board packet. The applicant plans to average 35 trips per day on average and during busy period, operate a maximum of 50100 trips per day.

During a public hearing held on the CUP case, six local residents spoke against the project, with comments most centered around concerns about loud noise from machinery affecting the neighbors and additional traffic from Chesterfield County making the already busy road more dangerous. Business operation hours have to be between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Other issues raised by the speakers included not wanting the quiet, rural life they chose ruined by machinery noise and noise from any rail cars; worries about more large work trucks on a road where people drive too fast; and the project being OK but the loca-

The strong points of having the pilot program that the school board and Teigen offered during the meeting included the pilot being completely free to the county; cameras only activating when the stoparm is out and a violation is occurring; cameras only taking images aimed at getting a vehicle and its license plate, not the driver’s image; the sheriff’s office reviewing footage to verify a violation occurred; and excess funds from higher numbers of violations after Altumint’s costs are met going to the county to use as it wishes.

One perspective that was highly sought after during that meeting but unavailable at the time was sheriff Brad Nunnally’s opinion on the matter. So when the public hearing was held during the board of supervisors’ consideration of the ordinance amendment, Nunnally was one of two speakers who shared his thoughts.

The other speaker, a private citizen, said on his face he was opposed to the school board stepping in to “enforce the law when their job is educating students.” The sheriff’s office is charged with enforcing the law, he said.

tion being wrong.

The board members who supported the CUP application pointed to the berm Kinney is required to have to help noise reduction and the wooded area around the operation that will also help reduce noise; an existing wide commercial entrance; and VDOT acceptance of the traffic it will add to the road.

Board opposition, which only Cox expressed reasons for, centered around noise concerns, likening it to not allowing amplified music; saying it would be more appropriate along Route 60 instead of a rural area like this with residences all around; and the desire to be good neighbors.

Other business handled at the meeting included: Carmack made a motion to ask the board of supervisors to write a letter to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality asking it to deny any request for a variance for permitting requirements from Green Ridge Recycling and Disposal Facility.

The variance request would be in response to a DEQ notification that the proposed landfill in Cumberland County near the Powhatan County line would impact perennial stream resources located within the area of proposed disposal units. “It appears that these streams within the disposal area are fed by springs or groundwater seeps,” read a letter from the DEQ to Green Ridge president Jerry Cifor on Oct. 25, 2022.

Cox said he is sympathetic toward any pushback against the landfill but had no information on what Carmack was proposing. Williams agreed. The board members agreed to get more information and review the topic of a letter at their December meeting.

The board had a discussion about the eastern convenience center, specifically regarding a proposed project allowed under Virginia’s Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act of 2002 (PPEA) that has been under negotiations for a while and whether they need to consider an alternative plan if it doesn’t come to fruition.

The county owns a 19.7-acre property along Route 60 just to the east of South Creek One that it purchased for the purpose of a second convenience center. However, there were issues with the land regarding its suitability for the kind of convenience center with growth potential along with the placement of the future Carter Gallier Boulevard expansion.

Interim county administrator Bret Schardein said the county received an applicant to its request for proposal (RFP) for a public-private partnership that would involve both a convenience center, the road extension and some economic development opportuni-

He also questioned who would be paying for the cameras and if they created some sort of incentivizing.

Nunnally, addressing the man’s concerns and answering other questions, said he generally doesn’t support this type of enforcement but in this case it is a pilot program that is not going to cost the county any money and his deputies will have the power to determine whether it is a ticket that should have been issued.

“We will view the tickets and make the decision whether or not they are to be sent out, not anybody from the school,” he said.

He also noted that the red flashing lights are there to stop other vehicles for the safety of children and any adults waiting with them or for them by the road, and “if the red lights are flashing and you pass a school bus, you are endangering children and there is no excuse for it.”

The number of tickets is not incentivized by how many tickets are written, because if it doesn’t work for Altumint “they are welcome to come pick their cameras back up because we are not paying for any camera or any rental fee whatsoever.”

Nunnally noted that the $250 civil fee is not as harsh a penalty as a criminal summons from the sheriff’s office, which would subject drivers to up to 12 months in jail and up to a $2,500 fine. He added it is “basically a free opportunity for us to try to be proactive in ensuring the safety of the kids on the buses.”

Although the footage will have to be viewed by a deputy before a citation

can be formally issued, Nunnally added it will only take approximately one hour a week of county manpower, so it would not necessitate him asking for any additional funding from the board of supervisors. He also pointed out that this is a pilot program, and if it doesn’t work for Powhatan County or suit its needs, the school division can stop the program.

After the public hearing closed, one issue Cox raised was an unsettled feeling about unanswered questions regarding the “money trail” of how Altumint’s fees work and feeling the responses were “evasive at best.”

Cox said he understands the interest in being proactive and having a pilot program but that this is a “fundamental shift of due process” away from the citizen’s right under the criminal statute to be “innocent until proven guilty.”

“When we move the citizen into the civil world the citizen is presumed to be guilty unless they can find a way to defend themselves. Now, I am just not willing to go and give up that due process that I think our citizens are entitled to. I understand the attraction for it, I understand the problem with it, but I

ties. The county is expected to receive a full detailed proposal with costs in January 2023, which the board can either accept, deny or negotiate terms. Schardein said engineering has been holding the project up mostly.

Unhappy with the continued delay, Byerly proposed seeking an RFP to just build a convenience center. He wanted a backup in case the PPEA project is not the direction the board wants to go and repeatedly advocated for the backup plan. After discussion about that idea versus waiting to see the results of the long work process of the PPEA that has already been undertaken, the board decided staff would look at the issue and come back at the December meeting with a proposal for a Plan B.

The board voted unanimously to amend the county’ fiscal year (FY) 2023 operating budget by budgeting and appropriating $3,344,453 for Powhatan County Public Schools.

The schools have received additional state funds in the amount of $425,440 from the Virginia Department of Education. The schools plan is to use these to offset the unanticipated increase in fuel and instructional supply costs.

During the FY2023 budget process the board of supervisors was made aware of potential school construction funds, according to board documents. These funds were not budgeted at the time as the amount was not yet approved. The amount of school construction funds the school system will receive is $1,794,013. Schools have various capital project needs they would like to use these funds for.

The division also included an HVAC project in the FY2023 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for total of $750,000, where the county would match 50%. The grant fund was $375,000 and school capital maintenance reserve would be used for the match. The schools were actually awarded a full $750,000, but the county would need to match $750,000. This would make the total project of $1,500,000. The additional match is $375,000 from School Capital Maintenance Reserve.

The board had a lengthy discussion about the Powhatan Department of Social Services mostly revolving around the lack of a program specifically to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. This discussion was spearheaded by Williams, who questioned why Powhatan does not have a designated program and is relying on GoochlandCares to help Powhatan residents despite there not being a cooper-

am not willing to support giving up the due process,” Cox said.

David Williams, District 1, asked for clarification on how the stop-arm violation citations would be handled versus deputies writing traffic tickets, with Nunnally answering and adding the additional comparison of parking tickets.

Nunnally said when a deputy issues a traffic ticket, people can come to court to refute it or choose to prepay, with most choosing the latter. With the stop-arm citations, if someone chooses not to pay the civil fee, there is also an opportunity to provide testimony in front of a judge to refute it. It is similar to the right citizens have to come and refute claims they illegally parked in a handicap parking space or fire lane and have a summons left on their windshield.

The legal standard is less for a civil penalty, as shown by the camera capturing the vehicle and license plate, not the driver, he said. But the owner of the vehicle has the opportunity to come to court and present evidence that he or she was not driving and show evidence of who was behind the wheel.

“If you were not the driver, you can come to

court and say ‘I was not the driver.’ That is to ensure the due process of the ticket. … If you wanted to look at it as a shortcut, it is when you make it a civil penalty. But the law does give us the opportunity to have this to speed up the process somewhat,” Nunnally said.

Karin Carmack, District 5, also called up Beth Teigen to talk about why she is in support of the pilot program. Teigen said she is “100% supportive because of the safety of our children.” Children and sometimes adults stand by the side of sometimes narrow roads and children sometimes have to cross the road to get to or from the bus entrance.

“When cars ignore that stop-arm and those red lights flashing they put our students at risk and they can also put our parents at risk who often will walk their children across the road to the bus. To me it truly is a safety issue for our children and their families. Our employees are for it because of our advocacy for children,” Teigen said.

The board then took the 4-1 vote passing the ordinance amendment.

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

PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND

The board of supervisors decided in a 4-1 vote to approve an ordinance change that will allow cameras to be mounted on school bus exteriors.

How do you keep from getting overwhelmed during the holiday season?

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

Find special moments even in holiday rush

By Laura McFarland Managing Editor

As busy schedules go, for me, it doesn’t get much more hectic than the weekend I just experienced.

Don’t worry, this isn’t going to be a treatise on overloading yourself with too much activity at the holidays. Nor is it going to be a recounting of my full calendar to prove how busy I am.

What strikes me about a weekend like the one I just experienced is that with such a high level of busyness – including stopping at seven happenings on Saturday alone – it can become too easy to disconnect from the feeling of an event. What works for me is making sure that even if I am only stopping somewhere for a few minutes, I find a moment that makes it special and connects me to it as a community member and not just as a reporter.

I’m going to share a few of those moments not because they were big splashy affairs that will end up in the front page but because they are my moments of connection that I seek to keep me grounded in Powhatan. I’m passionate about representing the community well even at times when it is a little too overwhelming, and sometimes it is the smallest moments that matter the most.

Saturday morning started at my desk mapping out all of the events on my list – the majority of which overlapped. Figuring out the order I needed to go to be able to reach them all – which I did! – was critical.

The first stop was Rise and Grind Cafe in the Village, which allowed Powhatan Christmas Mother volunteers to set up a gift wrapping station in their business. At that point when I arrived, the eager Christmas Mother elves had not had any customers bring presents to wrap yet, but while I was there a family who just came in to get drinks and had no presents to wrap walked over and gave a donation –an occurrence the volunteers said had already happened several times that morning.

Also while I was there, Powhatan Christmas Mother Kathy Ware strolled in to check on the wrap-

ping station and thank the volunteers. They posed for a fun photo, which you can see on page 3A, and Kathy mentioned that there were even more volunteers next door on the porch of County Seat Restaurant and Gathering Place selling sweatshirts. Every year shirts or sweatshirts are sold that depict the new Christmas Mother’s theme. This year’s theme is Whispering Hope. The stop wasn’t on the schedule, but what is the news business without being able to improvise a little? (By the way, the sweatshirts will be on sale on the Courthouse Green at Saturday’s Powhatan Christmas Parade for $25.)

Extra photo stop accomplished, it was off to the Pocahontas Landmark Center to gather information on the Intro to Pickleball clinic offered by Powhatan County Parks and Recreation. I was astounded to walk in the gym and see it filled with close to 60 people, who were either playing or off to the side watching and waiting their turn. We’ve had a few stories on pickleball in the Powhatan Today as local offerings have increased. It is not personal bias because I have never played, although I do find it intriguing.

But even never having picked up a racket, what has impressed me every time I have visited a pickleball court for an event was not only the willingness but the excitement of experienced players to pass on the game to new people because they truly believe it is just that worthwhile, and the clinic was proof of that all over again.

Passion Community Church’s Holly Jolly Jamboree was once again a well-organized, fun, sugar-filled experience for local families that was offered at no cost. The sanctuary and lobby were filled with the joyful screams and laughter of children playing, eating and crafting but one of my favorite moments was a little more quiet. A little girl shyly walked up on the stage holding her mother’s hand toward the patientlywaiting Santa Claus greeting boys and girls as they passed. The almost reverence with which she approached him and the dawning smile on her face as he quietly talked to her felt so right – a quiet moment in a sea of happy chaos.

Next stop was Powhatan County Public Library,

Buckling up: The simple step that could save your life Flashing

By Roslyn Ryan Richmond Suburban News

Of all the things we’re told to do because they are good for us, some are admittedly more difficult than others.

In the “hard” category, one could certainly put losing weight (don’t get me started); developing and sticking with an exercise regimen (likewise) and cutting out vices like smoking (I have never smoked, but I’ve known plenty of people who have either quit or tried to, and the effort certainly appeared Herculean to say the least).

For most of us, these kinds of things are going to be a lifelong challenge. But then there are the other measures, the ones that every single one of us can do with very little effort—things so easy we would be almost crazy not to do them. Stay out of the lion enclosure at the zoo—check. Don’t take a bath with a hairdryer—check. And finally, perhaps the biggest no-brainer of all, wear your seatbelt every time you get in a vehicle. Every. Single. Time. If we’re going to be honest, we can go ahead and admit that it’s easier sometimes to ignore the simple logic of buckling up. Maybe you’re just running up the street to the market and can’t imagine you’ll need it, or maybe you are just thinking about too many things at once as you start your commute. But, when it comes right down to it, there are two simple truths to bear in mind when it comes to deciding whether or not to use your seatbelt. One is that seatbelts save lives. And two is that your life is worth it.

According to preliminary statistics recently released from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), our region has seen a sharp increase in the number of people killed in crashes who weren’t wearing a seat belt.

As of Oct. 31, 81 people who weren’t properly secured in a seat belt or car seat died as a result of crashes in the Richmond region since the beginning of the year. That is compared to 66 over the same time last year, indicating an increase of 23%.

“We provide this data to give folks a look at what’s going on right now in their communities,” said acting DMV commissioner Linda Ford, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “Each of these numbers represents a real person and many are people in your community. We all have the power to make a difference by buckling up, slowing down and never driving distracted or impaired.”

Throughout the Commonwealth, 822 people have died in crashes so far this year, a 2% increase over last year.

While not all of those lives may have been saved by the use of a seatbelt, it’s safe to say that there are number of people being mourned this holiday season who didn’t need to die.

As you hop in the car and go about your day, even when it take a few seconds you don’t think you can spare, remember the one very tiny step you can take to ensure that you and your passengers are protected.

It could make all the difference in the world.

8460 Times Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville, Va 23116 Phone: 804-746-1235 Toll Free: 877-888-0449 Fax: 804-344-8746

Publisher Joy Monopoli jmonopoli@rsnva.com

Production Manager Denine D’Angelo ddangelo@mechlocal.com

Managing Editor Laura McFarland lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com

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Sales Representative Tom Haynie thaynie@mechlocal.com

Classifieds Cindy Adams cadams@mechlocal.com

which was having it’s Children and Families Holiday Craft Program. The library set up some great stations for children to create some cool little holiday-themed crafts. As someone who doesn’t have a child, the fun for me is always seeing the children’s attitude as they do activities like these, whether it is smiles all around or intense looks of concentration on the kids’ faces as they twist a pipe cleaner into an ornament or color and glue cut up pieces of plates to create their own Christmas tree. The crafter in me rejoices in that kind of focus.

The last stop of the morning was the Coalition of Powhatan Churches’ holiday tour, which saw four local churches and the Drexel-Morrell Center opening their doors to visitors to enjoy holiday decorations and a brief glimpse into their buildings’ histories. Because of a time crunch on the day, I only got to visit Hollywood Baptist Church and New Walk Bible Church, but both were highly informative stops. After taking a few photos, I listened to some of the history of the two churches with interest while looking around at the beautiful surrounds. While it was a holiday tour and the decorations were lovely, the churches themselves were the real attraction, and hearing about how they started and how they changed over time offered some nice insights into Powhatan’s history.

Last but not least was my drive through Graceland Baptist Church’s annual Live Nativity Drive Thru later that night and then parking and walking back around to the stations to get better photos. Many of the participants have been doing this for years and automatically strike a pose as I walk up to take the photo. It’s always nice to greet familiar faces and have a brief chat between vehicles to minimize any disruption, and I want to give a special shout out to the Wise Man who opened his “gift” to the baby Jesus and gave me a piece of candy as I had not yet had dinner and was feeling kind of tired.

Long story really short, find the little moments of joy wherever you can this holiday season, and, yes, my example above aside, don’t overload yourself too much.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

light not right for

intersection

Dear Editor, After the recent most tragic and extremely sad accident at the intersection of Rt 60 and Judes Ferry Road I feel compelled to write and voice a concern. There have been other accidents and near misses at this intersection, but this is the worst one yet with three lives taken and a fourth one in very critical condition. It is my feeling, and many others who I have talked with, that the yellow flashing left turn arrow is an extremely dangerous idea. I guess there are certain places that this will work with few problems. However, on a very busy four lane highway with the traffic traveling at speeds of 60 to 70 miles per hour and only one block away from the high school, with many new and inexperienced drivers, it is a very bad idea. I hope that the VDOT engineers will take a very close look at this intersection and do away with the flashing yellow arrows.

I would also like to point out another thing that most people never think of and that is the Law Enforcement Officers and other First Responders who work with these accidents and other tragedies. They see and deal with things that they will never forget. In reality, it is the equivalent of what people see and feel in combat that will stick with them for life.

Sincerely, Tommy Broughton Powhatan

SANTA RUNS

Continued from pg. 4

on Dec. 17 and continue each night through Dec. 22. The group will be leaving the station around 6 p.m. except Dec. 17 and 18, when they will leave at 5:30 p.m. Santa and the Fine Creek volunteers will be headed to the neighborhoods listed below. They will announce their arrival in each neighborhood on the Facebook page. Santa Runs will be no contact again this year. Santa doesn’t want to miss anybody, so he also asks that people meet at gathering spots in their neighborhood. Organizers hope you and your family will come out and greet Santa

and all our Fine Creek volunteers. The 2022 schedule is: Dec. 17: Aston, Oak Leaf, Sea Sail, and Timberview. Start time is 5:30 p.m. Dec. 18: Maple Grove East, Maple Grove West, Spencerwood, and Spencerwood West. Start time is 5:30 p.m. Dec. 19: Shadow Creek, Huguenot Pointe, and French Hill. Dec. 20: Wood Dale Acres, Woods Way, and Sherwood.

Dec. 21: St. Mary’s, Elioch Manor, and King William Woods. Dec. 22: Woodberry Mill, Country Town, Norwood Creek, and Valley Springs.

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS

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

Powhatan Today is published weekly on Wednesday with offices located at 8460 Times Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville, Va 23116. Periodical Postage paid at Powhatan, Va. 23139. USPS # 000-035 © 2022 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher. CAC Audited Circulation: 11,026.

PICKLEBALL

Continued from pg. 1

well and everybody enjoyed it. There was no negativity and she answered everybody’s questions,” he added.

Scott was equally pleased with the large crowd who attended the clinic, which started with instruction and transitioned into people taking turns playing on the three indoor courts of the gym. She was surprised at the number of people who came out for the event and said it was a little crowded for the space, but it definitely fulfilled the mission of the session of building up pickleball among Powhatan residents and making them aware of the county’s indoor and outdoor courts.

“At first I was thinking, ‘oh my goodness, how in the world am I going to handle all these people with three courts,’ but it turned out fine and everybody left having a great time and thanking me for coming,” she said. “I think it was really a great success and I look forward to helping out again in the spring on the outdoor courts.”

For Scott, the great turnout also showed that people want to learn the right way, which is important for her to keep people safe. She spent the first part of the session not only going over the rules and basic skills but stressing safety.

There is so much more to know than was covered in the short session, but she introduced them to what they had to know to be able to play a basic game. By doing that, she could get them on the court and have them

FLAT ROCK

pier, Addison Nelms, Marina Pantelejeva, Brianna Price, Tristan Ramsey, Madeline Ringstaff, Daisy Rodriguez-Palasio, Lucas Roudabush, Michael Schwartz, Seth Silliman, Rollyson Sletten, Nathan Stallings, Sloane Stigall, Zion Taylor, Ashleigh, Taylor, Samuel Thomas, Sonya Tye, Dustin Tyson, Nolan Urban, Dean Waybright.

Third Grade All A/B’s

Robert Adams, Liam Augustine, Gabriel Beasley, Jackson Boggs, Kollin Brunstetter, Owen Bulluck, Marilyn Cate, Owen Davis, Travis Delaney, Tristin Dillard, Mateus Erazo Daniels, Dylan Fridley, Mason Goff, Sadie Gould, Roland Graham, Louis Hatch, Hayden Hoover, Faith Johnson, Maci Jones, Landon Kerns, Aria Lindsay, Allison Loyall, Ariana Mangan, Axel McClendon, Harper McCormick, Serenity Minugh, Peyton Mungo, Charles Murray, Ava Muse, Eleanor Nelson, Lucia Ann Pasi, Raylen Reese, Ava Reynolds, Esme Richel, Erica Ricker, Haven Schil-

lette, Brooke Pennington, Riley Rich, Rilynn Sadler, Finley Shenk, Isaac Sweet, Hadley Taylor, Adalynn Turley, Alexander Upson, Kade Ware, Olivia Wyatt.

Second Grade All A/B’s

Adelaide Ailor, Aiden Albert, Greyson Batchelor, Cary Berger, Kyle Brammer, Gibson Bray, Raelynn Campbell, Xavier Campbell, Konstantine Chowanski, Dawson Cornell, Elizabeth Dickerson, Ivy Ellinghausen, Henley Goree, Maybrie Lloyd, Brantley Martin, Robert Martin III, George May, Thomas Parrish-Souhrada, Chase Powell, Riley Rhodes, Val Roberts, Jaxson Saur, Lincoln Stough, Bryson Trevillian, Robert Walton.

Third Grade All A’s

Addison Ballou, Libby Carter, Eiley Crist, Emersyn Garner, Cynthia Howell, Chance Johnson, Kellan Lewis, Henry Liford, Emmett Llewellyn, Levi Luck, Cole McQuiddy, Cooper Merchant, Landon Porter, Rachel Reynolds, Everlee Sauerbrey, Evan Smith, Anna Walker, Maximus Watson, Harper Webb, Allie Whitlow.

McFARLAND

playing real games as soon as possible so they see how much fun it is and want to try it again.

“Pickleball sells itself; you just have to introduce people to it, and that is what happened today,” Scott said on Saturday. “Some people came just to watch and the next thing you know they had a paddle in their hand and they said, ‘I am not just going to be watching anymore.’ ”

Scott said she was aided by her brother and two other experienced pickleball players who each were assigned to a court. They could answer questions and do demonstrations on their court as different players rotated in to play, and she could also walk around the room and answer questions.

She added she will send out supplemental videos to remind people of the rules and safety tips. Some may be inspired to take classes, but even if they don’t want to do that, just getting out and playing at their local courts from other players will offer a great continuing education in pickleball.

John Peterson of Powhatan said he and his wife, Kerrie, had been exposed to pickleball many years ago while visiting family in Florida but he didn’t remember any of the rules. Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic and looking for ways to get involved in the community since they moved to Powhatan in April, they read the notice for the introductory session and saw it as both a fun thing to do and a nice way to meet new peo-

ler, Louis Seivard, Lucas Shell, Olivia Stephenson, Roan Sullivan, Kiera Tinsley, Brayden Williams, Aubrie Willis, Henry Zornow.

Fourth Grade All A’s

Jackson Baughman, Cora Chapman, Luke Chester, Anson Dann, Sawyer Dunaway, Beckett Fisher, Logan Franklin, Liam French, Landon Gall, Arya Geiger, Symon Gould, Harper Hedgepeth, Aidan Hines, Arabella Johnson, Charly Kastelberg, Addy Lecik, Jackson Lightner, Harry Moore IV, Mackenzie Perkins, Julianna Russo, Tyson Sims, Evan Soderstrom, Finn Toft, Eden Tomlinson, Gabrielle Tunstall, Lily Waller, Grandon Walthall, Pierce Ward.

Fourth Grade All A/B’s

Harvest Ashman, Caleb Austin, Annabella Bradley, Teagan Brauburger, Emma Bronson, McKenzie Campfield, Caroline Chewning, Grayson Cole, Zoey Columbo-Powell, Rainn Daniel, Valentyna De La Cruz Maldonado, Grace Derrer, Faith Dodd, Tessa, East, Jacob Em-

Third Grade All A/B’s

ple.

It was a pretty easy game to pick up, he said, and the couple certainly plans to continue playing.

“Once we got into scrimmaging and actually playing, that was probably our favorite part,” he said. “As the instructor said, it was a really huge crowd, so taking a group that size through the drills was clumsy. But once we got to start hitting the ball around and actually playing the game, that was the best part.”

Powhatan County Parks and Recreation offers pickleball indoors from 9 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at the Pocahontas Landmark Center. Outdoor courts are open daily until 11 p.m.

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

ery, Matthew Farnham, Ryan Fletcher, Shay Fox, Bentley Frank, Addison Gaters, Kingston Goode, Taygen Graham, Sadie Harbison, Bentley Hatchett, Joshua Helms, Lilly Hinde, Hank Holloway, Noah Hoppin, Bella Justice, Colin Kirby, Jacob Lai, Jackson Lilly, Ryder Mezera, Evan Owen, Thomas Partusch, Audrey Perkins, John Petrini, Floyd Ray, Abigail Selz, Sydney Shelton, Jude Singh, Kylie Smith, Brennen Sprouse, Gabriel Stallings, Lucas Stopf, Krissa Sweeney, Kellan Walker, Weston White, Jacob Willis, Hayden Wood.

Fifth Grade All A’s

Landen Allen, Brighton Arb, Leilani Augustine, Catherine Barr, Jacob Betz, Natalie Blankenship, Evan Brooks, Marley Cintron, Zoe Clark, Kinley Crockett, Kinzley Dekle, Grace Flippo, Myron Fuller, Michaela Goodman, Easton Green, Connor Harney, Reece Harper, Collins Harvie, Asher Ingebretsen, Berkley Krieger, Kaia McClure,Alexa Miller, Amberly Nalder, Ethan Nelson, Mario Ortega, Josie Pasi, MakenaPaulin, Sophia Pitman, Keziah Raines, Lola

Rinker, Kinley Ross, Abby Saunders, Jackson Shiflett, Leif Smartschan, Quinn Stigall, Dylan Strickland, Tommy White, Kendall Williams, Dunia Zaki.

Fifth Grade All A/B’s

Aubrey Allee, Ryle Anderson, Olivia Andrews, Madilyn Batten, Olivia Rae Bowlin, Steele Callaway, Aubree Carnes, Austin Carroll, Sam Carter, Halli Chewning, Noah Clemons, Peyson Collins, Mason Cook, Gracie Cook, Brezlun Cooke, Isabella Crawford, Wyatt Davis, Brayden Farrell, Lillian Fewings, Samuel Halfon, Rebecca Hall, Alaina Hill, Jaxon Hull, Jacob Huppert, Sophia Jenkins, Morgan Johnson, Braxton Kerns, Ethan King, Corbin Kluis, Price Lee Ann, Madison Markland, Kaylee Mawyer, Kylie McDowell, Landon McNamara, Austin Miller, Brynn Morrison, Chloe Moser, Easton Osborne, Gianni Pabon-Lundy, Levi Powers, Audrina Poythress, David Ramsey, Michael Sabatini, Adam Saunders, Emma Selz, Aiden Smith, Wyatt Smith, Christopher Terry, Noah Tinsley, Caden Wheeler, Mason Williams.

Jase Allard, Brantley Barnes, Benjamin Brammer, Aiden Bukas, Logan Campbell, Catherine Chavez, Andress Chinnis, Ellie Collison, Adalynn Douberly, Paisley Drake, Bradley Frohman, Alice Geary, Thomas Golden, Grace Harper, Madisyn Haynie, Addison Hess, Lucy Kennedy, Claire Kerns, Cruz Lopez, Field Mays, Isabella Nester, Lorelai Nice, Landon Painter, Chayse Phelps, Noah Robertson, Halee Shepperson, Chloe Sherman, Khloe Smith, Abram Spainhour, Easton Welsh, Ainsley Wilson.

Fourth Grade All A’s

Austin Corcoran, Gage Crist, Colton Foor, Mason Garner, Colby Hicks, Lanie Jastram, Symone Johnson, Magnolia Koch, Leverette Nice, Adalene Pantle, Katleigh Sadler, Clara Shirkey, Natalie Simmons, Noah Spence, Maddox Steele, Eleanor Striker, Rylan Williams, James Woodson III, Olivia Wright.

Fourth Grade All A/B’s

Abigail Asencio, Weston Campbell, Eli Cash, Liam Douglas, Reed Fillman, Catherine Gerow, Addison Graves, Charlotte Gregory, Landry Hamilton, Piper Herring,

Katherine Isley, Brantley Lynch, Coleman Marshall, Landen McPherson, Everret Morales, Caleb Ortiz, Trace Pennington, Adrain Pereyra-Garcia, Mason Roberts, Chase Sanders, Skye To, Richard Walton, Bella Worsham, Kayleigh Young.

Fifth Grade All A’s

Graham Bilthuis, Allison Burkhart, Maelynn Campbell, Andrew Collison, Matthew Dickerson, Colin Dillon, Michael Gibbs, Cutler Johnson, Parker Kellam, Isla Kimsey, Matthew Lloyd, Colton Madures, Stetson Nice, Kelsie Ryman, Hannah Taylor, Julia Wilson.

Fifth Grade All A/B’s

Grayson Allen, Jackson Arnett, Jordyn Batchelor, June Boyer, Amelia Chavez, Kemper Christian, Hailey Conlon, Luke Cottone, Logan Fields, Elise Fitch, Kaylin Gibson, Jonathan Harris, Kirsten Hayton, Willow Hence, Sophia Huckaby, Adam Irwin, Carsten Johannsen, Taylor Landess, Lucy Layne, Maddox Nelson, Lucy North, Tristan O’Neil, Gracelyn Peyton, Vidia Richardson, Ryleigh Scott, Albert Shinn, Charles Simons Jr, Brendan Staffieri, Jaxon Stringfield, Davin Torkelsen, Bryleigh Trevillian, Joshua Wade, Raylynn Watson, John Wilson, Mark Young II.

BOARD

ative agreement between the county and the nonprofit.

Williams talked at length about the history of how those services changed in Powhatan through the years, including talking about how staffing changes and priority shifts within the department altered the resources and staff dedicated to domestic violence and sexual assault cases.

Williams talked about wanting reports from social services about its services, especially since the board of supervisors’ made the social services board an advisory board that answers to the supervisors. There was also talk about staffing levels and the division of labor in the social services with regard to these services.

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

PHOTOS BY LAURA

Clockwise from top left, Joe Parker of Powhatan returns a serve while his scrimmage partner David Morgan watches during an Introduction to Pickleball clinic offered by Powhatan Parks and Recreation on Saturday; Jerry Neidigh dives to get a ball while playing alongside Mark Gormus; and Linda Scott, USA Pickleball ambassador, demonstrates serving to Mary Ellin Scarberry.

POWHATAN ELEMENTARY

Powhatan girls basketball opens season with 2-1 record

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

Powhatan girls basketball is off to an exciting start to the season with two wins in three games, including a win at the Monacan-hosted Edgar T. Rawles Memorial Tournament on Dec. 3.

The memorial tournament featured six games and 12 local teams, with Powhatan facing the Douglas Freeman Mavericks (1-2) and winning that matchup in a packed gym, 42-38. Powhatan’s previous win was a 56-14 blowout over George Wythe on Dec. 1.

Powhatan was led by a 14-point performance from junior Corynn Lampman, who scored a teamhigh six points in the second half to propel her team forward to victory in a close contest.

pg. 2

GIRLS BASKETBALL,

see

Flippo’s winner leads Indians

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

Down one with the ball in their hands and a stingy George Wythe defense on the other side, Powhatan needed a hero to step up and deliver what would be their first win of the season.

In the final seconds, that hero was freshman Ryan Flippo, who put in a layup with 3.2 seconds left to steal the game from the clutches of the Bulldogs in a 66-65 nailbiter.

The Indians never led before that Flippo score, but with the clock at zero, they had the only lead that mattered.

The Indians opened the season two days prior with a home game versus a talented Manchester Lancers team coming off a dominant 2021-22 season within the region, and though the Indians battled in that one, the more experienced Lancers were able to maintain a big lead throughout with a 68-45 victory.

After that game, head coach Brock Geiman said the kind of test the Lancers present to start the season is something that bodes well for the Indians long-term despite the result ending in a loss.

“I thought we worked

really hard, which is all I ask them to do is to compete and work hard regardless of the opponent,” he said. “Manchester is incredibly well coached

Wells leads in early season tournament

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

Powhatan wrestling had a major test to open the season on Saturday, Dec. 3, traveling to Brentsville, Virginia for the Greg Stanley Memorial Tournament hosted by Brentsville High School.

It was a big stage to battle on this early in the season, and for many of Powhatan’s wrestlers, their first major competitive contest. Missing a few seniors from their roster for the tournament, the Indians still showed up, wrestled hard and made a strong first impression in Brentsville, placing fifth among 10 teams.

Sophomore Luke Wells, coming off an impressive freshman year, was back to his winning ways again to start his second year, winning first place honors in the 120-pound bracket. Head coach Jonathan Tanaka

says Wells looked great on a technical level as his star sophomore beat a Westfield wrestler in the finals to take the title.

“He’s always such a calm competitor, never panics and wrestles through every situation,” Tanaka said of Wells.

Experienced Indians

like Britton Proffitt, Talon Harness, Ricky Huber and Gavin Utley all had positive results as well. Proffitt had the team’s second best result of second place in the 144-pound class, while Harness placed third in the 132-pound class.

Huber, competing in

the 215-pound bracket, also placed third for Powhatan, and Utley finished fourth in the 138-pound bracket.

The team’s newcomers showed a lot of flashes of promise in their performances. Wrestlers like Cal Johnson, Brady Beard see WRESTLING, pg. 2

and talented, they have a lot of returners that have played a lot of basketball, and we’re at the very early stages of trying to build a program that’s going to

look like that in a couple years.”

That game also prepared Powhatan for the types of defensive looks see BOYS BASKETBALL, pg. 2

Track teams has multiple winners at Caroline meet

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

Two Powhatan runners left the 2022 Caroline Icebreaker Invitational with first place results and more showed up with strong season-opening results that kicked off the indoor track and field season with style.

Mayson Jenkins and Ella Green, returning off of fantastic 2021-22 seasons, took home top honors in their respective competitions to start off seasons that likely find them competing beyond the region and into the state championships.

Jenkins, running in the 500 meter dash, won with a time of 1 minute, 24.04 seconds, which was just 0.52 seconds off from achieving the 500 state qualifying standard and two seconds off the school record.

Green won the 3200 meter dash with a time of 11:58.04, less than two minutes ahead of her nearest competition.

Two more strong performances from the Powhatan side came in the girls shot put from Whittney Anderson and Leyla Sakrisson, who placed second and third in the competition, respectively.

Anderson’s second place showing came with a see CAROLINE, pg. 2

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDI HUGHES Powhatan guard D.J. Jackson drives on a Manchester defender in the team’s home-opener on Nov. 30.

FILE PHOTO

Junior Corynn Lampman scored a team-high 14 points against Douglas Freeman at the Edgar T. Rawles Memorial Tournament on Dec. 3.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Powhatan wrestling placed fifth at the Greg Stanley Memorial Tournament on Dec. 3.

PREVIEW: BSH basketball has promising future

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

There’s a lot that’s new about Blessed SacramentHuguenot basketball as the season gets underway for the boys and girls teams.

For starters, the gym has had a complete makeover since the two teams last saw the floor, featuring a new floor, bleachers, roof and paint job. A brand new practice facility featuring a weight room and P.E. classrooms is also in the works.

Aside from the facilities, the girls team has taken a step forward from junior varsity to varsity after fielding a young team last year that was the conference regular season and tournament runner-up.

Now, the Knights, led by head coach Phil Villiott in his fourth season with the program, enters the season with four returning starters and four more returning reserves. It’s a young roster despite a lot of

BOYS BASKETBALL

it’ll likely see over the course of the season.

From intense full-court presses like the one Manchester opened with to the traditional man-toman, Powhatan is working to make sure it manages to counter those different schemes and play its brand of basketball.

“It just depends on what the rest of the teams look like,” Geiman said. “If teams are going to be really athletic like them and try to speed everybody up then we’ll try to slow things down and play our brand of basketball. I think if we are even athletically, we’re going to try and play fast

returning experience, but Villiott says the team is learning to adapt to varsity competition and the speed of the game that comes with that advanced talent level.

Junior Charlie Potter, the only remaining player left from the VISSA State Tournament team in the 2019-20 season, will again step into the role of floor general for the Knights. Potter has already developed a reputation for being a high-level hustler and leader with the ball in her hands, and will get a chance to build on her game even more this season.

The team also features Kennedy Dowdy, also a junior, who moves up from junior varsity in her second year at BSH. Dowdy’s skills on the boards and aggression in the paint makes her a fun offensive player to watch.

Emma Dowdy will also step in as a key rebounder next to Kennedy, while ju-

as well and get up as many shots up as we can.”

In both games, Flippo and fellow varsity newcomer D.J. Jackson have gotten feature roles next to holdovers like Jack DeBord, Oscar Whitely and Matthew Henderson.

After Flippo added two points in his debut and Jackson recorded six points and two assists, they made huge plays the following game with Flippo’s aforementioned game-winner and Jackson putting up 15 points for the second most behind Henderson.

“They’re learning quickly and learning to play at a pace that they have not played previously,” Geiman said of his freshman contribu-

clocking in at 3:07.95.

nior Lilly Hickey enters the season as a hard worker and potential top scoring threat that’s working to improve her shooting range.

The team also features two freshmen primed for roles on the team in Liza Watkins and Erin Maynes. Watkins has a chance to seize the starting point guard position in her first year thanks to excellent athletic ability and a willingness to take in coaching and feedback. Maynes, playing on the win, is someone Villiot says he’s excited about because of her strength on the ball, saying she doesn’t back down from anyone.

On the boys team, coached by Chris Hamner in his seventh year, it’ll be a lot of new names stepping onto the floor in the Knights’ starting five, with senior center David Mann coming in as the lone returning starter. Mann led the Knights in rebounding last season and averaged 10

tors. “D.J. has been great for us, he plays the majority of the game with the ball and he’s been a huge surprise for me, I wasn’t aware of his ability, and it’s been awesome to see. He’s been great for us.”

The George Wythe contest was also a huge return to form for Henderson, who shot 4-of-12 in the season-opener and returned with a monster 21-point game that saw him pour in 17 points in the second half to keep the Indians within striking distance of the lead.

Paul Bonner had his scoring touch from the free throw line versus the Bulldogs, shooting 6-of7 from the charity stripe and finishing with eight points to add to a high

points per game, and will likely be tasked with an even bigger scoring workload in his final year.

The team also gets experience in the form of a transfer, with Tanner Wood, formerly with Midlothian, joining the team as their starting point guard.

Senior guards Jackson Hawkins and Hayden Campbell return after com-

scoring game for the Indians.

DeBord added 14 points against both the Bulldogs and the Lancers, finding his scoring touch from beyond the arc in the first week of the season.

There’s a lot to be impressed by in this twogame sample, and with a home matchup with Midlothian fast approaching on Wednesday, Dec. 7, Powhatan will be locked in for a chance at knocking off a district rival.

Midlothian started its season 0-2, with a 75-33 loss against Manchester on Dec. 2 to start their season.

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

ing off the bench last year along with junior Trenton Quinlan, giving the Knights plenty of backcourt options to work with in their rotations.

In the frontcourt, junior Nathan Roberts comes in as a forward that’ll have his opportunities on the floor.

The team’s identity will be through their defensive tenacity and ability to ad-

just based on their matchups.

They have experience sitting back into a 2-3 zone, playing aggressive with a 1-3-1 trap or playing straight up man-to-man.

There’s much to be hopeful for with both Knights programs, and a lot that’s new that will surely get fans excited about another season of BSH basketball.

throw of 26 feet, 6 inches while Sakrisson’s throw measured in at 26-4. Their teammate Alicia Dickerson wasn’t far behind in fifth place with a throw of 25-4.

In the boys shot put, Powhatan’s best performance came from Henry Bowman, who placed fifth with a top throw of 33-6.

In the boys 1000 meter run, Gio Hernandez led the Indians with a fourth place finish,

Later, in the girls 300, Aleah Burnett opened her season with a strong 46.99-second dash that placed her fourth.

Tane Jeffs also placed fifth in his 3200 run, finishing at 11:20.46.

Powhatan faced some stiff competition in a tight girls 4x400 relay. Just nine seconds separated third and sixth place, with the Indians placing sixth with a time of 4:59.74.

Despite a tough result, the Indians relay team ran hard and showed promise that their results will im-

prove over the course of a long track season.

Next up for the Indians is the Dominion District Polar Beer competition, which will be hosted by Cosby High School on Dec. 14.

After that on Jan. 7, the Indians track and field teams travels all the way to Lexington, Virginia for the 2023 East Coast Elite hosted by Cave Spring High School and held at Corps Physical Training Facility.

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

and Preston Ritz all turned in top-6 results on the day, creating a good foundation to build on as they get used to higher levels of competition.

“The newcomers have been awesome,” Tanaka said. “We have a ton of eighth and ninth graders in the program, which will bode well for the future and bring a lot of new energy to the room. Cal, Brady, Preston all got their first taste of varsity action so it was good to see them wrestle hard and place top-6.”

The journey is just beginning for the Indians in their quest for a third straight region title, but there was a lot to like in their first tests of the season.

“Individually all our guys saw a lot of solid competition from teams in 5A and 6A, so it was a really good test of where we are early in the season,” Tanaka said. “As always just keep looking to improve every day, this will give us a lot of good film to look at as we navigate through the year.”

The Indians wrestle again on Wednesday, Dec.

7, when they face off with St. Christopher’s in a road contest between two wellregarded teams. The two teams previously faced off in a scrimmage on Nov. 23.

“They’re such a great program with phenomenal coaches and wrestlers,” Tanaka said. “It will be a big test going to their place, and we’re excited for the challenge.”

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Behind Lampman’s scoring impact was an 11-point showing from sophomore guard Emma Terry, who caught fire early with two makes in the first quarter and six more in the second quarter that helped Powhatan take a 25-12 lead into halftime.

Powhatan’s third leading scorer was senior Katherine Cerullo, who pitched in nine points along with her usual stellar defense in the paint, uptempo runs to the rim and ball-moving that set her teammates up for success.

Coach Steve Washburn’s team came out of the gate strong to take that double-digit lead, but credit’s due to the fight the Mavericks showed in their halftime adjustments and the resulting third quarter, where they scored 15 points and held the Indians to just six for their lowest scoring quarter of the game.

That big halftime lead was cut down to 31-27, adding a sense of the dramatic to the game that felt like it could be anyone’s game with both team’s flashing strong play, but the In-

dians regained control in the fourth quarter and managed to match the Mavericks’ scoring with an even 1111 fourth quarter that saw them pull away with the win and move forward with a winning record to start the season.

It was an impressive early-season moment for Powhatan, who faced a bigger stage than your typical regular season affair with a sense of calm that makes sense coming from a team fresh off a state tournament appearance and deep regional tournament run.

The Indians have a busy schedule ahead of them after the win over the Mavs, facing three opponents in the span of four days, two of which they’ll have on their home court.

With matchups against Goochland and Midlothian early in the week, the final game of the week sees them face Huguenot (1-1) at home on Dec. 8. In last year’s matchups against Huguenot, Powhatan handily won both meetings with scores of 52-8 and later 42-23.

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDI HUGHES

Senior guard Jack DeBord walks the ball up the court.

FILE PHOTO

Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot’s girls team returns to the varsity level after a year of junior varsity play.

CAROLINE

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Powhatan’s Brogan Andersen hands off the baton to teammate Owen Kerns.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Sophomore Luke Wells stands atop the podium after winning the 120-pound title.

Sales support Christmas Mother

Dearden to bid farewell to farmers market world

By Roslyn Ryan Richmond Suburban News

Call it a farm farewell.

Lisa Dearden, whose name has become synonymous in and around the region with bustling local farmers markets, has announced that she will be retiring from the world in which she’s been a staple for 17 years.

“This day has finally come,” Dearden said in a recent Facebook post, explaining her decision to close down several of the markets she currently oversees and transfer ownership of at least two others, including the Powhatan Village Farmers Market. But while she has since been able to find an individual to take over her nonprofit RVAg—thereby preserving all of the markets for now— Dearden said last week that her decision to step down is final.

“I am definitely ready to retire from it,” Dearden said, explaining that mounting health challenges and family responsibilities played the biggest role in convincing her it was time to step away.

Dearden, whose move into the world of local markets began when she was sidelined by a serious injury nearly two decades ago and looking for a way to stay busy, suffered a traumatic brain injury in March of 2021 when a freak storm ripped through the Goochland Courthouse market. A subsequent stroke last July left her further depleted, Dearden said.

Given those challenges, “I simply cannot do the complex work that an executive director must do in order to sustain an organization with so many spinning plates,” Dearden said.

Two decades ago, after completing a certificate in Sustainable Agriculture and earning a degree in horticulture, Dearden began volunteering for the Center for Rural Culture, which ran a farmers market in Centerville. She be-

came president of the organization’s board the following year, then became its first executive director. She left that organization in 2010 and soon founded Manakin Market, which was one of the largest farmers markets in the region for many years. Goochland Farmers Market in Courthouse followed.

Dearden was a founding steering committee member of the Virginia Farmers Market Association and went on to become the board treasurer, and also led an initiative to get the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Agriculture to gather four times a year for two years, with market managers from all over the state.

Even when the COVID-19 pandemic forced a radical rethinking of how to connect local farmers with consumers, Dearden persevered, managing to open two new markets and open an online market that delivered to eight different locations.

Still, said Dearden, working through the pandemic “was one of the hardest things I’ve had to go through as a business owner.”

Dearden gives full credit to her team for pulling together and helping to keep the markets going through those challenges, and for standing by her as she recovered from her stroke. She said she’s also thrilled to have found a “highly qualified, and very organized” individual to take over her nonprofit at the beginning of 2023, though she said she was not yet ready to share any further details about the new leadership.

Calling her decision to retire “bittersweet,” Dearden said last week that she knows she’s doing the right thing and takes pride in the difference she was able to make for the local agriculture community.

“Every journey has an end, and I’m getting ready for another journey,” Dearden said. “I’m pretty excited about it.”

Pearl Harbor Day ceremony remembers the fallen

Contributed Report

The Richmond Council Navy League of the United States and the Virginia War Memorial will co-host a Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond. Dr. Clay Mountcastle, director of the Virginia War Memorial will welcome the public to the ceremony that will be held outdoors in the Memorial’s Shrine of Memory. Patrick Harris, president of the Richmond Council Navy League, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the annual program.

The Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony will include the presentation of wreaths in memory of the Virginians who died on Dec. 7, 1941, when the forces of Imperial Japan attacked the Naval Base at Pearl Harbor and other military bases in Hawaii. More than 2,400 Americans died and of those killed, 41 were listed as native Virginians. The name of each Virginian who perished will be read and remembered with the tolling of the ship’s bell from the USS Virginia which is on permanent display at the Virginia War Memorial. Descendants of Pearl Harbor Survivors will also be attending.

The guest speaker is Captain Gregory “Chaser” Keithley, USN (Ret), executive director of the Tailhook Association, a nonprofit organization internationally recognized as the premier supporter of aircraft carrier and other sea-based aviation. He served with multiple fighter squadrons, completed tours on numerous ships and carriers and deployed to the Western Pacific, Middle East and Africa. He also served as a technical advisor for the movie “Top Gun: Maverick.” He will pay tribute to the actions and bravery of the military personnel and civilians killed and injured on Dec. 7.

There is no admission charge for the memorial event.

The mission of the Virginia War Memorial is to honor veterans, preserve history, educate youth and inspire patriotism in all. The memorial includes the names of the nearly 12,000 Virginia heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars and the Global War on Terrorism. The Virginia War Memorial is located at 621 South Belvidere Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220. For information, call 804-786-2060 or visit www.vawarmemorial.org.

PHOTO BY LAURA MCFARLAND

Powhatan Christmas Mother Kathy Ware, right, stopped by County Seat and Gathering Place Saturday to cheer on volunteers selling this year’s Christmas Mother sweatshirt, which costs $25 and will be available at the Powhatan Christmas Parade. Shown with Ware is Susan Stanley, who funded the sweatshirts.