Powhatan Today –04/12/2023

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Board sets tax rate at 69 cents

because he said he did not have enough information about where cuts were going to be made to make sure it was financially possible.

Managing Editor

POWHATAN – One penny –one worth about $560,000 – was central to a lengthy debate last week about where the county’s fiscal situation is going both in the short term and long term.

In the end, the penny in question – a penny on Powhatan County’s real estate tax rate –was decided when the board of supervisors voted 4-1 in favor of adopting the calendar year 2023

Real Estate Tax Rate at 69 cents at its April 3 meeting.

David Williams, who represents District 1, didn’t support the vote

That was because staff had come to the meeting with a proposal of how to get the tax rate to 70 cents. When Steve McClung, District 2, made a motion to adopt the tax rate at 69 cents, which he also did during a March 28 budget workshop, he didn’t propose a plan of how to make up that extra $560,000 in the budget. Nor did the lengthy discussion between board members about where the money could be found in the county’s coffers to make it work yield a definite path to find the extra penny. That work will be the focus of

county staff in the coming weeks and up for debate again ahead of a special meeting on May 1, the date the board is scheduled to adopt its fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget and capital improvement program (CIP).

The board agreed to advertise in this week’s issue of the Powhatan Today an FY2024 budget net of transfers of $116,133,435, which is an increase of $6.22 million (5.7%) over the FY2023 adopted budget. Within that budget is the county transfer to the schools of $28,058,736, which is an increase of 2,032,129 from the FY2023 adopted budget.

Schardein pointed out during the presentation that the 5.7% increase has dropped from an 8.8% increase in the first draft of

the budget. “That is lower than the rate of inflation and significantly lower than increases that many others in the region as well as some other similarly sized and peer located localities – significantly lower than most of the other rural localities in our region and what they are looking at,” he said.

The board also unanimously adopted its calendar year 2023 personal property tax rates, which include personal property, business personal property and machinery and tools taxes at $3.60 and personal property rates for disabled veterans, volunteer fire and rescue personnel and handicapped modified vehicles at $0.0001.

Going into the April 3 meeting, county staff had been tasked with

finding the money or cuts in the FY2024 budget to get the board down to the desired 69 cents. The board and staff have been steadily working the proposed tax rate down from an initial proposed high of 75 cents.

Huge jumps in 2023 real estate assessments mean the county’s effective tax rate – the tax rate Powhatan County needs to create the same amount of revenue as the previous year – would be 67 cents per $100 of assessed value for 2023. That means 69 cents, while significantly lower than the 2022 rate of 77 cents, still represents a tax increase since it is two cents above the effective real estate tax rate.

Event aims to promote forgiveness

LAURA MCFARLAND Managing Editor

POWHATAN – Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting the harm done to you. Forgiveness leads to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion when we hurt.

That is the message host Dale Goodman hopes people can walk away with when they attend the upcoming program “50 Plus Years of Forgiveness.” The free community event will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 23 in the auditorium of Powhatan High School, 1800 Judes Ferry Road. All are welcome.

Murray,

Powhatan Middle students to present to NASA leadership

STAFF REPORT

Team Quarantine Comets from Powhatan Middle School in Powhatan, through hard work and dedication, earned a selection as Honorable Mention in the 2023 NASA App Development Challenge (ADC). The team has earned the opportunity to attend a virtual culminating event on April 12 to 14 to present their work to NASA leadership. Their presentation is scheduled to take place virtually after school on Thursday, April 13.

The challenge asks middle and high school students to contrib-

ute solutions to technical problems facing future deep space exploration missions. Team Quarantine Comets worked over 10 weeks to develop an application to visualize the South Pole region of the Moon and display essential navigation and communication information for possible use in future Artemis mission planning and training activities.

The South Pole region contains multiple potential landing sites for Artemis III, the first of the Artemis missions to bring humans to the lunar surface.

Team Quarantine Comets

was selected as an Honorable Mention by an interview panel including engineers and scientists working with NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) team and will present their app to NASA leadership in April 2023.

Speaking at the March 21 Powhatan County School Board meeting, computer science teacher Bilal Raychouni proudly described the accomplishment of the after school NASA club he runs. He pointed out that his middle school students’ Honorable Mention saw them

placing fourth in a nationwide competition. While the middle schoolers were disappointed not to have placed higher, their teacher looked into the results and learned the top three teams, who have the opportunity to travel to Johnson Space Center to present their app, are all from magnet high schools.

“STEM-focused, nationally certified Blue Ribbon magnet high schools were the only schools good enough in these United States to beat my middle

Goodman, whose theme as the Powhatan Christmas Mother in 2021 was “A Christmas of Unity,” is still determined to promote an understanding that Powhatan is a stronger community when it comes together.

In the last few years, she recalled leaving meetings of the Powhatan County Board of Supervisors and School Board often confused and dismayed.

“The public comment sessions during the meetings display mostly acts and words of disrespect and discord. I remembered getting these very same feelings when I decided to host the 2015 ‘50 Plus Years of Forgiveness,’” she said. “County residents and both boards had gone haywire and all sense of unity was lost. I’m hoping that hosting ‘50 Plus Years of Forgiveness…continued’ will perhaps regain a sense of unity.”

When Goodman first planned the similar event in 2015, it was centered on both Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the anniversary of the integration of Powhatan schools. The latter subject was dear to Goodman’s heart as

Local woman creates coloring book

Managing Editor

When Shannon Wolford is drawing, she loves the exercise in creativity and feeling of accomplishment it gives her.

The 31-year-old Powhatan artist has explored several different types of media and is still finding where her passion lies, but she was pleased to recently create interactive artwork she hopes will bring people joy. This spring, she published her first printed work, “Fantasy Unicorns Coloring Book,” which is available for purchase on Amazon.

The book of 25 illustrations she created over about a year

PHOTO COURTESY OF POWHATAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Team Quarantine Comets from Powhatan Middle School in Powhatan, through hard work and dedication, earned a selection as Honorable Mention in the 2023 NASA App Development Challenge (ADC). The team consists of Lillian Coleman-Chatman, from left to right, Avery Lessner, Jake Kinnier, Tristen Payne, Colin

Zachary Rosas, Miller Redlich (on the floor), Catherine Kao, Hayden Columbo-Powell, Abigail Fairchild, Evangeline Frith and London Wright.

LAURA MCFARLAND

LAURA MCFARLAND

PHOTO BY LAURA MCFARLAND

FAMILIES HOP INTO FUN AT EGGSTRAVAGANZA

The parachute game drew big smiles at Saturday’s Powhatan Eggstravaganza held in and around Fighting Creek Park. Participating in the game were, from left, Lanson Willeson and sisters Cora and Mika Lucaci.

Artist Shannon Wolford holds a unicorn coloring book she recently published.

PHOTO BY LAURA MCFARLAND

Powhatan, Virginia

Robert Fleming Willis

Earth Day Celebration set for April 21

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

WILLIS, Robert Flem

ing, son of William Melville Willis and emma louise pulliam Willis, passed away on the morning of March 25, 2023 after a sudden and brief battle with acute myeloid leukemia, at the age of 76. He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Wonderley Willis; his sister, a nne B. (Willis) Carmody; his mother-in-law, Given Huffman Wonderley; his brother-in-law, John Hasper s ponaugle; and his father and mother, William and e mma lou. He is sur vived by son, david Fleming Willis; son, William Wonderley ( ley) Willis and husband, John Huggins; daughter, a nne e lizabeth ( l issie) Willis Van leunen and husband, Tommy Van leunen; sisterin-law, pamela Wonderley s ponaugle; father-in-law, Franklin Wonderley; and a host of other relatives and friends. a graveside memorial will be held on Thursday, april 13, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Hollywood Cemetery. We encourage all family and friends to attend.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12

The american red Cross will hold a blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. april 12 at powhatan County public library, 2270 Mann road. Make an appointment by calling 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org. Community Matters is a resource for all 55 and forward interested in learning, staying active and engaging with peers. Challenge and socialization are powerful benefits and crucial at any age! Multiple weekly sessions with a wide range of topics and activities are held at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the pocahontas landmark Center, 4290 anderson Hwy, in the training room of powhatan parks and recreation. Upcoming programs include: april 18 multi-part series at 10 a.m. art exploration. local artist and teacher Holly smith leads us in learning about the stories, challenges and works of other artists. The five-part series will cover five different artists: paul Klee, Henri Matisse, romare Barden, lee Krasner and andy Goldsworthy. Weekly we will build on what we learn with a project of our own. april 13, 20 and 27: 10 a.m. Game day Thursdays. Many games will be made available (Mahjong, Bingo, cards, Wii, cards, puzzles, rummikub, Boggle, Would you rather, Taco/Cat/Goat/ Cheese/pizza etc) and you’re welcome to bring your own. Connect with friends, old and new over a cup of coffee or tea and a game. april 6: 10 a.m. Technology assistance. Taught by Kat Trapp. Bring device and questions for help with settings, general use, troubleshooting and navigation. april 13: 10 a.m. alzheimer’s and dementia Caregivers’ support Group. 1 p.m. Mah Jong. sharpen short term memory, logic and focus. enjoy a growing community interested in the benefits of this game and meeting new players. april 14, 21 and 28: 8-10 a.m. Walking/Gym. Weekly winter walking in the gymnasium rain or shine. you’ll be in good company with others interested in staying active this winter. 9 a.m. Bodies in Motion Tai Chi style – registration required. instructed by Martial ar ts Master lanzillotti. april 12 and 19: 10 a.m. Connecting Generations. Virginia Cooperative extension 4-H and local youth connect with and interview elders (12th) to return the following week (19th) and present what they learned individually through their interview partners. registration appreciated. information on various offerings, activities and topics presented can be found on Facebook: powhatan County reach for active services. program is free; requires independent participation. Call program coordinator Jayne lloyd at 804-698-0438 for more information. 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 and can choose to pick up their books inside on the Books to Go shelf or outside in the Books to Go lockers. Books to Go orders are held for three days after notification. The outdoor library book drop is open 24/7 for returning library items; however, patrons must return mobile hotspots to the circulation desk inside the library. The library accepts donations through the Friends of the library. 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-to-date library news, information and program schedules.

powhatan County public library will hold a weekly story Time on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. par ticipants 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

Make plans to attend Powhatan’s annual Earth Day Celebration on Friday, April 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. on the historic Powhatan Courthouse Green. The event will provide an opportunity for family fun while enjoying nature and taking time to think about what we can do to make our planet a better home for present and future generations. Discover a variety of locally-sourced products, area merchants, as well as environmentally-friendly businesses and agencies. Several groups will also offer children’s hands-on activities using recycled materials.

Many Powhatan residents are already taking steps to help our community and the

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.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13

powhatan County public library’s Teen

anime Club will meet from 4 to 6 p.m. april 13 and 27 in the small conference room at the library. Teens ages 12 to 18.

powhatan County public schools kindergarten and preschool registration for the 2023-2024 school year is nOW! it is important to get your child screened and on the rosters as soon as possible. The school division is asking for the community’s help in reminding anyone with a child that will be age 5 by sept. 30 to begin enrolling now. This is an exciting time for schools to welcome their newest students. it is also important to get students screened and on the rosters as soon as possible to be better prepared for the start of the new school year. Kindergarten registration times and dates are: Flat rock elementary school: april 13 from 9:15 — 11:15 a.m.; 12:40 — 2:40 p.m. and 4:15 – 6 p.m. april 14 from 9:15 — 11:15 a.m. and 12:40 — 2:40 p.m.

pocahontas elementary school: april 13 from 9:15 — 11:15 a.m.; 12:15 — 2:45 p.m.; and 4:15 — 6:15 p.m. april 14 from 9:15 — 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 — 2:45 p.m. powhatan elementary school: april 13 from 9:1511 a.m.; 1-2:45 p.m.; and 4-6 p.m. april 14 from 9:15-11 a.m. and 1-2:45 p.m. Check the powhatan County public schools website, http://www.powhatan.k12.va.us, for information or contact your local school with kindergarten registration or preschool application questions.

Just Kids, an affordable clothing shop selling gently used children’s clothes, sizes newborn to 8 plus, is open. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and saturdays. The shop is located in the Memorial Baptist Church youth 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 804-698-0438. 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 804212-8651 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 VC e webpage and youTube video recordings can be found at https://www.youtube.com/ playlist?list=pl7_2QUVzrpXdpysV2Hy11CH8KBrluifyO. Contact stephanie romelczyk (sromelcz@vt.edu) for information on joining the meeting live. Watched or listened to VCe aG Today? let us know how we are doing! Find our survey here: https://vce.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/

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The original powhatan aa meets from 7 to 8 p.m. every Thursday in the powhatan Village Building. The powhatan rotar y 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

planet. There are many ways you can help in the effort to reduce, reuse and recycle. The accumulative effect of many people doing a few things makes a true impact. In addition to recycling at Powhatan’s Convenience Center, here are some ideas to consider in reducing your impact on the earth:

„ Eat locally grown food and enjoy produce in season to avoid costs and emissions associated with shipping.

„ Grow your own garden.

„ Buy organic foods.

„ Don’t opt for paper or plastic at the grocery store… bring your own bags.

„ Don’t litter – including cigarette butts.

„ Car pool or drive a fuel-efficient car.

„ To save gasoline, keep

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, APRIL 14

aarp Tax-aide volunteers will be offering free tax return preparation again this year at the powhatan County public library. due to COVid-19 restrictions last year, volunteers were only able to provide drop-off services for most of the season. However, this year, the plan is to return to face-to-face appointments. Tax preparation appointments can be made online through a link on the powhatan library website. To better manage appointments, volunteers will only be opening a few appointment days at a time. additional appointment times will be added as earlier times are filled. Make an appointment only once you have received all your tax documents. When you come to your appointment, bring the following items: prior year tax return; social security cards for everyone on the tax return and drivers photo id to confirm your identity; all your tax documents; and copy of a voided check for direct deposit of any tax refund. Free tax return preparation appointments will be in the large conference room of the powhatan library between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday through Friday, april 14, 2023.

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

pOW! BanG! powhatan Middle school is ready to hold its third Comicon. The community is invited to attend the event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the school’s Commons area. There will be comic vendors, free illustrations by artists for kids and crafts. a costume contest will be held at 2 p.m. Habitat For Humanity — powhatan depends on volunteers and donors. Habitat is blessed with the community’s helpful and generous participation. The Habitat restore at 1922 Urbine road will be open every saturday, come november 2022, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The office is located upstairs at the Habitat restore and the office number is 804-594-7009, ext. 2. Call and volunteer. Help us at the restore, perform critical repairs and/or with our upcoming builds. powhatan aa meets at 8 p.m. every saturday at Manakin episcopal Church on Huguenot Trail.

The Christian Motorcyclists association powhatan chapter living Wheels will meet at 6 p.m. at Company 4 Fire station at the intersection of route 711 and Judes Ferry road. Find out what they have been doing, and where their next ride or event will be. For more information call Tom Barnes at 804-690-4884 or Mark lewis at 804-432-1831.

MONDAY, APRIL 17

The powhatan High school plant sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. april 17 to 21 and form 9 a.m. to noon april 22 in the greenhouse at the school, 1800 Judes Ferry road. Come support the Horticulture science program and get an early start on your garden. Flowers for sale include begonia, geranium, celosia, impatiens, salvia, marigold, thunbergia, petunia, coleus and ageratum. Vegetables include cucumbers, yellow squash, bell peppers, tomatoes, banana peppers and jalapeno peppers. email questions to emilee.meinhard@powhatan.k12.va.us. powhatan County public library’s Brick slayerz program will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. in the large conference room. Come flex your creativity and make something fun with legos. The Coalition of powhatan Churches meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Monday of the month at May Memorial Baptist Church. The Coalition lends hands and hearts to people in need in the powhatan community. all are welcome to the meetings. For more information, call 804-598-2454. a p owhatan Hope n arcotics a nonymous (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, APRIL 18

The powhatan Band Boosters are selling tickets for a dinner and a show or just the show to watch the 2023 show on Tuesday, april 18. dinner is at 6 p.m. and the show is at 7 p.m. at powhatan High school, 1800 Judes Ferry road. an evening to send off

your car’s tires properly inflated.

„ Plant a tree because trees help clean the air and provide shade to lower home-cooling costs.

„ Donate clothes, appliances and furniture to a charitable organization, or sell them through a consignment shop.

„ Use products made from recycled materials.

„ Turn off and even unplug electronics you are not using.

„ Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.

„ Save on heating/ cooling costs and reduce emissions by keeping your HVAC system serviced and by regularly changing the filters.

„ Set your thermostat

the pHs indoor drumline students as they prepare for the WGi World Championships in dayton, Ohio. The Varsity, JV and Guard will be performing. Tickets to the show only are $10 only or $20 covers the dinner and show. To purchase tickets, visit www.powhatanbandboosters.com and look under the indoor drumline tab. powhatan County public library’s Teen advisory Board will meet from 4 to 6 p.m. in the large conference room. Teens ages 12 to 18. lonesome dove equestrian Center, which is located at 6137 Old Buckingham road, provides year-round therapeutic horseback riding exclusively for veterans with special needs and disabilities. Focusing on veterans in Central Virginia, the goal of this program is to improve the quality of life for the participants through activities that are positive to their cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being. as of Jan. 1, 2021, the program is also welcoming first responders to come ride with the program. From april through september, volunteers are asked to arrive at 9 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 10 a.m. Upcoming dates are: april 18 and 26; May 2, 16 and 24; June 6, 20 and 28; July 11, 18 and 26; aug. 1, 15 and 23; sept. 12, 19 and 27. From October through november, volunteers are asked to arrive at 10 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 11 a.m. Upcoming dates are: Oct. 3, 17 and 25; nov. 7, 14 and 29. There are no sessions in december. ldeC is able to provide a variety of services to the veterans because of dedicated volunteers. Those who would like to help and have fun at the same time are asked to consider becoming a member of one of these teams. For more information about lonesome dove, visit http://ldequestrian. com/ or contact 804-356-6327.

The Beef Cattle production 360 discussion Group typically meets at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month. new members are always welcome to join if you are a seasoned beef cattle producer or just getting started. The group typically starts with a pot luck meal and are held mostly in-person on farms or at the Goochland or powhatan extension Offices. For more information, contact rachel Henley at 804-598-5640 or rachelhenley@vt.edu.

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.

The p owhatan Junior Woman’s Club meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month from september to May. The nonprofit volunteer organization is open to women over the age of 18. The club promotes friendship, community service and leadership. For information about the club, meeting locations or becoming a member, call Joy Matkowsky at 804-492-3038.

aa meets at 8 p.m. every Tuesday at st luke’s episcopal Church on Huguenot Trail.

UPCOMING

The powhatan County public schools youth art Month exhibition will be on display at the pocahontas landmark Center through april 28 during regular business hours. scout Troop 3029 is helping the Huguenot Volunteer Fire department achieve a longheld goal of building a memorial to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks of sept. 11, 2001 at the station. The Girl scouts are selling 411 bricks inscribed with the name, rank and company of a firefighter, law enforcement officer or paramedic killed during the attacks. a donation of $23 will cover the cost of one inscribed brick in honor of a first responder. To purchase a brick, visit www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/memorial911. Checks payable to Troop 3029 may also be mailed to laura Baltz at 1510 Holly Hills road, powhatan, Va 23139. For more information, contact Baltz at 804467-4313 or ljbal65@aol.com.

Mark your calendars for the next powhatan Civil War roundtable meeting at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at the County seat restaurant. The april 20 speaker will be nathan Madison and he will be speaking on the subject of “The richmond locomotive Works.” dinner will be included with a fee of $20 for members and $24 for non-members. rsVp required by april 16. To reserve space, contact pat Whitmer at 240-298-0141 or powhatacwrt@gmail.com. Visit www.powhatancwrt.com.

down two degrees in winter and up two degrees in summer.

„ Use ceiling fans.

„ Insulate your hot water heater and turn the setting to 120 degrees. There are many other tips available in the newspaper, magazines, on the internet and on television. The Earth Day Coalition invites you to join with others in taking positive and visible steps to protect and improve our environment both locally and globally. The deadline to submit a vendor application is Friday, April 14. For more information, or to submit a vendor application, contact Betty McCracken at Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District, (804) 5564936.

The powhatan earth day Celebration will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, april 21 on powhatan Courthouse Green in the Village. Join us for this family-friendly community event celebrating earth day. There will be children’s activities, educational exhibits, as well as environmental information. Come support the providers of locally sourced products, local merchants, and local environmentally-friendly businesses and agencies. earth-conscious vendors are encouraged to email betty.mccracken@vaswcd. org for a vendor application.

The powhatan High school Beats Club members will showcase music production through Fl studio and soundtrap, followed by an open workshop where participants will create their own music! The event will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. april 21 at powhatan County public library. ages 10 and up all experience levels welcome. Beats Club members will showcase the programs Fl studio and soundtrap. These programs allow music production quickly, in an engaging and exciting way. Fl studio has a larger learning curve than s oundtrap, but is capable of more advanced production. soundtrap may be better for younger learners. after an introduction to these programs, the Beats Club will assist users in learning these programs through an open workshop. Habitat for Humanity-powhatan will hold a workshop on “How to Become a powhatan Homeowner” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on saturday, april 22 at 1922 Urbine road. in this session participants will learn about the Habitat for Humanity — powhatan application process, the criteria for selection, and how to position themselves to own an affordable mortgage Habitat home. This is a free event.

The spring 2023 powhatan Makers Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on saturday, april 22 at Vintage antique shack, 4140 anderson Highway. The event will have a wide variety of artistic styles from painting, earrings, body essentials, soap, candles, watercolor, woodwork, metalwork, crafts, and so much more. Bring your family and friends out to help support our many talented local artists. enjoy classic cars and trucks and share your memories of them with another generation at the May Memorial Motor show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. saturday, april 22 at May Memorial Baptist Church, 3922 Old Buckingham road. admission is free. logo tee shirts will be created and a light lunch will be available. donations will support youth ministry events. rain date is april 29. For more information or to enter your vehicle, contact annie sparrow at 804-5513136. Website for the show is The May Memorial Motor show — Facebook.

saturday Under the stars at powhatan state park will be hosted by the richmond astronomical society throughout 2023. events are open to the public and held at the equestrian / Trailhead parking area. Visitors are welcome to bring their telescopes and test them out under a dark sky with assistance from our astronomers. This is a great opportunity to try out a new telescope that might have been a holiday gift. no telescope is required, though. you can always check out the views through ours or just bring a comfortable chair. event times are listed below, but volunteer astronomers will be on site before the event to provide telescope assistance. note that the $5 park fee applies at all times; park fees are waived for volunteer astronomers who are sharing their expertise or equipment for the event and volunteer astronomers are welcome to continue to observe through the night after the public hours. astronomers that can help with any of these events, send a message to president@richastro.org. Upcoming dates are: 7 to 9 p.m. april 22; 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. July 22; 8 to 10 p.m. sept. 16; and 5 to 7 p.m. dec. 9. The powhatan community is invited to participate in a continuation of “50 plus years of Forgiveness” at 3 p.m. sunday, april 23 in the auditorium of powhatan High school, 1800 Judes Ferry road. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting the hard done to you. Forgiveness leads to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion when we hurt. Forgiveness brings on a kind of peace that allows us to unite for the goodness of mankind. Guest speakers at the event will be Tom Walton, rick Cole, del. lee Ware, pastor Bryan stevens, lisa

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Habitat for Humanity opens applications for 2024

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Building on the momentum generated from its first modular home build, Habitat for Humanity-Powhatan has announced it will open the application process for its 2024 homes. Habitat for Humanity-Powhatan is dedicated to creating homes for families with monthly mortgage payments that don’t exceed 30% of the family’s income.

Those interested in the Habitat Homebuyer program are encouraged to attend the Pathway to Homeownership class on Saturday, April 22 at 9:30 a.m. at the ReStore, 1922 Urbine Road, Powhatan. During the one-hour class, participants will learn about the home-buying process and what makes a good candidate for the HFHP program. They will also learn about the Habitat mortgage process and learn about tools to strengthen their applications. Registration is required and space is limited. To sign up for the class, go online to habitatpowhatan.org/ events.

An open house will be held at Habitat’s first modular home build in the Richmond region on Sunday, April 30 from noon to 2 p.m.

Sheriff’s office supports Backpacks of Love

Powhatan County Sheriff Brad Nunnally and several of his deputies came to Backpacks of Love, a Powhatan-based nonprofit, on April 4 and packed more than 300 bags for children in three different counties.

Even while responding to calls, they worked to help serve our children in need. Backpacks of Love is committed to eliminating hunger in school-age children by providing nourishing food for their weekend. BPOL is always

looking for volunteers, cash donations and food donations of single serve raviolis, spaghettios, apple sauce, cereal, cookies, crackers and more. Contact Matt Henke at 804-350-1127 for more information.

at 2278 Old Tavern Road. Tour the home and learn more about Habitat for Humanity-Powhatan’s programs.

The next round of applications will open May 1 and close June 1. Applications can be found online at habitatpowhatan.org/homebuilds.

Prevent spring wildfires before they can start

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

With spring fully underway, the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) wishes to remind Virginians that the 4 p.m. burning law, which restricts open-air burning of any kind until after 4 p.m., remains in effect through April 30.

Last month, VDOF responded to more than 150 wildfires that burned approximately 1,400 acres. Suppression efforts by VDOF and our firefighter partners since the start of this year are credited with saving more than

170 homes and buildings, with an estimated protected value in the millions.

“April is one of Virginia’s busiest months in terms of wildfire activity each year,” said VDOF Director of Fire and Emergency Response John Miller. “As we enter April, days are increasingly warm and windy. When these conditions combine with lower humidity, fire danger increases dramatically. If you plan on doing any outdoor burning, take the

Please see WILDFIRES, Page A4

PHOTO COURTESY OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY-POWHATAN Wells Fargo supported the build with a $15,000 grant. Habitat partner family members nikki and adien Chrimes are pictured at Crane day, Feb. 23.

Arrests

One male was charged on April 1 with profane swearing/ public intoxication (Misdemeanor).

One male was charged on April 2 with driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated (M).

One female was charged on April 3 with driving with suspended or revoked license (M). Weekly incident report

Board

From A1

The board briefly talked about whether they had to make the decision that night, but commissioner of the revenue Jamie Timberlake and treasurer Becky Nunnally agreed the real estate tax rate had to be adopted that night for them to get the June tax bills out on time.

Working the rate down

The board charged county administrator Bret Schardein and his staff on March 28 with coming back with a proposal that supported 69 cents, although Williams and Bill Cox, District 4, cautioned him to tell the supervisors if he thought that rate would be cutting too close to the bone.

Schardein did exactly that, giving a presentation that recommended a 70 cent rate, which is a decrease of 9.1% in the rate compared to last year’s 77 cents. His presentation focused not only on immediate spending in FY2024 but how the decision to draw on the county’s unassigned fund balance to meet needs could eventually deplete the total fund balance more quickly, although he recognized there are still too many unknown variables.

RSAAC announces new board members

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The Rural Substance Abuse Awareness Coalition (RSAAC) is a multidisciplinary coalition established in 2013 with the primary goals of promoting programs that address substance use disorder, prevent substance misuse, and raise awareness of recovery resources in our community. RSAAC serves the Virginia counties of Goochland and Powhatan, and surrounding areas.

Calendar

From A2

Thompson, danielle lipscomb and sheriff Brad nunnally. dale Goodman will be the host.

powhatan County public library has an action-packed spring program lineup for 2023. part two of The library of Virginia’s Genealogical seminar series, Freedom of information act, will be held april 25 from 1-2 p.m. allen Gernhardt will go over what kind of information is accessible, how to request information and an overall introduction of the FOia. For

New board members were recently selected for the coalition.

New members are Travis Fellows, chair, Goochland-Powhatan Community Services Board; Carolyn McKann, vice-chair, Virginia Prescription Monitoring Program; Mike Caudill, secretary, Goochland County Commonwealth’s Attorney; Rob Cerullo, Powhatan member-atlarge, Powhatan County Commonwealth’s Attorney; Jenifer Strozier, Goochland memberat-large.

details, contact powhatan County public library at 804-598-5670 or library@ powhatanlibrary.net. The powhatan lion’s Club’s 47th annual steer roast will be held on Wednesday, april 26 at the powhatan Volunteer rescue squad Field, 3920 Marion Harland road. rain or shine. Gates open at 5 p.m. and meals start at 6 p.m. Take-out meal service available. live entertainment by legal Tender party Band. Tickets are $25 in advance ($30 at the gate) and children under 12 enter and eat free. see any lions Club member or call 804-794-1440.

Please see CALENDAR, Page A7

Schardein laid out the changes made to achieve that proposed rate, including what staff had worked to preserve. The budget at 70 cents still included a 7% raise for county and school employee and maintains investment in an ongoing compensation and classification study being done on county positions, both items directed at helping the county staff competitive in the region in attracting and retaining employees, he said. The raise was later discussed as a variable because the General Assembly has not yet passed the state’s budget, in which both 5% and 7% raises are still options.

At the direction of the board, staff identified $1.308 million worth of CIP projects that were originally funded for FY2024 using recurring dollars instead of one-time funds. Those projects were not eliminated but will now be paid for using bond savings and other savings, freeing up the $1.308 million in recurring funds

Wildfires

From A3

proper precautions.”

Unsafe equipment is a common cause of wildfires. Avoid driving through or parking on dry grass or brush, as hot exhaust pipes can set vegetation on fire. Sparks from lawnmowers and power equipment can also start wildfires. Mow before

to realize savings on the tax rate.

“We took those that were not allocated to ongoing or approved projects and applied them to the CIP projects you see here,” Schardein said, showing the board a list of six projects. “So we were able to take about $1.3 million of recurring revenue that otherwise was going to be applied to these projects and instead take that funding and use that to further lower the tax rate.”

To get the proposed budget to 73 cents, staff had already recommended eliminating several new positions/promotions, reducing the school transfer by $500,000, reducing the CIP by $565,000 and other changes.

Not low enough

Within a few minutes of hearing Schardein’s presentation and a public hearing in which one citizen, Stephen Barham, spoke asking for a revenue neutral rate of 67 cents, McClung made his motion to set the tax rate at 69 cents.

The conversation that followed didn’t see anyone staunchly defending the rate to stay at 70 cents as staff recommended, but Williams and Cox were insistent that they wanted to know where an additional roughly $560,000 was going to come from to make up that difference.

McClung’s response was that the county could find the money. Carmack, who had seconded his motion, agreed there were ways to “whittle this down a little bit.” She mentioned $5.6 million in excess of fund balance currently, a large amount in the capital projects fund, and several bond funds with unused amounts that could be used.

In response to that proposal, Williams questioned finance director Charla Schubert about some of the funds Carmack mentioned, all of which he argued are one-time dollars. The questions were all directed to show the county has previously adopted a practice of not using onetime monies for recurring operating costs because come budget time next year, the board would have to find the money again to pay for ongoing expenditures.

He also questioned recurring dollars being used in the CIP in the first place, pointing out it started

10 a.m., but never when it’s windy or excessively dry. Remember that lawnmowers are designed to mow lawns, not weeds or dry grass. The leading cause of wildfires in Virginia every spring is escaped debris burning. Follow these tips when burning debris:

„ No open-air burning until after 4 p.m.

„ Check for local burn bans in your area

happening while Ned Smither was county administrator and Schubert concurred.

Cox supported the argument against using capital reserve fund for recurring needs, which he said is in the board’s policies. He said he didn’t have a problem with 69 or 70 cents, but the board needed to acknowledge that choosing the lower rate comes with choices the supervisors need to make about where to make reductions.

“Having spent the amount of time just to say, ‘there is money there, don’t worry about it,’ doesn’t make much sense to me. I would like to know the choices that we are going to have to make to get there. I don’t really care about 69 cents or 70 cents; it is the choices that we have to make about what we have to fund,” he said.

Chair Mike Byerly, District 3, agreed the policy on not using onetime funds for recurring costs makes sense but if the board wants to help taxpayers who are dealing with incredibly high reassessments the supervisors need to try to make it happen, he said. He added he does believe there is money to be found to address the issue, pointing to an email from Schardein the supervisors received saying “if the board wishes to go with a 69 cent rate, we can get there.”

“At this time with the reassessments that we have, I am not looking for a cushion. I am looking to help the taxpayers of Powhatan County out and that is what I am going to do,” he said.

Schardein said if the board passed the rate at 69 cents, staff would look for all the recurring funds they could find and then look to the capital maintenance reserve funds, which means either funding capital needs differently next year or having an offset of recurring funds next year.

Discussion on the subject continued for a while including topics such as the desire to bring school employees’ health insurance rates to the same as the county; looking more seriously at future years’ projections; and the General Assembly’s expected actions on the FY2024 budget and how the outcomes could affect the county, especially in relation to raises.

„ Avoid burning on dry, windy days „ Keep your burn pile small „ Have a rake or shovel and a charged water hose on hand

„ Have a phone ready to call 911 if a fire escapes your control „ Stay with your fire until it’s completely out (drown, stir, drown again, ensure it’s cool)

Remember Smokey Bear’s words: “Only you can prevent wildfires.”

ChurCh DireCtory

Genito Presbyterian Church

2910GenitoRd.Powhatan, VA 372-9074

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

E vergreen C ommunity C hurch (PcA)

Proclaiming&PracticingtheGospelofJesusChrist WorshipServiceat10:00AM Meetingat2210BattersonRoad,Powhatan.

Pastor NickKrauss ECCPCA .ORG 598-8844

SundaySchool 10AM

WorshipService11AM

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

1801HuguenotTrail

SundayWorship10am

BryanM.Holt,Pastor

804-378-3607

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

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

MountCalvary BaptistChurch

2020RedLaneRoad Powhatan,VA23139

Pastor,LarryB.Collins

SundaySchool9:45a.m.

Sunday Worship 11:00a.m.

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

Providence Presbyterian Church

“WorshipingandWitnessing inWesternPowhatan since1825” WorshipService11:00am AllAreWelcome! 598-4970 Located1950RidgeRoad (Rt.627)

LivingAsChrist’sDisciplesWithinOur HeartsandBeyondOurDoors

PowhatanChristian Fellowship

SundayMorningWorship 11:00a.m.

SundaySchool10:00a.m.

WednesdayNight7:30p.m.

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

St.John Neumann

Catholic Church

Rev.WalterG.Lewis,Pastor

Saturday -5p.m.

2253RossonRd. JustoffRt.13intheVillage 598-4438

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

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

LocatedbehindFlatRock VillageShopping Center

Funeral home head to retire, new director announced

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

The Marian Gray Thomas Funeral Home is both pleased and sad to announce the much-deserved retirement of its leading light and shepherd, Loretha (Bell) Thomas. Thomas has spearheaded the funeral home for the last 37 years. Her dedication and contributions to the field and support of her community has been an inspiration and accounts for her success as a businesswoman.

Brandon Brunson of Richmond has been selected to take on the daily operation of the funeral home. Brunson, an experienced funeral director, is a graduate of

Brunson Thomas

John Tyler Community College with an associate degree in applied science, majoring in funeral services. Brunson represents three generations of the Brunson family that have served with the Mar-

ian Gray Thomas Funeral Home.

Thomas will assume the role of

BODIES IN MOTION STAY IN MOTION

funeral director, emeritus.

Since 1958 the Marian Gray Thomas Funeral Home has been serving families in Cumberland, Powhatan and surrounding communities. Know that staff’s commitment to offering quality and thoughtful services has not wavered despite the devastating impact of the COVID-19 virus.

Marian Gray Thomas Funeral Home’a doors remain open, its professional staff is available and prepared to meet your family’s specific needs. For more information, contact 804-492-4855 or mgthomasfh@aol.com or visit www.mariangraythomasfuneralhome.com.

Community Matters is a resource for all 55 and forward interested in learning, staying active and engaging with peers. Challenge and socialization are powerful benefits and crucial at any age. Multiple weekly sessions with a wide range of topics and activities are held at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the pocahontas landmark Center, 4290 anderson Highway. The first week of an eight-week Bodies in Motion Tai Chi style session was held april 7. The course will be held every Friday through May 26 from 9 to 10 a.m. with instruction by Martial arts Master lanzillotti. registration required. Call program coordinator Jayne lloyd at 804-6980438.

NASA

From A1

school kids... And it makes me immensely proud to see that this little county that could with nowhere near the resources that private magnet schools get, did as well as that,” he said.

Led by Johnson’s Office of STEM Engagement, the coding challenge is one of NASA’s Artemis Student Challenges designed to build foundational knowledge

and introduce students to topics, techniques and technologies critical to the success of the agency’s Artemis program. Participating students take part directly in the Artemis Generation’s endeavors in NASA’s mission to land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon.

NASA’s SCaN program enables more than 100 NASA and non-NASA missions by managing the Near Space and Deep Space Networks, ensuring continuous communications for all

NASA programs, and supporting the research and development of cutting-edge space technologies, such as optical and quantum communications.

To learn more about NASA’s Next-Gen STEM project visit: www.nasa.gov/stem/nextgenstem. To discover more about the App Development Challenge visit: www.nasa.gov/education/ appchallenge. To find out about NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) visit: www.nasa.gov/scan.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MOOSE LODGE PRESENTS CHECK TO WAR MEMORIAL CULTURAL ARTS

powhatan Family Moose Center member Gary Jenkins presents ruth Boatwright, director of the powhatan War Memorial Cultural arts and Community Center, a check for $500. Construction of the powhatan War Memorial was completed in 1953. The building served as the national Guard armory until a new armory building replaced it. For over 60 years the building served as a gathering place for the citizens of powhatan County, including sporting events and dances for both powhatan County public schools and Huguenot academy. Many memories were made there. after sitting vacant for many years the building was turned over to the powhatan War Memorial Cultural arts and Community Center, a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to honor and empower veterans and active duty personnel, provide facilities for cultural art activities and serve as a community center to foster educational, civic, theatrical and community activities. since acquiring the facility in 2014, much time and money has been spent renovating and updating the building. all money spent has come through generous donations and fund drives. The powhatan Moose lodge #1840 is very proud to support this organization and the powhatan community.

Fun programs for youth abound

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

There are a few great opportunities for local youth to try something new.

Powhatan Middle School is ready to hold its third Comicon on Saturday, April 15. The community is invited to attend the event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the school’s Commons area. There will be comic vendors, free illustrations by artists for kids and crafts. A costume contest will be held at 2 p.m.

The Powhatan High School Beats Club members will showcase music production through FL studio and Soundtrap, followed by an open workshop where partic-

ipants will create their own music! The event will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. April 21 at Powhatan County Public Library. Ages 10 and up. All experience levels welcome. Beats Club members will showcase the programs FL Studio and Soundtrap. These programs allow music production quickly, in an engaging and exciting way. Fl Studio has a larger learning curve than Soundtrap, but is capable of more advanced production. Soundtrap may be better for younger learners. After an introduction to these programs, the Beats Club will assist users in learning these programs through an open workshop.

ChurCh DireCtory

Pastor StephenBattaglia 2390 EmmanuelChurch Road www.newwalkbible.org

SundayWorship10:00AM

SundaySchool9:00AM

BibleStudyWed.7:00PM

804-372-9254

Advertise in Powhatan

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

St.Luke’sAnglicanChurch

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

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

MOUNTZION BAPTISTCHURCH

2591RidgeRoad

Powhatan,Virginia23139

804-598-2051

Rev.BryanStevens,Pastor

10a.m.–WorshipService 8:30a.m.–ChurchSchool

MuddyCreek BaptistChurch

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

Pastor JeffBeard,MA,MBA

3470TrenholmRoad www.muddycreekbaptist.org

FIRSTANTIOCH BAPTISTCHURCH

3920MAIDENSRD.,POWHATAN

804-598-2301

SundaySchool10:00a.m.

SundayMorningService 11:00a.m.

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

1530CookRoad(Rt.636)

2095RedLaneRoad 1/2mileoff Rt.60onRedLaneRoad 804-598-2455

www.redlanebaptist.org

SmallGroupClasses9:00a.m. WorshipService10:30a.m. Dr.JamesTaylor,Pastor

3619HuguenotTrail

Powhatan,V irginia2 3139 www.finecreek baptis t.org

SundaySchool:9:45a.m. Wor shipSer vice:11:00a.m. Traditional VernGilmer,Pastor

GracelandBaptistChurch

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

Children’sWorship–11a.m. Praise&Worship–6p.m. Light houseYouth–Wed.5:30p.m. BibleStudy–Wed.6p.m.–7p.m. &Choi rPractice7p.m.–8p.m.

Children’sWorship(allages)–Wed.6:30p.m. MiraclesofGod Sp.NeedsService: 11a.m.t he 2nd Mon.ofeachmonth 598-34 81 •975DorsetRoad www.gracelandbc.org

BradRussell,Pastor 598-4241

Servicetimesare 8:30a.m.and10:15a.m. Worshiponlineat10:15a.m. 2202OldChurchRoad www.powhatanbaptist.org

Loving,Investing,Fulfilling,Empowering

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

Sunday10am,11am&6pm Wednesday7pm TravisL.Keith-Pastor ChurchOffice:794.7054

JustAcrossfromSouth CreekShoppingCenter! www.glbcpva.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF COMMUNITY MATTERS

Families hop into fun at Eggstravaganza

PHOTOS BY LAURA MCFARLAND

saw families with children of all ages enjoying Easter egg hunts, crafts, field games, face painting and getting a chance to meet the Easter Bunny. The Eggstravaganza was spread out over several hours at the library, YMCA and Fighting Creek Park.

Program award honors collaboration of library, Community Matters

CONTRIBUTED REPORT

Powhatan County Public Library received an “Outstanding Program in Cooperation with Another” Award at the 2023 Virginia Public Library Directors Association (VPLDA) annual spring meeting for their collaboration with Community Matters on the “Reading is Grand” program.

VPLDA is a professional organization comprised of library directors from each library in Virginia. Their statewide awards are given to outstanding library programs each year in several categories. “Reading is Grand” is a program that brings young readers and

volunteers aged 55+ together to read. This program aligned with the library’s mission to support early literacy as well as Community Matters’ mission to improve social engagement and provide lifelong learning opportunities for Powhatan seniors.

The next Reading is Grand event will be held sometime in June. For details about future Reading is Grand events and other programs, contact Powhatan County Public Library at 804-598-5670, visit www.powhatanlibrary. net, or visit the Facebook pages for the library or for Community Matters.

Forgiveness

From A1

one of the first black students in the county to transfer to the all-white Powhatan Elementary School in 1963.

She still remembers the isolation of the first two years when no one would talk to her, teaching her firsthand what prejudice was and the importance of perseverance. But she also remembers the first white student who asked to play together and the bridges that built to making more friends.

“When I had it back in 2015, different people spoke and were talking about a lot of the changes that had taken place in the county, depending on the field they were in. It was so neat because with different walks of life, we got different perspectives,” she said.

Goodman said she recently tried to make some sense of how the boards and the citizens of Powhatan can try to move forward from so much division for the betterment of all people. Her answer was

BuffaloBillisasweet SiberianHuskywho islookingforaforever home.Heisalready neuteredandupto dateonshotsand HeartwormNegative. So,heisatotal package!Hejust needsalovinghometocallhisownand hewillfillyourhousewithalltheloveand kisses.Buffalobilllovestogoonwalks andhasbeengoodwalkingwithourother shelterdogs.Ifyouwouldliketomake anappointmenttomeethim,pleasecall 804-598 -5672

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

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

Book

From A1

features primarily unicorns but has other animals and images for people who enjoy coloring to bring to life.

“I really like unicorns and dragons. That is why some of the coloring books have dragons as well. But dragons aren’t as easy to draw. Dragons are a little more complex to draw,” said Wolford, who graduated from Powhatan High School in 2010.

Wolford said she hopes the images bring people coloring them as much joy as she had drawing them. Creating the coloring book has been part of a journey for Wolford, who has autism and has struggled with depression. Drawing has helped her get back to a more positive place in her life.

“I think with my au-

to ask a slate of speakers who have ties to Powhatan in all walks of life to speak at the event. Guest speakers will be Tom Walton, Rick Cole, Del. Lee Ware, Pastor Bryan Stevens, Lisa Thompson, Danielle Lipscomb and sheriff Brad Nunnally.

Goodman said she has been asked by some people, “who are we forgiving?”

“Well, I will just say at this time that the list goes on and on. However, I am hoping that all will attend the program with an open heart and mind to hear these phenomenal speakers,” she said. Goodman added that the program is dedicated to teachers. As a former Powhatan student, a retired PCPS employee, parent and grandparent of Powhatan students, and now a board member of the Powhatan Education Foundation, she knows that “there’s more to teaching than just the generic reading, writing and arithmetic. Teachers have to bring to the classroom so much more than that.”

tism I fixate on stuff. With drawing I was so interested that I taught myself. I see that as an autistic trait –to be driven by your interests. I really love art,” she said, going on to describe watching online videos to learn different techniques and improve her skills.

Wolford’s mother, Jennifer, said she can see how peaceful and soothed her daughter is when drawing. But it also gives her a sense of accomplishment when a piece turns out really well. She added that her daughter “wanted other autistic people to know everybody has a purpose and everybody can accomplish something. Being different is not necessarily a bad thing.”

“Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you are stupid and you can’t do things,” Wolford agreed. “Don’t try to limit yourself because of what other people say.”

Powhatan Parks and Recreation, Powhatan County Public Library and the Elizabeth Randolph Lewis Powhatan YMCA collaborated on a great family outing Saturday with the first Powhatan Eggstravanza. The event

elizabeth papelino and her children Kyle, ainsley and hadleigh enjoy making crafts at powhatan library.

Maple Baumier gives the easter Bunny a high five.

after enjoying the easter egg hunt on the Fighting Creek park trails, brothers Christopher and Connor Bradley put some back so more kids could find them.

anna and Blakely Fields go through their egg hunt haul while brother Brantley plays with a ball.

sports staff and the Junior leaders Club members were a big help with activities and running a bake sale.

sisters noemi, Cora, Mika and Zara lucaci had a great time making crafts and playing games.

Cathy Childrey makes a craft with her great niece Chloe hicks.

Georgia lee Willeson eats candy she found in the egg hunt.

PHOTO BY JAYNE LLOYD powhatan County public library received an “outstanding program in Cooperation with another” award at the 2023 Virginia public library directors association annual spring meeting for their collaboration with Community Matters on the “reading is Grand” program, shown here being held april 7.

BuffaloBill

OPINION

If goodbye is hard, good times were had

LAURA MCFARLAND

Managing Editor

When starting to write this column, I couldn’t help but think back to that old saying about being lucky to have something in my life that makes saying farewell so difficult.

And that is exactly what this is – my farewell as the managing editor of Richmond Suburban News and the editor of the Powhatan Today. Although you will see some of my stories in the April 19 edition of the paper, this was in fact my last week leading a small but mighty team that sought to bring our readers a quality newspaper every week. And while I will still be living in Powhatan, my days of getting the question “what’s new in Powhatan” and actually having an extensive answer are numbered. That will soon be someone else’s role.

The idea of wrapping up almost nine years of experiences and building relationships is so big it makes my head spin. Give or take a few, I have had my hand on 455 issues of this community newspaper. I don’t want to be maudlin about it, but I also don’t want to understate how much this role and bringing the community news to all of you has meant to me.

I kept asking myself, “what is it you want to say to people?” In short – although we all know I rarely write short – I want to say thank you.

Thank you for bearing with me while I became a better journalist. Despite being in this field for many years, there was still so much to learn when I got here, not only about how to cover topics with which I was not as familiar – local government, crime, courts – but also with how to

Same old, same old falls short

JIM RIDOLPHI

Contributing Columnist

For the next few weeks, we will all be exposed to a ritual that has become a familiar routine. Following every school shooting in America, the same process begins and everyone will talk about how horrible the latest incident truly was, and how we as a nation must find solutions to better protect our students while they are in the classroom.

After years of this same coverage, routine statements from politicians are easily predictable by whichever side of the aisle they sit; and one might surmise that change is on the way. We hope that reasonable adults can enact common sense measures that reduce the number of guns in America and restrict the use of assault rifles. All of these measures will predictably be discounted by gun proponents and the same old arguments will fall on deaf ears.

We will see photos of the victims, hear their life stories and learn of the immense sadness suffered by their families.

Politicians aligned with a free access to firearms under a strictly interpreted Second Amendment will publicly express the ineffectiveness of gun control, and how, in this case, it would not have prevented a shooting.

Opponents to that gun lobby will cite the increasing number of mass shootings in America, many of them involving children in schools and some even committed by underage offenders. Calls for the banning of assault type weapons and enhanced background checks will again fall on deaf ears; and a nation will continue on a predictable path of gun violence.

And those of us listening to the arguments will be left with what seems like a binary decision — no guns or guns. Many on both sides will argue with that position and call for measures that attempt to impede the growing trend of violence.

And neither side will listen to the other. Few will realize that many gun opponents do not advocate for the elimination of guns and agree with common sense measures to restrict access to those who

shouldn’t own guns. On the opposite side, gun proponents will argue that group is attempting to eliminate guns in the United States. Both extremes probably do not represent the true views of citizens who genuinely support gun control or defend the Second Amendment with no restraints.

Both groups realize there is a problem with guns in America, and with more than 400 million of them registered nationally, the problem is not going away.

Many, including myself, who think it is too easy to obtain an automatic firearm in most states, don’t advocate for gun bans or buy backs, and do not consider all guns bad. Some of them own guns.

Virginia Lt. Governor Winston Sears recently appeared on Bill Marr’s Overtime show and clearly expressed her opinion on gun ownership in the Commonwealth. “If you’re breaking into my home while I’m waiting on the police to come, I’m gonna shoot you. That’s just the way it is. I’m gonna pray for you, but I’m gonna shoot you,” she said.

Although the lieutenant governor and I would be hard pressed to find areas of agreement on a variety of subjects, I found her direct answer more appealing and coherent than many of the positions claimed by both sides of the gun control controversy. Her comments were loudly applauded by Marr’s audience, which is usually packed with liberals.

I take solace in the fact that reasonable people can disagree, and perhaps that’s the problem we’re having when it comes to gun control. Finding consensus among two polar opposite opinions is not easy, but compromise among those willing to concede that each side has merit is much easier.

The point is, there is room for consensus regarding gun control and other social issues. Change won’t come in monumental doses, but small advances can evoke new solutions. And if those small compromises save one life from irresponsible gun violence, it’s a start in the right direction.

It at least could begin a conversation that seeks solutions as opposed to political punchlines.

truly become entrenched in the community to better report on its needs.

I don’t pretend to be one of the greats, but if our readers can say they feel that, overall, I reported on the news in a fair and balanced way and I did my best to represent as much of the community as possible, those would be the highest compliments I could receive.

Thank you for those who shared their stories, some of which were more personal that I could ever imagine as they went through health problems, figuring out who they are, being vulnerable enough to share who they are, financial struggles, the death of a loved one, or even their own impending death.

Thank you for showing me what a community can be. In this industry, you see the good, bad and the ugly, and Powhatan

Calendar From A4

powhatan County public library’s Book Club will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the small conference room. adults ages 18 and older. in this meeting we will be discussing “a Fatal Grace” by louise penny. next Generation 4-H youth Market is a youth-led maker and growers market for young entrepreneurs ages 9 – 17. The goal of the market is to cultivate young entrepreneurs by gaining life skills needed to develop and operate a business. Weekly workshops take place after school where they learn about funds handling, communication, building a business plan and more. Workshops will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. april 28, May 4, 11, 18 at the powhatan extension Office. next, youth are given the opportunity to sell their products monthly from June to september. all products sold at the market must be made or grown by the young person. For more information, contact Cathy Howland at chowland@vt.edu.

The 17th annual s pring Garden Fest will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. s aturday, april 29 at reynolds Community College, 1851 dickinson road, Goochland. a free, family-friendly event that is a celebration of all things related to gardening so stop to see: the GpMGa plant sale will offer a wide variety of plants at great prices; ask the Master Gardener booth will offer free gardening help and advice; and gardening vendor booths will have lots of fun items to delight gardeners. attend a full day of classes and tours for a one-time $35 registration fee (additional materials fee for workshops). Classes include Growing Trees in Harsh e nvironments, p ropagation of n ative plants, plant it and Forget it, planning your Home landscape, native alternatives to invasives, designing the small Garden, e xploring Butterflies, and i nsects in the Vegetable Garden. Tours of the college gardens will include reynolds Campus, Herb Garden and rain Garden. Hands-on workshops will be Create your Own Mosaic art pot, Oyster Mushroom Cultivation and Create a Fresh Flower Tiara. Classes, tours and workshops fill up quickly, so register early for the best selection. Complete descriptions and online registration is available at www. gpmga.net or by contacting the Goochland extension Office at 804-556-5841. p owhatan st ate pa rk has planned a series of monthly ranger led Hikes to explore the park throughout 2023. each month, park visitors can join in a hike on a different trail in the park and learn about local history and wildlife. all hikes begin at 10 a.m. registration is required and limited to nine hikers per trip. email powhatan@dcr.virginia.gov with the subject line “hiking series” including the desired date/hike to reserve your spot.

Upcoming events are: a pril 29: p ine Trail, meet at yates parking area; May 27: Coyote run Trail, meet at equestrian lot; June 24: river, Gold dust and Turkey Trail, meet at equestrian lot; July 29: Cabin Trail/Big Woods Trail, meet at the playground area; au g. 26: p i ne Trail, meet at yates parking area; sept. 30: Coyote run Trail, meet at equestrian lot; Oc t. 28: r iver, Gold d ust and Turkey Trail, meet at equestrian lot; nov.

25: Cabin Trail/Big Woods Trail, meet at the playground area; and dec. 30: pine Trail, meet at yates parking area. Wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and bring plenty of water. Children are welcome but be aware that some hikes may exceed 4 miles and require navigating

was no different. The spectrum of my experiences ranged from the amazing to some really ugly moments, but there are so many good memories of people coming together to show support, love, kindness, compassion and understanding to me and to others. Even as the nation goes through a period of immense strife and divide, I urge you to remember that there are so many things that can bring us together; we don’t only have to focus on our differences of opinion.

Thank you for those who said they looked forward to reading the Powhatan Today each week, even those calling to tell me when it wasn’t in your driveway or mailbox. I know those were complaints, but the fact that you were upset when you weren’t getting the paper is also a complement to our staff and was appreciated.

As the Powhatan Today con-

uneven terrain in all weather conditions.

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

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

The 39th annual Beef and Music Festival will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 5 at Blessed sacrament Huguenot s c hool, 2501 ac ademy ro ad. yo ur $55 ticket includes admission for one adult and one raffle entry; dinner by smok n pigz BBQ; live music; children’s activities including petting zoo, pony rides, and more; and live and silent auctions. Visit BsHKnights.org/BMF for more information! The event will be held rain or shine. sponsorship opportunities available!

The powhatan Volunteer Fire department Company 1 Golf Tournament Fundraiser will be held on Friday, May 5 at Mill Quarter plantation Golf Club, 1525 Mill Quarter road. s hotgun start at 1 p.m. registration opens at 11 a.m. dinner provided. awards, raffle prizes. Contact lisa aberle, golf tournament chair, at Fundraising@pfvd1.org or 804-382-4273.

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

ONGOING

The powhatan Coalition of Churches is looking for one or more volunteers to manage the Food pantry which serves over 100 households each month. primary responsibilities include training and coordinating volunteers, overseeing purchasing and inventory, record keeping and reporting, and publicity and communications. if you feel called to this vital ministry to neighbors in need please contact Theresa Fields at powfields@ comcast.net or 804-372-9526. agricultural lands in Goochland and p owhatan counties continue to be eligible for conservation assistance funds from Monacan s oil and Water Conservation d istrict ( s WC d ) for stream exclusion fencing, establishing rotational grazing fields, developing water resources, wells, springs and stream access points, reforestation of critical areas and establishing or enlarging buffer areas along waterways. Funds are also available for nutrient management plan development and implementation, cover crops and numerous other conservation

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS

tinues on without me, I would leave you with a simple request. Please continue to care.

I’ve written so many columns through the years urging people to be educated about what is going on in their county; speak to their elected officials; attend board meetings with agenda items you care about and hold elected officials responsible for how they act and vote; make your voice heard through your own vote on Election Day; be mindful of what civic groups and nonprofits are doing in the community and how you could help; and support student endeavors such as arts and entertainment performances, fundraisers, spirit nights and more. Most importantly, do your part to help Powhatan continue to be the place you want to call home. Even though it will be in a different role, I plan to do the same.

practices. Monacan encourages producers to explore options now since program options have recently been revised and significantly improved for the producer. The district has highly skilled employees who are well trained in both the technical aspects of conservation management and program delivery. s taff member s assist producers in developing conservation plans that work for their operation and navigating program opportunities. n ot all programs are created equal and staff members assist applicants in understanding the options and choosing the program that suits their farm’s needs. anyone interested in exploring the many benefits of conservation planning can contact district conservation specialists Betty McCracken at (804)556-0935 or Colton sullivan at (804)556-0143.

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 schoolage children by providing nourishing food for their weekend, is looking for volunteers to help every week to pack food bags for the children, deliver the bags to schools, help with fundraisers and special events, and help provide food and monetary donations. The food donations we are looking for is single serve raviolis or spaghetti and meatballs, 16-ounce jars of peanut butter, apple sauce, small boxes of cereal, cookies, crackers and more. Contact Matt Henke at director@backpacksoflove.org 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 schoolbased, 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. p owhatan Food pan try 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.

The Friends of powhatan County public library’s Bookshop is open during library hours and accepting donations again. The bookshop accepts books, movies, audiobooks, C d s, 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. p roceeds from the book sale are used for additional library programming.

Publisher

Managing

Sports Editor Robby Fletcher rfletcher@powhatantoday.com

Production Manager denine d angelo ddangelo@mechlocal.com

Classifieds Cindy adams cadams@mechlocal.com

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

Southampton hands BSH its first loss of the season

ROBBY FLETCHER

Sports Editor

It took a few games to see their names in the loss column, but Blessed Sacrament Huguenot’s season-opening win streak finally came to an end in their fifth game of the season.

The Knights (4-1) hosted the Southampton Academy Raiders on Wednesday, April 5 with a starting lineup that required multiple players to step into different positions due to the absence of starting center back Jeb Hatfield.

The Raiders took advantage of the new lineup with a strong first half where they controlled possession, generated quality chances with their runs down the sideline and ultimately scored the only two goals of the game while the Knights went scoreless for the first time this season.

“I think there were some kinks that we had to iron out in the first half that unfortunately bit us,” BSH head coach Grayson Lovern said.

The Raiders were threatening with the ball at their feet from

Get to know Powhatan Parks and Rec’s new athletic coordinator

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

A new addition to the Powhatan Parks and Recreation department is quickly looking for ways to expand on the county’s athletic opportunities.

Zachary Staton, who grew up not far from Powhatan in Dinwiddie, recently joined the parks and rec team as the new athletics coordinator. He comes to Powhatan after graduating from James Madison University with a degree in sports and recreation management last May.

Staton accepted the position after working in Harrisonburg’s Parks and Recreation Department, where he was promoted to a full-time position after graduation. Prior to that, he helped with athletic field maintenance at the Dinwiddie Sports Complex for Dinwiddie Parks and Recreation.

Having just been engaged and looking for opportunities closer to home, he says he found the perfect fit when he got the offer in Powhatan.

“I was familiar with Powhatan before starting here but I had never really explored the county before,” he said. “The transition has been smooth for me because I

feel like there are a lot of similarities between Powhatan and my hometown in Dinwiddie. It is a place that is growing but still has the small town feel to it. I really enjoy that aspect of Powhatan.”

Henderson relives ‘once in a

the get-go, generating quick attacks with speed on the wings that gave Knights goalkeeper Tanner Wood a busy day in his net. After Wood deflected a shot on goal with his heel, the pressure finally paid off for the Raiders with a goal 22 minutes before halftime.

They added their second of the day with seven minutes left in the first half off a penalty kick caused by Wood making contact with a Raiders forward on a breakaway. Wood nearly saved the penalty, making contact on the ball and guessing the right location of the shot.

In the second half, Blessed Sacrament’s defense tightened up to limit the Raiders to just a few chances, while BSH’s midfield led by senior Jackson Hawkins helped control possession in the attacking half of the field.

Sophomore Odin Diaz, the Knights’ leading scorer, did his best to create chances with his skill on the ball, but the Raiders swallowed up possessions that made their way into the box and consistently cleared the ball

forward before their goalie had to step in. One such chance saw junior Kennedy Dowdy will her way into the box with toughness on the ball, but as she looked set to shoot, the ball was cleared to wipe away another potential chance.

“I felt the team responded pretty well,” Lovern said. “We took some direction and shortened things up there in the second half. It’s just being able to take the opportunities we were given, but we just couldn’t string it together today.”

Despite being handed their first loss of the season, Lovern says the team showed admirable effort in the second half to keep the game within reach. With the Raiders on the schedule again for a matchup on May 3, the Knights will use this experience as a learning opportunity to prepare for that matchup later in the year.

“Today was definitely a learning experience for us trying to figure out that Southampton is the standard, so we need to figure

experience at NCA championship

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

In two seasons of basketball with two different programs, Faith Henderson has found herself on the right side of history.

It wasn’t very long ago that the Powhatan standout was leading the Indians to the uncharted territory of a state tournament appearance, but after one season with the Christopher Newport Captains, she was part of a program-defining season that placed her front and center on an even bigger stage.

CNU’s women’s basketball team finished as the NCAA Division III runner-up on April 1, concluding a season where the Captains set a program-record of 31 wins and nearly took the national championship against Transylvania University in a 5752 final at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The game set a record for attendance at a CNU women’s basketball game with over 2,300 spectators in attendance on the home floor of the

Theleft-handedjuniorscored fromalloverthefield,butsayshisbest spotisattackingfromtheleftside.

Dallas Mavericks.

Henderson, who didn’t see the floor in the championship but appeared in 22 games, says it was unlike anything she’s ever experienced.

“It was definitely an amazing experience to be a part of two programs that made history, especially back to back,” Henderson said. “The goal of any team is to win and go as far as possible, so to be a part of two different teams who went further than any other team in that program before is something really special to be a part of. It’s awesome to be a part of making history like that.”

That final in Dallas wasn’t just a moment in CNU’s history, but in women’s basketball history altogether. The NCAA celebrated the 50th anniversary of Title IX

ThePowhatanboyslacrosse

JuniorattackerLukaBlevins hasbeenastapleintheoffense’s successduringtheirwinstreak.He scoredthreegoalsinthesecond halfoftheMonacangamethat theIndiansranawaywiththanks

“Ilovetheleftside,it’smyhome. Iguessallleftiesagree,”Blevinssaid.

Afterstartingtheseasonwith twolosses,BlevinsandtheIndiansare startingtohittheirstridefast.

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

BSH forward Odin Diaz looks to create with the ball in the team’s home game against Southampton on April

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Zachary Staton (left) joins the Powhatan Parks and Recreation Department as the new athletics coordinator after recently graduating from James Madison University.

Powhatan equestrian earns place at nationals

ROBBY FLETCHER

Sports Editor

Powhatan local and Sweet Briar College equestrian Marran Vansickle has booked her ticket to the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) National Championships after an impressive performance at the Zone IV finals.

Competing at Goucher College, Sweet Briar’s IHSA team placed third overall while Vansickle made some school history by becoming the champion in both the limit fences and limit flat.

Vansickle, a sophomore, earned her first trip to nationals of her young career and became the first Vixen to earn a championship title in the zone finals since 2019. She also placed third in the team intermediate fences and team intro flat along with her teammate Julianna McIntyre.

Vansickle has had a

Finals

From B1

in Dallas, a civil rights law that prohibits schools that receive federal financial assistance from discriminating against someone based on sex. The celebration included a showcase featuring a collection of trophies, videos, uniforms and other mementos that celebrate NCAA female student-athletes from all sports.

“Seeing women’s basketball at all three levels come together to all compete on the same floor and represent the 50th anniversary of T itle IX was something so amazing to be a part of,” she said.

The experience in Dallas was also a chance for Henderson and her teammates to brush elbows with some of the top figures in professional and collegiate sports today.

A social mixer that invited all competing teams gave Henderson the chance to interact with current Division I college stars like Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, LSU’s Angel Reese and South Carolina’s Aliyah Boston as well as legendary coaches like Dawn Staley and Kim Mulkey. Stanford star Haley Jones even gave CNU a pep talk before their own championship game.

Perhaps one of the cooler

BSH

From B1

out what we need to do to crack the code to get one past them,” Lovern said. With the team midway through the season, rematches against teams

Staton

From B1

While not looking to focus on one particular sport, Staton aspires to help the growth in popularity of all sports programs in the county, using his position to help bring community members together for fun activities for anyone with an interest in athletics.

“My career here at Powhatan puts me in a unique position to grow athletics in Powhatan on the parks and rec side,” Staton said. “I feel as if I should put my

strong start to her collegiate career at Sweet Briar. In her first season with the Vixens, she recorded first place finishes in the open flat and limit fences at VCU, Liberty and Sweet Briar. She was also second in the team limit fences at the Zone 4 Championship, at the limit fences at the Richmond show and in the limit fences at the VCU show. Now, she’s taking another step forward with a trip to the national stage with a chance to add another top honor to her blossoming collegiate career.

Vansickle will now prepare to compete in the National Championship, which takes place from May 4-7 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

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

moments for her and the team came during the Division I championship between Iowa and LSU. While watching the game from a box suite, the team soon discovered USA women’s soccer star and two-time World Cup gold medalist Megan Rapinoe casually sitting in the suite next to them. It allowed them a chance for a quick selfie with the influential athlete, which was promptly put on CNU’s official athletic Twitter page.

“We look over and there’s Megan Rapinoe casually sitting in the box right next to us! We obviously had to ask her for a picture, she was really awesome,” Henderson said.

After nearly finishing her first season of collegiate ball as a national champ, Henderson says she was glad to have some experience on the floor to learn the new system instilled by head coach Bill Broderick, but there’s still work to be done as she looks to earn a bigger role on the team in her second season.

“This first season was a huge adjustment for me as a player,” she said. “I’ve never really been at the bottom before, so having this year to really learn and look up to the upperclassmen was new for sure, but overall I think it helped me grow as a player.”

they’ve already beaten will be interesting follow-up opportunities for the Knights. Games against teams like Amelia County, who scored six goals but conceded nine against the Knights, and Kenston Forest will test the Knights in their quest for a deep postseason run.

own footprint on what the athletics department will look like here for years to come. I am excited to grow personally and professionally in my position.”

In his free time, he’s a passionate JMU athletics and Green Bay Packers fan who loves fishing and anything to do with the outdoors. You can likely catch him running the trails of Fighting Creek Park and the library on his breaks, so if you see him around, make sure to welcome the newest member of the Powhatan sports community.

COUNTYOFPOWHATAN, VIRGINIA PUBLICHEARING

PROPOSEDANNUALOPERATING BUDGET

FORTHEFISCALYEARENDINGJUNE30,2024(FY2024)

TheBoardofSupervisorsof PowhatanCountywillhold apublichearing forthepurpose ofpublicinformationand fiscalplanning regardingtheannualoperating budget forthe fiscal yearending June30,2024(FY2024).Thismeetingisbeingheldinaccordancewith VirginiaCodeSection15.2-1413.OnMondayApril24,2023 at 6:30PM.

Thepublichearingis forthepurposeofallowingthepublictoquestionandcommenton theproposedannualoperating budget.Allcitizensareinvitedtoparticipateandsharetheir viewsontheproposedissueswithinsuch reasonabletimelimitsasshallbedetermined by theBoardofSupervisors.

Asummaryoftheproposedannualoperating budgetis availableforpublicinspection ontheCounty’swebsite at www.powhatanva.govorbyappointmentfrom9:00A.M.to 5:00 P.Mweekdays at theCountyAdministrator’sOffice at 3834OldBuckingham Road, SuiteA, Powhatan, Virginia.

Thesynopsisoftheproposedoperating budgetarepublishedsolelyforthepurposeof publicinformation,discussionandcomment.Proposedamountsdonot representdecisions oftheBoardofSupervisorsto appropriatefunds.

ALEXA WELCH EDLUND, TIMES-DISPATCH

Marran Vansickle rides lions share in the small hunter division on the first day of the deep run horse show Wednesday, June 22, 2022.

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NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARINGS POWHATANCOUNTYBOARDOFSUPERVISORS

Noticeisherebygiventhatthe PowhatanCountyBoardofSupervisorswillconduct publichearingson Monday,April24,2023at6:30PM inthe PowhatanCounty VillageBuildingAuditorium(3910OldBuckinghamRoad) regardingthe followingmatters.

OrdinanceO-2023-25AmendingAppendix AFeeSchedule ofthe PowhatanCountyCodeofOrdinancestoupdatecertainfeesandtoincreasethe followingfees:

LOST:TOYOTAHUBCAPONRT. 60WESTBOUND1MILEWEST OFFLATROCKATCUTTHRU. PLEASECALL804-739-0203

Bernard’sConcreteServices Concrete,RetainingWalls,Pavers, Brick,Sidewalks.Install&repair. FreeEstimates.Licensed&Insured.

References.CallorText804-874-9184

AffordableQualityWash Houses,Decks &More!Lic &Ins. Call804-550-2345/873-5125.ServingPowhatanforover26years. Angie’sListHighestRating!

Miller’sExteriorWorks

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References.Callortext804-874-9184

ASPHALTWORKERS Neededforpavingcrew.Equipment operatingexperienceaplus.

DUMPTRUCKDRIVERS

CLASS“A”OR“B”

Cleandrivingrecordrequired

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CALLPOWHATANTODAY 1.800.476.0197x16

NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING

POWHATANCOUNTYBOARDOFSUPERVISORS

Noticeisherebygiventha tthe Po whatanCountyBoardofSupervisors willconduct apublichearingonMonday,A pril24,2023, at 6:30PMinthe Po whatanCountyVillageBuildingAuditorium(3910OldBuckinghamRoad) regardingthefollowingmatter:

23-01-REZ: Trent (District#5:SmithsCrossroads/Pineville/Tobaccoville) requests arezoningoftheparcellocated at TM#26-27fromAgricultural10 (A-10)toCommerceCenter(CC)andamendmentofthezoningdistrictmap of approximately9.69acreslocatedonthewestboundsideofAnderson Highway approximately0.14mileswestofMaidensRoad.If approvedthe applicantintendstousetheparcelfor afuneralhomeandcrematorium. The2021ComprehensivePlandesignatesthesubjectpropertiesasGateway BusinessontheCountywideLandUseMap.

Membersofthepublicarewelcometo attendin-personorparticipate remotelybyjoining awebinar at:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83998792911 orbydialinginbyphone at 1-929-205-6099OR1-312-626-6799;then typinginthewebinarID83998792911.Duringthepubliccommentperiod, participantsmayraisetheirhandusingthezoomcontrolsonthecomputer screen,or(ifdialingin)bypressing*9on aphone.

Publiccommentsmayalsobesubmittedtoadministration@powhatanva.gov orbyleaving avoicemail at (804)598-5612.An ycommentsreceived priorto5:00PMofthedateofthepublichearingwillberecordedinthe meetingminutes.

Allinterestedpersonsareinvitedtoparticipateinthepublichearings andtopresenttheirviewsand/ortosubmitwrittencomments. Personsrequiringspecialassistancetovieworparticipateinthe hearingshouldcontactthe Po whatanCountyAdministrator’sOffice at (804)598-5612 at leastthreedayspriortothemeeting.Fulltextand documentsrelatedtothisproposalcanbereviewedbycontactingthe CountyAdministrator’sOffice at administration@powhatanva.govor (804)598-5612.

AmendProfferedConditions $1,200.00$1,500.00

DeferralRequestby ApplicantAfterPublic HearingAdvertised

SitePlanReview –Firstand SecondSubmittals

$500.00Plus $50.00perAcreor portionthereof Preliminar yand Final SubdivisionPlat–1st and 2nd submittals

BuildingInspection Fees:

CommercialSolarEnergy Farms –Building Permits

$25.00per Acreorportion thereof

$25.00perlot $500.00Plus $50.00perlot

$.05per squarefootof solarpanel $.08persquare footofsolarpanel Stop WorkOrder (Feeduepriortoany moreinspections)

$100.00$150.00

Buildingpermits(working without arequiredpermit)

CertificateofOccupancyChangeofUse

$100.00of 25%ofthe applicable permitfee, ifgreater

$100.00 plus$25.00 per1,000 squarefootof buildingarea

$150.00of35% ofthe applicable permitfee, ifgreater

$100.00plus $50.00per 1,000squarefoot ofbuildingarea

Publiccommentsmayalsobesubmittedtoadministration@powhatanva.govorby leaving avoicemail at (804)598-5612.Anycommentsreceivedpriorto5:00PMof thedateofthepublichearingwillberecordedinthemeetingminutes. Allinterestedpersonsareinvitedtoparticipateinthepublichearingsandto presenttheirviewsand/ortosubmitwrittencomments. Personsrequiringspecial assistancetovieworparticipateinthosehearingsshouldcontactthe Powhatan CountyAdministrator’sOffice at (804)598-5612 at leastthreedayspriortothe meeting.Fulltextanddocumentsrelatedtotheseproposalscanbereviewedby contactingtheCountyAdministrator’sOffice at administration@powhatanva.gov or(804)598-5612.