Powhatan Today – 05/24/2023

Shiflett’s walk-off caps off thrilling senior night B1

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Software woes bump tax date

Williams on latest IT issue: “It’s our fault”

ROSLYN RYAN

Editor

Adding another chapter to the saga of Powhatan’s relationship with Keystone Information Systems, the Powhatan Board of Supervisors held an emergency meeting on May 17 after ongoing issues with the company’s software forced the county to move its tax payment deadline from June 5 to June 20.

According to county administrator Bret Schardein, county staff had been working around the clock in attempt to identify

discrepancies in residents’ tax bills before they were mailed out.

“We wanted to make sure that when we put them out they were as accurate as they could be,” said Schardein. “And fortunately they did find the errors, rather than sending them out and having the public find them.”

Williams Schardein

began when the county signed a contract with the company on Nov. 28, 2020. While the software is used across all county departments, it has consistently been criticized by county treasurer Becky Nunnally and commissioner of the revenue Jamie Timberlake for creating headaches for county staff and residents alike.

The tax bill issue is only the latest in a series of problems connected to the Keystone Information Systems software implementation, a process that

As part of a report she provided to supervisors on Jan. 11, Nunnally wrote that “we cannot trust anything the system tells

us. We have no faith whatsoever in the data provided.”

Timberlake went so far as to tell the board during an update on personal property and real estate that there were functions – such as the automated mass appraisal system – he won’t put in Keystone’s hands because of lack of confidence in the process.

During a supervisors meeting last January, the board even broached the topic of suing the company if a suitable fix for the ongoing issues could not be found.

District 1 supervisor David Williams, speaking after the emergency measure had been

Free clinic founder retiring

GWEN SADLER

Contributing Writer

Connie Moslow began her career as a school teacher, but after a few years she left the profession to raise her family and pursue volunteer work wherever she saw a need. The talents she discovered in herself and the skills she developed along the way led her to start the Powhatan Free Clinic in 2008. A few years after moving to Powhatan, Moslow wondered

mission to bring healthcare to the uninsured

why there was no affordable, or free, healthcare provided in the county for those in need.

“Powhatan was one of the only counties of its size in the area without services,” she said.

She set out on a quest to gather information and see whether the need existed, and what she could do to make that happen. After visiting free clinics in other localities throughout the state, she contacted Dr. Bill Nelson, then-di-

LOCAL STUDENTS SHINE AT

Last month, Powhatan students from Flat Rock Elementary, Pocahontas Elementary, Powhatan Middle School and Powhatan High School attended the Future Problem Solvers Virginia finals, competing against schools from around the state. Powhatan students made up four of the 10 teams competing and Powhatan High School would go on to win the Community Problem Solvers award. Future Problem Solvers is a non-profit educational program that encourages students to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to imaginary future situations

rector of the Chesterfield district of the state’s health department, which includes Powhatan and Chesterfield counties, as well as the City of Colonial Heights.

“I asked him about the need for funding a free clinic in Powhatan, and he said, ‘What took you so long?’” Moslow said. Almost immediately, Nelson arranged for the Bons Secours Care-A-Van, a free mobile medical unit which serves unin-

sured and underinsured people throughout the region, to come to Powhatan. Moslow arranged for the unit to set up at the county’s fairgrounds.

“The medical personnel on the van were supposed to begin at 9 a.m., and people were lining up at 7 a.m. By the end of the day, two people had been taken directly to a hospital in ambulances.”

introduced last Wednesday evening, said the fault ultimately rests with the county leadership.

“It’s not the treasurer’s fault, it’s not the commissioner of revenue’s fault—it’s our fault because we have not held accountable the software vendor who is responsible for implementation of the system,” Williams said. Williams also pledged to ensure that the matter is handled once and for all, regardless of what the county has to do to fix it.

“This is going to be discussed and there is going to be closure and people are going to be held accountable, especially those of us on this stage,” Williams said.

Hit-and-run victim was Powhatan High School graduate

ROSLYN RYAN Editor

A local family remains in mourning this week after a former Powhatan resident was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Richmond on May 10. Richmond police say Ryan Howell, 28, was struck by a vehicle while walking in the 5200 block of Orcutt Lane near his home. He was pronounced dead shortly after rescue workers arrived on the scene. The driver involved left the scene and at press time had not been identified.

A 2013 graduate of Powhatan High School, Howell was also a member of St. James Baptist Church. According to an obituary published last week, he leaves behind three young children.

A funeral service was held on Friday, May 19, at Passion Community Church in Powhatan.

Police continue to search for any information that might help identify who struck Howell, and ask anyone who might be able to provide information to call police at (804) 646-1369 or call Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.

Utilities hire to help with backlog

gineer position and a grants writer for the county.

ROSLYN RYAN Editor

Help may be on the way for Powhatan’s beleaguered public works department, though not in the form originally requested by county administrator Bret Schardein during the recent county budget process.

On May 1, county supervisors voted 4-1 to eliminate the position of public utilities director from the FY2024 county budget, ultimately choosing instead to fund the addition of an assistant engineer.

According to District 5 supervisor Karin Carmack, who proposed the amendment to the budget, the change allow the county to take the $158,544 in salary and benefits costs for the public utilities director and use it to fund both a junior en -

And while there was disagreement between board members on how much the budget amendment would ultimately help, all board members agreed that something needed to be done.

“When I talk to the utilities department, they tell me they’re drowning,” said District 4 supervisor Bill Cox.

“So what help are they not getting?”

According to Schardein, the original request for the public utilities director was meant to help provide help in both the engineering and facilities areas of the department’s workload, which includes overseeing operations at the county’s recycling and solid waste disposal sites;

maintaining all County-owned buildings and grounds; field scheduling for schools and parks and rec activities; and maintaining water and sewer service in both the Flat Rock and Courthouse areas.

Adding a utilities engineer will still be helpful, Schardein said, because it will allow the current deputy county administrator to focus more on the facilities side of the equation.

“If we were to add on one side or the other, this is where I would put our resources,” Schardein said.

The engineer’s position will cost the county around $107,964 in salary and benefits, and will likely provide some relief for a utilities department that saw its manpower halved by the departure of Ramona Carter last year and left with only utilities director Johnny Melis to handle the workload.

PHOTO BY GWEN SADLER

Connie Moslow, right, with new Powhatan Free Clinic executive director Elizabeth Ream, officially retired from her role as executive director on May 12. After founding the clinic in 2008, Moslow guided its progress as the population is served grew steadily. So far this year, 950 residents have sought treatment, which puts the clinic on track for about 3,000 visits in 2023.

Molsow made it her

Budget change allows for department to bring in new engineer

Melis

WILLIAMS, Charlotte ‘Peggy’ Bass

WILLIAMS, Charlotte

“Peggy” Bass, of Cartersville, age 76, passed peacefully on May 16, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Vernon Williams; and her twin brother, Walter “Ned” Bass. She is survived by her children, Barron Williams (Ollie) and Charlotte Muscat (Gill), both of Powhatan; grandchildren, Braden Williams (Sara Beth) of Cartersville, Emi Williams of Powhatan, Tyler Muscat (Kayla) of Aurora, Colo., Madison Muscat of Chicago, Ill., and Kayla Muscat of Richmond. Peggy was happiest serving her church and community, working in her yard and being surrounded by animals. A Celebration of Peggy’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 25, 2023, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Columbia, Va. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church Stained Glass Fund, P.O. Box 853, Columbia, Va. 23038.

WIEGAND, Mr. Jon ‘Pure Fun’

Frank Sr.

WIEGAND, Mr. Jon

“Pure Fun” Frank Sr., 78, of Crewe, Va., passed away on May 14, 2023. Jon was born on May 19, 1944 to Frank and Irene Wiegand in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Council Rock High School in 1962, he went on to study at Hope College in Holland, Michigan and Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jon had many careers in his life, a math teacher, a computer programmer and his longest career was what he was most passionate about, he was an antique dealer, crafter and furniture maker. The highlight of his career was being selected as one of the top 50 vendors from Virginia for QVC’s “50 in 50” tour. He went on to appear on QVC two additional times. Jon was married to the love of his life, Diane for almost 52 years. They were married on June 19, 1971 going on to have four awesome children, Jonathan, Jodee, Heather and Shannon. Jon never really retired always tinkering around his sheds, making great stuff, asking Diane to paint just a few more “things” and all the while going on antique hunts trying to find that one rare piece. Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Irene. He is survived by his wife, Diane; children, Jonathan (Angela), Jodee (Jeff), Heather and Shannon (Chris); grandchildren Caitlin, Madison, Brian, Nick, Bailey and Kyle; sister, Susan Nelson (Roy); and brother, David Wiegand (Nancy); Scatty (their cat) and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held on June 24, 2023 in Powhatan, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Princeton Child Development Center (pioneers in Autism Intervention and Research for over 50 years) at PCDI.org. PCDI 300 Cold Soil Road Princeton, N.J. 08540.

A NOTE TO OUR READERS

A note to our readers: In years past, Powhatan Today has timed our annual tribute to veterans—in which we publish the hundreds of local veterans’ photos that have been submitted to us over the years—to coincide with our nation’s Memorial Day observance. This year, however, we are making a change. In keeping with the tradition of reserving Memorial Day specifically to honor those who have given their lives in service to our country, we have elected to move our photo tribute to Veterans Day. Please keep an eye out for it this November, and in the meantime send any previously unsubmitted veterans photos to news@powhatantoday.com or call (804) 339-7956 for more information.

OBITUARIES

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24

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 a nderson Hwy, in the training room of Powhatan Parks and Recreation. Information on various offerings, activities and topics presented can be found on Facebook: Powhatan County Reach for a ctive s ervices. Program is free; requires independent participation. Call program coordinator Jayne Lloyd at 804-698-0438 for more information.

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

<p class=”&rdquo;xmsonormal&rdquo;”>Business network International (B n I)Powhatan chapter meets virtually from 8 to 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday. Visit Www.B n IVa .com for information. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/B n IOnFire or contact executive director d awne Gulla at dawne@bniva. com or 804-690-9220 for more information.

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

Lonesome d ove e questrian 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. a s of Jan. 1, 2021, the program is also welcoming first responders to come ride with the program. From a pril through s eptember, volunteers are asked to arrive at 9 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 10 a.m. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 10 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 11 a.m. L de C 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 d ove, visit http://ldequestrian.com/ or contact 804-356-6327.

THURSDAY, MAY 25

The Powhatan Village Farmers Market opens is open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. every Thursday on the grounds of Bienvenue in the Village Just Kids, an affordable clothing shop selling gently used children’s clothes, sizes newborn to 8 plus, and warm coats, is open. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and s aturdays. 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.

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 804-3729526 or powhatanvafoodpantry@gmail.com.

Hey everyone! My name is Ella and I am a three-year-old hound mix. I may be a hound, however I have ultimately decided that the hunting dog life is not for me. Instead of living that life, I have decided that I would like to live the couch and belly scratch life.

I am a super happy gal and love to run and play! I have never met a person that I was not fond of.

Community Calendar or MQRWC’s Facebook page. MQWRC is an active group and interested in expanding. Visitors are always welcome. The Powhatan Ruritan Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Rosa’s Pizza and Italian e atery in Flat Rock. d inner will be served followed by a program and a brief meeting. They are a community service organization dedicated to our county. a ll are welcome. For more information call Jake Berman at 804-651-4503

Mark your calendars for the next Powhatan Civil War Roundtable meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the County s eat Restaurant. d inner will be included with a fee of $16 for members and $20 for non-members. To reserve space, contact Pat Whitmer at 240-298-0141 or patwhitmer77@gmail.com. Visit www.powhatancwrt.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 27

Habitat For Humanity — Powhatan depends on volunteers and donors. Habitat is blessed with the community’s helpful and generous participation. The Habitat Re s tore at 1922 Urbine Road will be open every s aturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The office is located upstairs at the Habitat Re s tore and the office number is 804-594-7009, ext.

2. Call and volunteer. Help us at the Re s tore, 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. Powhatan s tate Park 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. a ll hikes begin at 10 a.m. Registration is required and limited to nine hikers per trip. e mail Powhatan@dcr.virginia.gov with the subject line “hiking series” including the desired date/hike to reserve your spot. This month join Coyote Run Trail, meet at e questrian LotWear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and bring plenty of water. Children are welcome but be aware that some hikes may exceed 4 miles and require navigating uneven terrain in all weather conditions.

MONDAY, MAY 29

The 42nd annual Huguenot s prings Cemetery Memorial d ay s ervice will start at 2 p.m.

UPCOMING

s cout Troop 3029 is helping the Huguenot Volunteer Fire department achieve a long-held goal of building a memorial to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks of s ept. 11, 2001 at the station. The Girl s couts are selling 411 bricks inscribed with the name, rank and company of a firefighter, law enforcement officer or paramedic killed during the attacks. a donation of $23 will cover the cost of one inscribed brick in honor of a first responder. To purchase a brick, visit www.bricksrus.com/ donorsite/memorial911. Checks payable to Troop 3029 may also be mailed to Laura Baltz at 1510 Holly Hills Road, Powhatan, Va 23139. For more information, contact Baltz at 804-467-4313 or Ljbal65@aol.com.

Lonesome d ove e questrian 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. a s of Jan. 1, 2021, the program is also welcoming first responders to come ride with the program. From a pril through s eptember, volunteers are asked to arrive at 9 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 10 a.m. Upcoming dates are:

June 6, 20 and 28; July 11, 18 and 26; aug. 1, 15 and 23; s ept. 12, 19 and 27. From October through n ovember, 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; n ov. 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 d ove, visit http://ldequestrian. com/ or contact 804-356-6327.

sale, themed laps, a s urvivor’s Lap, luminaria that can be purchased in honor or in memory of a loved one, and much more.

Contact event lead Pat Johnson at pat.rflsoj@gmail.com. s aturday Under the s tars at Powhatan s tate Park will be hosted by the Richmond a stronomical s ociety throughout 2023. e vents are open to the public and held at the e questrian / 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. n o telescope is required, though. you can always check out the views through ours or just bring a comfortable chair. e vent times are listed below, but volunteer astronomers will be on site before the event to provide telescope assistance. n ote 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. a stronomers that can help with any of these events, send a message to president@richastro.org. Upcoming dates are: 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. July 22; 8 to 10 p.m. s ept. 16; and 5 to 7 p.m. d ec. 9.

ONGOING

I have been here at the shelter for a while now and don’t get me wrong, it’s not bad, I get lots of treats and Peanut Butter but I think it is time for me to move onto the next chapter in my life. I am spayed and up to date on all my shots which doesn’t leave much for a new family to do besides love me. If you would like to come and meet me, which I sure hope you do, you can call the shelter at 804-5985672 to schedule a meet and greet. I hope to see you soon!

Ella

If you would like to help the animals in our care, you can do so by donating to our medical fund at Claws and Paws, 4313 Anderson Hwy., Powhatan, VA 23139

Powhatan Sheriff s Office | Division Of Animal Control Phone: 804-598-5672 | Fax: 804-598-5109

e xtension specialists and industry experts share timely topics for farmers in the Virginia Cooperative e xtension a g 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_2QUVzrPX d p ysV2H y 11CH8KBrluifyO. Contact s tephanie Romelczyk (sromelcz@vt.edu) for information on joining the meeting live. Watched or listened to VCe aG Today? Let us know how we are doing! Find our survey here: https://vce.az1.qualtrics.com/ jfe/form/sV_6fi y Bb914 ay Rdn7.

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

Mill Quarter Republican Woman’s Club (MQRWC) at Italian d elight restaurant, 1795 s outh Creek One, Powhatan. Fellowship begins at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7 p.m. The organization meets the fourth Thursday of every month unless otherwise advertised in the

It is co-sponsored by the J. e B. s tuart Camp #1343 of the s ons of Confederate Veterans and Huguenot s prings Cemetery Foundation. The event will include bagpipe music by Virginia s cots Guards, an address by Benjamin Barrett entitled ‘Why d o We Have Memorials,” and an artillery salute by Knibb’s Battery and refreshments. The ceremony will take place at 915 Old Confederate Cemetery Road, in Midlothian off Huguenot s prings Road just west of Route 288 and south of Route 711 (Robious Road) in Powhatan. For more information, call (804)356-8868 or e-mail KnibbsBattery@aol.Com or Hug s prCemetery@Gmail. Com. The Free Clinic of Powhatan serves residents from Powhatan, a melia and Cumberland Counties as well as select Chesterfield areas. s ervices include medical, dental, counseling and women’s healthcare by appointment. e ligibility requirements on website www. freeclinicofpowhatan.org/patients. Registration for new patients by appointment Mondays 5 to 8 p.m. or walk-in Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, call 804-598-5637.

a Powhatan Hope n arcotics a nonymous ( na ) meeting will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday at PCC Church, 4480 a nderson Highway, Powhatan, Room 102. It is an open discussion meeting. Wheelchair accessible.

TUESDAY, MAY 30

The Powhatan County d emocratic Committee meets from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Powhatan County Library. The new Bridge of Reason aa meeting is held at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at Powhatan Mennonite Church, 3549 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan. It is an open, decision and literature meeting for Powhatan, Goochland, and Cumberland counties.

aa meets at 8 p.m. every Tuesday at s t. Luke’s e piscopal Church on Huguenot Trail.

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

Indoor yard s ale will be held by the Women’s Organization of s aint John n eumann Catholic Church located at 2480 Batterson Road in Powhatan from 8 a.m. to 2pm, rain or shine. Proceeds benefit church ministries.

Powhatan s tate Park 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. a ll hikes begin at 10 a.m. Registration is required and limited to nine hikers per trip. e mail Powhatan@dcr.virginia.gov with the subject line “hiking series” including the desired date/hike to reserve your spot. Upcoming events are: June 24: River, Gold d ust and Turkey Trail, meet at e questrian Lot; July 29: Cabin Trail/Big Woods Trail, meet at the playground area; a ug. 26: Pine Trail, meet at yates Parking a rea; s ept. 30: Coyote Run Trail, meet at e questrian Lot; Oct. 28: River, Gold d ust and Turkey Trail, meet at e questrian Lot; n ov. 25: Cabin Trail/ Big Woods Trail, meet at the playground area; and d ec. 30: Pine Trail, meet at yates Parking area. Wear comfortable, closedtoed shoes and bring plenty of water. Children are welcome but be aware that some hikes may exceed 4 miles and require navigating uneven terrain in all weather conditions.

The Westchester Concert s eries is back with a full summer 2023 lineup planned. a ll concerts are from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Westchester Concert Field. e ach concert will benefit a different nonprofit. Upcoming performances are: June 1, e n’ n ovation ( a utism s ociety of Central Virginia); June 15, The e nglish Channel (Chesterfield Historical s ociety of Virginia); June 29, The Jangling Reinharts (Free Clinic of Powhatan); July 13, 64 Crayons Band (RVaG); and July 27, Good s hot Judy (Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia). For more information, visit www.shopwestchestercommons.com.

Juneteenth Powhatan, a day of celebration, culture and history, will be held from noon to 4 p.m. June 17 both inside and outside at the Pocahontas Landmark Center, 4290 a nderson Highway. a ctivities will include an exhibit and program, food and vendors, music and a kids zone. The event is rain or shine. It is free and open to the public. d onations are welcome.

Relay for Life s outh of the James, the combined Relay for Life event for Powhatan and Chesterfield counties, will be held from 4 to 10 p.m. s aturday June 10 at Powhatan High s chool, 1800 Judes Ferry Road. Come support the fight against cancer by walking laps and fundraising as a team or participating in the event and supporting the different teams’ fundraisers. Highlights include enthusiastic teams joining together in the fight against cancer, performances, food for

The Powhatan Village Farmers Market season will be open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. every Thursday through Oct. 26. The market is on the grounds of Bienvenue in the Village. you’ll love reconnecting with your favorite vendors and meeting over 15 new ones! The market offers a huge variety of local goods like seasonal produce, unique breads and baked goods, coffee, honey, pastured meats, kombucha, eggs, mushrooms, artisan creations, selfcare products, flowers and even dog treats. While you shop enjoy live music and a tasty food truck dinner! This season Powhatan’s local Parks and Recreation will provide kids’ activities every week and they have all sorts of fun stuff planned for opening day! Prizes for the kiddos and friendly dogs are always welcome. This season your family will also love visits to the booths of the Powhatan s tate Park, Powhatan library, Master Gardeners and so many more critical community organizations.

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. a gricultural lands in Goochland and Powhatan 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 practices. Monacan encourages producers to explore options now since program options have recently been revised and significantly improved for the producer. The d istrict has highly skilled employees who are well trained in both the technical aspects of conservation management and program delivery. s taff members 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. a nyone interested in exploring the many benefits of conservation planning can contact d istrict conservation specialists Betty McCracken at (804)556-0935 or Colton s ullivan 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.

Please see CALENDAR, Page A8

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Powhatan’s sgt. Christine Boczar was recognized and received an award from the attorney General’s office last week for her leadership and work on a recent investigation in Cumberland County that resulted in the rescue of thousands (yes, thousands) of beagles from a facility. First sgt. arthur Gregory, left, and Capt. danny smith were on hand to congratulate Boczar as well.

Riders taking part in the May 10 Police Unity tour wave to bystanders as they travel along Route 522 in Powhatan. the tour is an annual ride from Portsmith to washington d,C. to raise awareness of the sacrifices of those officers who have died in the line of duty.

Members of the Fine Creek Volunteer Fire department (VFd) recently had the opportunity to take part in a training exercise focused on extrication and vehicle fire suppression. the week started with a joint training exercise with some members of Powhatan Volunteer Rescue squad on patient extrication and care. then Fine Creek VFd members had sessions on extrication that wrapped up with a fire suppression exercise. .

Hire

From A1

Since Carter was the only professional engineer in the office, this also meant a significant increase in the number of engineering projects that required approval from an outside consultant before they could go forward.

To add one more chal-

lenge, when Carter left the county, former county administrator Ned Smither changed the open position to that of deputy county administrator.

The move “left Mr. Melis with 100% of the work,” said District 1 supervisor David Williams. “This is a lesson is organizational management—on how not to do it. It just doesn’t make sense to me.”

Congratulations to the Powhatan Volunteer Fire department Company 1 members who recently completed Firefighter I certification and received their black helmet (from district Chief Carroll smith) indicating they are now interior firefighters. to reach this point, the volunteers completed 200+ hours of training, completed live burns and passed several state tests. Pictured here, from left to right, are Carroll smith, James Battle, Jack Blair, nathan anderson and Richard Clark. not pictured is Matt anton.

Williams said he would have liked the budget change request to have been made earlier, but that he felt the situation could not wait.

“I’m not going to vote against getting Mr. Melis help,” Williams said.

“That said, I’m going to be watching, and I’m going to be asking how well this position is working out going forward.”

Obviously, Moslow had pegged the need exactly right. She set about to create something more permanent.

“I’m good at organizing things,” she said. “I knew I could do this.”

While she’s had a lot of help along the way, Moslow has been the driving force behind the clinic. As founder and executive director, she has expanded the clinic exponentially, and the population the clinic serves has grown as well.

In 2021, coming off the Covid-19 pandemic, the clinic served 550 people. Last year, in a new, larger building, there were 2,200 patient visits. So far this year, 950 residents have sought treatment, which puts the clinic on track for about 3,000 visits in 2023.

The clinic has a paid staff of six medical professionals, with 20 volunteers who serve as RN case managers, physicians, specialists, dentists and dental hygienists. There are five paid administrative staff members, backed by more than 40 volunteers, who pitch in for everything from database management to community outreach to fundraising. It all started with Moslow, herself a clinic volunteer who has never taken a salary for running the show. But all things come to an end, and Moslow has decided a change is due for the clinic’s leadership.

Connie Moslow, retiring Powhatan Free Clinic executive director

can get to their meetings, but I think there’s an older population out there who just aren’t able to go to meetings,” Moslow said. “I want to see what can be done for them.”

For good reason, Moslow says she is proud of what has been accomplished in both her professional and personal life.

birthday & above announcement submissions can be e-mailed to news@powhatantoday.com or call 804-363-1577

As of May 12, her title and work passed on to the new executive director, Elizabeth Ream.

Why the decision to leave now? At 85, Moslow’s age may have been a consideration, but she also cites four goals she made during her tenure at the clinic: “move into a new building, have a good board of directors, bring a great staff on board, and be financially sound.” She has accomplished all those objectives, and feels this is the right time for her to retire. And while she said she may do some traveling and give more attention to an old passion—painting—Moslow isn’t hanging up her volunteer cloak. She is currently helping put together a clinic advisory board comprised of patients, people from the community, Powhatan government representatives, and, of course, herself. The group will serve under the clinic’s board of directors, with a goal of studying issues important to the community that the clinic may need to address.

She’s also looking into the county’s senior population’s needs.

“Community Matters [a group for seniors that holds regular meetings] does a great job of serving those older folks who

“As for the clinic, I’m most proud I, along with the efforts of volunteers, donors, and board members, was able to help a lot of people,” Moslow said. “They’re so appreciative. And I really appreciate the staff and the patients we all serve. But in my life, the clinic comes second.

I’m most proud of my job as a mom, raising good, productive, kind – that’s huge – people into adulthood. If you’ve done that, you’ve done a good job.”

Powhatan Free Clinic is located at 2320 Skaggs Road. Services include medical, dental, mental health, women’s health, vision exams, lab services, imaging and prescriptions. Patients are seen by appointment only. The clinic may be reached at (804) 598-5637.

More information may be found at www.freeclinicofpowhatan.org.

“Community Matters [a group for seniors that holds regular meetings] does a great job of serving those older folks who can get to their meetings, but I think there’s an older population out there who just aren’t able to go to meetings. I want to see what can be done for them.”

During busy hay season, motorists must use caution

COMMUNITY REPORT

To reduce the risk of roadway incidents, hay farmer Robert Janney sometimes chooses odd hours to move heavy equipment on rural roads, like an early Sunday morning.

“It’s no fun being out on a tractor while people flip you a bird because they think you’re in the way,” he said. “We’re all trying to make a living, and everybody’s in a hurry, but we need to share the road.” To literally make hay while the sun shines, time is of the essence, Janney continued.

“The farmer is trying to get from field to field or get their crop in the barn before it rains,” he explained. Meanwhile, motorists are hurrying to a ballgame or meeting loved ones for a meal. “A meal the farmer has most likely helped produce food for!” he added. “Just like their time matters to them, our crops are time sensitive to us.”

Peak growing conditions for hay mean motorists will see in-

creased activity on Virginia’s rural roadways. “To get forage quality in dry hay, you need to get it dried down completely, and quickly,” said Matt Booher, a Virginia Cooperative Extension crop and soil sciences agent in Rockingham County. “That’s the challenge. We tend to get scattered rain this time of year. And as forages mature and put out seed heads, the quality starts to drop pretty quickly. So that also puts you in a rush to get out and mow the fields before they get too mature. It’s a short window of time.”

He added that many farmers are simultaneously planting row crops and spraying fields. With the planting season in full swing, motorists are urged to respectfully share the road, said Dana Fisher, chairman of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Farm Safety Advisory Committee.

“Our food systems depend on transportation,” Fisher said.

COMMUNITY REPORT

The arrival of Memorial Day means it’s summer cookout season, and consumers should keep important safety procedures in mind before firing up their grills.

With nearly seven out of every 10 adults in the U.S. owning a grill or smoker, home fires and related injuries rise in the summer. An average of 10,600 home fires are started by grills each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The NFPA urges cooks to avoid placing the grill close to anything that is flammable. Grills should be placed well away from homes and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging

branches.

“Be cognizant of carbon monoxide with charcoal, pellet, wood and propane grills, and always be cautious of hot surfaces—especially with young children around, as the exteriors of the grill can become extremely hot,” said C.T. Thiemann, Louisa County Farm Bureau president and a caterer for Louisa FFA Alumni.

Between 2014 and 2018, an average of 19,700 patients per year visited an emergency room for injuries involving grills. Children under 5 accounted for about 39% of contact-type burns each year, NFPA reported.

The organization recommends keeping children and pets at least

“As farmers are doing their part, motorists should take necessary precautions to ensure everybody reaches their destination safely.”

Janney, who has grown orchard grass fescue for feeder cattle for over 30 years, said heavy equipment didn’t utilize public roadways as frequently when farmland was more contiguous. However, as development and land loss encroach on agricultural activities, motorists should expect to share the road with equipment.

He recalled a fatality in 2018, when a motorcyclist in a no-passing zone struck a farm tractor turning left into a private drive. Visibility is key. “Slow down. Give space,” Janney advised.

“If I have a big baler behind me, I can’t see you,” he said. “If I’m getting ready to make a left turn and you’re impatient and whip out to pass me, we’re going to meet in the road, and it’s going to be a problem.”

submitted by the Virginia Farm Bureau

3 feet away from the grill area, and never leaving a grill unattended. Propane grill users should check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. NFPA suggests applying a light soap and water solution to the hose—a propane leak will release bubbles.

It’s important to keep the grill clean by wiping down the surface and removing any grease or fat buildup from the grates and trays to avoid both fire and foodborne illness.

Food poisoning peaks in summer months when warmer temperatures flourish, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC advises cooks to wash their hands before handling raw meat; keep meat refrigerated until ready to grill; thaw and marinate meat safely in a refrigerator, cold water or a microwave; avoid cross-contamination by separating meat into individual plastic bags; and use a food thermometer to ensure all meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

“This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your hamburger or steak with some red to pink in it—just be sure you know the safe temperatures for each type of meat,” Thiemann said.

Whole cuts of meat should be cooked to a minimum temperature of 145˚ with a three-minute rest time before carving or eat-

ing, fish to 145˚, hamburgers and other ground meat to 160˚, egg dishes to 160˚, and poultry and pre-cooked meals to 165˚.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that perishable food be consumed or refrigerated within two hours, or within one hour if outdoor temperatures are 90˚ and above.

“Being mindful of these few things will definitely help ensure your summer gatherings are fun, tasty and safe for all activities,” Thiemann said.

For questions about food safety, contact the USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline or chat live at ask.usda.gov from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Ride assist program offers lifeline to senior residents

COMMUNITY REPORT

Powhatan’s Ride Assist Services is a volunteer transportation program for individuals 60 and above in Powhatan County who are unable to drive. Requests for rides are coordinated through the program coordinator and vetted volunteer drivers fulfill those requests as their schedule allows. This program continues to increase in number of residents registering as riders and is in need of more volunteers.

The following was shared by Powhatan resident Dick Mensing,

who is currently using the service:

“I have been home since Feb. 3, 2023 after being discharged from a major rehab facility. I was put on an in-home physical therapy program to help me get stronger, more balanced, etc. I am on a walker to help me function. At this time I cannot drive.

After my discharge there were and still are a number of doctor appointments tied in with the discharge. I also had other appointments previously scheduled.

I started out asking friends and neighbors to take me but that was

not going to be a long term solution. Thank goodness for Ride Assist Services. The Powhatan Department of Social Services works in cooperation with volunteers to provide transportation needs for seniors who are unable to drive. To my knowledge this type of program is unique in our area.

After hearing about this service, I called Jayne Lloyd to find out more about Ride Assist Services. I can’t say enough about my first contact with Jayne. It was excellent; she made me feel wanted. She was very professional, knowl-

edgeable, and there to help. Also we discussed the volunteer drivers who are making the commitment and sacrifice to make it all happen.

I have requested rides through Ride Assist Services for five doctor appointments and have encountered four different drivers.

I have three more doctor appointments coming up. Here are my comments about the drivers: They are more than drivers. They make a big sacrifice, are totally committed, very pleasant and friendly and want to help. My

humble evaluation : I can’t do without this service. Ride Assist Services is five stars out of five. And to have someone like Jayne to coordinate everything is a real blessing; her leadership has made this service very successful.”

To register as an RAS rider or apply as a volunteer, call or email program coordinator Jayne Lloyd at (804) 698-0438 RAServices. PVA@gmail.com.

submitted by Jayne Lloyd, program coordinator for Ride assist services

Slime Mold: Protists are not always pretty, but fascinating for sure

COMMUNITY REPORT

Early morning is a great time to observe many of the wonders of nature. Recently, one such wonder, a colorful slime mold, was observed in the mulch of an ornamental bed at a local business. Spring mulch applications and rain showers are the perfect recipe for slime molds. If you have ever walked past a mulched bed and wondered, “Whose dog vomited there?” then you are already familiar with slime molds. The common name “mold” usually denotes a fungus, but slime molds are not fungi. Rather, they are protists, and may be an aggregate of individual cells that fuse together forming an enormous single cell with thousands of nuclei called a plasmodium.

When conditions are moist, the plasmodium has the ability to move and climb. It can travel on the surface of mulch, climb on blades of grass, plants and other structures like tree trunks, logs

or walls. They feed on microorganisms such as bacteria, fungal spores and other organic matter by surrounding and engulfing their food similar to an amoeba. There are over 700 known species of slime mold. It is hard to call them attractive organisms, but they can be quite striking. Slime molds take the shape of a blob, web, or net and come in a variety of colors. White, tan, and bright yellow are the most common ones that we see. They can appear seemingly overnight and appear to walk over surfaces as they search for food.

Many people are concerned that slime molds may be harmful to their lawns and ornamental plants. They are mostly harmless to plants. When they are covering leaf surfaces they block sunlight and restrict plant photosynthesis, but this is a temporary problem. Slime molds are short lived organisms and will fade in color and disappear as they dry

out. They reproduce by spores which are distributed by wind as they dry out. You can accelerate this process by raking out the slime mold… or, alternatively, prolong the slime mold’s life by keeping the substrate around it moist. Slime mold observation is a great backyard science project to do with kids.

Not all white growth on mulch and around plants is a slime mold. Fungi sometimes colonize mulch, creating white mycelial mats. These are usually within the mulch rather than on the surface. And if you see white, fuzzy growth around the root collars and stems of your plants, it could be a pathogen such as southern blight, Sclerotinia, or Rhizoctonia. Normally this growth will be accompanied by other detrimental symptoms on the plant. s ubmitted by the Cooperative e xtension o ffice

Creating a more dog-friendly yard for your little pup to enjoy this summer

Dogs, particularly puppies, can be full of boundless energy. Channeling that energy into exercise with long walks or play sessions can help stem dogs’ propensity to get into trouble around the house as they burn off extra adrenaline. Pets who don’t have an energy outlet may chew off-limits objects or get into other mischief.

According to the American Kennel Club, the amount of exercise a dog needs depends on the animal’s age and breed.

For example, border collies or Siberian huskies may require much more exercise than English bulldogs, simply because the

former are working breeds. Pet owners with large backyards often find those outdoor spots are ideal for when their dogs get the “zoomies,” something that tends to be a daily occurrence. Letting their dogs run around yards, whether on their own or chasing tossed tennis balls, is an ideal way to provide exercise and tire out pups. In such scenarios, it’s vital that pups have a dogfriendly yard in which to play.

Use safe lawn care products

An expanse of grass is the per-

fect place to frolic or enjoy some sunbathing — for people or pets. But contact with chemically treated lawns can cause a number of health issues for dogs, such as allergies or intestinal upset. Switching to native grasses can reduce the need to use chemicals to get lush lawns.

When supplementation is needed, homeowners can switch to organic products or natural compost as safer alternatives than chemical-based products.

Fence off the yard

Off-leash running and bounding through the yard will make

any dog smile. However, a fence is a must-have to ensure a dog doesn’t become an escape artist. Be sure the fence is high enough so that the pup cannot jump over it. Burying chicken wire in the dirt beneath the lower edge of the fence also can help prevent dogs who like to dig from exiting by crawling underneath the fence.

Consider installing a lock on the fence gate so that no one can wander in and surprise the dog, which may startle the animal and prompt it to defend the property. A lock also helps prevent dog theft.

Keep the yard tidy

Maintaining a clean yard also is key to safety. Inspect the yard regularly to make sure nothing is around that can prove harmful, whether it’s poison ivy, felled branches or broken fence panels. Also, keep shrubs and grass trimmed to reduce flea and tick populations on the property. Avoid poisonous plants

Certain plants can be dangerous if they’re consumed by curious pups. Chrysanthemums, peonies, irises, and hydrangeas are some plants that can be poisonous. For a full list of poisonous plants, visit the ASPCA website (aspca.org).

ChurCh DireCtory

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY THE GOOCHLAND EXTENSION OFFICE

the common name “mold” usually denotes a fungus, but slime molds are not fungi. Rather, they are protists, and may be an aggregate of individual cells that fuse together forming an enormous single cell.

A dog day at the market

The Powhatan Village Market went to the dogs on May 18, welcoming all marketgoers to bring their four-legged friends along as they shopped the market. Powhatan Animal Control was in attendance with a number of adoptable dogs, and Powhatan commonwealth’s attorney Rob Cerullo brought therapy dog Olive for a visit as well. While the humans enjoyed the delicious offerings of various vendors, pups got to partake in a number of special goodies just for them, including treats, nose/paw balm and handmade tags.

by Ash Daniel

Photos

Jackson davis and sarah Kantzler shop for flowers.

olive Cerullo, certified therapy dog, enjoys the market.

emily nuckols samples lavender dream kombucha.

nani smith attended the market to share her soulsmith kombucha.

Local resident scott Richards entertained market attendees on the guitar.

dogs of all shapes and sizes were able to enjoy the festivities during the Powhatan Village Market’s dog day on May 18.

dogs—and their owners—enjoyed perfect spring weather as they browsed the various booths.

these ripe, juicy berries were just one example of the locally grown items on sale at the market.

OPINION

Has America soured on the Royals?

JIM RIDOLPHI

Contributing Columnist

There are few things in life more relaxing than a late July day lounging on a Nags Head Beach, and that’s where I found myself in July, 1981. Like many other local families, we chose a week at the beach as our summer vacation, and the Outer Banks was still uncrowded and offered a certain allure with its pirate history and mysterious legacy.

But, on this day, the normally leisurely pace was disrupted by an excitement derived from an event taking place an ocean away, the marriage of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. And our day at the beach turned to a daylong almost voyeuristic peek at the Royal family through

constant television coverage, and the pomp and circumstance of a royal wedding.

Americans couldn’t get enough, and news of the wedding flooded the airwaves attracting a worldwide audience.

I contrast the mood of that occasion with the collective yawn expressed by most Americans as Prince Charles ascended to the throne recently. Early ratings revealed more Britains watched the late Queen’s funeral than the Coronation, and fewer Americans showed interest in what once a momentous event that attracted global attention.

That doesn’t mean the Brits didn’t make every effort to promote the event, spending a reported $125 million on the cere-

mony that attracted dignitaries from the Crown’s shrinking empire as well as official delegations from numerous countries.

First Lady Jill Biden represented her husband, a move that some equated to a snub from the American aristocracy, but White House officials claimed it was no more than a traditional diplomatic move. Turns out other American presidents have taken a pass on past coronations.

All of this doesn’t indicate that America’s bond with England is less than substantial, and we still watch with intrigue as the royal family continually makes headlines; but maybe were fed up with the more than pretentious lifestyle associated with the crowned ones coupled

with the endless streams of controversy.

I heard a British commentator who explained Charles’ lack of embrace by the public by explaining he’s less likable that the recently passed Queen or Diana. No doubt Charles is no rock star, but I’m thinking a regime that surrounds itself with jewels and riches while its citizens struggle to make ends meet might also have something to do with the lack of public acceptance.

Looking back to the that day in Nags Head, perhaps we were more infatuated with the story book tale of Charles and Diana, a love story we now know was mostly invented. And that was before we had been flooded with royal news

Family visits need not wait for holidays

EMILY WALLS RAY

Contributing columnist

Nowadays commercialism has made a holiday for events as commonplace as eating a grilled cheese sandwich. Oh, did you miss that event? It was in April. Those kinds of manufactured holidays seem trivial in comparison with the ones we celebrated in my home state of Alabama.

My childhood is filled with memories of celebrating major holidays with family, accompanied by all the traditions included with them. The big ones included Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. The second tier included the Fourth of July, Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day weekend, May Day (although few seem to celebrate that day except girls’ schools), and Homecoming.

Of course, any game played by the University of Alabama or Auburn University had a special place on the schedule (in our household we supported both). I suspect there are many UVA.-Va. Tech households with loyalties on both sides as well.

However, it seemed our celebrations were skewed in terms of which side of the family we celebrated with. Both lived nearby, but we gathered with one side of the family more often than the other. I have observed this happening often, even in families situated within close proximity of one another.

As a child and adolescent, I knew and accepted this. As a more mature adult, I find it interesting and a bit revealing about how families function.

I was blessed with three aunts and an uncle. On my mother’s side, there was an aunt who lived with her family (three cousins about my age) in Demopolis, Alabama, about an hour and a half’s drive from Tuscaloosa. They visited Tuscaloosa at least once a year as kids.

On my father’s side, two of his siblings lived in Tuscaloosa, while a sister lived in Maryland. where her husband was connected to the Naval Academy. As a result, I lived in

close proximity to most of my extended family.

It was my fraternal grandmother and aunt who lived locally that I saw less often than my maternal grandmother, who did not drive, and after her husband’s death, depended on my parents for rides. We attended the same

METROCREATIVE ILLUSTRATION

church as my maternal grandmother, and went together to services, potlucks, and Wednesday night suppers. I felt very comfortable in her home as well.

One might think my memories of times with the side of the family I saw less would be fuzzy: not true. The following

that painted a less than favorable picture of life in the castle. Maybe the bubble broke with Prince Andrew and Fergie’s misguided exploits, or perhaps we overdosed on Prince Harry and Meghan’s public pursuit of privacy. In any event, our lack of interest in Charles coronation wasn’t an exclusive American viewpoint. Surveys showed large number of Brits also didn’t watch the event, and big name performers like Adele, Ed Sheeran and the Spice Girls turned down invites to perform at the gala. In any case, the who cares attitude may be a sign of things to come for monarchs universally. As one commentator said, “People just aren’t that keen on Kings anymore.”

To this day, some war stories still confound

JACK AGNEW

Contributing Writer

Editor’s note: The following is part of a continuing series in which we ask readers to share a true story with us—any story—as long as it happened to them or a family member. Do you have a story to tell? Send it news@powhatantoday.com.

One of my good friends in the late seventies was a former Marine infantry sergeant named Terry. He was leading a six-man squad on night patrol in Vietnam, when they were fired on from a village, with a machine gun. They were surrounded by rice paddies, and hiding behind the gravestones in a small cemetery on a little knoll outside of the village. They were exposed and had basically no cover. Rice paddies obviously being flat as water, and Terry was a great big guy.

The rules of engagement that Henry Kissinger negotiated (and the DC politicians agreed to) included maps designating certain villages as “friendly”, and therefore it was against policy for the US to hit them. Terry radioed for an air strike on the village, but the operator said, “I can’t, it’s a friendly village.” You can imagine how Terry reacted, he went berserk. A different voice got on the phone and said, “Son, I’ll have you know you don’t talk to my radio operator like that. I’m a full-bird Marine colonel! Don’t use language like that!” Terry shouted, “I don’t care if you’re God Almighty!

If you don’t hit that village with an air strike, I’m going to kill you with my bare hands if we live through this. THEY’RE FIRING ON US!”

He threw the radio away and hollered to his squad, “They’re not coming!”

Production Manager Denine D’Angelo ddangelo@mechlocal.com

Classifieds Cindy Adams cadams@mechlocal.com

descriptions of celebrations with them show detailed recall of events on the impressionable curly haired girl I was. I credit a very creative aunt for making those times fun and memorable. I wish she could read about how much

Please see RAY, Page A8

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS

Powhatan today welcomes your Letters to the editor on topics of concern to you and the community. Letters, which should be no longer than 400 words, must include the name, address and telephone number of the author. the deadline is noon 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.

During those years in the military, we had a grenade launcher that was lethal. You could put a grenade down a rat hole, it was really effective. Terry hollered to his grenadier, “I’m going to run forward and throw a grenade, and in the flash you better hit that gun, or we’re all dead!” He jumped up and went splashing through the rice paddies. Terry was 6’3” and weighed about 250, he was a big guy. Once he got to where he thought he was close enough, he planted his feet, threw a grenade, then heard a splash.

Please see JACK, Page A8

Calendar

From A2

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,

He was going to try to throw two of them, so when he heard the splash, he thought he had dropped the second one. When he looked down, he saw a flash, and that’s the last thing he remembered from Vietnam. He woke up in a hospital in the States three or four months later, in a body cast.

they (and she) meant to me. I hope they inspire readers to think how to be inclusive of all who are important to them.

My Aunt Sara, who took care of my fraternal grandmother, was a woman ahead of her time. She was a writer and editor, and headed up employee news magazines and newsletters for

equine, dairy Judging, and shooting education (waiting list). For our younger youth, ages 5-8 years old, we’re seeking new club leaders interested in starting a second Cloverbud 4-h Club in Powhatan.

4-h school enrichment programs are also available for homeschool groups. Reach out to Cathy howland, Powhatan 4-h extension agent, at 804-598-5640 or chowland@vt.edu for details about the 4-h opportunities listed, and/or information on starting new 4-h clubs or programs.

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

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. Proceeds from the book sale are used for additional library programming.

One day (after he had come out of the coma and was halfway on the mend), his grenadier came into the room laughing. Terry said, “What in the name of conscience is so funny?” “Do you remember that night in Vietnam?” he asked. Terry answered, “Yeah, everything right up to the flash between my legs.” He told him, “Yeah, well, they saw you coming, and they got you with a grenade right after you threw yours. But the reason I’m laughing is

Gulf States Paper Corporation, affectionately known as “the Papermill.” The pungent aroma of the paper mill wafted across the Warrior River, alerting residents and visitors alike that the smokestacks carried the stench of manufacturing as well as jobs for the community. My aunt, of auburn hair and bright brown eyes like her mother’s and sister’s, had a childlike curiosity and genuinely loved stories

the Powhatan County Cooperative extension Master Gardener h elp d esk is here for yet another growing season. although office hours are reduced because of CoVId-19 restrictions, the help desk is still ready and available. email questions and detailed photos of your stricken plants to gpmastergardener@gmail.com and volunteers will try and find a solution for you. you can also directly call the Powhatan County extension at 804598-5640 and leave a message. the help desk will be in touch. If a real-life diagnosis or determination is needed, large plant samples including root, stem and leaves can be dropped off at the Powhatan County extension’s office after consulting with Master Gardener volunteer. If you have plants/shrubs/trees needing identification in your yard, or are new to the Powhatan or Goochland area, we also offer free one to two-hour site visits. available now emergency housing relief funds to assist with rent, mortgage or other housing concerns. Powhatan Community action agency has received funding for housing relief for families in Powhatan County who have been affected by CoVId-19. Contact Renee Van natter at valerie.vannatter@dss.virginia.gov or via cell at 804 814-5332. habitat for humanity-Powhatan always

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

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

Powhatan County Public Library is excited to partner with Wowbrary to offer library patrons the opportunity to subscribe to a curated weekly e-newsletter showcasing new library acquisitions. each newsletter features the latest bestsellers, movies, audio books, children’s titles, cookbooks, mysteries, and more purchased by the library. Wowbrary alerts are free and all you need is a valid email address. Visit www.wowbrary.org to sign up. a Powhatan County Public Library

card in good standing is required to check out print and electronic items. to obtain a library card, visit the library or apply online at www.powhatanlibrary.net. narconon arrowhead is here to help you. narconon offers free addiction counseling, assessments, and referral services to rehabilitation centers nationwide. Call 1-800-468-6933 or log on to www.narcononarrowhead.org.

a box was provided by the n ational association of Counties (naCo) to provide citizens a place to bring flags that need to be retired properly. It is located at the County administration Building in the vestibule area by the front doors. County administration is working with local groups that hold flag disposal ceremonies and will be routinely transporting the flags collected to these ceremonies. For questions, call 804-598-5612. hope Project provides free transportation for Powhatan County residents who have lost their driver’s licenses due to drug-related charges. examples include rides to court, rehab, job interviews, doctor’s appointments, and probation meetings. Contact the hope Project coordinator at 804-301-3324. Give a minimum of 24 hours’ notice.

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that you must have been scared to death when you threw your grenade, because it went off about a quarter of a mile behind the village.” Terry smiled at the hyperbole and said, “Yeah, I guess I was scared.” The grenadier continued, “But anyway, in that brief flash, man, I nailed them, I got ‘em all. You were so cut up, we just put you in a body bag, we knew you were dead, you were just covered in blood. But you squeaked when we threw you on the floor of the

medevac chopper, so I cut your bag open with a bayonet, and the medic saved you. You came so close, we just knew you couldn’t be alive.” To this day, I still can’t believe that a Marine, or an Army officer, or anybody with a fellow American out there in a rice paddy getting chopped to death with a machine gun wouldn’t go help them. It dogged me for years, I couldn’t understand it. I think I made my peace about it, knowing he probably did it so he wouldn’t

get a letter of reprimand from the politicians in D.C. and then not make general, which would cut down his retirement money. At least there was a reason, no matter how stupid. I don’t know, but they wouldn’t help them. They would not hit that village, and it’s criminal. It’s criminal what we did to those kids in Vietnam. We tied one hand behind their backs, and told them to go fight a war. It was insane. And it left 58,000 dead.

about the workers at Gulf States. She wrote about them in the company publication, The News Bag. The cover looked like a paper bag, which was one of their products. I remember being photographed with my sister for one of the covers of that publication.

The real fun was my aunt’s sense of play and adventure. As mentioned, we were with her less often than the other side of the family for

holidays. But she didn’t seem to mind when we came in order to celebrate. For example, we hid Easter eggs in July one year after the process of dip dying them in cups of food coloring. I still remember the vinegary smell, watching the orange dye change from yellow to almost red. Then the biting sulphuric aroma of ripe eggs hidden in rocky crevices caught my olfactory attention amidst the pink and green strawberry plants. The surprise and delight of finding an Easter egg on a hot Sunday in July added to the enchantment: things were not as they were supposed to be, on purpose!

Call

Email: paidnotices@timesdispatch.com

For little girls used to wearing lace Bobby socks with white Sunday school shoes and petticoats, wearing Bermuda shorts and Keds spelled adventure. Occasional hens and chicks pecking around the pea gravel patio only added to the excitement of being in the country at Lake Wildwood, where my aunt had moved so my grandmother could fish and enjoy the outdoors with a companion while my aunt worked at Gulf States during the day.

Occasionally we would spend the night or a few days. We would walk with “Granny Walls” to a flat bottomed fishing boat, painted a deep green that reflected the hue of the fishy smelling water. Oars were found, Granny would ease herself into the flat wooden seat, and then we would fish, often while the boat was still tied up. The funny thing was, Granny always wore a dress, a widebrimmed straw hat, and sturdy pumps. I do not remember boat shoes, sneakers, and certainly no pedal pushers or dungarees. Her long, silvery dark hair was always swept up and pinned in a braid around her head. She wore cat eye glasses, and I do not remember her in makeup. I do recall the scent of lavender on her all the time. Over the years her fingers would

tremble, especially noticeable when she played the spinet piano, some old tune such as “Just the Sound of Twilight,” or “Lauralee.”

Our infrequent visits to her compared with our other grandmother made each trip a bit mysterious, exotic if you will. The furniture was antique, and the house they lived in had been added onto so that an interesting configuration of balconies and stairs connected various rooms that they rearranged from time to time. The dining room furniture might have been relocated to the sleeping porch from one visit to the next, lending new spots for framed photographs. One photo that always caught my attention was of my first cousin in his dress whites at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. I imagined match-making him with the most beautiful eligible cousin of my best friend, though they were never destined to meet. Such stories suited my romantic young girl’s fancy.

Mind you, I see the topic through the lens now of someone separated by a 10-hour drive. As a young person up until I left home after college, I was blessed to live in the same town or at least the same state as both sides of my parents’ family.

These days, many families are separated by upward mobility. Careers carry siblings and their families across state lines. Marriage into

different geographic cultures within this country and with immigration introduces not only the distance factor, but also new and different ways of doing things. Economics adds another dimension to how families live, as in adult children and families moving back home or sharing living quarters to save money on rising living expenses.

The point is, celebrating and creating or observing rituals is important, and well worth the trouble and planning. Even if the celebrations don’t occur on the official calendar “holiday,” happy and lasting memories can still be made. Find creative ways to celebrate with each person important in your life.

Uncomfortable to get them all together in the same room? Use discernment and do it your way.

The important thing is knowing each one knows you care, not where or when, if that is understandably difficult. Be more like my Aunt Sara, who found ways to turn “have nots” into “haves.” Even Winnie the Pooh found ways to celebrate “un-birthdays.”

Make it fun!

e mily Walls Ray is a freelance writer, tutor, and former teacher of e nglish and creative writing from 2007-2020. s he enjoys gardening, reading, church, and sewing, but most of all, being a grandmother. to read more of her stories, visit her blog at https:// writetouchblog.wordpress. com/

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Powhatan tennis teams compete in 4B regional tournament

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

It’s been a year of growth for both the Powhatan boys and girls tennis teams, who both have rosters featuring generally young, but talented players still competing against a competitive and experienced district of opponents.

Both showcased those talents with strong regional tournaments, with the girls winning their first round meeting over Monacan in a tight 5-4 battle before falling to top-seeded Courtland 5-0 while the boys team defeated Patrick Henry 5-2 in the first round and Courtland 5-0 in the second round before seeing the season end in the semifinals to the Hanover Hawks in a 5-0 finish.

The girls team entered the postseason with an 8-8 record after a 6-3 loss to Clover Hill on May 11 and a 6-3 win over Manchester on May 16. Monacan posed a familiar foe for Powhatan, with the regional matchup being the third meeting between the two this year.

The first two meetings were as close as can be, with the Chiefs taking the first matchup 5-4 and the Indians responding with a 5-4 win of their own in the second contest. The third one was very much on-brand, with the two teams tied up 3-3 heading into doubles.

In singles, the Indians got victories from No. 1 Emma Carter over Maylee Yang (6-3, 6-3), No. 4 Gianna LaRaffa over Kennedy Puryear (6-4, 7-6) and Zoé Lucas over Emma Smith (6-2, 6-3).

After losing the third line doubles set, the Indians needed the top two lines to come away with wins to get the team to advance, and while not easy, they managed to pull it off through intense tiebreaker sets.

The top pairing of Carter and Carter Quinn won the first set 6-3 over Yang and Claire LaFors, but had to dig deep after losing the second set 6-4 and losing a tiebreaker lead in the third set. Down 10-9 and a single point from losing the match and the entire game, they found a way to pull out the next three points to storm back and steal the win to keep their season alive.

Shortly after, LaRaffa and Polly Overboe took care of their own business, coming back from a

Shiflett’s walk-off caps off thrilling senior night

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

The script couldn’t have been more dramatic for Powhatan baseball’s senior night contest against the Cosby Titans, a team that has been a thorn in the side of the Indians for years and as recently as a 11-1 defeat on April 17.

The Indians, riding their third three-game winning streak of the season heading into the matchup, knew they were up against a Titans team that had their number in the last meeting, but with a clean slate, confidence in themselves and some error-free baseball, they came out victorious in an epic 1-0 victory capped off by a walk-off line drive from senior Andrew Shiflett that gave the Indians a 14-6 regular season record and a bye week heading into the regional tournament.

“It was amazing to get a win against a team we haven’t beaten in my whole career in high school, it’s pretty amazing,” Shiflett said after his game-winning RBI.

Shiflett was one of four seniors honored before the game, joined

by soon-to-be graduates Luke Burkhart, William Karanian and Alexander Peloke.

“I’m really pleased that those guys got an opportunity to be good and have something to show for all the work that they’ve put in and to be able to get the pat on the back and be a hero for a day is big for guys that have great attitudes like they have,” head coach Duane Partusch said.

Partusch says all four have stepped into leadership roles naturally this season after he decided not to pick captains early in the year. Wanting to see who’d emerge as the guys everyone else followed, all four worked hard to establish leadership in practice and in games.

“I let it go to see who’d step up to be leaders on this team, and the seniors took the lead on

everything. They do all those things they’re supposed to,” he said.

In a game where both teams recorded just three hits, Powhatan’s defense across the board was synched up all evening, allowing just one error in the game, snatching up the deep shots sent down the outfield and getting outs in an efficient manner on anything played near the infield.

“Everybody’s playing together, not separately,” Shiflett said. “Everybody’s connecting together and squaring up hits.”

Defense has been a strong factor in Powhatan’s four-game winning streak to close out the regular season. In that stretch, two of those games have been shutouts, while the team has allowed just three runs in that span. It wasn’t too long ago that the coaching staff was close to making a positional overhaul on that side of the field. Around the time of the Titans loss that put the team at 6-4, Partusch started putting guys in different

Indians softball hands Central-leading Generals a rare loss

ROBBY FLETCHER

Sports Editor

Just one team could say it handed the Dinwiddie Generals softball team a defeat this season when it squared off against the Atlee Raiders on opening day.

That is, until the Powhatan Indians came to town riding a sixgame winning streak.

The Generals had few answers against Powhatan junior pitcher Madalyn Johnson, who tossed blistering pitches across the plate

and saw few make it past her from the opposing batters as the Indians grabbed an impressive 6-0 victory to move to 14-4 on the season. The win is all the more impressive when taking into account just how dynamic Dinwiddie’s hitting has been this season. With an undefeated 15-0 regional record, the Generals have run up the score more often than not, recording double digit runs in 15 of their 20 games.

Dinwiddie recorded eight hits on the day, but no one made it to home, with Powhatan’s infield featuring shortstop Ava Harper, first baseman Megan Gobble, second baseman Skylar Galderise and third baseman Cassidy Moser all working together to scoop up ground balls and keep offensive possessions short and sweet for the Generals.

Offensively, the Indians opened the scoring with Johnson nailing a line drive to left field to send

Harper home with a 1-0 lead at the top of the first inning.

After the second and third innings went scoreless, the Indians opened their scoring back up in the fourth with two runs courtesy of a bunt by Ashley Cates that got her to second base off a third base error and sent home Harper and sophomore Adriana Flippen for a 3-0 Powhatan lead.

The defense responded with two Johnson strikeouts and an out at third when Dinwiddie’s Alexis

Ba nk ’s Athlete of the Week

Everett was caught stealing to end the fourth inning with Powhatan still in front.

The lead grew to 4-0 when Gobble led off the top of the fifth with a huge shot down left field for a solo home run to give the Indians a commanding advantage late in the game.

The frustrated Generals were threatening to take some momentum in the bottom of the sixth

PHOTOS BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Powhatan players clear the bench after senior Andrew Shiflett’s walk-off single wins the team its senior night battle over Cosby on May 18.

Powhatan pitcher Luke Burkhart played the entire game on his senior night against Cosby and helped shutout the team’s second opponent in its last four games.

Renowned local coach Starr returning to sidelines at BSH

ZACH JOACHIM Richmond Times-Dispatch

After a little more than 14 months of somewhat restless retirement, renowned local basketball coach Larry Starr is returning to the sidelines as the girls coach at Blessed Sacrament Huguenot.

“This is absolutely the last stop (of his career),” Starr, 63, said Wednesday night.

“For me, it was kind of the perfect scenario. It’s just a different type of challenge. So I’m really excited for it.”

Starr won four state championships during a 17-year career at Monacan High, where he compiled a 343-92 record. His Chiefs teams captured five regional championships while making 10 state tournament appearances. The state titles came in 2015, ‘16, ‘17 and ‘20.

Starr was named region

coach of the year five times and state coach of the year thrice while molding AllMetro players of the year Jordan Hodges (2021), Megan Walker (2016, 2017) and Jasmine Young (2004, 2005).

But during the 2021-22 season, his last at Monacan, he experienced a handful of frightening moments regarding his health.

Starr had gained a lot of weight in the years leading up to that season, a reality exacerbated by the pandemic. On a few occasions during games, he got dizzy and had to sit down.

Those instances accelerated a decision to step away that he’d known was coming. But upon retiring, he and his wife, Carol, shifted heightened focus to their health, and Starr lost 65 pounds.

So this spring he considered applying for open

jobs such as the girls teams at Mills Godwin and Glen Allen, or at Benedictine, as Starr has experience coaching boys and girls.

Then he got a call about the BSH job opening up. He’s got connections at the school in head of school Tracy Hamner and athletic director Chuck Thomas.

It’s relatively close to home, and he loves the Powhatan campus. Plus, his first head coaching job was as the boys coach at Amelia Academy, which is in the same conference as BSH.

So though just a couple weeks prior he had decided he was done coaching for good, Starr jumped at the opportunity.

He knows it’ll be a different challenge compared to his years at Monacan, with lots of BSH student-athletes playing multiple spots. That’s part of why it was the right fit at this stage of Starr’s career.

Mann makes his move to Shenandoah official at signing day

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

The bleachers in Blessed Sacrament Huguenot’s gym were packed with students, fans, teammates and coaches on May 16 with all eyes on student-athlete David Mann, who made his college decision official to join the Shenandoah Hornets football and golf teams.

The signing day celebration of the multi-sport star was a long-awaited punctuation of a historically productive senior season for the soon-to-be graduate, who was all smiles while he was cheered on to sign his letter of intent and begin the next phase of his athletic and academic career.

Mann was a major contributor across three Knights athletic programs, turning in a career-year in football in the fall, starting at center for the basketball team in the winter and leading the golf team to championship glory in the spring.

Helping the football team get back to the state championship game in his last season, Mann collected personal accolades left and right, including being named the VISFL Division II Player of the Year and a first team All-State honoree as a tight end, defensive end and special teams

contributor.

In golf, he placed first in the conference tournament to help the Knights become the conference and tournament champions while also making it onto the All-Academic team. He was also an All-Conference center in basketball.

Mann was just as decorated as a student at Blessed Sacrament: he was the vice president of the National Honor Society, a junior class treasurer, an actor in the drama department, a member of the History Movies Club, a Student Ambassador, and BSH’s representative at Boys State of Virginia and HOBY Leadership Seminar.

“It was crazy. Although not every goal was reached, the majority were and I’ve been incredibly grateful for everybody that was able to make that happen,” Mann said after signing his letter of intent. “At the end of every season realizing it was my last and realizing I gave it my all in every sport just made me so happy that I did all I could do.”

Surrounded by his parents at the table, Mann saw people like his golf coach Jonathan Hawkins, football coach Gary Brock and athletic director Chuck Thomas reflect on Mann’s time as a Knight and share stories about an athlete that was just as big an in-

fluence off the field as he was on it.

“I’d like to be remembered as somebody that just cared about every teammate and just was a great captain and a great leader,” Mann said.

“Obviously my accomplishments on the field were pretty good, but off the field I hope my teammates remember that when they see the number 85 on the football field for years to come they’ll say ‘that was David’s number.’ That’s how I hope to be remembered.”

Mann’s decision came down to two schools that offered him the rare opportunity to be a golfer and a football player, but he ultimately came away believing that the Hornets were the best landing spot for him. As far as his major, Mann has decided on sports management.

“Being able to play football and golf was the main thing that led to that decision,” he said. “There were two schools that offered me that ability, and it came down to those two schools. It was a huge factor in that decision.”

Now, Mann embarks on a new journey forward as he aims to leave a similarly impactful mark at Shenandoah.

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

FILE PHOTO

Larry starr joins the Knights basketball program with four state championships to his name at Monacan as well as a 343-92 record during a 17-year tenure.

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Blessed sacrament Huguenot student-athlete david Mann makes his college decision official at his signing day in the school’s gym on May 16. FILE PHOTO senior david Mann (85) goes up to grab a pass over a Broadwater academy defender during the Knights 50-16 win on sept. 3, 2021.

Senior

positions at practice, something the players weren’t too fond of.

“They didn’t like it, they weren’t happy that they were going to get pulled out of their spots and things worked out where we ended up putting them back and it lit a fire under them where they felt ready,” Partusch said. “Everything that we’re doing right now is because they’ve accepted the role that they have, and it’s made all the difference in the world.”

Indians

From B1 with back-to-back singles getting runners on first and second with

Leading the defense was Burkhart in his first pitching start of the season. Partusch applauded Burkhart’s work on the mound all season, but he’d be hardpressed to find a better performance from the senior than what he did against the Titans. Burkhart struck out four batters, allowed three hits and didn’t walk a single Titan in the game, closing out the top of the seventh with three outs on three at-bats.

Powhatan’s outfield consisting of Karanian, William Tuttle and Hunter Beil was outstanding throughout the game as well, patrolling near the fence and each

coming away with catches that they made look routine and frustrated Cosby’s sluggers in the process.

After the defense recorded a fly out, a ground out and a line out to get off the field in the top of the seventh, the offense had one last chance to come away with the one run needed to give them a win.

It started off promising with a walk on Max Altieri, who then got to second base on a balk by the pitcher and later third on a sacrifice bunt from Beil.

Then, sophomore junior varsity call-up Rhett Boyer came

to the plate and also got on base with a walk on an intense 3-2 count. Boyer, who was called up for the Dinwiddie win on May 17 as well, has made a good impression as a pinch hitter in his brief time with the varsity squad, getting on base in both appearances. With two on and a chance to win, a fly out from Matthew Layman gave the Indians two outs and made Shiflett’s batting appearance the most important of the game. After a strike looking on the first throw, Shiflett took a swing on the next pitch and connected with a perfect line drive to right field that got

him to first, Altieri to home and the rest of the Indians off their feet as the team pulled off a massive victory to close out the regular season.

Powhatan’s attention now turns to the Class 4, Region B Tournament, where they’ve landed as the four-seed and await the results of the matchup between the five-seeded Matoaca Warriors and the 12-seeded Chancellor Chargers on May 24. The Indians will host that winner on Friday, May 26 at 6 p.m. Robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@powhatantoday. com.

Tennis

From B1 6-3 loss in the first set with a 6-2 win in the second set and a 10-5 tiebreaker victory to push Powhatan past Monacan.

While they were beaten by Courtland the next day to end their run, it was by no means a somber end to the season, with the Indians proving their mettle against an opponent that’s been neck and neck with them all year long.

one out, but the Powhatan defense closed yet again with a pop out caught by Galderise at second base and another strikeout on a 1-2 count.

Powhatan added one more run in

the Patrick Henry Patriots, with that matchup seeing only one doubles game finish before the Indians were the decided victor. The Indians snatched away four of the six singles contests early, with No. 1 J amison Wallace winning his 6-1, 6-0 to lead the way while No. 4 John Dinardi, No. 5 Noah Lawson and No. 6 Conner Golden all won with ease in two sets.

the top of the seventh from a Kendra Hogston-Royall RBI single that got Gobble to home for her second run of the day, and with one last chance to make an improbable home comeback, the Generals fell flat for the

against two-seeded Courtland, Powhatan entered as underdogs but came out as winners, once again winning 5-0 in an encouraging display that needed only the singles matches to grant them as the team moving forward in the tournament bracket.

last time with Cates catching a pop out, Galderise forcing a ground out and Flippen catching a center field fly out to end the game with a Powhatan victory. The next day, the Indians saw their win streak halted at

winner.

six with a loss in the regular season finale to Cosby to bring their record to 14-5 on the season as they await a Class 4, Region B playoff matchup with the Chancellor Chargers (7-12) on Wednesday, May 24 at 6 p.m.

against Hanover sophomore

Will Hart, who he’s familiar with from their battle in the region doubles final last year. Hart took the first set 6-2, but Wallace responded promptly with a 6-1 win to set in motion a tiebreaker set, which went in Hart’s favor in a close 11-9 finish.

The boys team’s excellent tournament run started against

In the lone doubles match that finished, Wallace and Lawson were outstanding in a game that went with two sets that finished 6-1 in Powhatan’s favor.

Moving on to the quarterfinals

Wallace was leading with a 7-5 first set against Keldibek Kozhoev, but the second set wasn’t necessary after his five teammates all came away with wins. No. 2 Isaac Kelley and Dinardi, this time in the No. 3 spot, both had the most interesting battles, with those two needing a tiebreaker set to determine a

Kelley lost the first set 6-1 to start, but bounced back with a 6-3 win in the second set and later a 10-5 tiebreaker to finish the comeback, while Dinardi won his opening set 6-4 and responded to a 6-3 loss in the second set with a thrilling 1210 win in the tiebreaker.

SPORTS page filler

Like the girls team, it took a strong opponent to finally throw the Indians off balance, with the Hanover Hawks earning a spot in the region championship with a 5-0 sweep in singles.

Wallace had a good battle at the top of the starting lineup

With the two team’s seasons wrapped up, there’s still the singles and doubles region tournaments to look forward to, Last year, Wallace won alongside teammate Jacob Pfab in doubles to send them to the state tournament.

Notice is herebygiven, pursuant to §15.2-2204 of the Code of Virginia, thatthe Planning Commission of Powhatan County will conduct apublic hearing on Tuesday,June 6, 2023 at 6:00 PM in the Powhatan County VillageBuilding Auditorium, 3910 Old Buckingham Road, to consider the following request:

23-04-REZ: Powhatan Fair (District #3: Powhatan Station/Graceland) requests arezoning of the parcels located at TM #26-112A and #26B1-1-20 from Agricultural 10 (A-10) to Commerce Center (CC) and amendment of the zoning district mapofapproximately19.137 acres located on the west bound side of Anderson Highway approximately 0.64 miles east of Emmanuel Church Road. If approved the applicant intends to use the property foroutdoor recreational use such as motorsports,anevent venue, and afar mer’smarket. The applicant intends to renovate the existing structures on the property and create an outdoor courtyard. The 2021 Comprehensive Plan designates the subject properties as GatewayBusiness on the Countywide Land Use Map. The meeting maybewatched live by visiting http://powhatanva.gov/432/Live-Stream-of-Powhatan-County-Meetings All Planning Commission meetings areopen to the public and interested persons areencouraged to attend on the dayand time specified above. Copies of the proposed plans,ordinances,and amendments maybereviewedinthe Department of Community Development in the Powhatan County Administration Building (3834 Old Buckingham Road) between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM of each business day.

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