Recent News Releases

March 10, 2010

CONTACT: Karen Carter, County Agent

PHONE: 501-5160

Henrico set to introduce ‘Tree Smarts’ seminar series March 23-25

The Henrico County Extension Office and Henrico County Master Gardeners are launching “Tree Smarts,” a free four-part seminar series designed to increase understanding of trees, the role they play in the community’s landscape and how homeowners and others can better care for them.

The series will get under way March 23-25 with the first installment, “Getting to Know Trees,” which will provide an overview of tree biology and will discuss the dollar value trees add to landscapes and how proactive maintenance makes good fiscal sense for homeowners and businesses. The program is scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m. each night at the following locations (each session will feature the same information): Tuesday, March 23, Sandston Branch Library, 23 E. Williamsburg Road; Wednesday, March 24, Tuckahoe Area Library, 1901 Starling Drive; and Thursday, March 25, Twin Hickory Area Library, 5001 Twin Hickory Road.

County Agent Karen Carter said trees provide an array of benefits but often are taken for granted and poorly maintained.

“For example, research shows that half of the trees going into our landscapes are planted improperly, which greatly decreases their survival rates,” Carter said. “Ultimately, we want our trees to outlive us and provide a legacy for the generations to come.”

Tree Smarts seminars are led by Henrico County Master Gardeners. Seminars are open to the public; pre-registration is encouraged. Call 501-5160 to register or to obtain additional information.

March 9, 2010

CONTACT: Barb Strohman, Education/Administrative Coordinator, Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District

PHONE: 501-5175

Henricopolis SWCD sets tree-seedling giveaway for March 19

The Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will hold its annual spring tree-seedling giveaway for Henrico County residents on Friday, March 19 at the Hermitage High School parking lot, 8301 Hungary Spring Road. Trees will be distributed free of charge from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Henricopolis SWCD will offer several seedling specialty packs, including wildlife, pine, ornamental, shrub and wetland/streambank. Information about individual species and planting guidelines are available online at www.co.henrico.va.us/swcd.

The seedling giveaway is part of the conservation district’s ongoing efforts to protect the James River watershed by reducing runoff and sediment flows into local streams. Call 501-5175 for more information.

March 8, 2010
Henrico County Economic Development Authority
Contact: Gary McLaren
Phone: 804 501-7654

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation
Contact: Mike Mullin
Phone: (314) 656-5846
Website: www.smurfit.com

Henrico County Announces 150 Jobs Saved
~Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation to establish state-of-the-art facility to better serve its customers~

Henrico County today announced that Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, one of the industry’s leading integrated containerboard and corrugated packaging producers, will consolidate two Henrico County facilities into one state-of-the-art, highly efficient manufacturing facility. The new consolidated facility will be one of several state-of-the-art corrugated plants for Smurfit-Stone based on its best-in-class equipment and proximity to suppliers and customers. The project saves 150 jobs.

Smurfit-Stone’s new facility will produce high quality corrugated packaging for its customers in Virginia and throughout the region and is expected to begin operations by the end of 2010

Henrico County Board of Supervisors’ Chair, Patricia S. O’Bannon, said, “Henrico County is very pleased to retain Smurfit-Stone as one of our corporate citizens. Winning a consolidation project in this economy is important to help maintain jobs and investment in Henrico, and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Smurfit-Stone as they position this as one of their key plants for the future.”

“Smurfit-Stone is proud of its long-standing presence in Virginia and equally proud of our more than 1,000 employees who live and work in the Commonwealth and who each day produce quality products for our customers,” said Steve Klinger, Smurfit-Stone’s President and Chief Operating Officer. “We appreciate the community’s support of the company’s Virginia employees and operations. This commitment to maintaining our operations in Virginia underscores why it is such a great place to do business.”

Henrico County worked with The Virginia Economic Development Partnership to help secure the project for Virginia. A $300,000 performance-based grant was approved from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies. The company is eligible to receive rail access funding from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. The company is also eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, because it is locating in a Virginia Enterprise Zone. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide re-training assistance through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

March 8, 2010

CONTACT: Veta Herbaugh, Executive Assistant, Board of Supervisors

PHONE: 501-4208

Varina town meeting to discuss recreation programs for older adults

The next town meeting of Varina District Supervisor Jim Donati will highlight recreation opportunities available for Henrico’s seniors and retired residents. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, March 15 at the Henrico Theatre, 305 E. Nine Mile Road.

“Exciting Opportunities for the Active Older Adult” will feature information about recreation programs available to seniors through the YMCA and Henrico’s Division of Recreation and Parks, including the YMCA’s new Senior Hot Spot program. Celia Givens, executive director of the Chickahominy Family YMCA, and representatives of Henrico Recreation and Parks will be on hand to discuss their programs. They will join Donati for a question-and-answer period as well.

Varina town meetings are open to the public. Call 501-4208 for more information.

March 4, 2010

CONTACT: Barb Strohman, Education/Administrative Coordinator, Henricopolis SWCD

PHONE: 501-5175

Henrico students can apply for Youth Conservation Camp by April 15

The Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is seeking applicants for the 34th annual Youth Conservation Camp, set for July 18-24 on the campus of Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg. The deadline to apply is Thursday, April 15.

Henricopolis SWCD will select two students to represent Henrico County; they will attend the camp free of charge. Applicants must be Henrico residents and students currently enrolled in grades nine-12. Students can obtain applications and additional information online at www.co.henrico.va.us/swcd/camp. A $75 refundable deposit is required with each application.

Camp participants will learn about Virginia’s natural resources from conservation professionals and Virginia Tech faculty in hands-on, outdoor settings. Topics include wildlife, geology, forestry, agriculture, natural resources and water quality. Highlights include a canoe trip on the New River, a hike to Cascades waterfall, a visit to Claytor Lake State Park and a scavenger hunt using GIS technology.

Youth Conservation Camp is sponsored by the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Call 501-5175 for more information.

March 2, 2010

CONTACT: Kendra Young, Extension Agent

PHONE: 501-5160

Henrico Extension now accepting applications for Junior 4-H Camp

The Henrico County Extension Office is accepting applications for the 2010 Henrico Junior 4-H Camp, scheduled for July 5-9 at the Jamestown 4-H Education Center in Williamsburg.

Located along the James River, the 16-acre Jamestown 4-H Center is accredited by the American Camp Association and features air-conditioned lodges and cabins; basketball courts, athletic fields and a ropes course; and a medical clinic. Camp activities include swimming (beach and pool), canoeing, archery, shooting sports, marine science, forestry and crafts. Adult and teen counselors provide instruction and supervision; camp staff members include lifeguards, recreation leaders and waterfront directors.

The camp is open to all boys and girls ages 9 to 13, as of Sept. 30, 2010. Space is limited; applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The $220 fee covers lodging, meals, transportation, programs, class materials and a 4-H backpack.

Registration forms are available online at www.co.henrico.va.us/departments/extension. Contact the Extension Office at 501-5160 for more information.

March 1, 2010

CONTACT: Kim Edmonds, Extension Agent

PHONE: 501-5160

Henrico Extension to hold consumer-rights workshops March 10-11

The Henrico County Extension Office will offer a free workshop about recent changes to credit card laws and other consumer-rights topics on Wednesday, March 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., and again on Thursday, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Human Services Building Board Room, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive.

“Dollars & Sense: Rated A for All Ages” will give participants information and advice on several key consumer topics, such as understanding the impact of recently implemented consumer-protection provisions of the Credit CARD (Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure) Act; controlling personal credit during a difficult economy; and understanding financial institutions and transactions. Participants also will learn about free resources designed to help them manage money and debt, avoid identity theft and understand mortgages.

The Extension Office is holding the workshop in conjunction with National Consumer Protection Week, set for March 7-13.

“Dollars & Sense” is open to the public. Space is limited, however, and registration is required. Call 501-5160 to register or to obtain additional information.