AUGUST 2012

Aug. 30, 2012

CONTACT: Lisa T. Sanderson, Extension Agent, Henrico County office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension
PHONE: (804) 501-5160

Henrico Master Gardener training program accepting applications

The Henrico County Office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension is accepting applications for the 2013 Master Gardener training program, which will provide in-depth instruction in all aspects of horticulture.

Participants will learn about lawn care, tree and shrub maintenance, vegetable gardening, soils, pest management and other topics. After completing nine weeks of classroom training, participants will serve a 50-hour internship with the Extension Office and will help conduct educational programs for the public. The $135 program fee includes the cost of materials.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, Oct. 26. Classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday from Jan. 22 through March 21 in the demonstration kitchen of the Human Services Building, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive.

For an application or information about the Master Gardener training program, call the Extension Office at (804) 501-5160 or follow the link to “Agriculture & Natural Resources” at www.co.henrico.va.us/departments/extension/.

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Aug. 30, 2012

CONTACT: Barbara Herzog, Director Henrico County Court Appointed Special Advocates
PHONE: (804) 501-1671

Henrico CASA seeks volunteers for child-advocacy training

Henrico County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is seeking volunteers to work in the court system on behalf of abused and neglected children.

Henrico CASA will conduct a free, 10-session training program for volunteers, beginning Saturday, Oct. 6. The sessions will conclude with a swearing-in ceremony Tuesday, Oct. 30. All classes will be held at the Henrico CASA office in suite A of the Hungary Spring Office Park, 3001 Hungary Spring Road.

Anyone interested in volunteering must first apply, be at least 21 years old and have regular access to a computer. All applications are requested by Saturday, Sept. 15. Applicants will be interviewed, fingerprinted and undergo criminal background and reference checks. Henrico CASA has a particular need for Spanish-speaking volunteers. To apply, contact Lorrie Moore at (804) 501-1674 or moo71@co.henrico.va.us. Information also is available at www.henricocasa.org.

Henrico CASA is a private, nonprofit organization that works closely with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Working typically 10 to 15 hours per month, volunteer advocates serve as the voice of children who have been abused or neglected. The training program prepares volunteers to interview children and others involved in their case, submit reports to judges and assist case attorneys. Henrico CASA volunteers worked 13,616 hours and served 398 children in fiscal year 2011-12, which marked an increase of 32 percent from the previous year.

Aug. 29, 2012

CONTACT: Teddy Martin, Extension Horticulture Technician, Henrico County office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension
PHONE: (804) 501-5160

Henrico Extension to offer free seminar on lawn care Sept. 12

The Henrico County office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension will wrap up its annual lawn care seminar series Wednesday, Sept. 12 with a program on preparing a lawn for winter.

The “Winterizing Your Lawn” session, which will conclude the four-part SMARTLawn series, will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Extension Office’s demonstration kitchen in the Human Services Building, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive.

A Henrico Extension staff member will explain steps that should be taken in the fall to help a lawn survive in the winter and thrive in the spring. The session will cover aerating, seeding, applying lime and other topics. Participants also may bring samples of weeds for identification and discussion.

With sessions in March, April, August and September, the SMARTLawn series is designed to help residents improve their lawns naturally, without relying on artificial pesticides.

The seminar is free and open to the public. Participants must register before Sept. 12 by calling Henrico Extension at (804) 501-5160. For information, go to www.co.henrico.va.us/extension.

Aug. 28, 2012

CONTACT: Linda Leigh, Executive Assistant, Board of Supervisors
PHONE: (804) 501-4208

Fairfield constituent meeting Sept. 19 to highlight voter registration

The next constituent meeting of Fairfield District Supervisor Frank J. Thornton will focus on the voter-registration process in preparation for the Nov. 6 elections.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19 at the Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave. Thornton will be joined by Garry Ellis, voter registration coordinator of the Virginia State Board of Elections, and Mark Coakley, general registrar for Henrico. They will discuss and answer questions about the requirements and process for registering to vote.

For information on the Fairfield District meeting, call (804) 501-4208.

Aug. 27, 2012

CONTACT: Michael A. Jennings, P.E., Assistant Director, Henrico County Department of Public Works
PHONE: (804) 501-4393

Henrico prepares for heavy traffic during NASCAR races Sept. 7-8

The Henrico County Department of Public Works will temporarily alter traffic patterns on roads around Richmond International Raceway (RIR) to accommodate fans attending the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 and Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR races on Friday, Sept. 7 and Saturday, Sept. 8.

Motorists are advised to expect heavy traffic and delays in the area on both days, especially from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., before the races, and from 10:15 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., afterward.

Henrico Police officers will direct motorists before and after the races. Race fans and other motorists are encouraged to check traffic updates on message boards along interstates and other roads approaching RIR. WRVA-1140 AM will broadcast traffic reports.

The following traffic patterns will be in effect Saturday, Sept. 8 during peak hours:

• Carolina Avenue between Laburnum and Azalea avenues will be one way inbound before the race and one way outbound after the race. Access to businesses along Carolina Avenue will be maintained from Laburnum Avenue.
• Richmond-Henrico Turnpike/Meadowbridge Road from the Henrico/Hanover county line to Azalea Avenue will be one way southbound beginning about 9 a.m. and continuing until the race starts. Sections of Meadowbridge Road farther north in Hanover County will continue to accommodate northbound and southbound traffic at all times.
• After the race, Laburnum Avenue from Carolina Avenue to Mechanicsville Turnpike will be one way eastbound. Eastbound Laburnum Avenue from Richmond-Henrico Turnpike/Meadowbridge Road to Carolina Avenue will be closed until race traffic disperses. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Laburnum Avenue west of Richmond-Henrico Turnpike/Meadowbridge Road.
• After the race, beginning at about 10 p.m., Richmond-Henrico Turnpike/Meadowbridge Road north of Azalea Avenue will be one way northbound to Atlee Road in Hanover County. Richmond-Henrico Turnpike/Meadowbridge Road will be restored to two-way traffic when race traffic disperses.
• After the race, three lanes of Azalea Avenue from Richmond-Henrico Turnpike/Meadowbridge Road to Henrico High School will be routed westbound; one lane will be routed eastbound. This change will require all median crossovers on Azalea Avenue from Richmond-Henrico Turnpike/Meadowbridge Road to Henrico High School to be closed from about 10 p.m. until race traffic disperses. Police will assist motorists turning from Azalea Avenue onto Thrush Lane and Pony Farm Drive.

While the traffic modifications are in effect, median crossovers on Laburnum Avenue will be closed from North Avenue to Mechanicsville Turnpike, except at Pilots Lane and Austin Avenue. Only right turns will be permitted to and from Laburnum Avenue. Police will be at these intersections before and after the race to assist motorists turning onto or crossing Laburnum Avenue.

On-street parking on major routes to RIR will be prohibited each day. Parking will be available for $6 on Saturday, Sept. 8 at the Richmond Coliseum parking deck, 501 N. Seventh St. in downtown Richmond. Free shuttle bus service to and from RIR will begin at 1 p.m.

Parking also will be available for $10 per car and $25 per recreational vehicle at The Showplace, 3000 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Henrico, beginning at 11 a.m. Free shuttle bus service to and from RIR will begin at noon.

The Henrico Division of Police recommends the following routes for traffic approaching the raceway:

• From the east (Hampton Roads area) - Follow Interstate 64 west to Interstate 295 north (Exit 200). Follow I-295 north and exit onto Mechanicsville Turnpike west (Exit 37B). Follow Mechanicsville Turnpike to Laburnum Avenue. Turn right and proceed to the raceway.
• From the east (Route 360) - Follow Route 360 (Mechanicsville Turnpike) west, cross I-295 and continue west to Laburnum Avenue. Turn right and proceed to the raceway.
• From the east (local traffic) - Follow I-64 west and take the Laburnum Avenue exit (Exit 195). Turn right and proceed to the raceway.
• From the north - Follow Interstate 95 south to the I-295 east interchange (marked “To Norfolk-Williamsburg”). Follow I-295 east and exit onto Meadowbridge Road west (Exit 38B). Follow Meadowbridge Road (Richmond-Henrico Turnpike) and proceed to the raceway.
• From the north (local traffic) - Follow Route 1 (Brook Road) south to Azalea Avenue. Turn left onto Azalea Avenue and proceed to the raceway.
• From the west - Follow I-64 east to the I-295 south interchange (Exit 177). Follow I-295 south and exit onto Meadowbridge Road west (Exit 38B). Follow Meadowbridge Road (Richmond-Henrico Turnpike) and proceed to the raceway.
• From the west (local traffic) - Follow I-64 east to the Laburnum Avenue/Powhite Parkway exit. Take the Laburnum Avenue exit, turn left and proceed to the raceway.
• From the south - Follow I-95 north to the I-295 interchange south of Petersburg. Follow I-295 north and exit onto Mechanicsville Turnpike (Exit 37B). Follow Mechanicsville Turnpike to Laburnum Avenue. Turn right and proceed to the raceway.
• From the south (local traffic) - Follow I-95 north to the I-64 east interchange (Exit 75). Follow I-64 to Route 360 east (Mechanicsville Turnpike). Follow Route 360 east to Laburnum Avenue. Turn left and proceed to the raceway.

Aug. 24, 2012

CONTACT: Lisa T. Sanderson, Extension Agent, Henrico County office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension
PHONE: (804) 501-5160

Extension Office offering free workshop on fall gardening

The Henrico County office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension will conduct a free workshop Saturday, Sept. 15 on gardening in the fall.

Part of the Gardens Growing Families program, the workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to noon in the Extension Office’s demonstration kitchen in the Henrico Human Services Building, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive. Registration is required by Thursday, Sept. 13.

The program, titled “Fall in the Garden: Saving and Growing,” will provide home-gardeners with tips on preparing and preserving vegetables harvested in the summer and on controlling pests and gardening in the fall. A program for children ages 5 to 13 also will be conducted.

For information, contact Lisa Sanderson at (804) 501-5160 or lsanderson@vt.edu, or go online to www.co.henrico.va.us/extension.

Aug. 22, 2012

CONTACT: Lisa T. Sanderson, Extension Agent, Henrico County office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension
PHONE: (804) 501-5160

Extension Office offering class for youth on water, soil

The Henrico County office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension is offering a seven-week class to middle school students on the basics of water and soil.

The class, which is titled Operation W.A.T.E.R.: Dr. Thistle Goes Underground, will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. each Tuesday from Oct. 16 through Nov. 27 at the Armour House and Gardens, 4001 Clarendon Road. Registrations are requested by Wednesday, Oct. 10. The $30 fee covers materials and supplies.

The class is intended for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students and is part of the Junior Master Gardener program. Lessons will focus on soil color, texture and structure; nutrients; soil improvement; soil conservation; the water cycle; aquifers, watersheds and wetlands; water movement; and water conservation. Master gardeners and Extension agents will incorporate science, math, literature and social studies in group and individual activities that are fun and creative.

For information or a registration form, contact Lisa Sanderson at (804) 501-5160 or lsanderson@vt.edu, or go online to www.co.henrico.va.us/extension.

Aug. 17, 2012

CONTACT: Barbara McGarry, District Manager, Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District
PHONE: (804) 501-5176

Henrico workshop on Sept. 13 to highlight land-management planning

The Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District will co-sponsor a workshop and brunch Thursday, Sept. 13 to explain the land-management tools available to owners of forest and agricultural land.

Geared for female landowners, the Women and Land Brunch will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Dorey Recreation Center, 7200 Dorey Park Road.

Speakers will include representatives of the Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Registration is required by Thursday, Sept. 6. The $8 fee includes brunch and program materials.

The workshop, co-sponsored by the Virginia Department of Forestry, will help landowners think about long-term goals for managing their family’s forest or agricultural property. The event will provide an introduction to the tools, agencies and organizations that can help with land conservation, sustainability and stewardship.

For information or to receive a brochure about the workshop, call Barbara McGarry at (804) 501-5176 or go online to www.co.henrico.va.us/swcd.

Aug. 15, 2012

CONTACT: Richard W. Glover, Chairman and Brookland District Supervisor, Henrico County Board of Supervisors
PHONE: (804) 501-4208

John A. Vithoulkas tapped to succeed Hazelett as Henrico county manager

The Henrico County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously at its regular meeting Tuesday to name John A. Vithoulkas as county manager effective Jan. 17, 2013.

Board members voted in favor of a resolution directly appointing Vithoulkas, 44, to the county’s top executive position. He will succeed Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E., who announced his retirement last month after more than 20 years in the post. Hazelett will continue as manager through Jan. 16, 2013.

Vithoulkas, who currently serves as deputy county manager for administration, will become the eighth county manager since Henrico adopted the form of government in 1934.

Board Chairman and Brookland District Supervisor Richard W. Glover noted that Vithoulkas’ financial expertise had helped the county stay on course during a “very difficult” economy.

“I watched you help bring us through a critical time,” he told Vithoulkas, “and I don’t have any doubt that you will take us through the next several years.

“It is going to be difficult to continue to say that we laid off no one, we didn’t raise any taxes and we didn’t cut any services,” Glover said. “But if anyone can do it, I believe you can.”

As county manager, Vithoulkas will serve as Henrico’s chief administrative officer, responsible for implementing policies established by the Board of Supervisors and for overseeing the daily operations of the county and more than 35 agencies with approximately 4,000 general government employees (the county’s total workforce, general government and Henrico County Public Schools, is more than 10,400). Duties include preparation and oversight of the county’s annual budget, which tops $1 billion in operating and capital expenditures for the 2012-13 fiscal year, and preparation of the county’s annual legislative program before the Virginia General Assembly.

A Henrico employee since 1997, Vithoulkas rose through the ranks of the Department of Finance, joining the agency as a budget analyst and also working as budget director. He became acting director of Finance in September 2007 before taking over as director in January 2008.

In September 2009, Hazelett tapped him for the additional position of special economic advisor as Henrico confronted unprecedented revenue declines and other challenges stemming from the Great Recession. He was elevated to the deputy county manager post in December 2011.

“(Vithoulkas) has a tremendous work ethic, he’s a quick study and he has a lot of good ideas,” Hazelett said. “He has always worked well with county staff and clearly values their abilities and respects ideas different from his own. His integrity and his expertise will serve him — and Henrico County — well as county manager.”

Vithoulkas has been a key contributor to fiscal policies that have enabled Henrico to balance its budget throughout the recession and the lingering problematic economy — the county has absorbed revenue declines of more than $92 million the last two years — without laying off employees, cutting services or raising taxes. He was the architect of a series of bond sales during the recession that yielded $17.7 million in debt-service savings for the county. In August 2011, Henrico was the first locality nationwide to have its debt reaffirmed as triple-AAA — the highest available for a governmental entity — by the three international credit-rating agencies following the historic downgrade of U.S. government debt by Standard and Poor’s.

Vithoulkas played a leading role in the effort that established Henrico, Va. as an official mailing address with the U.S. Postal Service in October 2008. The address-change initiative is saving the county more than $5 million annually in tax revenues that previously had been misdirected to other localities.

He has keyed the ongoing “Changing the Way Henrico Does Business” initiative, an internal project launched in response to the recession. It has led to streamlined, more-efficient operations in departments countywide, producing permanent savings of more than $50 million. He also has spearheaded efforts such as the Henrico Advantage Card, working with the local business community to boost sales for Henrico retailers.

Noting that he was humbled by the Board’s appointment and trust, Vithoulkas pledged to work tirelessly alongside county employees to continue to deliver the service that Henrico residents expect.

“Henrico’s mantle of public service requires putting others before self in an effort to achieve the highest level of service at the greatest level of efficiency,” he said. “Working together we will continue to meet the challenges arising from this difficult economic environment.

“Like our predecessors, we will leave a better future for those who come after us,” he said. “I pledge to continue the good work of Henrico County.”

Vithoulkas, a naturalized citizen, is a native of Greece and immigrated to the United States as an infant with his parents. A product of Henrico County Public Schools, he is a graduate of J.R. Tucker High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1989 and received a master’s degree in public administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1992. Before joining the Henrico County staff he worked as a police planner and assistant budget director for Gaston County, N.C. and as a budget analyst for Chesterfield County.

A graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond, Vithoulkas is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association, the International City Manager’s Association, the Virginia Local Government Manager’s Association and the Richmond Association of Business Economists. He holds the distinguished budget reviewer designation from the Government Finance Officers Association. He serves on the Henrico Business Leaders board of directors.

Vithoulkas lives in Glen Allen with his wife, Jenny, and their three children.

Henrico County Managers
• Willard F. Day: March 6, 1934-Dec. 17, 1940
• Sterry J. Mahaffey: Feb. 1, 1941-Sept. 2, 1943
• Carlton C. Massey: Nov. 20, 1943-Jan. 1, 1952
• Edward A. Beck: March 24, 1952-March 31, 1977
• Frank A. Faison: March 23, 1978-May 15, 1984
• William F. LaVecchia, P.E., AICP: June 13, 1984-Jan. 13, 1992
• Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E.: Jan. 14, 1992-Jan. 16, 2013
• John A. Vithoulkas: Jan. 17, 2013-

Aug. 15, 2012

CONTACT: Barry R. Lawrence, Clerk, Henrico County Board of Supervisors
PHONE: (804) 501-4318

Henrico Board of Supervisors sets next meeting for Sept. 11

The Henrico County Board of Supervisors will not meet again until Tuesday, Sept. 11 in light of its scheduled break in late August.

The board typically meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in the Government Center Board Room, at 4301 E. Parham Road.

In keeping with its traditions, the board’s schedule for 2012 has excluded a meeting on the fourth Tuesday in August. For information, call (804) 501-4318.