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October 29, 2001 The Henrico County Division of Recreation and Parks will host a free Halloween event as an alternative to trick or treating on Wednesday evening, October 31. Children in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to the event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at one of the following three locations: John Rolfe Middle School, Wilder Middle School or Tuckahoe Middle School. Activities will include face painting, crafts, cookie decorating, games and Halloween stories. For more information call 501-5109. October 22, 2001 The Department of Public Works advises motorists to expect delays on Friday, November 2, beginning at 6:30 p.m., around Highland Springs High School due to the school's homecoming parade. The parade will form at South Cedar Avenue between Nine Mile Road and Jerald Street, travel eastbound on Nine Mile Road, turn right on Oak Avenue, and into Highland Springs High School. Public Works will detour eastbound traffic on Nine Mile Road to Beech Avenue, Vine Street and Quince Avenue. The parade will not affect westbound traffic on Nine Mile Road; however, motorists in the vicinity should expect delays. October 17, 2001 The Virginia Association of Community Services Boards (VACSB) has selected Henrico Area Mental Health and Retardation Community Services Board member Nita Grignol as the winner of the 2001 Senator Joseph V. Gartlan, Jr. Award. For the past two decades, Grignol has been a devoted advocate at state and local levels for people with mental disabilities. She is also the mother of an adult son with mental retardation. "Nita has a special understanding of those with disabilities and their families," said Mental Heath/Mental Retardation Director James W. Stewart, III. "Her efforts have enhanced and expanded services for those with mental retardation, including the purchase of two group homes." Grignol formed Parents for Community-Based Services (PCBS) in 1997 to unite parents of children and adults with mental retardation. Today, more than 250 local families are members. PCBS publishes a newsletter; provides updates to parents on service needs and legislative issues; visits senators, delegates and boards of supervisors; and holds an annual picnic for families and local and state elected officials. PCBS has helped raise one million dollars in annualized funds for mental retardation day-support services. The Henrico Area Mental Health & Retardation Services Board, established in 1969, oversees comprehensive community mental health, mental retardation and substance abuse services for individuals and families in Henrico, Charles City and New Kent counties. October 16, 2001 Henrico County Director of Finance W. Forrest Matthews, Jr. is a recipient of the Association of Government Accountants' (AGA) 2001 Distinguished Local Government Leadership Award. This award recognizes local government professionals who exemplify and promote excellence in financial management, and demonstrate outstanding leadership in sound financial management legislation, regulations, practices, policies and systems. The AGA is honoring Matthews for his dedication and commitment to public service and leadership in government financial management, and whose achievements have been noted at national, state and local levels. Through his efforts, Henrico County has received numerous national awards for financial leadership. Matthews' leadership is focused on improving customer service and financial management through innovative technology and streamlining business processes, saving residents, as well as Henrico County government, valuable time and money, and helping the county maintain a Triple AAA bond rating. As Henrico's finance director, Matthews acts as both the county treasurer and commissioner of the revenue. He manages the county's operating and capital budgets, which exceed $708 million, as well as a 154 person staff. Matthews joined Henrico County in 1980 and became the director of finance in 1997. In addition to his duties with Henrico County, Matthews also serves as chairman of the Virginia Retirement System Board of Trustees. Matthews, a member of AGA's Richmond Chapter, has served the government accounting community for more than 35 years. October 11, 2001 REGIONAL SUMMIT FOCUSES ON ACCOMPLISHMENTS, CHALLENGES Elected officials from Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico counties and the City of Richmond will convene for the first regional summit in several years at 9 a.m., Friday, October 19, at the Richmond Center. Goals for the "New Millennium Regional Summit" include celebrating the successes and updating the progress of current regional projects and identifying new opportunities for regional cooperation in areas such as tourism, transportation and advocacy. Presentations will be given on four major regional projects: the Richmond International Airport Expansion, the Richmond Center, the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, and Regional Communication System and Crime Initiatives. Presenters include Jon Mathiasen, president and CEO of Richmond International Airport; Lt. Gov. John Hager; Dorothy Schrag, Chairwoman of the Governor's School Board and member of the Hanover School Board; and Chesterfield County Police Chief Carl Baker. There will be additional opportunities to discuss regional cooperation during presentations by the Virginia High Speed Rail Development Committee and Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau. There will be a news conference on "regional branding" during the summit. October 12, 2001 Fitch has upgraded Henrico County's outstanding $130 million water and sewer revenue bonds to a 'AAA' rating. Henrico is one of only two in Virginia and one of eight in the country to earn this prestigious designation by Fitch. The favorable rating action is due to the county's increased financial flexibility, large cash balances, decreased debt levels, and its progress towards completion of a new water treatment plant. This rating translates into significant savings for the county due to its ability to secure lower interest rates. Henrico County currently purchases all of its drinking water from the City of Richmond, consuming approximately 35 million gallons per day (mgd). Once the new water treatment plant begins operations, Henrico will have a sufficient water supply for at least the next twenty years. Drawing from the James River, the 55 mgd plant will be expandable to 80 mgd. "We are extremely pleased with this tremendous achievement and the recognition of Henrico County's strong fiscal management and positive growth," said County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E. "I am very proud of our staff; we will continue our hard work and commitment to our residents." Fitch provides high quality ratings and research to 75 countries and 40 offices worldwide covering financial institutions, banks, corporates, loan products, structured finance, insurance, sovereigns and public finance markets. October 8, 2001 Varina District Supervisor Jim Donati will cover a wide range of topics including fire safety, touch screen technology for voting machines and redistricting at his next town meeting on Monday, October 15, at 7 p.m., at the Eastern Government Center, 3820 Nine Mile Road. Representatives from Henrico's Division of Fire and the county Registrar will join Donati to provide firsthand knowledge and answer questions. Donati typically holds town meetings the third Monday of each month. His meetings are open to the public, and he encourages everyone to attend. October 8, 2001 Tuckahoe District Supervisor Pat O'Bannon will address "Tornadoes, Terrorism and Train Wrecks--Henrico's Emergency Operations Plan" at her next town meeting on Thursday, October 18, at 7 p.m., in the Maybeury Elementary School Cafeteria, 901 Maybeury Drive. Assistant Emergency Services Coordinator Capt. Mike Cox, Deputy Police Chief Lt. Col. Doug Middleton and Health Director Curtis Thorpe, M.D. will accompany O'Bannon to discuss this vital subject and answer questions. O'Bannon's monthly town meetings are open to the public. For more information, Internet users may visit her web site at www.patobannon.com. October 3, 2001 The Henrico County Extension Office is currently holding its annual 4-H apple, peanut and honey sale. Funds generated from this sale will help support local 4-H programs. Stayman and Golden Delicious apples are available for $11 per half bushel. Peanuts come in an assortment of two-pound bags. Raw peanuts are $5 per bag, including recipes, while the deluxe cocktail peanuts, either salted or unsalted, cost $8 per bag. One-pound jars of medium or dark honey are $3.50 each. Order forms are available at the county's Extension Office in the Human Services Building, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, or any county library. Supplies are limited; the Extension Office will fill orders on a first-come-first-served basis after Wednesday, October 17. Distribution will take place on Wednesday, October 31, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Eastern Government Center, 3820 Nine Mile Road, and on Thursday, November 1, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Human Services building. October 2, 2001 The Henrico County Division of Police is holding a rabies clinic at the Public Safety Fair on Saturday, October 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 7721 E. Parham Road. All dogs and cats ages 4 months and older are required to have a rabies shot. Shots cost $6 each and come with a certificate of inoculation and a rabies tag. Dog owners may also purchase a 2002 license for $10 at the clinic but must show proof of rabies inoculation. |