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March 20, 2002 Keep Henrico Beautiful, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and the Henrico Extension Office are sponsoring a free spring composting workshop on Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Lewis Ginter, 1800 Lakeside Avenue. The workshop will offer simple and effective ways to save landfill space while recycling. Participants must register to attend, call 501-4502 or 501-5160 for more information. March 15, 2002 Today, the United States Federal District Court dismissed a suit filed by Taubman Centers Inc., the developer of Regency Square and the proposed Stony Point mall, against Henrico County, the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta to stop the Short Pump Town Center. The court rejected Taubman's allegations that it was primarily concerned with the environment and stated that Taubman was in court to block the construction of the Short Pump center. The court also recognized that issues involving land use are properly entrusted to local government. Henrico County had previously rezoned 150 acres on West Broad Street for the Short Pump center and approved a plan of development. March 12, 2002 Henrico Division of Fire Administrative Secretary Pamela Roberson has won the State Fire Chiefs Association of Virginia (SFCAV) President's Award for her initiative with the Administrative Professionals Section, which she helped create. SFCAV President Selby Jacobs recognized Roberson for her exemplary performance and outstanding dedication. "She took a concept and really identified with the development of the Administrative Professionals Section in a very short period of time," Jacobs said. "I'm extremely proud of her effort." Roberson was one of two award winners named this year. The other, Arlington County Fire Chief Edward Plaugher, won for his role in the September 11 attack on the Pentagon; his department was the lead response agency. Roberson began her career with Henrico County in 1990 and has worked for the Division of Fire since 1999. SFCAV is the advocate for leadership of emergency response organizations. They provide a comprehensive and integrated statewide public safety effort that enhances the quality of life by reducing the effects of fire, medical and environmental emergencies. March 7, 2002 Former Henrico County Board of Supervisors member John "Jack" Berryman McKenney Jr. died suddenly Monday evening March 4, at age 75. McKenney was born in 1926 in White Stone, Lancaster County. He earned a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and worked for several companies before eventually landing at Reynolds Metals Company as the contracts and budgets manager for the Information Systems Division. He retired from Reynolds in 1990. Charles M. Johnson, a former Brookland Magisterial District Supervisor, appointed McKenney to the Henrico Planning Commission where he served from 1972 through 1982 as a member and chairman. After Johnson's death, McKenney went on to represent the Brookland Magisterial District on the Henrico Board of Supervisors from 1984 to 1987. During that time, he served as chairman of the Metropolitan Planning Organization and was a member of the Henrico Recreation and Parks Advisory Commission and the Henrico Transportation Safety Commission. "Jack was a public servant in the truest sense; he felt it was his duty to give back to the community," said Henrico County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E. "Because he understood the importance of good land use development, Jack contributed greatly to the county's economic vitality." McKenney was a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church. He was also a charter member and founding president of the Glen Allen Civic Association, a member and officer of the Glen Allen Ruritan Club, a member of the North Richmond Kiwanis Club and was the founder and founding president of the Glen Allen Youth Athletic Association. McKenney is survived by his wife Muriel Frances Mothershead, their two children John Berryman McKenney III, of Fairfax, and Rebecca McKenney Blackhurst, of Glen Allen, and six grandchildren. March 6, 2002 Henrico Public Works advises motorists that on Sunday, March 17, the eastbound lane of West Broad Street between Horsepen Road and Willow Lawn Drive will close from 1:30 to 5 p.m., for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Horsepen Road between Dartmouth Avenue and West Broad Street will also be closed during the parade. Motorists should expect heavy traffic and detours in the area. March 1, 2002 Henrico County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E. has appointed Tamra McKinney to the position of Director of Public Information. McKinney's responsibilities will include administering the county's communications program, serving as a senior advisor for communications strategies, maintaining a positive media relations program, as well as other public information functions. McKinney joined the county's Public Information Office in 1993, and has earned international recognition for her professional successes. She has won nearly 80 awards for communications excellence in publications, writing, art direction, photography, video and audio production and total communications programs. Prior to working in the Public Information Office, McKinney held various public relations positions in the private sector including a national magazine publishing company and a daily newspaper. She holds a bachelor's degree in mass communications from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Hazelett said "I am very pleased to have Tamra on board in this new capacity. In these changing times, I have complete faith in her, and her ability to lead the Public Information Office in directions not previously explored." McKinney succeeds former Public Information Director Coral Gills, who retired February 1. March 1, 2002 Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is sponsoring its annual free tree seedling giveaway on Friday, March 15, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Hermitage Technical Center parking lot, 8301 Hungary Spring Road. Participants will be able to choose from a variety of bare-root seedlings with proof of Henrico County residency on a first-come, first-served basis. SWCD will not accept advance orders and may limit high demand species. For additional information, call 501-5175 or visit their web site at www.co.henrico.va.us/sandw/. Return to Public Relations & Media Services Page |