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October 30, 2003
CONTACT: Kim Edmonds, Extension Agent PHONE: 501-5160 The Henrico County Extension Office has planned a series of free workshops to help residents cope with the financial and emotional demands of the upcoming holiday season. The workshops, which begin Thursday, Nov. 13, will be held at locations throughout the county. "Surviving the Holiday Season: Managing Your Time, Resources and Stress" will teach participants how to maintain a budget, avoid dependence on credit cards, recognize potential sources of stress and offer tips to help them handle the unique pressures of the holiday season. Workshops are scheduled for the following times and locations: The workshops are free and open to the public, but pre-registration is encouraged. Call 501-5160 to register or to obtain additional information. October 29, 2003
CONTACT: Barry Lawrence, Clerk, Board of Supervisors PHONE: 501-4318 The Henrico County Board of Supervisors will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 12. The board will not meet on Tuesday, Nov. 11, as county offices will close in observance of Veterans Day. The Henrico County Board of Supervisors regularly meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in the Government Center Board Room, located at Parham and Hungary Spring roads. Call 501-4318 for more information. October 29, 2003 Henrico County officials are offering a special service to help protect elderly and disabled residents from price gouging and other potentially fraudulent activities by private debris-removal businesses. The new service, an extension of the county's ongoing Emergency Debris Removal-Volunteer Assistance program, will be available starting today. Elderly and disabled Henrico residents can access the service by calling 261-6059 during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The service is available to residents who are considering hiring a private contractor to remove storm debris on their property, who have questions about their debris-removal contract, or who believe they may be the victims of fraud. "Many of our elderly and disabled residents are struggling to clear their properties of debris and other damage caused by Hurricane Isabel, and unfortunately we are getting reports that some of them are being taken advantage of by unscrupulous contractors," said Planning Director John Marlles. "Henrico County wants to make sure that these residents, who often are unable to help themselves, receive fair, equitable treatment as they try to recover from the storm." County staff will provide a variety of services, including reviewing contracts and negotiating prices and fair contract terms. Staff also will help residents manage debris-removal activities, ensure that clean-up work on their property is completed and provide general advice and support. Call 261-6059 for more information. October 22, 2003 Henrico County continues to offer free debris-removal programs to help residents recover from Hurricane Isabel. Please note the following updated information. · Residents have until Monday, Oct. 27 to register for free pick-up of storm-related yard debris (limbs and trees). To be placed on a list, residents can call 501-4393 during regular business hours--8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday--or can apply online at www.co.henrico.va.us/works. · Until further notice, residents can register for free pick-up of storm-related bulky waste (household debris such as damaged shingles, drywall and furnishings). To be placed on a list, residents can call 261-8770 during regular business hours or can apply online at www.henricodpu.org. · Until further notice, residents can dispose storm-related yard debris and household debris free of charge at the Springfield Road and Charles City Road landfills. The landfills are open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 747-1865 or 222-7739. · The free storm-debris removal program for qualifying elderly and disabled residents is ongoing, and Henrico continues to seek volunteer groups to participate in the effort. Residents can register for the service and volunteers can offer their support by calling the Emergency Debris Removal-Volunteer Assistance hotline at 261-6059 during regular business hours. Call 501-5628 for more information. October 17, 2003 The Henrico County Health Department is now offering flu vaccinations at both its East and West clinics. Appointments are not necessary to receive the shots, which are available at the following locations and times: Shots also are available during regular walk-in hours, 1-3 p.m. on Mondays and 8:30-11 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Call 501-4651 for information. Shots cost $15 each. The health department will accept cash, personal checks or Medicare Part-B as payment. Henrico health officials advise that October and November are the best times to receive the vaccination, especially for individuals at high risk for complications from the flu. High-risk people include individuals 50 or older; individuals with asthma or other chronic cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases; individuals with diabetes, kidney dysfunction, blood disorders or immune system problems. Flu shots also are recommended for healthy children ages 6 to 23 months. For more information, contact the Henrico Health Department or log on to October 15, 2003 CONTACT: Karen Mier, Assistant Director, Recreation and Parks PHONE: (804) 501-5024 Henrico County announces the publication of "County Manager Government in Henrico, Virginia: Implementation, Evolution, and Evaluation," written by Richmond scholar Dr. Nelson Wikstrom. "County Manager Government" provides a detailed analysis of the experience, effect and future of this governmental structure in Henrico. When the county manager form was adopted in 1934, Henrico became the first Virginia county--and one of the first in the nation--to implement it. The book examines the circumstances that prompted Henrico residents to approve the innovative county manager form, which promised to make government more efficient, economical and responsive to their needs. It explains the transformation of Henrico's government from a sometimes-inefficient body in the early 20th century to an award-winning organization that receives high marks from residents and serves as a model nationwide for effective local governance in the 21st century. Dr. Wikstrom examines the administrations of Henrico's seven county managers, including the tenure of current County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E., and argues that their skills and personality have been essential to the government's success. He notes that a historically close working relationship between the county manager and the Board of Supervisors--and the generally high level of professionalism and personal integrity that has characterized the 36 individuals elected to the Board since 1934--have played a critical role as well. Wikstrom further explains that the county manager form of government has prepared the county to face a variety of new challenges, including management of 21st-century growth and service of a changing, diverse population. "County Manager Government" includes an overview of Henrico history, ballot results from the 1933 referendum that approved the new form of government, historical photographs, financial data and other resource materials. Soft-cover editions are available for $25, with discounts for multiple purchases. Books can be purchased during regular business hours--8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday--at the Henrico Recreation and Parks administrative office, located in the Human Services building, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive. Books also can be ordered by phone or online. Call 804-501-PARK (7275) or log on to www.co.henrico.va.us/rec/govtbook.htm. The winner of several scholarly honors and awards, Dr. Wikstrom received his bachelor's degree from Northeastern University and earned his master's and doctoral degrees at the University of Connecticut. October 15, 2003 The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has presented Henrico County's Department of Finance the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award--the international association's highest honor for governmental budgeting--for the 15th consecutive year.Henrico's Department of Finance and its Office of Management and Budget were honored for the 2003-04 fiscal year budget, which took effect July 1. The GFOA recognized Henrico's budget for its effectiveness as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide and communications device. The public can access the budget online at /finance/. "The budgeting process posed many significant challenges this year, so winning this award is an outstanding accomplishment for our Department of Finance and its Office of Management and Budget staff," said County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E. "It reflects Henrico's continuing commitment to follow a course of sound fiscal policy and provide good stewardship of our residents' tax dollars." The GFOA is a nonprofit association serving 14,000 government finance professionals in the United States and Canada. October 14, 2003
CONTACT: Barry Lawrence, Clerk, Board of Supervisors PHONE: 501-4318 The National Association of Counties (NACo) has appointed 12 Henrico County officials to the association's policy-making committees and governing bodies for 2003-2004. Members of Henrico's Board of Supervisors received the following appointments: · Chairman and Three Chopt District Supervisor David A. Kaechele, Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs steering committee; The only nationwide organization representing county governments before Congress and the White House, NACo works to improve county government and increase public understanding of the role of counties. The association's 11 steering committees, each comprised of 60 to 100 county officials, form its policy-making arm. The committees and other governing bodies meet several times annually to examine issues key to local government and to make recommendations on legislative polices and goals. October 13, 2003 The next town meeting of Varina District Supervisor Jim Donati will take an in-depth look at Henrico County's encounter with Hurricane Isabel. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, at the Eastern Government Center, 3820 Nine Mile Road. County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E. will join Donati to discuss Henrico' s preparation for the hurricane, its response to the widespread damage and emergency situations produced by the storm and the county's ongoing recovery efforts. There will be a question-and-answer period as well. Varina town meetings are open to the public. Call 501-4208 for more information. October 10, 2003 Henrico County officials have established special hours and locations for the distribution of Disaster Food Stamp Program benefits. Henrico residents who applied and were approved for the special disaster program but have not yet received their electronic benefit cards can obtain them on Monday, Oct. 13 and Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. both days, at the following sites. Benefit recipients who applied at Social Services' West End Office on Dixon Powers Drive: Hermitage High School, 8301 Hungary Spring Road. Benefit recipients who applied at Social Services' East End Office on Nine Mile Road: Highland Springs High School, 15 S. Oak Ave. Recipients must present photo identification to receive their benefit cards, and they should not report to the distribution sites before 5 p.m. either day. Also, benefit cards will not be distributed at Henrico's Social Services offices; recipients should report only to the special distribution sites to obtain them.
The Henrico County Department of Public Works advises motorists to expect delays around Highland Springs High School on Friday, Oct. 17, beginning at 6:30 p.m., due to the school's homecoming parade. The parade will begin at South Cedar Avenue between Nine Mile Road and Jerald Street and travel eastbound on Nine Mile Road before turning onto 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, but motorists in the area should expect delays. October 9, 2003
CONTACT: Veta Herbaugh, Executive Assistant Board of Supervisors PHONE: 501-4208 Henrico Board of Supervisors Chairman and Three Chopt District Supervisor David Kaechele will hold a town meeting about development in the Three Chopt District on Monday, Oct. 27, beginning at 7 p.m. at Short Pump Middle School, 4701 Pouncey Tract Road. The meeting, "Development Potential in Northwest Henrico County," will examine current and future development plans for the area northwest of Interstate 64 and Interstate 295, including Nuckols and Pouncey Tract roads. Henrico officials will present information and answer questions on a variety of development topics, including roads, transportation, water and sewer service, parks and schools. County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E., School Superintendent Mark Edwards and Three Chopt District School Board member Andrew Hagy will also join Kaechele for the meeting. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, call 501-4208. October 7, 2003 The Henrico County Department of Public Works advises motorists that on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 6:45 to 10 p.m., the eastbound lane of West Broad Street between Willow Lawn and DMV drives will be closed due to the Autumn Harvest Parade. The parade will also travel along Staples Mill Road between West Broad Street and Augusta Avenue before ending at The Shops at Willow Lawn. Motorists should expect lengthy traffic delays and are advised to use Monument Avenue as an alternate route. October 6, 2003 Fairfield District Supervisor Frank Thornton has expanded his upcoming constituent meeting to include an examination of Henrico County's role before, during and after Hurricane Isabel. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, at the Eastern Government Center, 3820 Nine Mile Road. Henrico officials will join Thornton to discuss the county's preparation for the recent hurricane as well as its response to the widespread damage and emergency situations produced by the storm. Officials also will be available to answer questions from the audience. In addition, the meeting will feature a presentation and discussion about Henrico's Real Estate Advantage Program--known as R.E.A.P.--and the tax relief it provides for the county's elderly and disabled homeowners. Revenue Division Director Ed Trice will give the presentation and join Thornton for discussion. Fairfield constituent meetings are open to the public. Call 501-4208 for more information. October 6, 2003 Henrico County has processed more than 3,100 applications for disaster-relief food stamps since the program began Tuesday, September 30. Tomorrow is the last day Henrico's Department of Social Services will be taking applications for the program and will serve everyone that is in line by the 3 p.m. deadline. "We understand people are frustrated because of the long lines; Henrico is using every county resource available to process applicants," said Deputy County Manager George T. Drumwright, Jr. To qualify, applicants must provide verification of residency as well as the Social Security numbers of each family member included in the benefit application. Eligible residents may apply at either the Government Center on Parham and Hungary Spring roads or the Eastern Government Center, 3820 Nine Mile Road. October 6, 2003 The Henrico County Division of Police will hold a rabies clinic on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at gate four of the Richmond International Raceway. Shots cost $6 (cash only) and include a rabies tag and certificate of inoculation. Dog owners may purchase a 2004 license with proof of rabies inoculation for $10. Cats and dogs ages 4 months and older are required to be vaccinated for rabies. Contact Animal Protection at 652-3360 for more information. October 2, 2003 There has been an overwhelming response for disaster food stamps in not only Henrico County, but throughout the Richmond metropolitan area. "We realize applicants are experiencing long lines and ask for their continued patience; we are doing everything possible to make sure we see every applicant before the Tuesday, October 7 deadline," said Director of Social Services Gordon Ragland. Although many Henrico residents lost food due to the hurricane, eligibility for the benefit is determined by available income less disaster-related expenses. Those who already receive food stamps will automatically receive the food relief. "We have added additional staff and are requesting assistance from localities that escaped Isabel's destructive path. I understand people are frustrated, but we want to assure them that we are committed to processing every eligible applicant," Ragland added. |