April 14, 2004
CONTACT: Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E., County Manager
PHONE: 501-4386
Henrico County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E. has announced the appointment of Michael D. O'Connor as Director of Henrico Area Mental Health and Retardation Services (MH/MR) effective April 21. O'Connor had been serving as the assistant director of MH/MR since 1990. He replaces James W. Stewart III who resigned in February to take a position with the state of Virginia. As director, O'Connor will oversee an agency with 425 employees and an annual budget of nearly $25 million. MH/MR provides comprehensive mental health, mental retardation and substance abuse services to individuals and families in Henrico, Charles City and New Kent counties. The agency plans, implements, administers and evaluates an array of community programs, including prevention, treatment, vocational and residential services. O'Connor, who joined the MH/MR staff in 1978 as coordinator of children's services, has more than 30 years of social work experience. A licensed clinical social worker, he holds a bachelor's degree from Oblate College and a master's degree from the University of Chicago.
April 14, 2004
CONTACT: Barry Lawrence, Clerk, Board of Supervisors
PHONE: 501-4318
The Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) has appointed Henrico County Board of Supervisors Chairman and Tuckahoe District Supervisor Patricia S. O' Bannon to two of its governing committees for 2004.
O'Bannon has been named chair of the association's Telecommunications and Utilities steering committee, which reviews legislative requests from counties; monitors state and national legislative activities for changes affecting local governments; and provides policy direction for VACo staff. She also has been selected to serve on the Resolutions operational committee, which recommends and coordinates legislative priorities for the association.
O'Bannon also serves on the association's Nominating committee.
VACo represents county governments at the state and national levels in legislative and regulatory matters and provides a resource network for planning and implementing new ideas and technologies. The association works to support county officials and to promote the interests of counties to better serve Virginia residents.
April 13, 2004
CONTACT: Karen Carter, Extension Agent
PHONE: 501-5160
The Henrico County Extension Office will introduce its SMART Lawns program and will offer lawn care advice at free seminars set for Tuesday, April 27 at North Park Library, 8505 Franconia Road; and Thursday, April 29 at Gayton Library, 10600 Gayton Road. The seminars are scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m. both nights. Participants in "Building a Healthy Lawn" will learn about SMART (Soil test, Measure, Aerate, Right fertilizer, Trouble-free maintenance) Lawns, a comprehensive new program designed to help residents grow and maintain a healthy lawn with minimal cost and effort. The program, which teaches environmentally responsible practices, provides participants a plan tailored to fit their specific lawn-care needs. Residents enrolling in SMART Lawns will receive a soil analysis, a customized lime and fertilizer plan, instructions for aerating grass roots and applying proper fertilizers and other lawn-care information. Cost of the yearlong program is $15. In addition to introducing the SMART Lawns program, the seminars will teach basic lawn-care concepts that participants can use immediately to begin improving the appearance of their lawn. "Building a Healthy Lawn" seminars are open to the public; participants are encouraged to register by Tuesday, April 27. Enrollment in SMART Lawns is not required to attend.
For more information, contact Henrico Extension at 501-5160.
April 8, 2004
CONTACT: Kim Edmonds, Extension Agent
PHONE: 501-5160
The Henrico County Extension Office will offer free money-management workshops on Tuesday, April 27 and Thursday, April 29 in the Human Services Building Board Room, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive. · "How to Make Your Money Go Further," scheduled for April 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., will teach basic money-management tips and income-stretching ideas. Topics covered include setting financial goals, creating budgets, maintaining financial records and understanding credit. · "Get Out of Debt on Your Own," set for April 29 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., will offer ideas for controlling consumer debt. Participants will learn options for managing their debt and finances and developing their own debt-reduction and repayment plans.
Workshop participants will receive workbooks and additional materials.
Both workshops are open to the public. The deadline to register is Thursday, April 22. Call 501-5160 to register or to obtain additional information.
April 5, 2004
CONTACT: Mikki Knight, Executive Assistant Board of Supervisors
PHONE: 501-4208
This year's state budget process has been marked by long waits, longer debates and countless unanswered questions. Find out what your state and federal representatives know and where they stand on budget negotiations, as well as on the Virginia General Assembly's other achievements during the 2003-04 session, during Fairfield District Supervisor Frank Thornton's next constituent meeting on Monday, April 12. The meeting, which begins at 7 p.m., will be held at the Belmont Recreation Center, 1600 Hilliard Road. Guest speaks are members of Henrico's legislative delegation, including State Senator Benjamin Lambert, and state delegates Floyd Miles and John O'Bannon. U.S. District Rep. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-3rd District) will also attend.
Fairfield constituent meetings are open to all members of the public. Call 501-4208 for more information.
April 1, 2004
CONTACT: Steve Knockemus Public Relations Coordinator
PHONE: 501-4476
More than 100 high school seniors took the reins of Henrico County's general government and public schools administrations Wednesday when they assumed the roles of elected officials and top administrators for the 47th annual Student Government Day.
Designed to give students a first-hand view of the operations of their local government, Student Government Day paired leading students from eight Henrico high schools with a variety of key county officials, including the county manager, police and fire chiefs, Circuit Court judges and members of the Board of Supervisors, as well as leaders of the public schools administration.
Students "shadowed" their government counterparts throughout the day, gaining insight into the decision-making process and learning some of the details of local governance. Students also had the opportunity to make decisions themselves, as they conducted a mock Board of Supervisors meeting and heard issues such as a resolution seeking an increase in the county's hotel tax, an ordinance regarding public profanity and intoxication, and a vicious dog ordinance.
"Student Government Day is a special day for the county staff," County Manager Virgil Hazelett said. "We get the chance to give these outstanding young people a snapshot of something we're truly dedicated to--serving the residents of Henrico County."
Student Government Day is sponsored by the Kiwanis clubs of North Richmond, Tuckahoe and West Henrico.
April 1, 2004
CONTACT: Bev Donati
PHONE: 795-5757
The next town meeting of Varina District Supervisor Jim Donati will offer an overview of the zoning process in Henrico County. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, April 19, at the Eastern Government Center, 3820 Nine Mile Road. "Rezoning: From Beginning to End" will explain the zoning process and its potential impact on residents. Representatives from Henrico's Planning Office will join Donati for a discussion and question-and-answer period as well. Varina town meetings are open to the public. Call 501-4208 for more information.
April 1, 2004
CONTACT: Barry Lawrence Clerk, Board of Supervisors
PHONE: 501-4318
Virginia Attorney General Jerry Kilgore will present "Community Violence and Victims' Rights: The Attorney General's Initiatives" at the next town meeting of Henrico County Board Chairman and Tuckahoe District Supervisor Patricia S. O'Bannon. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, April 19, at Maybeury Elementary School, 901 Maybeury Drive. Kilgore will speak about new legislation and programs designed to safeguard Virginia residents and communities. Kilgore will join O'Bannon for a discussion and question-and-answer period as well. Tuckahoe town meetings are open to the public. For more information, call 501-4318 or log on to www.patobannon.com.
April 16, 2004
CONTACT: Tim Foster, Traffic Engineer
PHONE: 501-4397
In preparation for the upcoming Chevrolet American Revolution 400 NASCAR race, the Henrico County Department of Public Works will modify traffic patterns on major routes to the Richmond International Raceway (RIR) on Friday, May 14 and Saturday, May 15. The temporary changes should minimize traffic congestion during the races.
Local motorists should expect heavy traffic and delays all day Friday and Saturday in the RIR area, especially from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. before the races and from 10:15 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. after the races.
The Henrico Division of Police will have officers on duty to direct traffic around the area before and after the races.
Motorists not attending the race should turn on their headlights while driving in the vicinity of RIR during the afternoon and early evening Saturday, May 15. This measure will help police maintain a smooth flow of traffic through the area.
The following traffic patterns will be in effect May 15 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.
Meadowbridge Road between the Henrico/Hanover county line and Azalea Avenue will be one-way southbound beginning at approximately 9 a.m. and continuing until the race starts.
Meadowbridge Road north of Azalea Avenue will close to northbound traffic; however, in Hanover County it will remain a two-way road at all times.
Prior to the race, three lanes on Laburnum Avenue between Mechanicsville Turnpike and RIR may be routed westbound and one lane eastbound.
Prior to the race, three lanes on Laburnum Avenue between Alma Avenue and RIR may be routed eastbound, one lane westbound.
After the race, Laburnum Avenue between Carolina Avenue and Mechanicsville Turnpike will be one-way eastbound. Two-way traffic will be maintained westbound from Carolina Avenue.
After the race, Meadowbridge Road north of Azalea Avenue will be one-way northbound between Azalea Avenue and Atlee Road, beginning at approximately 10 p.m. and continuing until race traffic is dispersed.
After the race, three lanes on Azalea Avenue between Richmond-Henrico Turnpike and Henrico High School will be routed westbound and one lane eastbound. This change will require all median crossovers on Azalea Avenue between Richmond-Henrico Turnpike and Henrico High School to close at approximately 10 p.m. until race traffic is dispersed. Police will assist motorists turning from Azalea Avenue to Thrush Lane and Pony Farm Drive.
While these traffic patterns are in effect, median crossovers on Laburnum Avenue will be closed between North Avenue and Mechanicsville Turnpike, except for the intersections of Pilots Lane and Laburnum Avenue and Austin and Laburnum avenues. Only right turns will be permitted to and from Laburnum Avenue. Police will be positioned at these intersections before and after the race to assist motorists turning onto or crossing Laburnum Avenue.
WRVA-AM 1140 radio and Metro Traffic will broadcast traffic reports before and after the race.
On-street parking on major routes to RIR is prohibited both days. Additional parking will be available Saturday, May 15 at two satellite lots:
The VaPark parking lot, near the Richmond Coliseum between 4th and 5th streets, and East Jackson and East Leigh streets in downtown Richmond.
The Coliseum parking deck, between 7th and 8th streets and at the Azalea Flea Market at Azalea Avenue and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike.
The cost of parking in satellite lots is $5. Free shuttle bus service to and from RIR will be provided.
The Henrico Division of Police has recommended the following routes for traffic approaching the raceway May 14-15:
From the east (Hampton Roads area) - Follow Interstate 64 west to Interstate 295 north (Exit 200). Follow Interstate 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) - Approach Richmond on Route 360 west (Mechanicsville Turnpike), cross Interstate 295, and continue west to Laburnum Avenue. Turn right and proceed to the raceway.
From the east (local traffic) - Follow Interstate 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 Interstate 295 east interchange (marked "To Norfolk - Williamsburg"). Follow Interstate 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) - Use Route 1 (Brook Road) to Azalea Avenue. Turn left onto Azalea Avenue and proceed to the raceway.
From the west - Follow Interstate 64 east to the Interstate 295 south interchange (Exit 177). Follow Interstate 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 Interstate 64 east to the Powhite Parkway/Laburnum Avenue exit. Take the Laburnum Avenue exit, turn left and proceed to the raceway.
From the south - Follow Interstate 95 north to the interchange with Interstate 295 south of Petersburg. Follow Interstate 295 north and exit onto Meadowbridge Road west (Exit 38B). Follow Meadowbridge Road (Richmond-Henrico Turnpike) and proceed to the raceway.
From the south (local traffic) - Follow Interstate 95 north to the Interstate 64 east interchange (Exit 75). Follow Interstate 64 to Route 360 east (Mechanicsville Turnpike). Follow Route 360 east to Laburnum Avenue. Turn left and proceed to the raceway.
April 23, 2004
CONTACT: Sgt. Shawn Sears
Animal Protection Supervisor
PHONE: 652-3385
The Henrico County Division of Police will hold a rabies clinic on Saturday, May 8, from 8 a.m. to 1 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.
April 28, 2004
CONTACT: Harvey L. Hinson, Deputy County Manager
PHONE: 501-4270
Henrico County has created a new agency--the Department of Community Revitalization--to administer the county's growing revitalization efforts and community development programs. The agency will become operational May 5. The new department represents a reorganization of Henrico's Planning Office and indicates the key role that enhancement of existing residential and commercial development plays in the county's economic future. Over the past several years, the county's Board of Supervisors and administration have recognized and addressed ongoing changes in Henrico's neighborhoods, said County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E. " A new agency is needed now to properly coordinate our expanding community programs and revitalization efforts," Hazelett said. "This change reflects our commitment to the county's older residential communities and commercial corridors."
The Planning Office will divide into two agencies: the Department of Community Revitalization and the Department of Planning. The broad array of programs and services previously housed in the Planning Office will be divided between the new agencies. Community Revitalization will administer the Community Maintenance program; Community Development Block Grant/HOME programs; Virginia Enterprise Zone program; Commercial Revitalization Assistance; Neighborhood Planning; and zoning enforcement for existing developed sites. Responsibilities of the reorganized Department of Planning will include comprehensive and long-range planning; rezoning; plan of development and subdivision reviews; small area land-use studies; zoning enforcement of new development; and staffing for the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.
The reorganization gives Henrico a more comprehensive, coordinated approach to neighborhood and commercial revitalization, said Deputy County Manager for Community Development Harvey Hinson. " This change concentrates our revitalization activities into one office location, under one management," Hinson said. "It allows us to give a sharper focus and daily attention to these programs and will streamline the coordination and efficient use of county resources." The change will further enhance the quality customer service provided to Henrico residents and businesses, Hinson added. The reorganization is the result of recommendations made in the county's Eight Critical Issues initiative, he said.
Current Planning Director John Marlles has been appointed director of Community Revitalization; Randall Silber, currently serving as assistant director of Planning, has been named director of the reorganized Department of Planning. The majority of personnel for the departments will come from the current Planning Office staff; a total of three positions have been created to fill the departments' staffing needs. Community Revitalization will have 24 personnel and Planning will have a staff of 43. The Department of Community Revitalization will be located at the county's Crockett Street facility, which currently houses the Community Maintenance program. The Department of Planning will remain in the Government Center Administration Building at Parham and Hungary Spring roads. The Department of Community Revitalization represents Henrico's first new agency since The Permit Center opened in August 2001.
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