February 26, 2004
CONTACT: Kim Edmonds, Extension Agent
PHONE: 501-5160
The Henrico County Extension Office will offer a free money-management workshop on Tuesday, March 16, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Human Services Building demonstration kitchen, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive. Participants in "How to Make Your Money Go Further" will learn basic money-management tips as well as ways to help stretch their income. Other topics include setting financial goals, creating budgets, keeping financial records and understanding credit. Participants will receive a workbook and additional materials.
The workshop is open to the public. The deadline to register is Thursday, March 11. Call 501-5160 to register or to obtain additional information.
February 23, 2004
CONTACT: Gordon Ragland, Director, Social Services
PHONE: 501-4065
The Henrico County Department of Social Services will examine the financial, social and emotional effects that fathers have on the lives of their children at the second annual Henrico Fatherhood Conference, set for March 12-13 at the Holiday Inn-Airport, 5203 Williamsburg Road. "The Many Faces of Fatherhood" is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 12, and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 13. The conference will feature speakers and workshops on a variety of topics, including developing a fatherhood program; being a stepfather; and understanding child support enforcement.
A father's importance to the well-being of his family shouldn't be underestimated, said Social Services Director Gordon Ragland. "We see a significant impact on children when their fathers aren't actively involved in their lives," he said. "This conference is designed to highlight the essential role fathers play and to raise community awareness about the need to reach them."
The March 12 session is designed specifically for social service professionals, faith-based groups, community organizations and other agencies that operate a fatherhood program or plan to begin one; registration is $15. The March 13 session is designed for the general public and will focus on a father's relationship with his children; registration is $10. The registration fee includes breakfast, lunch and conference materials for that day.
Participants can register by calling 501-4132; registration is encouraged by Sunday, Feb. 29. For more information, log on to www.co.henrico.va.us/dss and follow the "Fatherhood Initiative" link.
February 17, 2004
CONTACT: Barry Lawrence, Clerk, Board of Supervisors
PHONE: 501-4318
The Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) has appointed eight Henrico County officials to the association's steering and operational committees for 2004. Members of Henrico's Board of Supervisors received the following appointments: Chairman and Tuckahoe District Supervisor Patricia S. O' Bannon, Telecommunications and Utilities steering committee and the Nominating committee; Vice Chairman and Fairfield District Supervisor Frank J. Thornton, Education steering committee; Brookland District Supervisor Richard W. Glover, Community Development and Planning steering committee; Three Chopt District Supervisor David A. Kaechele, Finance steering committee; and Varina District Supervisor James B. Donati, Jr., Administration of Government steering committee. Other county officials were also tapped for service: Deputy County Manager George T. Drumwright, Jr., Health and Human Services steering committee; Deputy County Manager Harvey L. Hinson, Environment and Agriculture steering committee; and Deputy County Manager Robert K. Pinkerton, Transportation steering committee. VACo steering committees review legislative requests from counties throughout Virginia, recommend an annual legislative program and provide policy direction for VACo staff. The association represents local governments at the state and national levels and provides a resource network for planning and implementing new ideas and technologies.
February 16, 2004
CONTACT: Michael L. Wade, Sheriff
PHONE: 501-4571
Antionette V. Irving made history recently when she became the first woman to attain the rank of major in the Henrico County Sheriff's Office. She received the promotion during a ceremony on Jan. 29. According to Sheriff Michael L. Wade, Irving is extremely well respected by her peers and by the staff who work for her. "Major Irving is full of energy and really has her finger on the pulse of our office," Wade said. Irving joined the Sheriff's Office in 1988 as a deputy and steadily moved up the ranks, serving most recently as captain of operations and security at Jail West. As the new major for administration, her responsibilities include courts and civil process; finance, contracts and human resources; and training, standards and accreditation. Irving earned a bachelor's degree from Shaw University and a master's degree from Central Michigan University. She is active in her community as a volunteer for Boys & Girls Clubs of Richmond, Stamp Out Substance Abuse and other organizations. The recipient of the Richmond YWCA Outstanding Woman of the Year for Government and Politics award in 2003, she is also a member of the Shaw University Athletic Hall of Fame, the National Association of Sports Officials and the Outstanding Young Women of America nominations committee.
Irving said she looks forward to the challenges of her new position and feels a "great sense of pride" for being the first woman to reach this level. "Being first, you have to do it right," she said. "But it's not a burden. It's a great honor. I just plan to put my best foot forward and try to give 100 percent all of the time."
February 5, 2004
CONTACT: Gordon Ragland Director, Henrico Social Services
PHONE: 501-4065
Child Protective Services Alert
Child's name: Luis Hernandez or Luis Ramos; alleges he is 17 years old. Caretaker: Alleges he is staying in the west end of Richmond with Juan Sedillo or Juan Ramos, off Quioccasin Road near Nottingham Green Apartments. Situation: On Feb. 4, 2004, Luis was found mid-morning by Henrico Police wandering the streets in the west end of Richmond, along Citadel Drive near Quioccasin Road, between Parham and Pemberton roads. He appeared to be healthy and was dressed appropriately. Upon further discussion with Luis through a Spanish-speaking interpreter, he stated he arrived in Philadelphia, Penn., in November 2003 from El Salvador. He possesses a Greyhound bus ticket in the name of Luis Ramos that indicates travel from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. on Jan. 24, 2004, and this ticket was purchased with another ticket in the name of Epifanio Cruz. Luis has been unable to provide any names, addresses or telephone numbers for anyone he knows or is related to that can be verified or located. He has been placed in foster care. Contact: If anyone knows the child in the attached photo, please contact Henrico Social Services immediately: Ellie Lamb, 501-4092; Gretchen Icard, 501-5475; or call the in-state hotline, 800-552-7096.
February 2, 2004
CONTACT: Dave Ambrogi, Blood Drive Coordinator
PHONE: 501-5375
Henrico County will host special bone marrow drives in conjunction with upcoming blood drives on Thursday, Feb. 5 and Monday, Feb. 9. Both efforts are open to the public.
Sponsored jointly by the Henrico County Blood Program, Virginia Blood Services and the National Marrow Donor Program, the drives will take place at the following times and locations:
· Thursday, Feb. 5, noon-4:30 p.m.; Government Center Administration Building/Board Room lobby, 4301 E. Parham Road;
· Monday, Feb. 9, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Human Services Building second floor, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive.
Participants interested in donating bone marrow will be screened, tested and entered onto the National Bone Marrow Registry. If they match someone on the registry, they will undergo additional screening tests and will be scheduled for donation at a later date. The county has secured funds to help reduce or eliminate the $65 bone marrow testing fee, although participants are welcome to help defray the costs by making a donation to the National Marrow Donor Program.
For additional information about the upcoming drives, call 501-5375. For more information about bone marrow testing, contact Becky Simulcik at 501-4783 or JoAnn Malone of the National Marrow Donor Program at 213-4162.
February 2, 2004
CONTACT: Lloyd Hicks, Extension Agent 4-H Youth Programs
PHONE: 501-5160
The Henrico Extension Office has launched its annual 4-H berry sale. Proceeds benefit local 4-H youth programs. The sale features a variety of strawberry, blackberry and blueberry plants. Strawberry plants cost $6 for a bundle of 25; blackberry plants cost $4.50 each and blueberry plants cost $3.50 each. Instructions for planting and care are included with each order. To place an order, call 501-5160 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or pick up an order form at the Extension Office, located in the Human Services Building, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, or at any Henrico library.
Because supplies are limited, orders placed after Friday, Feb. 20 will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Extension staff will distribute orders from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 18 and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, March 19 at the Glen Allen Softball Complex on Mountain Road. For more information, contact the Extension Office at 501-5160.
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