March 27, 2006
CONTACT: Phillip White, Fatherhood Management Coordinator
PHONE: 501-4034
The Henrico County Department of Social Services is seeking candidates for the second annual Gene Akers Father of the Year award, honoring an outstanding father from the Henrico area. Social Services will accept nominations through Friday, April 7.
The award, a component of Henrico's Fatherhood Initiative, is part of the county's ongoing effort to highlight the importance of fathers, said Fatherhood Management Coordinator Phillip White. The award is named for its first recipient, an 80-year-old Henrico resident who is raising his 6-year-old step great-great grandson.
"Fathers play a critical role in the life of their families and the development of their children," White said. "This program and award are designed to help encourage men to step up and be a part of their children's lives."
Nominees should be 18 or older and may be a biological father, step father or father role model. According to award criteria, candidates will have accepted their responsibilities as father with clear purpose and love; will have served as an exemplary role model; and will have demonstrated commitment and dedication toward developing and maintaining a healthy family relationship. Henrico residents are preferred, but nominees from other jurisdictions will be accepted. The winner will be recognized at the Henrico Fatherhood Celebration in May.
Nomination forms are available at the Department of Social Services, Human Services Building, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, and the Eastern Government Center, 3820 Nine Mile Road; at Henrico County libraries; or by sending an e-mail to whi12@co.henrico.va.us.
For more information, call 501-4034 or log on to www.co.henrico.va.us/dss.
March 23, 2006
CONTACT: John Newton, Environmental Engineer, Public Works
PHONE: 501-4168
Henrico County is collaborating with several neighborhood and environmental organizations, homeowners and community volunteers to kick off the Little Westham Creek Community Stream Protection Project, a special effort to improve water quality and reduce erosion in western Henrico. The project will get under way when dozens of volunteers begin planting along the banks of the creek at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 25 on College Road, across from Westhampton Lake and the University of Richmond campus.
As part of its stream restoration and watershed management program, Henrico's Department of Public Works had placed Little Westham Creek on its priority list for repair. Chronic bank erosion and nutrient run-off along a 1.5 mile stretch of the creek will be addressed through the planting of native trees, shrubs and grasses on both banks of the creek. The project will create a buffer to control erosion and reduce the amount of nutrients flowing into Westhampton Lake, the James River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.
The county is funding $20,000 for the plants while also preparing holes for planting and guiding construction of the buffer. The Extension Office's Master Gardener program worked closely with nearly 60 homeowners to determine appropriate plants for their properties. Other key partners in the joint effort include the University of Richmond's Center for Civic Engagement; the Chesapeake Bay Foundation; and the Westham, University Heights and Rollingwood neighborhood associations.
"This project is a unique collaboration between county government and a variety of organizations, and represents a model for future environmental restoration projects in Henrico," said Tuckahoe District Supervisor Patricia S. O'Bannon.
Volunteers will begin planting Saturday in the 200 block of College Road before following the creek along properties in the 6800 block of Lakewood Drive as well as Beechwood Drive and Baldwin Road. Additional plantings will take place later this spring.
For more information, contact Henrico Public Works at 501-4168.
March 21, 2006
CONTACT: Karen Carter, County Agent
PHONE: 501-5160
The Henrico County Extension Office will continue its SMART Lawns program with free seminars on spring lawn care on Tuesday, March 28 at North Park Library, 8505 Franconia Road; and Thursday, March 30 at Gayton Library, 10600 Gayton Road. The seminars are scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m. both nights.
"Spring Weed Control" will provide information about crabgrass prevention, summer annuals controls and yearlong weed management. The seminars will include a question-and-answer period as well.
"Spring Weed Control" is free and open to the public; however, participants should pre-register. Enrollment in the SMART Lawns program is not required to attend. Call 501-5160 to register or to obtain additional information.
SMART (Soil test, Measure, Aerate, Right fertilizer, Trouble-free maintenance) Lawns is a seasonal, comprehensive program that teaches a step-by-step approach to building healthy lawns. The program, which teaches environmentally responsible practices, provides participants a plan tailored to fit their specific lawn-care needs. Contact the Henrico Extension Office for more information.
March 17, 2006
CONTACT: Barb Strohman, Administrative Coordinator, Henricopolis SWCD
PHONE: 501-5175
The Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Henrico County Extension Office will hold a workshop teaching Chesapeake Bay-friendly lawn-care and landscaping techniques on Saturday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Human Services Building, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive.
"The Chesapeake Bay Watershed and You: Make the Connection" will offer a variety of ideas that can help homeowners protect the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed by making small changes in their lawn maintenance practices. Local experts will lead lectures on "BayScaping" principals, water conservation and composting. Workshop participants will also have the opportunity to build a rain barrel or a vermicomposter, which uses worms to produce natural fertilizer from food scraps and other household organic garbage. In addition, local vendors will be on hand to answer questions.
Registration for the workshop costs $10 through April 1, after which the fee increases to $15. Lunch is included; participants will pay an additional materials fee to build the rain barrel and vermicomposter.
To obtain a registration brochure or more information, contact Henricopolis SWCD at 501-5175 or Henrico Extension at 501-5160.
March 16, 2006
CONTACT: Veta Herbaugh, Executive Assistant, Board of Supervisors
PHONE: 501-4208
The next town meeting of Varina District Supervisor Jim Donati will take a closer look at the county's 2026 Comprehensive Plan and future development in the Varina District. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, March 20, in the Eastern Government Center multipurpose room, 3820 Nine Mile Road.
Planning Director Randy Silber will discuss the ongoing update of the 2026 Comprehensive Plan, an extensive document that describes the county's vision of future development in Henrico -- including land use, transportation and recreation. He will join Donati for a question-and-answer period as well.
Varina town meetings are open to the public. Call 501-4208 for more information.
March 6, 2006
CONTACT: Barry Lawrence, Clerk, Board of Supervisors
PHONE: 501-4318
The next town meeting of Tuckahoe District Supervisor Patricia S. O'Bannon will take a closer look at the progress of capital projects approved by Henrico voters in 2000 and 2005. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the Deep Run Recreation Center, 9910 Ridgefield Parkway.
"Your Tax Dollars at Work: An Update on Henrico County's 2000 and 2005 Bond Referenda" will include presentations by representatives from Henrico County Public Schools and the departments of Finance and General Services. The officials will join O'Bannon for a 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.
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