April 2008
April 28, 2008
CONTACT: Mikki Knight, Executive Assistant, Board of Supervisors
PHONE: 501-4208
The next constituent meeting of Fairfield District Supervisor Frank Thornton will feature a "State of the County" address from Henrico County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, May 12 at Belmont Recreation Center, 1600 Hilliard Road.
Hazelett will provide a comprehensive look at county activities in a variety of areas, including the recently approved budget for fiscal year 2009. Hazelett will join Thornton for a question-and-answer period as well.
Fairfield constituent meetings are open to the public. Call 501-4208 for more information.
April 25, 2008
CONTACT: Rosalyn D. Key-Tiller, Director, Capital Area Workforce Investment Board
PHONE: 226-1941
The Capital Area Workforce Investment Board (CAWIB) and the Capital Area Youth Council are currently accepting applications for the 2008 YouthWork Summer Programs for young people ages 14 to 21 in Henrico and the Richmond metropolitan area. The deadline to apply is Monday, May 19.
YouthWork programs are designed to provide academic and work-readiness preparation. Participants can choose from more than 10 programs focusing on a variety of career fields and employment activities, including health care; retail; construction and skilled trades such as carpentry, masonry, plumbing and electrical; developing a resume and practicing interview skills; and pursuing the GED.
YouthWork participants must meet the Workforce Investment Act eligibility requirements, which are based on family size and income. To obtain an application or more information, log on to the CAWIB Web site at www.cawib.org/youthwork.cfm or call 226-1941.
In addition, local employers interested in providing summer employment for area youth can participate in the 2008 Summer Job Hunt. Contact CAWIB for more information.
April 25, 2008
CONTACT: Kendra Kyle, Extension Agent
PHONE: 501-5160
The Henrico County Extension Office is currently accepting applications for the 2008 Henrico Junior 4-H Camp, scheduled for June 16-20 at the Jamestown 4-H Center in Williamsburg. The camp is open to all boys and girls ages 9 to 14, as of Sept. 30, 2008.
Located along the James River, the Jamestown 4-H Center is accredited by the American Camp Association and features air-conditioned lodges and cabins; archery and rifle ranges; basketball courts, athletic fields and rope course; and a medical clinic. Camp activities include swimming (beach and pool), canoeing, archery, shooting sports, fishing, rocketry and crafts. Adult and teen counselors provide instruction and supervision; camp staff members include lifeguards, a dietician and medical attendant.
The $185 fee covers lodging, food, transportation, programs and materials. Space is limited; applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 501-5160 for an application or log on to the Extension Web site at www.co.henrico.va.us/extension/.
Adult volunteers are needed as well. Contact the Extension Office for additional information.
April 24, 2008
CONTACT: Lt. Shawn Sears, Animal Protection Supervisor
PHONE: 652-3385
The Henrico County Division of Police will hold a rabies clinic on Saturday, May 10, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at gate four of Richmond International Raceway.
Shots cost $7, cash only, and include a rabies tag and certificate of inoculation. Dog owners may purchase a 2008 license for $10 with proof of rabies inoculation.
Lt. Shawn Sears, supervisor of Henrico Police's Animal Protection unit, encouraged residents to vaccinate their pets.
"(Vaccination) will ensure the safety of our residents' pets and will help protect the community as well," Sears said.
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 18, 2008
CONTACT: Mike Jennings, Traffic Engineer
PHONE: 501-4397
In preparation for the upcoming Lipton Tea 250 and Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 NASCAR events at Richmond International Raceway (RIR), the Henrico County Department of Public Works will modify traffic patterns on major routes to the raceway on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3. The temporary changes should help minimize traffic congestion during the races.
Motorists should expect extremely heavy traffic and delays all day Friday and Saturday in the raceway 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. Police encourage race fans and other motorists to consult message boards on interstate highways and roadways approaching RIR for traffic information. WRVA 1140 AM and other Clear Channel stations will broadcast traffic reports as well.
The following traffic patterns will be in effect May 3 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.
* 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 at Pilots Lane and Austin Avenue. 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.
On-street parking on major routes to RIR is prohibited each day. Additional parking will be available May 3 at the Richmond Coliseum parking deck on North Seventh Street, at a cost of $6. Free shuttle bus service to and from RIR will be provided beginning at 1 p.m. Parking also will be available at the Showplace on Mechanicsville Turnpike beginning at 11 a.m., $5 per car and $25 per recreational vehicle; free shuttle bus service to RIR will be provided.
The Henrico Division of Police recommends the following routes for traffic approaching the raceway May 2-3:
* 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 Mechanicsville Turnpike (Exit 37B). Follow Mechanicsville Turnpike to Laburnum Avenue. Turn right 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 10, 2008
CONTACT: Joe Emerson, Director, Planning
PHONE: 501-4602
Henrico County is seeking input from residents as it unveils the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan, a critical document that will guide the county's growth over the next two decades.
The Planning Department will hold a series of open houses for residents, developers and others to review and comment on the draft comprehensive plan and its land-use maps, a key component of the plan. Each meeting will take place from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
* Tuesday, May 6, Short Pump Middle School, 4701 Pouncey Tract Road
* Thursday, May 8, Godwin High School, 2101 Pump Road
* Monday, May 19, Wilder Middle School, 6900 Wilkinson Road
* Thursday, May 22, Ward Elementary School, 3400 Darbytown Road
* Thursday, May 29, Henrico Government Center, 4301 E. Parham Road
In addition, residents can review the comprehensive plan and land-use maps from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Planning Department, located in the Henrico Government Center.
A blueprint for Henrico's future growth, the plan contains goals and implementation strategies to guide development in a variety of areas, including residential, commercial, industrial, transportation and recreation. The maps recommend future land uses for all properties and assist the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors in making land-use decisions.
"Public input is critical to the successful completion of the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan," said Planning Director Joe Emerson. "We encourage residents to attend an open house and share their thoughts with us."
For more information, log on to the Planning Department Web site at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/ or call 501-4602.
April 10, 2008
CONTACT: Kim Edmonds, Extension Agent
PHONE: 501-5160
The Henrico County Extension Office will offer a free workshop to help residents better understand and manage their credit on Tuesday, April 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; and again on Thursday, April 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both workshops will be held in the Human Services Building demonstration kitchen, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive.
Participants in "Credit: What You Need to Know" will receive information on credit and its terms and will learn common-sense ways to manage credit, especially their personal credit cards. The Extension Office is holding the workshop in recognition of statewide Financial Literacy Month.
The workshop is free and open to the public; registration by Monday, April 21 is encouraged. Call 501-5160 to register or to obtain additional information.
April 9, 2008
CONTACT: Teddy Martin, Extension Agent
PHONE: 501-5160
The Henrico County Extension Office will begin its spring lawn care seminar series April 22-24 with a program on weeds. The seminars are scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m. each night at the following locations: Tuesday, April 22, Fairfield Area Library, 1001 N. Laburnum Ave.; Wednesday, April 23, Tuckahoe Area Library, 1901 Starling Drive; and Thursday, April 24, Gayton Branch Library, 10600 Gayton Road.
"Weeds" will provide information about a broad range of weeds, the use of herbicides and the application of pre- and post-emergence products to control weeds before and after they appear. The seminars will include a question-and-answer period as well.
The seminar is free and open to the public; however, participants should pre-register. Call 501-5160 to register or to obtain additional information.
Participants can also learn more about Henrico Extension's SMART Lawns program, a seasonal, comprehensive program that teaches a step-by-step approach to building healthy lawns. SMART Lawns, which teaches environmentally responsible practices, provides participants a plan tailored to fit their specific lawn-care needs. Contact the Extension Office for more information.
April 8, 2008
CONTACT: Veta Herbaugh, Executive Assistant, Board of Supervisors
PHONE: 501-4208
The next town meeting of Varina District Supervisor Jim Donati will examine recent modifications at the Chesterfield Power Station and how they affect area residents. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, April 21, at the Henrico Theatre, 305 E. Nine Mile Road.
Representatives from Dominion Virginia Power will be on hand to discuss environmental enhancements at the power station and what they mean for local residents, customers and the environment. They 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.
April 7, 2008
CONTACT: Megan Brown, Executive Coordinator, Keep Henrico Beautiful
PHONE: 501-7277
The Keep Henrico Beautiful (KHB) Committee is seeking outstanding residential and commercial properties for the 2008 Land Lover and Clean Business awards. Nominations for exemplary homes and businesses from each magisterial district will be accepted through Wednesday, April 30.
To be considered for the award, properties should be attractively landscaped, well-maintained and litter-free. Homeowners should perform their own landscaping and lawn-care work. In addition, property owners must participate in an ongoing recycling program, such as composting, curbside pickup or drop-off service.
Winners will have an award sign posted on their property during June and will be recognized at a Board of Supervisors meeting.
Henrico residents and business owners may nominate their own properties as well as others. Forms and criteria can be accessed online at www.co.henrico.va.us/utility/keep-henrico-beautiful/ or by calling KHB at 501-4502; nominations can be submitted online or by mail.
The Land Lover and Clean Business awards have been presented annually since 1995. Contact Keep Henrico Beautiful for more information.
April 4, 2008
CONTACT: Steve Knockemus, Senior Public Relations Specialist
PHONE: 501-4476
More than 160 high school seniors took the reins of Henrico County's general government and public schools administrations Thursday when they assumed the roles of elected officials and top administrators for the 51st annual Student Government Day.
Designed to give students a firsthand view of the operations of their local government, Student Government Day paired student leaders from nine Henrico high schools with key county officials, including the county manager, school superintendent, police and fire chiefs, Circuit Court judges and members of the Board of Supervisors and School Board.
"Student Government Day is a special day for the county staff," County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E. said. "We have the opportunity to give these outstanding young people a glimpse of local government at work and help prepare them for a future of community service."
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, conducting a simulated Board of Supervisors meeting in which they debated an ordinance regarding concealed handgun permits, approved an application to expand the Henrico Enterprise Zone and approved a plan of development for a new high school near the intersection of Staples Mill and Springfield roads.
"Many people take for granted what goes on in local government, but these are the kinds of decisions that affect the daily lives of all Henrico residents," Hazelett told the students.
Student Government Day is sponsored by the Kiwanis clubs of North Richmond, Tuckahoe and North Central Richmond.
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Before taking the reins of local government, 32 students took the oath of office at an investiture ceremony at Hermitage High School. Here, Fawad Wahabzada, Henrico High School, is sworn in as county manager while his counterpart, Henrico County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E., looks on.
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Student Government Day activities culminate with a simulated Board of Supervisors meeting. Student officials debate and act on a variety of resolutions, ordinances and public hearing items while their government counterparts answer questions and provide guidance. |
April 1, 2008
CONTACT: Mikki Knight, Executive Assistant, Board of Supervisors
PHONE: 501-4208
The next town meeting of Henrico County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman and Tuckahoe District Supervisor Patricia S. O'Bannon will feature a discussion of the county's ongoing address-change initiative. The meeting will be held in two sessions, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., on Monday, April 14 at Tuckahoe Area Library, 1901 Starling Drive.
Finance Director John Vithoulkas and Revenue Division Director Ed Trice will provide information and answer questions about the effort to change county mailing addresses from "Richmond, VA" to "Henrico, VA." The county is working with the U.S. Postal Service on the initiative, which would correct the misdirection of an estimated $5 million in tax revenue to the city each year. Affected Henrico residents and businesses will receive a survey from the Postal Service and will vote on the initiative in early May.
Tuckahoe town meetings are open to the public. For more information, call 501-4208 or log on to www.patobannon.com.