June 2008

June 20, 2008

CONTACT: Megan Brown, Executive Coordinator, Keep Henrico Beautiful

PHONE: 501-4502

Presented annually by the KHB Committee since 1995, the awards recognize a homeowner and a business in each magisterial district that have maintained an outstanding property through landscaping, lawn care, litter removal and recycling. Homeowners must perform their own lawn maintenance to be considered. Winners receive an engraved plaque, have an award sign posted on their property and will be recognized on the KHB Web page at www.co.henrico.va.us/utility/keep-henrico-beautiful/.

The 2008 Land Lover Award winners are: Goldie Moneyhan, Brookland District; Elnora Burt, Fairfield District; Brian Snead, Three Chopt District; Mary and Vince Wood, Tuckahoe District; and Angie and Eugene Maiden, Varina District.

Winners of the Clean Business Award are: Bob Evans Restaurant, Brookland District; Wendy's Restaurant, Fairfield District; Morningside in the West End, Three Chopt District; Bank of Virginia, Tuckahoe District; and Hillbilly Red's Barbeque, Varina District.

June 20, 2008

CONTACT: Rosalyn D. Key-Tiller, Director, Capital Area Workforce Investment Board

PHONE: 226-1941

Employers in Henrico and the Richmond metropolitan area looking for summer workers can turn their search over to the Capital Area Workforce Investment Board (CAWIB) and the Summer Job Hunt. The program is designed to connect local employers facing summer staffing vacancies with motivated young people looking for summer jobs.

Businesses and companies in an array of industries ranging from automotive, construction, food service and retail to health care, banking, media and nonprofits are encouraged to participate. The jobs they provide may be full- or part-time; should pay minimum wage or more; and should last at least six to eight weeks, beginning in late June and continuing into August (job terms can be modified to meet employers' needs).

The Summer Job Hunt will connect employers with young people ages 16 to 21 who have received career and workforce development through CAWIB, area schools and community-based programs. Youth workers have participated in job-readiness programs; have been interviewed to determine their skills and interests; have demonstrated a positive attitude and willingness to work; and have maintained a grade point average of 2.0 or better in the classroom.

The Summer Job Hunt will provide an account executive to work with employers and accommodate their staffing needs. To place a job order or to obtain additional information, employers can contact CAWIB at 226-1941, send an e-mail to cawib@cawib.org or log on to www.cawib.org/jobhunt.cfm.

June 18, 2008

CONTACT: Barry Lawrence, Clerk, Board of Supervisors

PHONE: 501-4318

The Virginia Municipal League (VML) has named 11 Henrico County board members and key officials to serve on its policy committees for 2008.

Members of the Board of Supervisors received the following policy committee appointments: Board Chairman and Three Chopt District Supervisor David A. Kaechele, finance; Board Vice Chairman and Tuckahoe District Supervisor Patricia S. O'Bannon, environmental quality; Brookland District Supervisor Richard W. Glover, community and economic development; Fairfield District Supervisor Frank J. Thornton, vice chairman, human development and education; and Varina District Supervisor James B. Donati, Jr., transportation.

In addition, Kaechele was named to the legislative committee and O'Bannon continues her service on the executive committee.

Several county officials also were appointed to VML policy committees: County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E., general laws; Deputy County Manager for Community Services George T. Drumwright, Jr., human development and education; Deputy County Manager for Community Development Randall R. Silber, community and economic development; Deputy County Manager for Administration Leon T. Johnson, finance; Deputy County Manager for Community Operations Robert K. Pinkerton, P.E., environmental quality; and Director of Public Works Edward L. Priestas, transportation.

VML is a statewide association of city, town and county governments that assists local governments through legislative advocacy, research, education and other services. The league's policy and steering committees make policy recommendations to its legislative committee, which develops VML's annual legislative program. Appointments are made by the league's executive committee.

June 17, 2008

CONTACT: Lisa Sanderson, Extension Agent

PHONE: 501-5160

Henrico families who have wanted to grow their own fresh vegetables but previously lacked the space, know-how or resources can now start planting, with the help of the Henrico County Extension Office and its new program, "Gardens Growing Families." Qualifying participants can maintain a plot in the Fairfield District community garden for a nominal fee, attend free classes and have access to expert advice from the Extension Office and Henrico Master Gardeners.

Designed to help families prepare more nutritious meals and reduce their grocery bills, Gardens Growing Families allows participants to choose a full-size garden plot (15 feet by 20 feet) for a $10 annual fee or a half-size plot (15 feet by 10 feet) for $5 annually. Currently space is available for approximately 20 family gardens.

Tools and water will be provided at the site, located at the intersection of Vale Street and Michael Avenue, near Lakeside Avenue. Participants also can attend a variety of free classes and workshops on gardening, food preparation, nutrition and other topics.

Residents must apply and meet income requirements to participate in Gardens Growing Families. The program is open to any Henrico family; however, Fairfield District residents will receive priority consideration for plots in the Fairfield community garden. The Extension Office ultimately hopes to expand the program to each magisterial district. Gardens Growing Families represents the efforts of several county agencies, including Extension, Recreation and Parks, Social Services and Health.

To obtain an application or additional information, contact the Henrico Extension Office at 501-5160 or log on to www.co.henrico.va.us/extension/.

Two original programs produced by Henrico County Television-Channel 17 (HCTV) have earned Emmy awards from the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. The awards were presented at the 50th Emmy Awards ceremony Saturday in Washington, D.C.

"No Way Back: Coping with Alzheimer's," produced by Roberta Fountain, won the Emmy in the News Special category. "Turning Point: Inside Henrico's Drug Court," produced by Ryan Eubank, captured the prize for the Public/Community Affairs--Program/Special category.

The honors are the first Emmy awards received by HCTV, which began airing full-length programs in 2003. More than 820 entries in 93 categories were submitted by broadcasters throughout Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. for the annual competition.

"This is a tremendous honor for HCTV and well-deserved recognition of the efforts of Roberta, Ryan and all of our staff," said Public Relations & Media Services Director Tamra McKinney. "It is a thrill to be recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. We have raised the bar since HCTV began producing original programming five years ago."

Fountain, a television producer/director, has been a county staff member since 2000. Her previous career includes service as a newscast director for television stations in North Carolina and Mississippi; she also worked with WRIC and WCVE in Richmond. She earned her bachelor's degree from East Carolina University.

Eubank, a senior television producer/director, has been a member of the HCTV staff since 2003. He previously worked with Henrico Public Schools, WVIR in Charlottesville and WCVE in Richmond. He is a magna cum laude of Virginia Commonwealth University.

For more information about the award-winning programs and HCTV, the broadcast television arm of Henrico's Department of Public Relations & Media Services, log on to www.co.henrico.va.us/pr/. For more information about the 50th Emmy Awards, log on to www.capitalemmys.tv.

June 13, 2008

CONTACT: Rod Gordon, Community Resource Developer

PHONE: 501-4091

The Henrico County Department of Social Services (DSS) is seeking candidates for the fourth annual Gene Akers Father of the Year award, honoring an outstanding father from the Henrico area. Social Services will accept nominations through Friday, Aug. 1.

The award, a component of Henrico's Fatherhood Initiative, is part of an ongoing effort to highlight the importance of fathers, said Fatherhood Initiative Coordinator Phillip White. The award is named for its first recipient, an 82-year-old Henrico resident who is raising his 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 encourage men to step up and be a part of their children's lives."

Nominees should be Henrico residents, 18 or older and may be a biological father, step father or father figure. According to award criteria, candidates will have served as exemplary role models and will have demonstrated commitment and dedication toward developing and maintaining a healthy family relationship.

DSS will recognize the winner at the Henrico Foster Parent and Fatherhood Celebration, set for Saturday, Aug. 16.

Nomination forms are available at DSS, Human Services Building, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, and the Eastern Government Center, 3820 Nine Mile Road; and by following the Fatherhood Initiative link on the Social Services Web site, www.co.henrico.va.us/dss/.

Call 501-4091 for more information.

June 12, 2008

CONTACT: Mike Jennings, Traffic Engineer

PHONE: 501-4397

The Henrico County Department of Public Works expects heavy traffic on roadways near Richmond International Raceway (RIR) during the SunTrust Indy Challenge IndyCar Series events on Saturday, June 28.

Motorists should expect extremely heavy traffic and delays all day in the raceway area, especially from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. before the races and from 10:15 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. after the races. Public Works encourages people attending the race to use Azalea Avenue and Meadowbridge Road to get to the raceway.

"We're doing everything we can to minimize congestion and ensure traffic safety before and after the race," said Traffic Engineer Mike Jennings.

Public Works has planned temporary traffic patterns for the area to manage the increased volume of vehicles and will post signs on main roads near RIR. Motorists are encouraged to consult message boards for updated information about accessing the raceway. Henrico Police will direct traffic throughout the area.

June 5, 2008

CONTACT: Mark J. Levine, M.D., Director, Public Health

PHONE: 501-4522

With severe heat expected today in Henrico and the metropolitan region, the Henrico County Public Health Department advises residents to be aware of the signs of heat-related illness and to take steps to protect themselves.

* Individuals especially at risk for heat-related illness include small children, seniors and people with chronic medical conditions who are not in an air-conditioned environment; however, anyone can be affected by severe heat.

* Early signs of heat-related illness can include cramping, fatigue, dizziness and fainting. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are medical emergencies requiring immediate attention -- call 911.

* Drink two-to-four glasses of cool fluids each hour; if working outside or exercising, drink fruit juice or sports beverages.

* If possible, conduct outdoor activities before noon or at night. Limit physical activity and rest frequently. Avoid sunburn. Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothing. Use the buddy system if working outside.

* Never leave children or pets in vehicles with closed windows, even momentarily. Temperatures quickly can reach 150 degrees, resulting in heat stroke and death.

* Keep cool indoors. Spending at least two hours per day in air conditioning significantly reduces the number of heat-related illnesses; be aware that a fan may not prevent illness when temperatures reach the upper 90s.

* Several Henrico County recreation facilities are available for relief. Contact each site for hours of operation: Belmont, 501-5990; Confederate Hills, 737-2859; Dorey, 795-2334; and Deep Run, 290-0305. Henrico libraries also are available -- call 652-3200 or log on to www.henricolibrary.org for information.

* Henrico's Department of Social Services will offer a Cooling Assistance Program beginning June 16. Call 501-4099 for information.

Return to Public Relations & Media Services Page

Past News Releases