May 29, 2008
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CONTACT:
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Robert K. Pinkerton, P.E., Deputy County Manager, 501-5470
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John A. Vithoulkas, Finance Director, 501-4266
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The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has notified Henrico County officials that an initiative to change county mailing addresses from "Richmond, VA" to "Henrico, VA" has been approved by a majority of county residents and businesses responding to a USPS survey. "Henrico, VA" will become the primary mailing address for most county residents and businesses and will be an accepted address for all county residents and businesses except those located in Sandston and Glen Allen.
The address change will help Henrico stem the loss of an estimated $5 million annually in county tax revenues that are mistakenly paid to the City of Richmond.
"We are very pleased that Henrico residents and businesses have chosen to change their primary mailing address to 'Henrico, VA,'" said Board of Supervisors Chairman David A. Kaechele. "Their response to the USPS survey means that Henrico can begin recovering tax dollars that rightfully should be spent to serve them."
More than 80,000 county mailing addresses received survey postcards from the USPS in late April and early May. Postal Service officials said 29,505 surveys were returned, with 18,063 -- or 61 percent -- voting in favor of the address change and 11,442 opposed.
County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E., thanked the USPS for its cooperation and professionalism in conducting the survey. He also thanked residents for their participation in the survey and for their questions and comments regarding the address change initiative.
"Henrico residents and businesses have spoken and the county government hears them loud and clear," Hazelett said. "They have indicated they want their tax dollars used for their benefit, and we will do everything that we can to make that happen."
Henrico officials said the implementation of the address change will be a gradual, transparent process for residents and businesses.
* USPS officials said the address change will have no impact on mail delivery service. The Postal Service will not require or accept a formal change-of-address filing.
* According to the USPS, the change will become effective at the end of the calendar year. Residents do not need to make changes to mailing materials, personal documents or other items; in addition, they do not need to notify any entity from which they regularly receive correspondence, such as utilities, banks and other businesses. The change will occur automatically.
* For mailing addresses in ZIP codes 23075, 23228, 23229, 23231, 23233, 23238, 23242, 23250, 23255, 23288 and 23294, "Henrico, VA" becomes the preferred community name in the last line of the address; "Richmond, VA" continues as an acceptable alternate community name.
* For county residents and businesses in shared ZIP codes 23222, 23223, 23226, 23227 and 23230, "Richmond, VA" remains the preferred community name for mailing addresses but "Henrico, VA" becomes an acceptable alternate community name.
* For mailing addresses in ZIP code 23075, "Highland Springs, VA" remains as an acceptable alternate community name. Mailing addresses in Glen Allen and Sandston are not affected.
For more information, call 501-4257 or log on to www.co.henrico.va.us. For USPS information, contact Cathy Boule at 775-6357.
May 19, 2008
CONTACT: Kristy Marshall, Community Liaison, Public Utilities
PHONE: 501-7540
The Henrico County Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has received two awards from the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Drinking Water, honoring the county agency for its outstanding water system and water treatment operation. The awards were presented May 13 at a meeting of the Henrico Board of Supervisors.
DPU was one of only 22 water systems statewide to receive the 2007 Excellence in Waterworks Operations award, which recognized the Henrico system for producing drinking water that meets all regulatory standards required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The award also cited DPU for demonstrating superior practices and innovative ideas in providing safe drinking water to its more than 91,100 residential and commercial customers.
In addition, the DPU Water Treatment Plant received the 2007 Excellence in Granular Media Filter Water Treatment Plant Performance award, recognizing the Henrico plant's methods for cleaning surface water and groundwater.
"These awards recognize Henrico's commitment to excellence in waterworks operations," said DPU Director Arthur D. Petrini. "They are a testament to the daily efforts of our staff to produce the best water in the region for our residents and customers."
For more information, log on to the DPU Web site at www.co.henrico.va.us/utility/.
May 13, 2008
CONTACT: Patricia Shaw, Administrator, Henrico County Drug Court
PHONE: 213-3890, ext. 222
Henrico County Circuit Court judges Gary A. Hicks and Catherine C. Hammond have been awarded the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency Bronze Key Award in recognition of their work with the Henrico County Drug Court.
The McShin Foundation honored the judges during an April 28 ceremony, citing their "dedication, sincerity and determination" in facilitating Henrico Drug Court. The special court focuses on nonviolent adult probation violators with a history of substance abuse, using intensive supervision and treatment services to reduce crime and recidivism rates. An offender's prison sentence is suspended on condition that he or she successfully completes the court's 12 to 18 month program and meets its behavioral requirements.
Hicks, who was appointed to Henrico Circuit Court in 1999, previously served as a general district court judge and worked in private practice and as a legal aid staff attorney. His community service and professional affiliations include the Richmond Community Services Board, Christian Legal Society and American Bar Association. He received a bachelor's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and earned his law degree at the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University.
Before joining the Henrico bench in 1999, Hammond headed the Governor's Commission on Community Services and In-Patient Care, served as a deputy attorney general and worked in private practice. She serves on the board of directors of St. Andrew's School and the Virginia Women Attorney's Association and is a member of the Virginia Bar Association. She received a bachelor's degree from Denison University and earned her law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.
May 6, 2008
CONTACT: Teddy Martin, Extension Agent
PHONE: 501-5160
The Henrico County Extension Office will continue its spring lawn care seminar series May 13-15 with a program on healthy lawns. The seminars are scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m. each night at the following locations: Tuesday, May 13, North Park Branch Library, 8508 Franconia Road; Wednesday, May 14, Tuckahoe Area Library, 1901 Starling Drive; and Thursday, May 15, Gayton Branch Library, 10600 Gayton Road.
"Building a Healthy Lawn" will provide a variety of general lawn-care information, including irrigation, fertilization, soil acidity and weed control. Participants can also learn about SMART Lawns, a seasonal, comprehensive program that teaches a step-by-step approach to growing a healthy lawn. SMART Lawns, which teaches environmentally responsible practices, provides participants a plan tailored to fit their specific lawn-care needs.
The spring lawn care seminar series is free and open to the public; however, participants should pre-register. Contact the Henrico Extension Office at 501-5160 to register or to obtain additional information.