January 2009

January 28, 2009

CONTACT:  Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E., County Manager

PHONE: 501-4386

Henrico County employee Bobbie Ragsdale, a 17-year veteran of the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), has won the ninth annual Excellence in Public Service Award. County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E. presented the award at a ceremony Tuesday.

The Excellence in Public Service Award recognizes a general government employee who consistently demonstrates and exemplifies outstanding public service. Nominees are chosen by their coworkers; only one of Henrico's more than 4,200 general government employees receives the award each year.

Ragsdale has been a part of the DPU staff since April 1991, working as a laborer and equipment operator before his current position of labor foreman in DPU's refuse collection division. Described as an "excellent guy to work with," Ragsdale has earned a reputation for going the extra mile for staff, visiting sick employees in the hospital and regularly providing breakfast for county mechanics. He emphasizes teamwork and safety for employees and top-quality service for Henrico's refuse customers, Hazelett said.

"(Ragsdale) takes care of our customers and works closely with other county departments," Hazelett said. "And he is always very supportive of his crews. He is a dedicated employee, a role model, and he places importance on valuing others."

Ragsdale, who said he has both enjoyed and been challenged by his career with Henrico, credits his mother for a philosophy that guides him in his daily work.

"She always taught me that we need to help people whenever we can," he said. "We grow and we feel better when we help each other. And I believe you have to stay until the job is finished, no matter how long it takes."

January 22, 2009

CONTACT:  Maureen Goode, Employment Services Supervisor, Social Services

PHONE: 501-5828

Henrico County and the Greater Richmond Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition (GREITCC) will join the effort to bring attention to the earned income tax credit on National EITC Awareness Day, Friday, Jan. 30. And, for the seventh year, they will kickoff efforts next week helping lower-income working families apply for tax refunds and the earned income tax credit. Beginning Tuesday, eligible taxpayers can receive free assistance preparing and filing their income taxes at sites hosted by Henrico and the GREITCC.

"We encourage all residents who qualify or think they may qualify to take advantage of this free service," said Maureen Goode, who coordinates Henrico's participation in GREITCC. "The earned income tax credit could add hundreds of dollars to their refunds."

The earned income tax credit is a refundable credit designed to help low-income working taxpayers who file a tax return and meet income requirements -- generally, families with children earning less than $41,646 and individuals earning less than $15,880. The benefit could increase a federal refund by as much as $4,824 for families and $438 for individuals.

Free tax preparation and electronic-filing services will be available at two sites in Henrico: the Human Services Building, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive; from Jan. 27 to April 14, 4-8 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday; and the Fairfield Area Library, 1001 N. Laburnum Ave.; from Feb. 7 to March 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each Saturday. The GREITCC also coordinates sites in Richmond, Charles City, Petersburg and Chesterfield County.

Last year, coalition volunteers helped area residents file 1,635 federal returns, generating $838,525 in earned income tax credit funds and a total of $1,744,289 in federal returns. The free service saved filers an estimated $330,600 in preparation fees.

For more information, contact the GREITCC at 649-0330 or call the United Way information service at 211.

January 14, 2009

CONTACT:  Paul N. Proto, Director, General Services

PHONE: 501-4957

Henrico County General Services Director Paul N. Proto recently announced the appointment of Marvis Marshall as the county's first supplier relations coordinator.

Marshall comes to Henrico from Fairfax County, where she served as director of vendor relations.

As supplier relations coordinator, Marshall will provide leadership for a comprehensive program designed to enhance the availability of small, woman-owned and minority-owned (SWAM) vendors to Henrico general government and Henrico County Public Schools agencies. She will work to identify SWAM supplier resources and help maximize their access for participation in the competitive procurement process.

In addition, Marshall will represent the county at supplier outreach events and also will serve as a dedicated resource for SWAM suppliers seeking to do business with Henrico.

Marshall has earned the designation of Certified Professional Public Buyer from the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine appointed her in 2007 to serve on the state Purchases and Supply Procurement Appeals Board.

January 8, 2009

CONTACT:  Barb Strohman, Education/Administrative Coordinator, Henricopolis SWCD

PHONE:  501-5175

Henrico students planning to study a conservation-related field now can apply for college scholarships offered by the Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Colonial Agricultural Education Foundation. The deadline to apply is March 1.

Two high school seniors and one college student may be chosen to receive the $500 awards. Henricopolis SWCD annually offers three scholarships through an endowment with Colonial Agricultural Education Foundation.

Applicants must be Henrico County residents and meet other requirements, including:

* Be a graduating senior in high school or current college student
* Attend or plan to attend a Virginia state-supported college or university
* Plan to major in a conservation-related field such as environmental science, forestry, meteorology or agriculture
* Have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA or a minimum 2.5 GPA in major field of study

Students can obtain scholarship applications and additional information online at www.co.henrico.va.us/swcd and at the Henricopolis SWCD office, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive. Completed applications must be submitted to the Colonial Agricultural Education Foundation by March 1.

Call 501-5175 for more information.

January 7, 2009

CONTACT:  Dr. Patricia Hill, Prevention Manager, Henrico Area Mental Health & Retardation Services

PHONE:  222-2607

Henrico Area Mental Health Prevention Services and the Too Smart to Start Coalition will honor several individuals for their efforts benefiting Henrico youth at the second annual Community Champions recognition ceremony, set for 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23 at Henrico Area Mental Health & Retardation Services' East Center office, 4825 S. Laburnum Ave.

The ceremony will salute both volunteers and professionals for their work to build a stronger, healthier community for young people through a variety of prevention and education programs. Henrico Police Sgt. Kenneth Ragland, a former honoree, will give the keynote address.

"Research has shown that adult and community commitment to provide positive support to youth is a protective factor against substance abuse and other problem behaviors," said Prevention Manager Dr. Patricia Hill. "Youth advocates in Henrico are doing great things and we want to recognize their efforts."

The Community Champions ceremony will honor Courtenay Burke, Shady Grove YMCA; Carter L. Hill Sr., Mothers Against Drunk Driving; Edith Holloman, Connect program; Deborah Huntsinger, school counselor, Virginia Randolph Community High School; Katherine Johnson, intervention coordinator, Henrico County Public Schools; John Missimer, Henrico County PTA, WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students); Robert L. Scott III, Metro Youth Football and Baseball League; Sgt. William O. Scott, Henrico Police; and Wendy Shaver, president, Deep Run High School PTA.

Call 222-2607 for more information.