February 23, 2010
CONTACT: Teddy Martin, Extension Horticulture Technician
PHONE: 501-5160
Henrico Extension to offer seminars on weed control March 9-11
The Henrico County Extension Office will launch its free annual lawn-care seminar series March 9-11 with a program on weed control. The seminars are scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m. at the following locations (each seminar will feature the same program): Tuesday, March 9, Sandston Branch Library, 23 E. Williamsburg Road; Wednesday, March 10, Tuckahoe Area Library, 1901 Starling Drive; and Thursday, March 11, Twin Hickory Area Library, 5001 Twin Hickory Road.
Weeds" will provide information about a broad range of weed topics, including the use of herbicides and the application of pre- and post-emergence products to control weeds before and after they appear. Participants are encouraged to bring samples for identification and discussion. The seminar will include a question-and-answer period as well. Each session will be led by an Extension staff member or a Henrico Master Gardener.
"Weeds" is open to the public; 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.
February 22, 2010
CONTACT: Marvis W. Marshall, CPPB, Supplier Relations Coordinator
PHONE: 501-5689
REACHING OUT TO SMALL, WOMEN-OWNED AND MINORITY-OWNED SUPPLIERS
Henrico County is hosting its fourth annual supplier conference on Monday, March 22 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa in Short Pump. Henrico County Connections is a regional event for small, women-owned and minority-owned (SWAM) business representatives.
Henrico County has invited procurement staff from the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Richmond, the counties of Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover and Henrico and several nonprofit, business resource organizations to participate. Connections allows SWAM suppliers to network with a variety of government decision makers and learn how to do business with the various jurisdictions, all in one day.
Additionally, the event provides an opportunity for the SWAM business community to learn about resources available to them. Participants will hear from professionals who will be discussing social media marketing, financing and networking techniques. There will also be a roundtable discussion regarding the future of small, women-owned and minority-owned businesses. The conference has grown each year; last year's event drew 510 attendees.
Through Feb. 28, the cost to attend the conference is $25 per person. Thereafter, the price increases to $35. Pre-registration is required; the deadline to register is March 16. The fee includes conference admission and meals.
To register for this year's event, please go to the Henrico County Web site at www.co.henrico.va.us and click on the Henrico County Connections 2010 link. For more information, please call 501-5689 or e-mail mar28@co.henrico.va.us.
February 18, 2010
CONTACT: Barbara Herzog, Executive Director, Henrico CASA
PHONE: 501-1671
Henrico CASA seeks volunteers for child-advocacy training program
Henrico County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is seeking volunteers to serve as advocates for abused and neglected children in the court system.
Henrico CASA will conduct a free, six-week training program for volunteers from 6-9 p.m. each Monday and Wednesday beginning Monday, April 19 at its office in the Hungary Spring Office Park, 3001 Hungary Spring Road, suite A. Applicants will undergo interviews, background and reference checks.
To apply or to obtain additional information, contact Dayle Goldberg at 501-1675, e-mail gol@co.henrico.va.us or log on to www.henricocasa.org by Wednesday, March 31.
CASA volunteers serve as the voice of a victimized child in the court system. They come from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds; legal experience is not required. Participants receive training to conduct interviews, research and investigate cases, provide written reports for Juvenile Court judges and assist child welfare professionals and case attorneys.
Last year, volunteers served as advocates for 295 children, donating some 9,944 hours to their cases.
Henrico CASA is a private, nonprofit organization that works closely with the county's Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. For more information, log on to the CASA Web site.
February 16, 2010
CONTACT: Lt. Shawn Sears, Animal Protection Supervisor
PHONE: 727-8800
Henrico rabies clinic set for Saturday
The Henrico County Division of Police will hold a rabies clinic on Saturday, Feb. 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 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 2010 license for $10 with proof of rabies inoculation.
Lt. Shawn Sears, supervisor of Henrico Police's Animal Protection unit, encourages 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 727-8800 for more information.
February 15, 2010
CONTACT: Linda Leigh, Executive Assistant, Board of Supervisors
PHONE: 501-4208
Recreation center, 2011 commemoration topics for next Fairfield constituent meeting
The next constituent meeting of Fairfield District Supervisor Frank Thornton will offer a progress report on the planning for the county's new eastern recreation center as well as the ongoing preparations for the celebration of Henrico's 400th anniversary next year. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24 at the Eastern Government Center, 3820 Nine Mile Road.
Representatives from the county's departments of General Services and Recreation and Parks will provide updates and information on the eastern recreation center, which is targeted for opening in 2011. In addition, Deputy County Manager Angela Harper will discuss the work of the 2011 Commemoration Advisory Commission and its preparations for Henrico's quadricentennial celebration. The county officials 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.
February 8, 2010
CONTACT: Michael D. O'Connor, Director, Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services
PHONE: 727-8585
Henrico agency announces name change
Henrico Area Mental Health & Retardation Services will change its name to Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services (MH/DS), effective March 1. The agency serves residents in a three-county area experiencing the effects of mental illness, substance abuse and intellectual disability, as well as infants and toddlers with developmental delay.
The name change comes as part of an ongoing, nationwide effort to address negative connotations stemming from the term "mental retardation," said MH/DS Director Michael D. O'Connor. Organizations on the national and state level such as the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services recently have adopted similar changes.
"One of the biggest barriers to full participation in community life for people with disabilities is stigma," O'Connor said. "How we talk about things affects how we think about them. This change helps us move along."
The Henrico Area MH/DS provides community-based services for residents in Henrico, Charles City and New Kent counties. After consulting various stakeholders, the agency's oversight body, the Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services Board, recommended the name change last September to the boards of supervisors of its three constituent counties. Each of the boards has endorsed the change.
The agency, with approximately 400 employees, provided services to 8,475 people in fiscal year 2009.
February 4, 2010
CONTACT: Karen Carter, County Agent
PHONE: 501-5160
Henrico Extension Office to host vegetable growers meeting Feb. 17
The Henrico County Extension Office will hold a free production meeting for vegetable growers from Henrico and throughout the metropolitan region on Wednesday, Feb. 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Government Center Board Room, 4301 E. Parham Road.
The meeting will feature speakers from Virginia Tech's Eastern Shore Research and Extension Center, Virginia State University and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Topics will include marketing, insects, production practices, conservation measures and disease and weed control. The meeting qualifies for private pesticide applicator category 90 credits.
There is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is encouraged. To register or to obtain additional information, contact Henrico Extension at 501-5160.
February 1, 2010
CONTACT: Barb Strohman, Education/Administrative Coordinator, Henricopolis SWCD
PHONE: 501-5175
Henricopolis SWCD announces scholarship competition; application deadline is March 1
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 each receive the $1,000 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:
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.
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