October 18, 2010
CONTACT: John A. Vithoulkas, Director, Finance
PHONE: 501-4208
Henrico, area businesses kick off Henrico Advantage Card program
Henrico County announces the launch of the Henrico Advantage Card, a new program that offers discounts, bonuses and other rewards for shoppers making purchases at participating Henrico retailers and businesses.
The free card is available at 22 Henrico-area branches of BB&T, the title sponsor of the program. It also is available in the lobbies of the Henrico Government Center, 4301 E. Parham Road, and the Eastern Government Center, 3820 Nine Mile Road.
In addition, retailers and residents can access the program's website, www.HenricoAdvantageCard.com. Retailers can register online to join the program, select from a variety of advertising sponsorship options and set their reward offers. Shoppers can sign up to receive weekly email updates that detail participating retailers and their current reward offers.
The Henrico Advantage Card is not a debit or credit card. Customers will present the card at the time of purchase at a participating business to receive a discount or other reward.
An initiative of the Eastern Henrico Business Association, Henrico Business Leaders, Lakeside Business Association and Henrico County, the Henrico Advantage Card is designed to provide incentives for area residents to shop in Henrico. The program, which will continue through Dec. 31, 2011, also coincides with the commemoration of the county's 400th anniversary next year.
"During this difficult economy, we want to encourage residents to keep their dollars in Henrico," said Finance Director John A. Vithoulkas. "There is no better time to remind local shoppers who their local businesses are."
For more information, call 501-4995, email advantagecard@co.henrico.va.us or visit the program website.
October 11, 2010
CONTACT: Veta Herbaugh, Executive Assistant, Board of Supervisors
PHONE: 501-4208
Henrico's 400th anniversary, retail program topics for Varina town meeting Oct. 18
The next town meeting of Varina District Supervisor Jim Donati will feature presentations about Henrico's 400th anniversary commemoration and the Henrico Advantage Card program. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18 at the Henrico Theatre, 305 E. Nine Mile Road.
Representatives from the 2011 Commemoration Commission will discuss the variety of activities planned to mark the county's quadricentennial anniversary next year. Events scheduled for the yearlong celebration include a Civil War symposium, encampment and demonstration; an evening with best-selling author and Henrico High School graduate David Baldacci; programs about African-American and Virginia Indian culture and history; a kite and food festival; and historical bus tours.
In addition, officials from the county's Finance Department will provide information about the Henrico Advantage Card, a program designed to promote the 400th anniversary and encourage residents to shop at Henrico businesses. Card-holders will receive discounts, bonuses and other rewards when making purchases at participating county retailers.
The meeting will feature a question-and-answer period as well.
Varina town meetings are open to the public. Call 501-4208 for more information.
October 8, 2010
CONTACT: Barry Lawrence, Clerk, Board of Supervisors
PHONE: 501-4318
Henrico officials named to posts with national association
The National Association of Counties (NACo) has appointed 10 Henrico County officials to the association's policy-making committees and governing bodies for 2010-11.
Members of Henrico's Board of Supervisors received the following appointments:
In addition, several county officials also received committee appointments:
The only nationwide organization representing county governments before Congress and the White House, NACo works to improve county government and increase public understanding of the role of counties. The association's 11 steering committees, each comprised of 60 to 100 county officials, form its policy-making arm. The committees and other governing bodies meet several times annually to examine issues key to local government and to make recommendations on legislative policies and goals.
October 7, 2010
CONTACT: Lt. Shawn Sears, Animal Protection Supervisor
PHONE: 727-8800
Henrico rabies clinic set for Oct. 16
The Henrico County Division of Police will hold a rabies clinic on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at gate four of Richmond International Raceway.
Shots cost $8, cash only, and include a rabies tag and certificate of inoculation. Cats must be held in pet carriers. Dog owners may purchase a 2011 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.
October 5, 2010
CONTACT: Dr. Patricia Hill, Prevention Manager, Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services
PHONE: 222-2607
Henrico coalition seeks nominees for Outstanding Youth, Community Champions awards
Henrico Area Mental Health Prevention Services and the Henrico Too Smart 2 Start Coalition are seeking nominees for the 15th annual Henrico Outstanding Youth Volunteer Awards and the 2011 Community Champions Awards. The deadline to apply is Friday, Oct. 29.
The Henrico Outstanding Youth Volunteer Awards recognize young people who have provided exemplary, selfless service to an individual, an agency or their community without monetary gain. Past honorees have engaged in a variety of volunteer activities, such as leading fund-raising efforts to benefit charitable causes, contributing volunteer service to nonprofit organizations and serving as tutors at local schools. Nominees must be Henrico residents between the ages of 12 to 18 as of Jan. 1, 2011 and still attending school.
The Community Champions Awards will salute volunteers and professionals for their work to build a stronger, healthier community for young people through a variety of prevention and education programs. Past honorees have demonstrated a strong commitment to reducing risk factors for youth and helping young people develop skills to become productive citizens.
Nomination forms and additional award criteria are available online at www.toosmart2start.com. Nominations must be submitted electronically or postmarked by Oct. 29. Award winners will be honored at a ceremony on Jan. 27, 2011.
The Too Smart 2 Start Coalition is a partnership between county agencies, private agencies, businesses, school resources, law enforcement, community leaders, parents, youth and others. For more information, log on to www.toosmart2start.com.
October 5, 2010
CONTACT: Jeannie Murray Special Events Coordinator Division of Recreation and Parks
PHONE: 501-5121
Henrico to launch 400th anniversary activities at 2010 Harvest Festival on Oct. 16
Henrico County will kick off its 400th anniversary with live music, hands-on activities for children and demonstrations of 19th century harvest time activities at the "A'maize'ing Harvest Festival," set for noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16 at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Road in Glen Allen.
The Harvest Festival is one of many events the county is planning for its quadricentennial celebration that will highlight the county's diverse history and population. Henrico traces its beginnings to the Citie of Henricus, which became the second English settlement in North America when it was founded in 1611.
The "A'maize'ing Harvest Festival" will highlight the significance of corn and its uses throughout history, offering hands-on activities such as corn-husking contests, corn shelling and popcorn sampling. Children ages 3 to 12 can visit the Great Pumpkin Patch and decorate a gourd or make a cornhusk doll. Costumed interpreters will demonstrate traditional 19th century farm work including blacksmithing, woodworking, beekeeping, cider making and candle dipping. Live musical entertainment will be provided by the Hackensaw Boys, Susan Greenbaum, The Runaway String Band and Mass Gospel Choir of Henrico. The Marching Warriors of Henrico High School will get the festivities under way; bands and choirs from other Henrico County Public Schools will perform at the festival as well.
Admission is free. Commemorative items and refreshments will be available for purchase.
For more information about the 2010 Harvest Festival or Henrico's 400th anniversary commemoration, call 501-1611 or log on to www.henrico400th.com.