September 17, 2010
CONTACT: Jennifer K. Acker, Assistant Director, Public Relations & Media Services
PHONE: 501-4348
Henrico County Opens Tourist Information Center
Henrico County opened its first Tourist Information Center during ribbon-cutting ceremonies today. Located in the historic Dabbs House at 3812 Nine Mile Road, next to the Eastern Government Center, the center features multi-media information about county events, historical sites, cultural opportunities and local attractions.
As one of 61 certified visitor centers statewide, the Henrico County Tourist Information Center also will provide more than 75 maps, guides and brochures from the Virginia travel industry and the commonwealth's other visitor centers. In addition, a new display highlights four centuries of Henrico history. The center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Henrico's new Tourist Information Center is just one of the many planned activities to commemorate the county's upcoming 400th anniversary in 2011. Throughout the year, Henrico will be hosting a series of recreational, educational and entertaining events that will highlight the county's rich history and culture. In addition, a new display highlights four centuries of Henrico history.
Visitors may also tour Dabbs House Museum when they stop by the center. Tours are available Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and other times by appointment.
Built in the 1820s, Dabbs House was originally known as High Meadow. Gen. Robert E. Lee, commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, established the house as his field headquarters in June 1862 and used it throughout that summer. Henrico purchased the property in 1883 to use as an alms house for the poor and later it served as Henrico's police headquarters for 64 years before it was converted into a museum in 2008.
For more information about the Tourist Information Center, call 652-3406 or for information about the county's 400th anniversary, call 501-1611 or go to www.henrico400th.com.
September 15, 2010
CONTACT: Kendra Young, Extension Agent
PHONE: 501-5160
Henrico 4-H apple, peanut and honey sale now under way
The Henrico County Extension Office has launched its annual 4-H apple, peanut and honey sale. Proceeds will benefit local 4-H youth programs.
The sale features Virginia-grown produce:
Order forms are available at the Extension Office, located in the Human Services Building, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive; at any Henrico County library; online at www.co.henrico.va.us/extension/; or by calling 501-5160 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Because supplies are limited, orders placed after Friday, Oct. 15 will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Staff will distribute orders from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2 and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3 at the Human Services Building loading dock.
Contact the Extension Office at 501-5160 for more information.
September 14, 2010
CONTACT: Lisa Sanderson, Extension Agent
PHONE: 501-5160
Henrico Master Gardener training program accepting applications through Oct. 29
The Henrico County Extension Office is accepting applications for its 2011 Master Gardener training program, an in-depth course that offers instruction in all aspects of horticulture.
Participants will learn about lawn care, tree and shrub maintenance, vegetable gardening, soils, pest management and other topics. After completing classroom training, participants will serve a 50-hour internship with the Extension Office and will help conduct educational programs for the public. The training program costs $125 for materials.
Extension will accept applications through Friday, Oct. 29. Classes are scheduled for each Tuesday and Thursday from Jan. 25 to March 24 in the Human Services Building demonstration kitchen, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive.
To obtain an application or additional information about the Master Gardener training program, call the Extension Office at 501-5160 or log on to www.co.henrico.va.us/extension and follow the link for agriculture resources.
September 13, 2010
CONTACT: Veta Herbaugh, Executive Assistant, Board of Supervisors
PHONE: 501-4208
Varina town meeting to discuss high speed rail
The next town meeting of Varina District Supervisor Jim Donati will examine high-speed rail options for central Virginia and also will highlight a highway improvement study of the Route 5 corridor. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 20 at the Henrico Theatre, 305 E. Nine Mile Road.
Representatives from the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission and Henrico's Department of Public Works will be on hand to discuss high-speed rail and the Route 5 improvement study. They will join Donati for a question-and-answer period as well.
Varina town meetings are open to the public. Call 501-4208 for more information.
September 10, 2010
CONTACT: Linda Leigh, Executive Assistant, Board of Supervisors
PHONE: 501-4208
Fairfield constituent meeting to discuss tourism in Henrico
The next constituent meeting of Henrico County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman and Fairfield District Supervisor Frank Thornton will take a look at Henrico tourist attractions and the future of tourism in the county. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 20 at Mankin Mansion, 4300 Oakleys Lane.
Representatives from the Division of Recreation and Parks will join Thornton to discuss tourism in Henrico. There will be a question-and-answer period as well.
Fairfield constituent meetings are open to the public. Call 501-4208 for more information.
September 3, 2010
CONTACT: Anna McRay, Emergency Manager
PHONE: 501-7183 (o); 822-6201 (c)
Henrico officials participate in FEMA's Emergency Management Institute
More than 70 Henrico County officials spent the past week honing their emergency-response skills and evaluating the county's crisis planning at the Emergency Management Institute (EMI), operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Emmitsburg, Md.
Henrico County was chosen by FEMA to participate in EMI's four-and-a-half day program, which is designed to enhance the proficiency of officials at all levels of government to prepare for, respond to and recover from the potential effects of disasters and emergencies. The institute provides exercise-based training activities that place emergency operations center personnel in realistic crisis situations. FEMA selects only 15 localities from across the country each year for the institute; the county incurred no costs to attend.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Patricia S. O'Bannon and Vice Chairman Frank J. Thornton participated, as did County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E. and leaders from nearly all of the county's 36 agencies, ranging from the divisions of Fire and Police to General Services, Finance and the Health Department. Hazelett noted the fortuitous timing of Henrico's session at EMI, with Hurricane Earl churning toward the mid-Atlantic coastline as the week progressed.
"Henrico County was very fortunate from a timing and training standpoint to be invited by FEMA to attend the institute during the last week of August," he said. "It reinforced past training our officials have received as well as what we have experienced in real time with emergencies such as Hurricane Isabel and Tropical Storm Gaston."
Officials participated in classroom sessions and tabletop exercises designed to test Henrico's ability to respond to a hurricane. EMI examined the role of each agency during a crisis event and evaluated the county for procedures such as activating the emergency operations center; opening emergency shelters; answering calls for service for Police, Fire and EMS units; assessing damage; coordinating with volunteer organizations; and providing for long-term recovery.