Chesterfield County, Virginia's Weekly e-Newsletter

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024

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Join Us in Celebrating Chesterfield's 275th Anniversary Throughout 2024

Chesterfield will reach a significant milestone later this year, as it celebrates its 275th anniversary over Memorial Day weekend. 


Officially chartered on May 25, 1749, the county will celebrate its rich history and its residents. As part of this yearlong recognition, there will be dozens of events throughout the county to give residents an opportunity to join in on the celebration and learn more about this community over the years, including signature events over the Memorial Day weekend.


The first such event will be a presentation next Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. at the Central Library, 7051 Lucy Corr Boulevard.


For more information about these planned events and potential additions, head over to the official 275th Anniversary Celebration webpage for the latest information.

County, VSU Offering Black History Month Programs and Events in February

The longstanding tradition of paying tribute to the significant role Black Americans have played in Chesterfield County’s history continues into its 35th year. 

 

Chesterfield and Virginia State University will celebrate Black History Month throughout the month of February with a variety of programs designed to explore the diverse heritage of Black Americans, their many accomplishments and their ongoing contributions to our community and nation. The theme of this year’s celebration is African Americans and the Arts. 

 

The month-long celebration is packed full of events, including the official kickoff on Saturday, Feb. 3, with a day party from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. with music from the band Curv Appeal and DJ Chuck Stone. Break it Down RVA Line Dancing will once again get you moving at VSU’s Gateway Dining Center.

 

For a list of all the Black History Month events sponsored by VSU, Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation and Chesterfield County Public Library, visit our Black History Month Celebration webpage

Chesterfield Breaks Ground on New

A.M. Davis Elementary School

On a blustery afternoon that featured a few snow flurries, a large contingent of teachers, staff, students and community members came together with county and school officials last Friday, Jan. 19 to break ground on the new A.M. Davis Elementary School.


Chesterfield’s first two-story elementary school will be constructed behind the current building, which opened in 1964, at 415 South Providence Road. It’s scheduled to open in August 2025.


The new building, which will be the first constructed using Chesterfield County Public Schools’ (CCPS) new prototype design for elementary schools, will accommodate 1,000 students.


Learn more by reading this article in the Chesterfield On Point blog.

Free Childcare Resource and Education Workshop Taking Place Saturday

In partnership with Bryant and Stratton College, Chesterfield County is hosting a free Childcare Resource and Education Workshop this Saturday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.


There will be something for everyone in the early childhood development provider industry at this one-day, resource-rich networking event, which will be held at Bryant and Stratton College, 8213 Hull Street Road.


Join us at this free event if:


  • You are seeking employment or education in the early childcare industry
  • You own a small business and are looking to expand, improve or seek funding
  • Your early childcare center is currently recruiting or needs interns
  • You want to network and learn more about the childcare industry


Registration is required. Sign up for the workshop here.

Board of Supervisors to Meet Wednesday

The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 24, with a work session in the afternoon in Room 502 of the County Administration Building (9901 Lori Road) and an evening session that begins at 6 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room (10001 Iron Bridge Road).

 

The board will begin its day with a retreat at Central Library starting at noon before reconvening for the afternoon work session in Room 502, with an anticipated start time at or about 2:30 p.m.

 

An online comment form is available for citizens to submit comments ahead of time.

 

Meeting agenda highlights include updates on childcare services and the FY2025 budget.

 

The afternoon work session and evening session will be available for viewing on Comcast Channel 98 and Verizon Channel 28, and live streamed on chesterfield.gov and the county’s YouTube channel

Chesterfield Holding Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

for New Midlothian Library on Jan. 31

Chesterfield will hold a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to officially open the new Midlothian Library (100 Millworks Crossing) at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31.

 

The event is open to the public and attendees should enter off Woolridge Road. Light refreshments will be available.

 

The new 25,000 square-foot library is nearly two-thirds larger than the previous building that existed on the same site before its closing in 2021. It will offer all of the services that were available at the former Midlothian Library, as well as the following amenities:

 

  • Improved seating with comfortable chairs for lounging, reading and working
  • A large community meeting room
  • Interactive indoor learning features for kids
  • A digital media center
  • An outdoor reading garden
  • An outdoor learning classroom with musical sculptures

 

The new facility also incorporates state-of-the-art technology to better facilitate meetings and collaboration.

Early Voting Under Way for Virginia's

2024 Presidential Primaries

Early voting is under way through March 2 for

Chesterfield voters participating in Virginia’s 2024 presidential primaries. Both the Republican and Democratic parties are holding a primary. Voters must choose the ballot of one party – Republican or Democratic. Voters cannot participate in both primaries.

 

Through Feb. 23, early voting will be conducted only at the Registrar’s Office, 9848 Lori Road.


Voting hours at the Registrar's Office:

Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, March 2: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Satellite early voting locations will open on Feb. 24.



Voting hours at satellite locations:

Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, March 2: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 


To find more information about the March 2024 primary elections in Chesterfield, including sample ballots and candidate information, visit www.promotethevotecfield.org

Watch This Week In Chesterfield
Every Monday, This Week in Chesterfield points residents to fun, exciting and interesting things going on around their community. Each weekly video segment can be found on the Chesterfield County YouTube channel.
Watch and Listen to the Latest Episodes

Chesterfield Behind the Mic is an audio and video podcast focusing on the people, stories and happenings of #Cfield. You can watch and listen to all of the episodes at

http://www.Chesterfield.gov/Podcast.

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, which drops tomorrow, we talk to Mark Gribbin of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) about the work his team did to examine Virginia’s funding model for public education. He discusses what they found, why the formula needs adjustments, and how the study came to its conclusions about significant underfunding of schools in Chesterfield and across the commonwealth.

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In a new article posted to the Chesterfield On Point blog, you can learn more about what human trafficking is, what it isn't and red flags to look for.


In Chesterfield and across the United States, human traffickers aren’t finding victims by breaking into their homes or randomly snatching them from public places. 


In many cases, they target vulnerable people they already know – friends, family or other mutual connections – to develop relationships they can then exploit for profit through commercial sex or labor.  


It can be a much more gradual process, requiring several weeks or months of grooming and manipulation, and sometimes the trafficked person may not even identify as a victim.


That’s among the myths Chesterfield Police Department Master Officer B.T. Lewis tries to dispel during January, which is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and throughout the year. Through presentations to community groups, churches, school administrators and businesses, he also seeks to educate the public about how to identify red flags associated with human trafficking.

While you're visiting the Chesterfield On Point website, take a few moments to subscribe (it's free!) so you receive alerts every time a new post is published.
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Registration Now Open for Spring 2024 Government Citizens Academy

Have you ever wanted to learn more about your local government? Would you enjoy meeting directly with staff in various departments, as well as county administration and members of the Board of Supervisors, asking questions and providing feedback?

 

If so, you should consider signing up for Chesterfield’s Government Citizens Academy (GCA).

  

Registration is open through Feb. 23 for the spring 2024 academy, which will include 10 sessions offered at various locations across the county on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m.

 

The program kicks off March 7 and runs through May 9.

 

GCA slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Class size is limited, so those unable to attend all nine sessions may be placed on a waiting list.

Register Here

Relive Virginia's Last Major Civil War

Naval Battle This Saturday at Henricus

Come out to Henricus Historical Park this Saturday, Jan. 27 from noon to 5 p.m. for a living history program demonstrating the Union Army and Navy's victory over the Confederate States Navy's James River Squadron.


Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for children ages 5-12 and free for Henricus members.


Living history interpreters will demonstrate various units and troops that were involved in the fighting around the Dutch Gap Canal and Trent’s Reach in January 1865, the last major naval action in Virginia during the Civil War. Come see artillery firing over the James River near where those guns of the 1st CT originally engaged, Infantry of the 41st New York Infantry will be in camp near the trenches, guarding a few Confederate deserters, and members of the United States Sanitary and Christian Commissions will be set up demonstrating the civilians that supported the northern war effort.


Artillery and musket firings will take place throughout the day. Our closing program will be a sunset artillery barrage, where our Civil War cannon will fire several rounds in remembrance of the battle that occurred around our grounds in 1865.

Who Says Winter Can't Be Fun? Come Out to the Snowball Festival at River City Sportsplex

Cure your winter blues with a Snowball Festival that’s perfect for family and friends!


Join Chesterfield Parks and Recreation at River City Sportsplex on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a free community event featuring a giant snowman bounce house, a synthetic skating rink, a snow maze and more.


Food and hot drinks also will be available to purchase on site.


To learn more, visit Chesterfield.gov/parks and use course #44107. You can also call (804) 748-1623 or email ParksRec@chesterfield.gov.

Recycle Live Christmas Trees for Free

Through Feb. 4 at Convenience Centers

Chesterfield residents can recycle live Christmas trees free of charge at both county convenience centers through Sunday, Feb. 4.


Trees must be free of all ornaments or decorations to be recycled.


The Northern Area Convenience Center is located at 3200 Warbro Road, while the address of the Southern Area Convenience Center is 6700 Landfill Drive. Both facilities are now open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Provide Feedback on NEPA Study

for Powhite Parkway Extension

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) wants to hear from you on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study for extending Powhite Parkway from Woolridge Road to Hull Street Road.


The study, which is being conducted in coordination with the Federal Highway Association (FHWA), will evaluate multiple alternatives to address transportation needs in the area and identify a logical, feasible location for the project improvements.


Visit the website, view our informational videos – then let us know what you think. Your input will help to inform the goals of the study and identify issues to be considered.

Helpful Tips to Avoid Frozen Pipes This Winter

Heads up, Chesterfield! Freezing temperatures are here – don’t let your pipes burst this winter. Here are a few tips from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to make sure you don’t have a big mess (and bill!) on your hands:


  • Set home thermostats above 55 degrees during cold weather.
  • Drip cold water in farthest faucet from your main valve. Moving water keeps pipes from freezing.
  • Find shut off valves for emergencies.
  • Insulate pipes in unheated areas.
  • Open cupboards and vanities to warm pipes.
  • Keep outsides valve open so water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing a break.
  • When freezing weather is coming, turn off water to outside spigots and drain all water from the line.


Read more at https://protectyourpipes.org/frozen-pipes#

Beulah Recreation Center Will Remain

Closed Through Jan. 28

Through Sunday, Jan. 28, the Beulah Recreation Center and Parks and Recreation Administrative offices will be shut down while critical equipment is installed. This equipment was not available during the building renovation due to supply chain challenges.


Staff will be available for program registration and customer service needs at the Rose Building, 6701 Mimms Loop, at the County Government Complex, during this time. Staff and business will return to operations at the Beulah Recreation Center location on Monday, Jan. 29.

Adoptable Pet Spotlight

This is Dougie!


He is a 2-year-old, very small Rottweiler mix. He only weighs 40 lbs. so your guess is as good as ours with his breed mixture. Dougie is the happiest boy and enjoys all aspects of life. He loves treats and already knows a few commands. We think he may already be housetrained too.


When Dougie came to the shelter, he had a badly injured eye that is all healed now. He met dogs of different sizes and sexes and did seem a bit dominant with some. Dougie would likely do OK with a more submissive doggy friend, but may clash with another dominant dog. If Dougie sounds like the perfect boy for you, come and meet him today.


If you are interested in meeting this pet, please contact Chesterfield County Animal Services at 804-748-1683, option "2," to schedule an appointment. Office staff are available by phone 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Our shelter is located at 9300 Public Works Road.

NARCAN Nasal Spray Available

for Free at All Chesterfield Libraries

Naloxone, a medication that reverses an opioid overdose, is available free of charge at all Chesterfield County Public Library locations. If you or a loved one is experiencing an addiction to or have been prescribed opioids, you should have Naloxone on hand.


For more information, visit the CCPL website.

Social Services Can Connect You

With Quality Childcare Providers


Let Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Social Services help you and your family connect with the right tools to find quality childcare!


Visit www.childcare.virginia.gov to learn more about:


* Eligibility for financial assistance

* How to apply for childcare subsidy, if eligible

* Information on childcare providers in your area and much more!

In Case of Emergency, Get Accurate and

Up-to-Date Information from Chesterfield Alert

Considering the expectation for snow coming this winter, now is the time for residents to familiarize themselves with all of the different ways that Chesterfield County puts out emergency information.


One of those is Chesterfield Alert, an opt-in system that sends messages directly to you in the event of an emergency. This system can send out alerts via text, email, and phone call depending on how the subscriber chooses to receive the messages. Sign up today!


Click here to learn more about how you can get accurate, up-to-date information from Chesterfield in the event of an emergency.

See If You Qualify for Access on Demand

Searching for some independence? Find yourself having to call on family or friends to get you where you need to be?


Access on Demand is a same day, door-to-door, point-to-point service for citizens registered for mobility services. Destinations must be located within Chesterfield County, unless for work or medical appointments.


Each one-way trip is $6 and will be charged to your debit or credit card at the time of pick-up. Ride reservations must be made at least two hours in advance by calling an authorized provider for same-day service.


Register online, see if you qualify, and learn more about this service.

Request a Speaker Today!

Did you know your group or organization can request a speaker from the #Cfield Speakers Bureau? The Speakers Bureau features a variety of topics on current and timely subjects from county leaders who are eager to talk to your group or organization.


Our subject-matter experts want to be your best resource for getting answers to important questions about Chesterfield. Topics include:


District update – Request your board member to speak

✅ Preparing for an emergency - Emergency Management

✅ Senior resources in Chesterfield - Office of Aging and Disability Services

✅ Chesterfield Cooperative Extension - Master Gardeners

✅ So much more.

Request a Speaker
Updates from Chesterfield County Public Schools


School Board elects chair and vice chair, schedules meetings for 2024

The newly elected Chesterfield County School Board met for the first time Jan. 12. During the meeting, the School Board elected Dot Heffron as chair and Ann Coker as vice chair and approved a 2024 meeting schedule.


Information about School Board meetings, policies and more is available at www.oneccps.org/page/school-board.

Learn about school district’s budget at January and February meetings

Budget season for Chesterfield County Public Schools began today when Superintendent Mervin B. Daugherty presented his proposed fiscal year 2025 budget to the School Board. Public meetings throughout January and February offer opportunities to learn about the FY2025 budget and speak up about priorities.


A series of budget town halls have been scheduled across Chesterfield:


  • Dale District: Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Meadowbrook High, 4901 Cogbill Road
  • Clover Hill District: Monday, Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Clover Hill High,13301 Kelly Green Lane
  • Matoaca District: Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Manchester High, 12601 Bailey Bridge Road
  • Spanish-speakers: Thursday, Feb. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Manchester Middle, 7401 Hull Street Road
  • Bermuda District: Monday, Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Thomas Dale High, 3626 W. Hundred Road
  • Midlothian District: Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Midlothian Middle, 13501 Midlothian Turnpike


The School Board will hold a second work session on the budget Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road


On Tuesday, Feb. 13 in the Public Meeting Room, the School Board will hold a third work session on the budget at 4 p.m., then will hold a public hearing on the budget at the start of a 6:30 p.m. business meeting.


The School Board will meet to adopt its budget on Thursday, Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room.

 

Budget work sessions and public hearings will be livestreamed at http://chesterfieldschoolsva.swagit.com/live/ and shown on Comcast channel 98 and Verizon channel 28. Details about the budget will be posted on oneccps.org.

Nominations are open for R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence

Nominate outstanding teachers for R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence. The program is accepting nominations until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 20. About 15 central Virginia teachers are selected each year to receive amazing grants up to $15,000 to support professional development. Award winners have earned graduate degrees, climbed mountains, traced their ancestors and met peers from around the world — all to continue their love for learning and to pass it on to their students. Details can be found on the foundation’s website.

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