Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Community Meetings on Proposed FY2025 Budget Continue This Week

Members of the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors continue to host community meetings on the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget through next week.

The meetings, which will be held in each of the county's five magisterial districts, will all begin at 6:30 p.m.

The meetings follow the county administrator's presentation of his proposed FY25 budget to Board of Supervisors last Wednesday.

The remaining meeting locations and dates are:

• Matoaca District: Tuesday, March 19 at CTC Hull, 13900 Hull Street Road
• Clover Hill District: Wednesday, March 20 at North Courthouse Road Library, 325 Courthouse Road
• Bermuda District: Thursday, March 21 at Thomas Dale High School, 3626 W. Hundred Road
• Spanish-Speaking Town Hall: Monday, March 25 at Beulah Recreation Center, 6901 Hopkins Road
• Facebook Live: Monday, March 25
• Matoaca District: Tuesday, March 26 at Matoaca Elementary School, 20300 Halloway Avenue

For more information, visit chesterfield.gov/budget. 

Save the Date: Inaugural Chesterfield Restaurant Week Runs from March 29-April 7

In collaboration with the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce, the county is holding a new event to showcase the culinary chops of our local eateries: Chesterfield Restaurant Week.

Thirty-nine local, independent restaurants have committed to participate in this year’s festivities, which will take place from March 29 through April 7.

The list of restaurants is now available on chesterfieldrestaurantweek.com. In the coming weeks, all of the highlighted special dishes will be listed on the website so you can plan out where to eat during Restaurant Week.

Learn more about 2024 Restaurant Week in an article posted to the Chesterfield On Point blog.

Proposed Location for New High School is Subject of Wednesday's Meeting

A community meeting will be held Wednesday, March 20 to discuss a pending substantial accord application for Chesterfield's future Western Area High School, which is proposed to be constructed at 17600 Duval Road.

This in-person meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the auditorium at Cosby High School, 14300 Fox Club Parkway.

It will be an open-house style community meeting, where citizens are invited to visit various information display stations, ask questions of staff and provide comments.

The purpose of this substantial accord determination is to ensure that a new public high school proposed at this location aligns with the county's comprehensive plan.

Learn more about the community meeting by visiting the county website.

Come Out to First-Ever Chesterfield Outdoor Fest on April 13

Join us Saturday, April 13 for the inaugural Chesterfield Outdoor Fest, a family-friendly festival focused on the fun of outdoor recreation.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Road.

Chesterfield offers a vast variety of outdoor experiences, which is part of what makes the county a first-choice, sustainable community in which to live and a welcoming destination to visit for abundant adventures.

In addition to the Live Red Foundation 5K and Perfection on Wheels, we'll also have a Kids Zone complete with touch-a-truck and inflatables, as well as many other activities!

Apply to Participate in My Chesterfield Academy Through March 29

In partnership with the Asian & Latino Solidarity Alliance of Central Virginia (ALSACV), Chesterfield is accepting applications through Friday, March 29 for this year’s installment of My Chesterfield Academy.

This special program is designed to help residents—particularly those from multicultural communities—understand and navigate their local government, as well as other community resources.

The academy consists of seven sessions, held on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., beginning on April 30 and continuing May 28, June 25, Sept. 24, Oct. 29, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17. Upon completion of the academy, graduation will include recognition at a Chesterfield Board of Supervisors meeting.

In order to participate, individuals need only to live, play or work in Chesterfield County, but do not have to be U.S. citizens.

Submit an application on the county website.

Watch This Week In Chesterfield

Vendor Applications Now Being Accepted for 2024 Farmers Market Season

The arrival of warmer weather means it won't be long until the first market of the 2024 season! The Chesterfield Farmers Market opens May 8.

Vendor applications are being accepted for the upcoming season from growers, producers, and culinary or fiber artists. If you know a small business owner or vendor who might be interested, please send them our way.

You can contact our market manager by email at FarmersMarket@chesterfield.gov.

Nominations Open for 2024 Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame Class

Do you know an outstanding senior volunteer? The Chesterfield Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame is seeking nominations for county seniors ages 60 and older who have rendered unique or outstanding volunteer service after the age of 60.

Nominations are due by midnight Friday, April 5. Nomination forms may be completed and submitted online by visiting the county website.

This year's honorees will be recognized at in-person ceremony Thursday, May 30 at 3 p.m. at the Career and Technical Center @ Hull, 13900 Hull Street Rd.

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, Deputy County Administrator Matt Harris and Budget Director Gerard Durkin go in depth on the proposed FY2025 county budget, what is included, the methods by which Chesterfield made the decisions in this proposal that it did, and much more.

In a new article posted to the Chesterfield On Point blog, you can learn more about the county's planned $300 million bond issuance to fund transportation projects, including Phase I of the Powhite Parkway Extension.

Under legislation approved by the General Assembly in 2020, the nine Richmond-area localities that comprise the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) each receive 50% of the revenue generated by a 0.7% regional sales and use tax and wholesale taxes on gasoline (7.6 cents per gallon) and diesel fuel (7.7 cents per gallon) within their respective borders.

For Chesterfield, that has created a recurring source of about $30 million annually, which can be spent only on transportation improvements. It also presents an opportunity to accelerate the timetable of some much-needed road projects by a decade.

Don't Be an Accidental Drug Dealer; Properly Dispose of All Medications

Did you know medication abuse is a national epidemic? In fact, 61% of people aged 12 and older who misuse prescription pain relievers get them from a friend or family member.

Chesterfield residents can pick up free medication disposal pouches and locking bags on a first-come, first-served basis (while supplies last) at Chesterfield County Public Library locations.

Learn more about safe medication disposal and storage here.

Sign Up Your Middle-Schooler for Sheriff's Office Summer Camp

The Sheriff's Office Summer Camp is a law-themed summer day camp from July 15-19 that offers middle school students a fun and healthy week of building positive relationships with law enforcement officers in their community.

This free camp is being offered to 60 Chesterfield County rising sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders and includes outdoor experiences such as swimming and hiking, team-building activities and tours of the county jail and courthouse, as well as interaction with deputy sheriffs who serve as team leaders and coordinators for the camp.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided daily, and transportation is available to and from designated pickup and drop-off locations.

Complete and submit the 2024 camp application by Friday, May 31.

Commemorate 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.

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

County Seeking Volunteers for Telephone Reassurance Program

Chesterfield's Office of Aging and Disability Resources is looking for volunteers interested in participating in our Telephone Reassurance Program.

The goal of the program is to verify the wellbeing of seniors who live alone and are isolated. It currently supports 32 seniors across Chesterfield.

Volunteers make calls from their homes, checking in on up to 16 seniors each time they are scheduled.

Do you have three hours a month to volunteer? If so, contact Aging and Disability Resources at (804) 768-7878 or by email at AgingResources@chesterfield.gov.

Registration Now Open for Junior 4-H Summer Camp in Williamsburg

Registration for Chesterfield Junior 4-H Summer Camp is now open!

The 2024 camp will be held July 1-5 at the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center in Williamsburg. The cost is $400 plus a $15 processing fee. It Includes lodging, food, and activity and class supplies. Transportation to and from camp is not provided.

Only online payments are accepted. Refunds will be given through June 7.

Junior 4-H Camp, a residential summer program available to Chesterfield residents ages 9 to 13, provides youth countless opportunities for learning more about themselves, their peers, and the natural world around them. Days are filled with camp classes (archery, kayaking, sailing, robotics, videography, marine science, challenge course, woodworking, arts and crafts, and much more!), unstructured recreation and swim time, flag ceremonies, evening programs and campfires.

If you have any questions about this program, please contact Carter Humphries via email at ccd296@vt.edu or by phone at 804-751-4401.

For Problem Gambling Awareness Month,

Here Are Tips for Responsible Sports Betting

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Keep these tips in mind if you bet on sports, to do so responsibly:

• Think of sports betting as a recreational expense rather than a mean of making money.
• Don't let sports betting get in the way of your relationships with family and friends, your job or your education. If it becomes problematic, quit.
• To cut down on the amount of time you gamble and avoid making impulsive bets, move your phone to a different room from where you are watching sports.
• Set a time limit and stick to your budget.
• Don't use sports betting as an outlet for emotional or physical pain.
• Never try to recover what you've lost by chasing losses.
• Manage your expectations and accept losing as part of the game.
• Be aware of the minimum age to bet on sports in your state. The minimum age for sports betting in Virginia is 21.

If you or someone you know is having problems with gambling, help is available. Call the helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.

Free Tax Preparation Services Offered

at North Courthouse Road Library

The AARP Foundation TaxAide program is offering free tax preparation services to the community at North Courthouse Road Library. Anyone can use this service for free, regardless of age or whether you are an AARP member.

Through April 15, appointments are available on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last appointment starts at 3:30 p.m.

To sign up for a time slot, you can visit North Courthouse Road Library and check the appointment book located in the lobby. There, you'll also find instructional materials to help you prepare for your appointment. Please note that appointments can't be made online or over the phone.

For more information, call (804) 608-9617 to hear a recorded message.

Beep, Beep! This Guy is Jeep!

Vrooom! Who has the keys? This adorable boy is Jeep, a 2-year-old neutered male Siberian Husky who weighs about 65 lbs.

This big fluffy guy thinks he's a lap dog! He is such a snuggle bug, he'll crawl right into your lap. Other than snuggling, Jeep loves food which is good because he came in a little on the thin side.

If you're considering adopting Jeep, please remember that he will require frequent spa treatments to keep his luxurious coat looking great.



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.

Give Your Input 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 them know what you think. Your input will help to inform the goals of the study and identify issues to be considered.

Virginia Has Resources for Aspiring Childcare Providers

Did you know that the state has resources available for becoming a childcare provider?

The Virginia Department of Education offers the following tools for those looking to become a childcare provider and existing providers:

• Standards for licensed child day centers
• Emergency preparedness
• Low-interest loan programs
• Family and community engagement information
• Trauma toolkits
• Family childcare tool kits and much more

Find more information, visit the state's website.

In Case of Emergency, Get Accurate and

Up-to-Date Information from Chesterfield Alert

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.

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.

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.

Registration opens for summer camps

Summer camps offer a chance to explore new areas, and registration is open now! Chesterfield County Public Schools is offering four different camps in 2024, and they are expected to fill up fast. Get the details about Camp EPIC, Cultural Arts Camp, Team SKILLS and World Language Camp.

Camp EPIC (Exploring Pathways in Careers) offers exciting, hands-on career experiences for students who will be in grades 5-8 in 2024-25. Camp EPIC costs $150 and runs 8 a.m.-4 p.m. June 10-13 (Monday through Thursday) at two sites:

• CTC@Courthouse: CyberWatch, Dental Discoveries, Energy Explorers, Farm to Table, Just Desserts, Motor Sport Legends, Next Level Chef, Pet Pals or Robot Wranglers
• CTC@Hull: Animation Nation, Beauty Stars, Just Desserts, Next Level Chef, Pet Pals, Rescue 911!, Robot Wranglers, Top Model or True Detective

Cultural Arts Camp offers visual arts, music, STEAM, physical activity and world language for students who will be in grades 1-6 in 2024-25. Cultural Arts Camp runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and the cost is $165 for each two-week session.

• June 24-July 3 at Old Hundred Elementary (Camp is closed July 4.)
• July 8-18 at Beulah Elementary

Team SKILLS is a basketball camp for students who will be in grades 5-8 in 2024-25. Campers will improve basketball skills, develop teamwork and learn important life lessons. Team SKILLS runs 8 a.m.-noon Monday through Thursday in the Midlothian Middle gym, and the cost is $75 for each one-week session.

• June 24-28
• July 1-3 (Camp is closed July 4.)
• July 8-11
• July 15-18

World Language Camp features daily rotations through four languages and cultures: French, Spanish, German and Latin. Students who will be in grades 2-5 in 2024-25 will enjoy memorable and meaningful activities. Camp runs 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and the cost is $115 for each one-week session.

• June 24-27 at Old Hundred Elementary
• July 8-18 at Beulah Elementary

Spell-bound for nationals

Chesterfield County Public Schools student Walker W. won the regional spelling bee sponsored by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The Salem Church Middle eighth-grader correctly spelled “egress” to outlast 22 other students from schools throughout central Virginia. Walker will represent central Virginia in the national spelling bee in May.

Happy artists

Hopkins Elementary students loved locating their art at Meadowdale Library. To celebrate March as Youth Art Month, Chesterfield County schools are displaying student art in every branch of the Chesterfield County Public Library and at the Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education. The community is invited to view the art; details are available here.