Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Community Budget Meetings Begin Thursday

Members of the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors will host a series of community meetings on the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget beginning Thursday, March 14.

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 will follow the county administrator's presentation of his proposed FY25 budget to Board of Supervisors at an afternoon work session on Wednesday, March 13.

The scheduled meeting locations and dates are:

• Midlothian District: Thursday, March 14 at Midlothian Library, 100 Millworks Crossing
• Dale District: Monday, March 18 at Beulah Recreation Center, 6901 Hopkins Road
• 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. 

Col. Jeffrey S. Katz, Chesterfield's Police Chief, to Retire Effective May 1

Col. Jeffrey S. Katz, chief of the Chesterfield County Police Department (CCPD) for the past six-plus years, is retiring effective May 1.

Katz, who was sworn into office in January 2018, has accepted a position with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). As an instructor assigned to the Training Division’s Leadership Development Unit, he’ll provide training to senior law enforcement executives from around the world, as well as new FBI agents and existing staff, at the FBI Academy in Quantico.

Katz intends to continue reporting for duty as usual until March 31. Because Katz will be on leave throughout the month of April, he will designate Lt. Col. Brad Badgerow, deputy chief of strategic management, as acting chief in his absence.

Under the county charter, the Board of Supervisors will select a permanent police chief on the recommendation of a committee comprised of not more than five people. The committee consists of the county administrator and each of the following:

• A member of the Board of Supervisors
• A citizen, who is not an employee of CCPD, to be appointed by the chief judge of the Circuit Court
• A person with police experience, to be appointed by the Board of Supervisors
• A fifth member of the panel, to also be appointed by the board, who cannot be either an elected or appointed county official. 

Read an article about Col. Katz that was posted to the Chesterfield On Point blog.

GRTC Launches New Microtransit Service Along Hull Street Road

On the heels of the expansion of its existing Route 1A westward on Midlothian Turnpike, GRTC has established a new fare-free microtransit service in Chesterfield that provides on-demand, point-to-point connections for residents along the bustling Hull Street Road corridor.

In collaboration with the county and Virginia’s Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), GRTC officially marked the launch of its LINK program’s new Clover Dale Zone during a ribbon-cutting Monday, March 11 at LaPrade Library. 

GRTC spokesman Henry Bendon called LINK “a historic expansion of transit service in Chesterfield.” Clover Dale is GRTC’s second active LINK zone systemwide; the Azalea Zone went live last November.

Learn how to access the new LINK service by visiting the Chesterfield On Point blog.  

Board of Supervisors Meets Wednesday

The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors will meet on Wednesday, March 13, with a work session at 2 p.m. 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).

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



Meeting agenda highlights include schools and county budget presentations and proposals for FY2025 in the afternoon, then an Experience Chesterfield update in the evening.

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. 

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.

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.

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 Midlothian District Supervisor Dr. Mark Miller about his first tenure as vice chair of the Board of Supervisors, some of the big items facing the county in 2024 and a number of updates on projects in the Midlothian District. 

Register for 'Landmark Ladies: Women and the Supreme Court' Thursday at Clover Hill Library

What journey has taken place in the United States to increase women’s access to and equality within the legal sphere, and what progress is still left to accomplish?

In celebration of Women's History Month, explore the trailblazers and early gains for women in politics and law, as well as several court decisions that have impacted American women, and review the significance of each of the six women who have served on the highest court in the land.

The free "Landmark Ladies: Women and the Supreme Court" program will be held Thursday, March 14 at 6 p.m. at Clover Hill Library.

Register by visiting the Chesterfield County Public Library website.

In a new article posted to the Chesterfield On Point blog, you can learn more about the vital role River City Sportsplex plays in the Parks and Recreation Department’s ongoing efforts to meet rising demand for athletic field access from county residents.

In 2023, the county-owned facility supported 18,538 hours of total scheduled sports use – 66% of which, or 12,222 hours, were by local groups.

Between February and November, each of its 12 turf fields is used on average 40 hours per week, or more than twice what a typical grass field can accommodate without adverse effects to the playing surface and increased maintenance costs.

River City Sportsplex also hosted 31 events last year, driving direct local tax revenue from visitor spending that is covering 97% of the county’s debt service on the facility during the current fiscal year. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Say hello to Lexus!

This happy girl is a 4-year-old, spayed female Pitbull mix who weighs about 52lbs. Lexus is such a sweet girl. She loves to talk and will sit nice and pretty for pictures!

Lexus loves to hug and just be with people. She gets along with dogs, too, but would much rather get pets and treats from people. She came in pretty skinny, but she's good and plump now!

Lexus did test positive for Heartworms and will go home with her medication.



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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Chesterfield teacher selected as nation’s Bilingual Teacher of the Year

The top bilingual teacher in the United States teaches in Chesterfield County Public Schools. Vivian Rivera-Maysonet was selected as the 2024 Bilingual Teacher of the Year by the National Association for Bilingual Education. She is the fourth grade Spanish dual language immersion teacher at Elizabeth Scott Elementary, the only Chesterfield County elementary school to offer Spanish dual language immersion.

This is not her first big award: In 2022, Rivera-Maysonet was selected as the top Teacher of the Year for Chesterfield County Public Schools.

A teacher for more than 20 years, she joined the Elizabeth Scott Elementary faculty in 2020. She previously taught English in Puerto Rico before moving to the United States in 2017 after the devastation of Hurricane Maria. In this video clip, Rivera-Maysonet shares how bilingual instruction changes lives.

Daugherty honored as Region 1 Superintendent of the Year

Dr. Merv Daugherty, superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools, is the Superintendent of the Year for Region 1, which covers 15 localities in central Virginia. The Virginia Superintendent of the Year will be chosen from the state’s eight regional honorees, and the winner will be announced during the Virginia Association of School Superintendents conference in April. For an overview of Dr. Daugherty's career and accomplishments, check out this interview taped during the National Conference on Education.

Arts Fest spotlights student creativity and ability

March is celebrated nationally as Youth Art Month, Music in Our Schools Month and Theater in Our Schools Month. Throughout March, Chesterfield County Public Schools Arts Fest offers opportunities to see and hear the talents of students in visual and performing arts programs. The displays and events are free and open to the community.

Visual arts

• Paintings, drawings, sculptures and other visual art by elementary and prekindergarten students will be on display through April 8 in every branch of the Chesterfield County Public Library and the Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education. 
• Library hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Friday and Saturday. Perkinson Center is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

• This link provides details of which schools are exhibiting at each site.

Performing arts and visual arts

• The Secondary Fine Arts Showcase will take place 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 23 and noon-4 p.m. March 24 at Cosby High. In addition to displays of visual art by middle and high school students, the Secondary Fine Arts Showcase will feature performances in dance, theater and music (technology assisted music, fiddle fest, all-county jazz band and all-county middle school band).
• Visual and performing art exhibitions by students in the Chesterfield Virtual School and CCPSOnline will be on display 24/7 in online galleries at oneccps.org.