Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Effective May 3, Early Voting is Being Relocated

from the Registrar's Office to Central Library

The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors recently voted to move early voting from the Registrar’s Office (9848 Lori Road) to Central Library (7051 Lucy Corr Blvd.) effective Friday, May 3.

Relocating to Central Library allows for a larger voting area and more parking. These changes will expedite the voting process and enhance the experience for Chesterfield voters beginning with the June 18 primary election.

The Republican primary is for U.S. Senate and ballots will be available countywide. The Democratic primary is for U.S. House District 1 and only county residents who reside in that district will be able to cast a ballot. Voters will be asked to state which party ballot they wish to vote. This selection does not create any affiliation with that party.

For June's primary election, early voting hours at Central Library are as follows:

• May 3-June 14: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, June 8 and Saturday, June 15: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Central Library voters are encouraged to park near the Cooperative Extension office and enter through its main door. Signs will be posted directing voters to the large meeting room across from the Cooperative Extension office.

Curbside voting for those with a disability or age 65 and older is available during early voting at the Cooperative Extension office entrance. 

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

Come Out to Child Safety Fair

Saturday at County Fairgrounds

The Chesterfield County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is holding its annual Child Safety Fair this weekend.

Come out to the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to learn more about the resources available to support children from birth through college.

There will be more than 20 vendors at the Child Safety Fair that have information and educational materials for parents about how to keep children healthy and safe. There will also be free food and drinks, a number of emergency vehicles for the kids to see and experience, as well as face painting/balloon art among other activities for the children.

Create Your Own Comic Book Character

Saturday at Clover Hill Library

Heads up, Chesterfield teens!

Join Virginia Museum of Fine Arts artist Laura Lee Gulledge at Clover Hill Library this Saturday, April 27 at 2 p.m. to create your own comic book character and collaborate on a comic strip with her!

Registration is now open on the Chesterfield County Public Library website.

This program has been organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and is funded in part by the Paul Mellon Endowment and the Jean Stafford Camp Memorial Fund.

Board of Supervisors Meets on Wednesday

The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors will meet on Wednesday, April 24, starting with a work session at 2 p.m. in Room 502 of the County Administration Building (9901 Lori Road) and then an evening session that begins at 6 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room (10001 Iron Bridge Road).

Meeting agenda highlights include a Congressional update and the announcement of those chosen for the Police Chief Recommendation Committee.

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

The entire meeting, excluding the closed 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.

Richmond Symphony Orchestra Performs

Friday at the Perkinson Center

The Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education is excited to welcome the Richmond Symphony Orchestra back to the Jimmy Dean Theater!

Join us this Friday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. for RSO's Metro Series presentation of A Little Night Music, with conductor Chia-Hsuan Lin and Victoria Chung on oboe. Stop by early and enjoy learning more during a free pre-concert talk that begins at 6:30.

Tickets are still available for purchase at the Perkinson Center website.

2024 Triad Senior Day Scheduled for May 1

Chesterfield Triad's annual Senior Day event will take place next Wednesday, May 1 from 9 a.m. to noon at Southside Church, 6851 Courthouse Road.

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares will be the keynote speaker for this year's festivities, which are free and open to the public. More than 50 vendors geared toward older adult services will be on hand as you enjoy food, entertainment, raffle prizes and more. Please bring any old medications for the Medication Takeback. No sharps please.

Chesterfield Triad -- a collaboration between Aging and Disability Services, Parks and Recreation, Fire and EMS, the Chesterfield County Police Department and the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office -- strives to educate seniors and caregivers about programs, services, techniques, and systems that help prevent crime against seniors and improve their quality of life.

For more information, visit the Aging and Disability Services webpage.

Don't Miss the Spring Festival

May 4 at Historic Eppington

Travel through time and unveil the past during the annual Spring Festival next weekend at Historic Eppington.

The event takes place at 14602 Eppes Falls Road on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

This free event, which is hosted by Chesterfield Parks and Recreation, the Eppington Foundation and Henricus Historical Park, will be fun for the whole family.

Enjoy a variety of colonial activities, carriage rides, craft beer from Dancing Kilt Brewery, period music, storytelling, tours, and living history.

For more information, visit chesterfield.gov/Parks.

Watch This Week In Chesterfield

Bring Your Kids to Chesterfield PAL's

Third Annual Star Wars Reading Day

May the 4th be with you!

Next Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., come celebrate Star Wars with the Chesterfield Police Activities League at North Courthouse Library, 325 North Courthouse Rd.

Star Wars books will be read, as well as a costume contest for kids, giveaways, raffles, and a silent auction for some rare Star Wars memorabilia, with all proceeds benefiting Chesterfield PAL and their programs for the youth of Chesterfield County.

Chesterfield's 2024 Farmers Market

Season Begins May 8

The arrival of warmer weather means it won't be long until the first market of the 2024 season! The Chesterfield Farmers Market opens on Wednesday, May 8 at 6701 Mimms Loop.

Market hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. As always, there will be many local vendors selling a variety of products, as well as food trucks on site if you'd like to buy lunch.

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 Bryan Truzzie of Parks and Recreation about Chesterfield’s upcoming 275^th anniversary celebration! We get into the history of the county, how the charter came to be, what’s planned for the big occasion, and much more. Get the most up-to-date information by visiting our 275^th Anniversary webpage!

GRTC's On-Demand Microtransit Service

Now Operating Along Hull Street Road

Welcome, Chesterfield riders!

LINK, the on-demand microtransit service from GRTC, is now available in the Clover Dale Zone. LINK runs Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., connecting you anywhere in your community. Simply download the GRTC on the Go app and select your pick-up and drop-off locations anywhere within our service area, and we’ll be there within 20 minutes to get you where you need to go.

The Clover Dale Zone provides quick and convenient service along Hull Street Road from Chippenham Mall to Harbourside Centre, with direct connection to downtown Richmond via GRTC’s Route 1C and 82x. LINK vehicles are fully ADA accessible, and feature on-board WIFI and USB charging ports – and right now, LINK is entirely fare-free!  

For rmore information, visit ridegrtc.com/link or call (804) 358-4792.

In an article posted to the Chesterfield On Point blog, you can learn about the Board of Supervisors' decision to cut the county's personal property tax rate from $3.60 to $3.35 per $100 of assessed value.

The 25-cent cut makes Chesterfield’s rate the lowest not only among its regional peers but among all Virginia localities with populations greater than 100,000.

In conjunction with that action, the board also approved an increase in the personal property tax relief threshold from 39% to 44% on tax bills due June 5. 

According to Matt Harris, deputy county administrator for finance and administration, the measures combined will save the owner of an average vehicle registered in Chesterfield about $39 this year. 

Based on research by county budget staff, Chesterfield’s personal property tax rate had remained unchanged at $3.60 since the mid-1970s.

New Latino Farmers Market Now Open

Saturday Mornings at Rockwood Park

A new Latino Farmers Market is now open at Rockwood Park.

From the freshest produce to delicious homemade treats, the market brings the community together for a celebration of food, family and heritage. Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey through the heart of Latino culture.

The farmers market continues every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon through Nov. 2.

Visit Experience Chesterfield Website

for Things to See and Do Across the County

Chesterfield's Sports, Visitation and Entertainment Department recently launched the new Experience Chesterfield website, promoting and celebrating all the things to see, do and experience within Chesterfield. Visit www.experiencechesterfield.com to learn more and be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

Residents Encouraged to Provide

Feedback On ZOMod Draft 2

In fall 2019, Chesterfield County issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking the services of qualified professionals to assist the county in a comprehensive re-write of its Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 19.1 (PDF) of the Chesterfield County Code. The Zoning Ordinance serves as the primary tool to implement the Comprehensive Plan.

While the Comprehensive Plan itself has changed over time to reflect the growth and development vision for county, much of the core content of the current Zoning Ordinance remains unchanged since the 1970s. A comprehensive re-write of the Zoning Ordinance is necessary to fully implement the future vision. 

Chesterfield County’s Planning Department has released draft 2 of the zoning ordinance for public review online. A downloadable version of draft 2 (PDF), a redline version (PDF) (showing changes from draft 1 to draft 2) and public comments related to draft 1 (PDF) are available. Paper copies of the draft 2 are available upon request for $30 at the Community Development Building.

Planning welcomes feedback, comments and questions regarding the current ZOMod draft 2, which can be provided online, by emailing ZOMod or by calling 804-748-1050.

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 kids age 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.

Say Hello to Taco Man!

You've heard of Batman and Superman, but what about Taco Man? Meet the most fun superhero around, since everyone loves tacos!

Taco Man is a 3-year-old male American Bully Mix who weighs about 54lbs. He has the cutest smushy face and a tongue that rolls up like a taco, which is how he got his name!

Taco Man is still learning how to dog so he will need a little help with things like walking on the leash and playing with toys. He really likes food and treats -- the way to his heart is his stomach!

He also met another dog here and was very polite with his new friend. If you're sold on Taco Man after hearing us taco-bout him, then call today to bring him home to the family.



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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Crestwood Elementary embraces series reading

What happens next? Young readers want to find out so they keep reading books in series like “The Baby-Sitters Club,” “Mia Mayhem,” “Who Would Win?” and “Nate the Great.” Watch this video to learn more about Crestwood Elementary’s approach to independent reading.

Spring Into Wellness on April 29

Families are invited to a mental health resource fair organized by Chesterfield County Public Schools. Spring Into Wellness will take place next Monday, April 29 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at CTC@Hull (13900 Hull Street Road). Registration is required for this free event. In addition to more than 30 wellness vendors, speakers will cover these topics:

• Motivation and goal setting for tweens and teens
• Understanding your child’s nature for happier parenting
• College prep and student wellness

Interested in switching to a career in education?

If you are passionate about education, have a bachelor’s degree and want to explore pathways to becoming a licensed teacher, then sign up for a virtual or in-person session to learn more:

• Virtual: Tuesday, April 30 from 4 to 5 p.m.
• In-person: Wednesday, May 1 from 5 to 6 p.m. at Swift Creek Middle (3700 Old Hundred Road)

Register here for the session that works for you. Learn more about CCPS partner iteach and how it can help you become a teacher.