Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023

Newly Elected Board of Supervisors, Constitutional Officers Sworn into Office

In an act Circuit Court Chief Judge David E. Johnson described as “the acceptance of responsibility to secure the rights of life, liberty and property for fellow citizens,” a group of 10 Chesterfield residents took the oath of office last Thursday during the county’s 2023 Investiture of Elected Officials ceremony.

Among them were all five members of the Board of Supervisors: Jim Ingle (Bermuda District), Jessica L. Schneider (Clover Hill District), James M. “Jim” Holland (Dale District), Kevin P. Carroll (Matoaca District) and Mark S. Miller (Midlothian District).

Also sworn into office at the Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education’s Jimmy Dean Theater were local constitutional officers Amanda L. Pohl (Clerk of Circuit Court), Jenefer S. Hughes (Commissioner of the Revenue), Erin B. Barr (Commonwealth’s Attorney), Karl S. Leonard (Sheriff) and Rebecca R. Longnaker (Treasurer).

All were elected by their fellow county residents in November to serve four-year terms beginning Jan. 1, with the exception of Pohl; in Virginia, Circuit Court clerks are elected for eight-year terms. 

Read about the investiture in an article posted to the Chesterfield On Point blog.

You can also watch a video of the event on the county's YouTube channel.

Chesterfield County Government Offices

Will Be Closed Next Monday

Chesterfield County Government offices will be closed next Monday, Jan. 1 in observance of New Year's Day. To view closures and holiday operating hours for convenience centers, libraries, courts and more, visit http://www.chesterfield.gov/closings.

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.

Please note, both locations will be open from 7 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Dec. 31 and closed on Monday, Jan. 1 in observation of the New Year's Day holiday.

In a new article posted to the Chesterfield On Point blog, you can learn about the Chesterfield County Jail's holiday decorating competition for inmates in the Helping Addicts Recover Progressively (HARP) program.

Making the most of limited materials, male and female inmates embrace the holiday spirit by using their ingenuity to transform their respective pods into winter wonderlands.

“There is so much therapeutic value in play and just being silly,” said Kerri Rhodes, director of behavioral and mental health for HARP. “It can be a hard time here at Christmas because they’re away from their families and friends. This is a great way to lift everyone’s spirits and have some fun.”

Chesterfield Homeowners Will Receive

Real Estate Tax Rate Cut in 2024

Recognizing the impact of rising real estate assessments on Chesterfield homeowners’ tax bills and household budgets, the Board of Supervisors reduced the real estate tax rate by 4 cents over the past two years.

Earlier this month, the board recently took action that ensures property owners in the county will receive at least one more penny of tax relief next year.

At its Dec. 13 meeting, the board authorized staff to advertise Chesterfield’s maximum real estate tax rate for 2024 at 90 cents per $100 of assessed value – a one-cent reduction from the current rate.

The advertised rate leaves the Board of Supervisors the flexibility to adopt any rate up to, but not higher than the one advertised, when it sets Chesterfield’s calendar year 2024 tax rates and approves the fiscal year 2025 budget next April.

Learn more by visiting the Chesterfield On Point blog.

Midlothian District Supervisor Mark Miller Hosting Community Conversations in January

Midlothian District Supervisor Mark Miller will host a series of community conversations with Midlothian residents next month. Citizens will have the opportunity to ask questions, share thoughts about topics or issues in the community and discuss solutions.

The sessions are scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 11 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Bon Air Library, and Thursday, Jan. 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at A.M. Davis Elementary School.

The meetings will be limited to 30 participants each, to have more personal, in-depth conversations. To allow as many residents as possible the opportunity to attend, citizens will be limited to one meeting.

Registration is required. Click the button below to sign up for one of the sessions.

Latin Ballet of Virginia Performing 'Legend

of the Poinsettia' at the Perkinson Center

The Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education is excited to bring Latin Ballet of Virginia's Legend of the Poinsettia to the Jimmy Dean Theater, with four performances next week.

Showtimes are Friday, Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 6 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 7 at 3 p.m.

Legend of the Poinsettia is a story based on the Mexican legend of a pure hearted young girl, Maria, who discovers the true spirit of giving. Unable to offer a gift of material value, she picks a handful of weeds that magically transform into brilliant crimson flowers and thus the custom of giving poinsettias during the holidays is born. 

The Latin Ballet’s production of The Legend of the Poinsettia elegantly portrays the Hispanic traditions of the season. Dances and music demonstrate cultural celebrations with aguinaldos, gaitas, rumbas and plenas. The spiritual reverence of the season is combined with the joy and laughter of the traditional festivities of dance and song.

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, we talk to County Administrator Dr. Joe Casey about the recent State of the County presentation, what stands out about ways to Live, Learn, Work, and Play in Chesterfield, and what he’s looking forward to in the weeks and months ahead for 2024. You can watch the address on our YouTube channel, as well as on our website at www.chesterfield.gov/stateofthecounty.

Registration for Parks and Recreation's

Winter/Spring 2024 Programs Begins Jan. 2

Did you know you can view Winter and Spring 2024 programs offered by Chesterfield Parks and Recreation before registration starts? Head over to our website and follow the link to view all upcoming programs at chesterfield.gov/parks.

And remember to mark your calendar to register Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 8:30 a.m.

This is Apricot!

Apricot first came to Chesterfield County Animal Services in terrible condition. He was emaciated, missing teeth, and had an ear infection. He was so hungry. After slow re-feeding and careful veterinary attention, he is like a new dog!

Apricot clearly came from a life outside and is really enjoying the good life indoors with lots of warmth and food. He doesn't mind other dogs and loves going for walks outside to smell everything. Apricot has a low energy level and walks well on a leash too! He is a Hound mix, around 7 years old, and weighs 55 lbs.

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.

Report Illicit Discharges to County Storm Sewer

System By Calling 24-Hour Hotline

Chesterfield County’s stormwater ordinance prohibits unmanaged and intentional non-stormwater discharges to the county’s storm sewer system. It also prohibits connecting any structure or device that conveys any liquid other than stormwater to the county’s storm sewer system without prior authorization.

What classifies as illicit discharge?

• Automotive fluids
• Herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers
• Paints, solvents and household chemicals
• Pet waste
• Sewage
• Yard waste, grass clippings, and leaves

To report an illicit discharge, please call our 24-hour hotline at 804-717-6161.

For more information, please visit the Reporting Illicit Discharges page on the county website.

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!

Real Estate Tax Exemption Available

for Investing in Your Older Property

Did you know that Chesterfield allows a partial real estate tax exemption for the rehabilitation, renovation, or replacement of older residential structures?

The goal of this program is to help protect and preserve our aging neighborhoods. Upon approval, the partial tax exemption will be in effect for 15 years and transfers with the real estate. The amount of the exemption is based solely on increased assessment value, not the amount spent on the improvement project. There is no application fee.

Find out more and apply online today by visiting the county's website.

Adopt-A-Spot Provides Opportunities

to Keep Chesterfield Beautiful

Interested in being an antilitter advocate? Adopt-A-Spot in Chesterfield County! Let’s work together to protect our environment.

The Keep Chesterfield Beautiful team is a part of the Department of Community Enhancement. KCB is looking for volunteers for the Adopt-A-Spot Program. This program allows organizations, businesses, and individuals to adopt smaller, more-secure areas, instead of busy roadways.

A spot may be a park, school grounds, vacant lot, parking lot, walkway, median strip, street, or entranceway. The county will provide garbage bags and reflective vests as needed.

Take pride in your community by helping to keep one site beautiful and litter-free. If you are interested in attending any of our volunteer opportunities, please contact Calvin Vonada at VonadaC@chesterfield.gov or call 804-717-6136.

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.

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.

Virginia's top music teachers

Three teachers from Chesterfield County Public Schools won big awards from the Virginia Music Educators Association:

Jenny Ryan, Monacan High band director, received the Outstanding Music Educator of the Year Award, which is given to only one Virginia teacher each year. With 30 years of experience as a band director, she supports music education by hosting regional events and serving as secretary for the Virginia Music Educators Association.

Cathern Hazelwood, James River High choral director, received the VCU Outstanding Music Education Young Alumni Award. A graduate of VCU, she taught elementary music for two years before moving to James River High three years ago.

David Yohe, Midlothian Middle orchestra teacher, received the Outstanding Music Educator Award from the VCU music education faculty. A two-time VCU graduate and a 31-year teacher in Chesterfield County Public Schools, he continually supports the university by accepting practicum and student teachers and serving as a mentor to new educators.



Virginia’s top elementary art teacher

Erika Ogier of Salem Church Elementary was recognized as the 2023 Virginia Elementary Art Educator of the Year by the Virginia Art Education Association.

Described as dynamic and innovative, she says she teaches art because she enjoys engaging with students on a creative level, hearing about their experiences and watching them bring those experiences into their art. She has taught since 2016 for Chesterfield County Public Schools.

Virginia’s top tech teacher

Heather Russell, who teaches fourth grade at Bettie Weaver Elementary, was named 2023 Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Society for Technology in Education.

Citing her work to create a STEM culture, the group recognized her for developing programs and resources that help students and families use technology in innovative and creative ways and for her dedication to always seeking new ways to blend technology into science, social studies and math instruction.

Virginia's top student video

Parker B., a junior at Clover Hill High, won first place in this year’s student video contest sponsored by the Virginia School Boards Association. Titled “Colorfully United” and featuring crayons and multiple languages, Parker’s video can be viewed on the CCPS YouTube channel. Superintendent Mervin Daugherty and School Board Chair Ann Coker congratulated Parker when his video was shown at the association’s fall conference.