Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Chesterfield's 2024 Farmers Market

Season Opens Tomorrow

It's finally here! The 2024 Chesterfield Farmers Market season opens tomorrow, 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.

Parks and Recreation's All Abilities Fair

is Saturday at County Fairgrounds

The All Abilities Fair is back! Join Chesterfield Parks and Recreation for a day filled with fun, exploration, and community connections. Whether you're an adventure seeker or a creative spirit, there's something for everyone.

The free event takes place this Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds.

We will showcase a diverse range of indoor and outdoor recreational activities tailored to suit every ability. From thrilling sports to expressive arts and music, there's no shortage of excitement here. Plus, with vendors offering valuable information and resources, you'll discover endless possibilities for personal growth and enjoyment.

Come to Midlothian Library on May 14

for Mental Health Resource Fair

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and to help connect Chesterfield residents to local mental health resources, the county's Mental Health Support Services Department and Chesterfield County Public Library are jointly hosting a Mental Health Resource Fair next Tuesday, May 14 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Midlothian Library.

You can learn about local and nonprofit resources, as well as how to recognize and respond to signs of mental health concerns. Stop by this free event at any time to interact with a variety of mental health providers.

There will also be workshops that you can register for by visiting the county website.

Support Chesterfield PAL by Registering

for Saturday's 5K at the County Airport

Run for a cause and soar with us this Saturday, May 11 at the Dominion Aviation 5K by the Runway! Lace up your sneakers and join us in supporting our youth. All proceeds from this event benefit the Chesterfield Police Activities League (PAL).

Race day registration and packet pickup will take place from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., and the race starts at 8 a.m. at the Richmond Executive-Chesterfield County Airport (7511 Airfield Drive).

The entry fee is $50 for an individual or $160 for a group of four. Participants will receive a drawstring bag, race shirt, cooling towel and first aid kit.

To sign up, scan the QR code on Chesterfield PAL's Facebook page or visit the race website. Advance registration closes Friday, May 10 at 4:59 p.m.

Every step you take helps fund vital programming for our community’s future leaders. Gather your friends and family to form a team and let’s make every stride count! 

Watch This Week In Chesterfield

Board of Supervisors Chair Jim Holland

to Address County Council on Aging

Chesterfield's Council on Aging will have a special guest speaker for its monthly meeting on Thursday, May 23: Board of Supervisors Chair Jim Holland.

Join the Council to hear from Supervisor Holland, who has represented the Dale District since 2007, about the county's priorities as it pertains to seniors. He'll also discuss the responsibilities and duties of the Board of Supervisors, and how that involves you as you age in Chesterfield.

The meeting takes place from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the Lifelong Learning Institute (13801 Westfield Road). It is open to the public, as are all Council meetings.

The Council on Aging is a partnership between community seniors, county divisions, local businesses and nonprofits that operate in the older adult sector.

Treasurer's Office Offers Variety

of Options to Pay Your Local Taxes

In an effort to make the payment process as convenient as possible, Chesterfield County’s Treasurer’s Office continues to offer a growing list of options this spring for you to pay your local taxes.

Payments for both personal property and the first-half installment of real estate taxes, which are due on Wednesday, June 5, can be made anytime at a variety of locations and in secure ways.

Here are the various ways to pay:

• Mail In: As always, an easy way to pay your tax bill is by mail. Starting in 2022, the Treasurer’s Office made it possible for all payments to be processed locally rather than having them sent to an out-of-town vendor. Each payment should be mailed to the Treasurer’s Office at P.O. Box 70, Chesterfield, VA 23832-0906.

• By Phone: Taxpayers can call 833-299-6593 and pay their bills via the automated phone system. You’ll need to know your account number and verify your identity before making your payment.



• Online Portal: Residents can choose to make their payments online via the Treasurer’s Office website by creating a user ID and associating all of their personal property and real estate accounts. By creating this user ID, all payments and statements are brought under one umbrella for easy access.

For more information about tax payment options, visit the county website.

Register for Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training at Brightpoint Community College

Mark your calendars for our Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training on Friday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to noon at Brightpoint Community College.

Join the Chesterfield Suicide Awareness and Prevention Coalition in our efforts to promote positive mental health in our community and prevent suicide. This free, interactive training will include a keynote presentation about how organizations and community members can work together to build and encourage resilience, a presentation on the county's strategies for responding to mental health emergencies and a networking activity.

You can register for the event by visiting this website.

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 Kevin Carroll of the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors to discuss his point of view on the new term, his thoughts on some of the big items facing the county in 2024 and beyond, and updates on several things of note in the Matoaca District. 

Celebrate County's 275th Anniversary on May 25

Chesterfield reaches a significant milestone this month as we celebrate our 275th anniversary over Memorial Day weekend. 

Officially chartered on May 25, 1749, the county is looking forward to celebrating its rich history and its residents. As part of this year-long recognition, there are a number of events being held throughout Chesterfield to give residents an opportunity to join in on the celebration and learn more about this community over the years.

Chief among them is the signature event, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 25 at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and those in attendance will be able to participate in a bevy of activities for the entire family.

There will be plenty of things for the kids, from balloon twisting to juggling, as well as living history with Lord Chesterfield and Thomas Jefferson, among others, African-American storytelling, entertainment from the Virginia State marching band and the Chesterfield Concert Band and others, food vendors, and Chesterfield’s signature ice cream flavor available to sample (and purchase) from Gelati Celesti, all culminating in a grand fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

Participants should plan to enter the Fairgrounds at Gate 2 and Gate 3, with Gelati Celesti expected to be on site at approximately 7 p.m.

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

Early Voting for June 18 Primaries

Now Taking Place at Central Library

As of last Friday, May 3, early voting in Chesterfield has been moved from the General Registrar's Office (9848 Lori Road) to Central Library (7051 Lucy Corr Blvd.).

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.

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

In a new article posted to the Chesterfield On Point blog, you can learn about Triad Senior Day, which brought together hundreds of older adults from across the county last week for a popular annual event.

For the first time, Southside Church hosted the resource fair full of valuable information from more than 60 vendors – including a printed directory with phone numbers and email addresses for local senior-related service providers – but equally important, food, fun and fellowship.

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares kicked off the program with a keynote address, noting the adverse effects on people of all ages – but particularly seniors – from social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID years “fundamentally changed how we live and interact with each other,” he said. “We are communal creatures. We’re designed to be with our fellow human beings. Part of Triad’s mission is making sure our seniors have a place to gather, not just to get information, but also to connect with each other and interact.”

Memorial Day Ceremony Scheduled for May 26

Chesterfield invites residents to attend the annual Memorial Day Ceremony, which will take place this year on Sunday, May 26 at 2 p.m. inside the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Building at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds (10300 Courthouse Road).

In addition to comments from Board of Supervisors Chair Jim Holland (Dale District), those in attendance will hear from keynote speaker Ben King as he focuses on this year’s theme: The Purple Heart.

There will also be patriotic musical selections from the BoneFire Trumpet Ensemble during the ceremony as well as a bagpiper playing Amazing Grace. The event will pay tribute to those from Chesterfield who have given their lives in service of our country, culminating with a live rendition of Taps.

Latino Farmers Market Now Open

Saturday Mornings at Rockwood Park

A 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.

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.

Who wouldn't love a Tator Tot?

Tator Tot was a sad case when she first came to us. She was severely emaciated, had ringworm, and has clearly lived in dirty conditions due to staining on her feet/legs. These should fade with time. She has been medically cleared now and is really feeling herself again.

She is a little bit shy at first, which is understandable considering her past. Tator Tot really wants to learn to trust people again and find someone who will really care for her well. Could that be you? She is around 3 years old, Pit mix, and weighs 54 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.

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.

Survive the dive? 

Organized by STEAM teacher Dena Brown, an egg drop helped Gordon Elementary students learn about force, motion and engineering while creating eggs-cellent memories!

Working in groups, the students devised ways to keep eggs from breaking. They first tested their designs by dropping them from the announcer stand at the nearby stadium. About half of the eggs survived. Next Chesterfield County firefighters dropped the remaining eggs from a ladder truck. About half of those eggs also survived.

Whether their eggs withstood the experiment or ended up like Humpty Dumpty, students learned about science and working together.

Nominate Hall of Famers by Aug. 31

Nominations are open through Aug. 31 for the next class of inductees into the Chesterfield County Public Schools Hall of Fame. Nominees should be memorable educators and volunteers who made a significant difference in Chesterfield County schools. Nomination details and a simple nomination form are available at bit.ly/CCPShall.

Across more than 150 years, CCPS has been served by outstanding teachers, administrators, support staff and volunteers who have given their time and talents to help students and schools succeed. In recognition of this exceptional work, CCPS and the Chesterfield Education Foundation annually honor individuals for their contributions by inducting them into the Hall of Fame.

Visit the digital Hall of Fame to see photos, biographies and videos of honorees. Questions? Contact the Office of Family and Community Engagement at 804-639-8690, ext. 1111.