Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Chesterfield Restaurant Week Kicks Off Friday!

Heads up, Chesterfield residents! The inaugural Chesterfield Restaurant Week begins this Friday, March 29 and continues through Sunday, April 7.

Thirty-nine local, independent restaurants have committed to participate in this year’s event, which is being held in collaboration with the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce to showcase the culinary chops of our local eateries.

The list of participating restaurants is now available here. All of their highlighted special dishes also are 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.

Visit New Experience Chesterfield Website

for Things to See and Do Across the County

Chesterfield's Sports, Visitation and Entertainment Department is excited to announce the launch of Experience Chesterfield, 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.

I Scream, You Scream! It's Time

to Choose Chesterfield's Ice Cream!

In celebration of Chesterfield’s 275th anniversary this year, the county is partnering with one of Virginia’s most beloved ice cream confectioners – Gelati Celesti – to create Chesterfield’s first-ever ice cream flavor.

As part of Gelati Celesti’s flavor research, the county will choose four (4) random residents as official “testers’ to join its team for a tasting party at its Swift Creek Place Shopping Center location (13487 Hull Street Road) in April. 

To apply as a tester, fill out the following application by 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27. 

The four residents will be selected at random via Facebook Live on Chesterfield’s main Facebook page at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 5. Winners will also receive a golden ticket in the mail with specific details about the time, date and place of the tasting party. 

Samples of the official flavor selected by the testers will be debuted publicly at Chesterfield’s main 275th Anniversary celebration at the Historic Courthouse Green on Saturday, May 25 – while supplies last. The flavor will also be available at Gelati Celesti’s metro Richmond locations. 

Applicants must reside in Chesterfield County, be over the age of 12 and have limited dietary restrictions to dairy and nuts. 

Act fast before this scoop melts away! 

Board of Supervisors Hosting Public Hearings

on Proposed FY2025 Budget, Tax Rates

The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings on the county's calendar year 2024 tax rates, the fiscal year 2025 budget, and the FY25-FY29 capital improvement program tomorrow, March 27 at 6 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road.

The entire meeting 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. 



There will be no occupancy limits in the Public Meeting Room. However, TV monitors will still be set up outside for those who are not seated inside the chamber.

Citizens who wish to provide input on any and all of the public hearing items on the agenda are encouraged to submit comments via an online form or leave a message at 804-748-1200. 

There are no limits on the number of citizens who may comment on each public hearing item; however, each citizen may submit only one comment per public hearing topic.

Applications Being Accepted for Police

Chief Recommendation Committee

Chesterfield has begun the process of identifying and hiring a successor to its police chief, Col. Jeffrey S. Katz, who is retiring effective May 1.

Under the Code of Virginia’s Chesterfield Charter, the county must form a police chief recommendation committee comprised of not more than five people:

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

For those interested in filling the board’s two citizen appointments to the police chief recommendation committee, Chesterfield has opened an online application portal on the county website.

The applicants deemed most qualified will undergo background checks, after which two will be selected by the Board of Supervisors. That is expected to happen at the board’s April 24 meeting.

Apply by Friday to Participate

 in My Chesterfield Academy

In partnership with the Asian & Latino Solidarity Alliance of Central Virginia (ALSACV), Chesterfield is accepting applications through this 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.

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!

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, Allyson Butler of Prevention Services joins the show to talk about the “Accidental Drug Dealer” campaign that Chesterfield County’s Mental Health Support Services is holding this spring. She talks through the importance of securing and/or disposing of unused medications, the resources that are out there for Chesterfield residents, 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.

Chesterfield PAL Will Keep Your Kids

Busy, Not Bored, Over Spring Break

Chesterfield's Police Activities League (PAL) program has some fun free activities planned for young people during Spring Break next week.

On Monday, April 1, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., PAL will partner with Chesterfield Parks and Recreation and Modern Table Top Gaming to introduce kids to the Pokémon Card Game at Beulah Recreation Center, 6901 Hopkins Road.

First introduced in the 1990s and still going strong, Modern Table Top Gaming will teach everyone how to play this family-friendly game and hold a tournament. Space is limited so interested participants should sign up today. 

Then on Wednesday, April 3 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., PAL will collaborate with Richmond Volleyball Club and Chesterfield Parks and Rec for a volleyball day camp at the RVC facility, 200 Karl Linn Drive.

Improve your skills or learn the game, all skill levels are welcome at the camp, which is for students in sixth through 12th grades. Lunch will be provided by PAL following the camp. 

To register, scan the QR codes on Chesterfield PAL's Facebook page.

Movie Night at the Airport

Features Top Gun: Maverick

Since Mother Nature wasn't so cooperative the first time, we're going to try this again. Fingers crossed!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 20 and jet on over to a free movie night at the Chesterfield County Airport. Food trucks will be onsite and you can check out the airport's open house before watching Top Gun: Maverick with your friends and family.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the movie will start at 7:30 p.m.

We'll see you soon!!

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.

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.

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.

Hi everyone, my name is Lazuli!



I am a 3-year-old, neutered male, tri-colored Pitbull mix that weighs 41.4 lbs. I came into the shelter as a very skinny boy, but the shelter staff helped get me back to a healthy weight.

I am a very cute but shy, loving boy with a sweet face that just needs to be shown that there is someone out in the world to love me. I am a sucker for crawling in your lap for love and cuddles. Also, I do well with other dogs and would love to have a sibling. Please come and see how wonderful I am!



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.

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.

Calling all 2024-25 kindergarteners

Children who will be 5 years old by Sept. 30 can start kindergarten in the 2024-25 school year. Online preregistration is now open for Chesterfield County Public Schools, so families can start the enrollment process and get details about required documents.

There is also an in-person component to registering for kindergarten, and elementary schools are planning a variety of ways to welcome new families April 15-19 during kindergarten kickoff week. This video in English and in Spanish is a quick overview of how to enroll in kindergarten. 

CCPS is accepting Pre-K applications

Chesterfield County Public Schools is accepting prekindergarten applications for the 2024-25 school year. This webpage has details and links to the application form in English and in Spanish.

A free, full-day program, prekindergarten helps 4-year-olds with the greatest need prepare for kindergarten.

A limited number of prekindergarten spots are available at these sites:



• Chester Early Childhood Learning Academy serving Bellwood, Bensley, Beulah,

Marguerite Christian, Curtis, Ecoff, Enon, Gates, Harrowgate, Salem Church, Elizabeth Scott and Wells elementary schools

• Bon Air, Davis, Chalkley, Crenshaw, Crestwood, Ettrick, Evergreen, Falling Creek,

Greenfield, Hening, Hopkins, Jacobs Road, Matoaca, Providence and Reams Road elementary schools