Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024

Six Chesterfield High School Seniors Awarded

Leadership for the 21st Century Scholarships

Chesterfield County and Chesterfield County Public Schools, in partnership with Virginia State University, presented six local high school seniors with Leadership for the 21st Century scholarships last Friday, Feb. 16, during the annual Black History Month Scholarship Recognition Program.

The 2024 scholarship recipients are:

• Caroline Baker, Monacan High School
• Zoe Bastardi, Appomattox Regional Governor’s School
• Alexis Doan, Thomas Dale High School
• Tori Lowe, Midlothian High School
• Hamzah Meri, L.C. Bird High School
• Kimora Whitfield, Cosby High School 

This year’s scholarship essay asked Chesterfield high school seniors to reflect on the Black History Month theme, “African Americans and the Arts.” The students focused on important contributions of African Americans on visual arts, music, cultural movements and more in our communities.

The six winners were awarded $2,500 scholarships, with one selected from each of the county’s five magisterial districts and the sixth chosen from a regional governor school. 

Satellite Early Voting Locations Open Saturday for Virginia's 2024 Presidential Primaries

Starting Saturday, Feb. 24, Chesterfield will open five libraries as satellite sites for in-person, early voting in Virginia's 2024 presidential primaries.

The early voting satellite sites include:

• Clover Hill Library, 6701 Deer Run Drive
• Ettrick-Matoaca Library, 4501 River Road
• LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Road
• Meadowdale Library, 4301 Meadowdale Boulevard
• North Courthouse Road Library, 325 Courthouse Road

Each early voting, in-person library satellite site is open:

• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, Feb. 26 through March 1
• 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, March 2

Voters also can continue to cast their ballots early in-person at the General Registrar’s office, 9848 Lori Road:

• 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday through March 1
• 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, March 2 

All in-person, early voting ends Saturday, March 2 at 5 p.m. 

Primary day across Virginia is Tuesday, March 5. It's an open primary, meaning voters will be asked to state which party ballot they wish to vote. The selection does not create any affiliation with that party.

To find more information about the 2024 primary elections in Chesterfield, including sample ballots and candidate information, visit www.promotethevotecfield.org.

Clover Hill District Supervisor Jessica Schneider Hosting Community Conversations This Month

Clover Hill District Supervisor Jessica Schneider will host two community conversations with Clover Hill District residents this month.

The meetings will be held on the following dates and sites:

Thursday, Feb. 22, 2-3:30 p.m., CTC Hull-13900 Hull Street Road, Rooms D107, D108 and D10

Thursday, Feb. 29, 6:30-8 p.m., Woodlake Community Center, 5000 Woodlake Village Pkwy

Citizens will have the opportunity to ask questions, share thoughts about topics or issues in the community and discuss solutions.

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.

Deadline to Register for Spring 2024 Government Citizens Academy is Friday

Have you ever wanted to learn more about your local government? Would you enjoy meeting directly with staff in various departments, as well as county administration and members of the Board of Supervisors, asking questions and providing feedback?

If so, you should consider signing up for Chesterfield’s Government Citizens Academy (GCA).

Registration is open through this Friday, Feb. 23 for the spring 2024 academy, which will include 10 sessions offered at various locations across the county on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m.

The program kicks off March 7 and runs through May 9.

GCA slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Class size is limited, so those unable to attend all sessions may be placed on a waiting list.

Board of Supervisors Meets Wednesday

The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 21, starting with a work session at 2 p.m. in Room 502 of the County Administration Building (9901 Lori Road), followed by 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 updates on the FY2025 budget and the county’s 275th anniversary events later this year.

The entire meeting, excluding any 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. 

Watch This Week In Chesterfield

Know a Dedicated Volunteer? Nominate Them

for Chesterfield Community Champions Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the Chesterfield Community Champions awards, which honor residents who volunteer their time and resources to effect positive change in their communities. 

First awarded in 2020, the Chesterfield Community Champion Awards are given to winners from seven categories of volunteers: 



• Youth (ages 12 and under)
• Teen (ages 13 and older)
• Youth Group (two or more volunteers under age 18)
• Adult (ages 18 to 59)
• Senior (ages 60 and over)
• Group (two or more volunteers with no age restriction)
• Organization (a business, church, etc.) 

To nominate a person or group, please visit the Chesterfield Community Champions webpage to complete a nomination form. Nominations are open now through 5 p.m., Monday, March 4.

The Chesterfield Community Champions winners will be recognized at the April 24 Board of Supervisors meeting beginning at 6 p.m. and will be invited to a Volunteer Recognition Event on April 25.

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 Jim Holland of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors to talk about his third tenure as chair, some of the big items facing the county in 2024, and a number of updates on projects in the Dale District. 

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.

In a new article posted to the Chesterfield On Point blog, you can learn more about "32 Letters," a children's book co-written by county residents Tony and Julie Atlas that they self-published in 2022.

The book chronicles Tony Atlas' relentless efforts, as a 15-year-old living in Riverside, California, to become the first African American bat boy employed by Major League Baseball's California (now Los Angeles) Angels.

Atlas' persistence paid off, as he went on to work for the Angels from 1977-81.

As part of Chesterfield’s 35th annual Black History Month Celebration, the Atlases recently presented “32 Letters” to a group of parents and children at Meadowdale Library.

Community Enhancement Seeking Comments at Feb. 28 Public Meeting

Join Chesterfield's Community Enhancement staff for a public meeting next Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. on the county's housing and community development needs for the annual action plan, as well as recommended funding for program activities.

You can provide comments during the public meeting, which will be held both in-person and via Microsoft Teams. Please register online by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb 27.

Visit Community Enhancement's website for more details.

Brush Disposal Area Closed Temporarily at Northern Area Convenience Center

The Northern Area Convenience Center’s brush disposal area has been closed to the public temporarily while renovations are being made to the facility.

All vegetative debris must be taken to the Southern Area Convenience Center until further notice.

We'll keep you informed of changes on our social media accounts. In the meantime, more information on these centers and their operating hours is available on the General Services page of the county website. 

Shred and E-Cycling Event is March 9 at Chesterfield County Fairgrounds

Heads up, Chesterfield residents!

Come out for our next Shred & E-Cycling event at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Residents can bring up to two small boxes or three grocery bags of personal papers per person to be shredded.

Visit the county website for more information on other items that can be shredded for additional fees.

Register for Rain Barrel Workshops in March and April

Don't let weather rain on your parade!

We're excited to announce that Chesterfield's rain barrel workshops are back.

Chesterfield Environmental Engineering, the James River Soil and Water Conservation District and the Chesterfield Cooperative Extension invite you to join us for these popular events on March 23 and April 24.

Workshop participants will learn about water conservation and make a rain barrel of their own. The workshops fill up fast so early registration is suggested. Registration is $50 per rain barrel.

Register for the March 23 workshop here and for the April 24 workshop here.

Hi, I'm Aunt Brandy!

I'm a super cute, 54 lb. female Pittie mix who is around 3 years old.



Here are the top 3 things you should know about me:

I'm curious!

I'm playful!

I'm adorable!

I get super excited when I first see you but calm down pretty quickly. I get along well with other dogs. I just want to play with them!

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.

VSU Accounting Students Providing Free Tax Preparation and Filing Assistance

Virginia State University Accounting students are once again teaming up with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to offer free income tax preparation and filing assistance to 2023 individual and joint filers in the Tri-Cities area.

This marks the 37th year that VSU students have provided this invaluable service to the community as part of the University’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

The Special Topics Service-Learning course was created within the VSU Reginald F. Lewis College of Business (RFLCB) to help low-income and elderly residents in the Tri-Cities area navigate the often-complex process of filing their taxes. The service is open to individuals or joint filers with an income of $73,000 or below.

Tax information and valid identification must be dropped off in Singleton Hall, Room 128, on the VSU campus. A VITA worker will call clients to review the tax return. Once the return is picked up and approved by the taxpayer, the return will be filed electronically via the IRS E-file system.

The site is staffed three days a week from February 6-April 7, 2024: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The service will not be available on days when the university is closed.

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.

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!

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.

Hall of Fame to induct six remarkable educators

The Chesterfield County Public Schools Hall of Fame is inducting six new members in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments in support of students and schools. 

The school system is built on the talents of outstanding teachers, educational and operational support staff members, leaders and volunteers. Their abilities and dedication are why Chesterfield County Public Schools — the largest school division in central Virginia — is a nationally recognized, award-winning school system.

These memorable educators are being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2024:

• Jim Alberston, teacher and coach
• Betsy Stark Barton, teacher and history specialist
• Joann Crowell-Redd, principal and director of human resources
• Donna Dalton, chief academic officer
• Patricia Lancaster, teacher and administrator
• Sandra Silvestre, teacher

The new honorees will be inducted April 11 during the Hall of Fame Gala, presented by the Chesterfield Education Foundation in partnership with TowneBank. The gala is open to the public; tickets can be purchased for $65. Proceeds from the Hall of Fame Gala will support MEGA Mentors.

The six new honorees will join previous Hall of Fame inductees, who are featured in this digital gallery.

Outstanding School Counselors of the Year

Each year, Chesterfield County Public Schools recognizes outstanding school counselors who go above and beyond in order to maximize student success and promote access and opportunity for all students.

Congratulations to these top school counselor leaders who are all in for all students:

• Outstanding First Year Counselor of the Year: Shenell Tolson (Harrowgate Elementary and Elizabeth Scott Elementary) and Ashlene Jones (Robious Middle)
• Outstanding Elementary School Counselor of the Year: Maria Bediako (Crestwood Elementary)
• Outstanding Middle School Counselor of the Year: Balsorah Lynch (Carver Middle)
• Outstanding High School Counselor of the Year: Merel Williams (Cosby High)

Career and Technical Education Month

February is Career and Technical Education Month, which makes this a great month to celebrate work-based learning in Chesterfield County Public Schools. This video shows how students are supported throughout K-12.