Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023

Live, Learn, Work and Play: State of the County Presentation Highlights Successful 2023

In a departure from the typical State of the County format, four county and school leaders accompanied County Administrator Dr. Joe Casey last Wednesday to present Chesterfield’s 2023 accomplishments in the categories of Live, Learn, Work and Play. 

Transportation Director Chessa Walker, School Board Chair Ann Coker, Economic Development Director Garrett Hart and Executive Director of Sports, Visitation and Entertainment J.C. Poma joined Casey onstage during the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon.

“We’re coming together as one to talk about quality of life,” said Casey, who has now delivered eight State of the County addresses as the leader of Chesterfield’s government.

Read more about the State of the County presentation in the Chesterfield On Point blog.

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

Chesterfield County Government Offices

Will Be Closed Next Monday and Tuesday

Chesterfield County government offices will be closed next Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 25 and Tuesday, Dec. 26 in celebration of Christmas! 

To view closures and holiday operating hours for convenience centers, libraries, courts and more, visit http://www.chesterfield.gov/closings.

Happy Holidays from the

Chesterfield Board of Supervisors

The five members of the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors -- Chair Kevin P. Carroll (Matoaca), Vice Chair James A. Ingle Jr. (Bermuda), Christopher M. Winslow (Clover Hill), James M. "Jim" Holland (Dale) and Mark S. Miller (Midlothian) -- wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season!

Watch the board's holiday greeting by clicking on the image above or on Chesterfield's YouTube channel.

Use Our Interactive Map to Create

Personalized Holiday Light Tour

Have you had a chance to use our interactive map of local holiday light displays?

Light up your holiday with a drive through local Chesterfield neighborhoods in the comfort (and warmth) of your own vehicle. Whether you’re interested in viewing thousands of inflatables, synchronized lights to music, or the more classic light displays, Chesterfield has something for everyone. Grab your crew, a warm vehicle with a full tank of gas, turn up the holiday music, and prepare to be amazed! 

We also created a tutorial video that will help you make the most of the holiday light map. We hope you enjoy it!

Chester Library's Holiday Selfie Station

Available Through Friday

Chester Library's Holiday Selfie Station is back for another season! Dress up or down, walk in and take portraits using your own smart phone or camera. Two holiday-themed sets with props will be available during library hours from this Saturday, Nov. 25 until Friday, Dec. 22.

Chester Library is located at 11800 Centre Street.

The Taters' Shiny & Brite Holiday Show

is Wednesday at the Perkinson Center

The Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education is excited to welcome The Taters back to the Jimmy Dean Theater to present their Shiny & Brite Holiday Show, full of "Roots-Pop," an eclectic mix of roots-rock, power-pop and Americana. It will be a night of holiday fun for all!

Showtime is Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

The Taters have twice been named Billboard Magazine's "Critic's Choice" and their music is played in over 14 different countries around the world. They currently have 8 CDs of their own music available, and they've shared the stage with such notable performers as Willie Nelson, Los Lobos, Dwight Yoakam, Little River Band and Kansas. Their music appeals to all ages and is suitable for any audience.

In a new article posted to the Chesterfield On Point blog, you can learn about the success of the county's newly diversified recycling program in keeping household waste out of landfills.

Based on current activity levels, the Department of General Services estimates the county will generate 13,335 tons of recycled material in fiscal year 2024, compared to 12,587 tons in FY23 and 12,595 tons in FY22.

That would represent an increase of 748 tons, or nearly 1.5 million pounds, year over year.

The data reflects both the community’s tremendous response to Chesterfield’s new operational model and infrastructure enhancements that allow everyone who wants to recycle to do so in a variety of methods. 

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 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.

VSU's Gospel Chorale Performs in Pope's

Annual Christmas Concert at the Vatican

As part of its ongoing tour of Switzerland, Hungary and Italy, Virginia State University's Gospel Chorale performed in Pope Francis' Christmas Concert at the Vatican last Saturday.

The Chorale's 10th European visit since 1998, but first since 2019, also includes a Dec. 28 performance at the Umbria Jazz Winter Festival, one of Europe's most important international music festivals.

These performances align with the university's commitment to fostering the talent of its students while offering transformative educational experiences. While in Europe, members of the Chorale will be exposed to different cultures and simultaneously show off their unique blend of Gospel music intermixed with precise choreography and bright, bold attire to a global audience.

The European Tour began on Dec. 7 and continues until Jan. 3, 2024.

Board of Supervisors Roundup

Following a public hearing last Wednesday, the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors approved $92 million in amendments to the county’s and school division’s adopted fiscal year 2024 budgets.

The money comes from a variety of sources: county and schools FY23 operating surpluses ($34.5 million), one-time reserves ($23 million), interest earnings ($19.8 million) and current-year revenues ($14.6 million). 

Of the $61.8 million in school appropriations, more than half ($30.6 million) is earmarked for infrastructure projects to accommodate new elementary, middle and high schools in the fast-growing western Route 360 corridor.

Most of the $30.1 million allocated for county projects is going toward infrastructure construction at the Springline at District 60 mixed-use development, as well as a new roadway that will provide public access to Henricus Historical Park, the Dutch Gap Conservation Area and a planned boat launch on the James River.

See a roundup of items from the Dec. 13 board meeting in the Chesterfield On Point blog.

Say hi to Dragonfruit!

This beautiful Husky/Shepherd mix is around 2 years old and weighs 46 lbs. He enjoys butt scratches, likes to play chase, and enjoys play time. Dragonfruit is unsure what exactly to do with toys but he is very curious. When he gets tired of play time, he will find a dark corner to curl up for a leisurely, undisturbed nap.

When meeting other dogs, he can be a bit overbearing at times but takes correction well from a more experienced older dog. He just wants to play so bad!

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.

Survey on GRTC's Transit Strategic

Plan Open Until Dec. 27

Want to have a voice in the future of Richmond transit?

GRTC's draft Transit Strategic Plan (TSP) envisions an enhanced bus network, with improvements for Pulse, local, and express routes.

Explore the proposed changes and provide your feedback to help guide the next 10 years of bus service in the Richmond region by participating in GRTC's survey, which will be open through Dec. 27.

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.

Elizabeth Scott Elementary earns national award for second time

Elizabeth Scott Elementary School has been selected as a 2023 National ESEA Distinguished School. No more than two schools per state receive this prestigious designation each year. Learn more about Elizabeth Scott’s success here. 

Chesterfield County Public Schools leaders joined Virginia Department of Education representatives to announce the award to students and staff members. Watch a video from the announcement.

Read to Run at Chalkley Elementary

By reading “J.D. and the Hair Show Showdown,” Chalkley Elementary fifth-graders earned new shoes through a program called Read to Run.

On Dec. 1, Curtis & Co. management consulting company, in partnership with nonprofit Shood, put smiles on faces by putting shoes on feet.

See more photos on Chalkley’s website.

Winter break is coming

Winter break for Chesterfield County Public Schools students and teachers will begin this Friday, Dec. 22 and continue through Jan. 5, 2024. School offices and school system buildings will remain open to the public Dec. 22, Dec. 27-29 and Jan. 2-5.