Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024

Chesterfield Holds Kickoff Event for Inaugural Restaurant Week

Chesterfield’s food scene has long been overshadowed by its regional peers, but that is changing as more locally owned eateries bring elevated, scratch-made cooking to meet the culinary demands of a growing, diverse community.  

Now the county has an event that will highlight those establishments and increase awareness of Chesterfield as a burgeoning haven for foodies, while also raising money for a good cause.

In collaboration with the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce, the county held a celebratory kickoff event for the inaugural Chesterfield Restaurant Week on Monday at the Career and Technical Center on Hull Street Road. 

Thirty-nine local, independent restaurants have committed to participate in this year’s festivities, which will take place from March 29 through April 7.

The list of restaurants is now available on chesterfieldrestaurantweek.com. In the coming weeks, all of the highlighted special dishes will be 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.

Clover Hill District Supervisor Jessica Schneider Hosting Community Conversation Thursday

Clover Hill District Supervisor Jessica Schneider will host her second community conversation with Clover Hill District residents this week.

The meeting will be held Thursday, Feb. 29 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the 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 meeting will be limited to 30 participants to have more personal, in-depth conversations.

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.

Register for Rain Barrel Workshops

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.

Early Voting for Virginia's 2024 Presidential Primaries Ends Saturday

Early voting for Virginia's 2024 presidential primaries concludes Saturday, March 2 at 5 p.m.

Through Saturday, voters can continue to cast their ballots at the General Registrar's office, 9848 Lori Road, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In-person early voting is also available at Chesterfield's five satellite sites, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

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

Primary day across Virginia is next 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.

Board of Supervisors Roundup

At its Feb. 21 meeting, the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors authorized the award of a $9.1 million construction contract to Landtek Group Inc., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, for the River City Sportsplex synthetic turf fields project.

River City Sportsplex, which was acquired by the county in 2016, is one of the premier locations in the Mid-Atlantic region for rectangular synthetic turf playing fields. The facility gets most of its use by Chesterfield residents, including pick-up and league play, club and high school sports. It also hosts more than 35 tournaments annually that attract events and teams from across the country.

This contract will complete the sports fields to the rear of the complex, adding 4 lighted fields and expanding the existing Field 9 to regulation soccer size, resulting in a total of 16 fields. Funding was approved by voters as part of the 2022 bond referendum.

See a roundup of actions taken by the board last week in the Chesterfield On Point blog.

Watch This Week In Chesterfield

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 Henry Bendon from GRTC about the organization’s newest microtransit program along Hull Street Road, how it works, and what the possibilities could mean for the county if the new Clover Dale Zone takes off.

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 real estate assessments and their importance in funding vital local government services.

In Chesterfield, real estate taxes have accounted for 70% of local revenue growth from fiscal years 2019-24. The next two sources – personal property and sales taxes – represent just 27% combined.

But while residential assessments have risen sharply nationwide over the past three years, fueled largely by demand that continues to outpace the supply of available housing, looking at the bigger picture in Chesterfield tells a much different story.

Over the past decade, when adjusted for inflation, average countywide revaluations of residential property have increased by just 2.4%.

That doesn’t even include the five years that followed the Great Recession of 2008, during which assessments fell annually (on both a nominal and inflation-adjusted basis) from 2009-13 due to the global housing market collapse.

As a result, according to the most recently available data from Virginia’s Auditor of Public Accounts, Chesterfield’s per capita real property tax burden is lower than most of its peer localities across the commonwealth.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Registration Now Open for Junior 4-H Summer Camp in Williamsburg

Registration for Chesterfield Junior 4-H Camp opened Monday, Feb. 26.

The 2024 camp will be held July 1-5 at the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center in Williamsburg. The cost is $400 plus a $15 processing fee. It Includes lodging, food, and activity and class supplies. Transportation to and from camp is not provided.

Only online payments are accepted. Refunds will be given through June 7.

Junior 4-H Camp, a residential summer program available to Chesterfield residents ages 9 to 13, provides youth countless opportunities for learning more about themselves, their peers, and the natural world around them. Days are filled with camp classes (archery, kayaking, sailing, robotics, videography, marine science, challenge course, woodworking, arts and crafts, and much more!), unstructured recreation and swim time, flag ceremonies, evening programs and campfires.

If you have any questions about this program, please contact Carter Humphries via email at ccd296@vt.edu or by phone at 804-751-4401.

Hi, I'm Mary Kate!

I'm a 5-month-old spayed female Shepherd mix and I weigh about 52lbs.

Unlike my sister Ashley, there is nothing shy about me. I am very energetic and ready to meet all the people! I love running, playing and jumping, especially to give kisses!

I love exploring, but I'm not sure how to walk on a leash so I will need some help with that and potty training too. I'm ready to meet you so come and take me home today.

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.

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.

School Board seeks ideas for new school name

The new west area middle school needs a name! Chesterfield County Public Schools broke ground in August 2023 on the district’s 13th middle school. The School Board is seeking the community’s input in naming the new school.

Chesterfield County residents are invited to suggest names no later than Feb. 28.

Residents are asked to keep these things in mind:

• Under School Board Policy 6160, the board has the authority to name schools and school facilities.

• The names of most schools that have opened in the past 20 years have geographic connections but not specific neighborhood names. This helps ensure all students feel connected to their school.

• Absent extraordinary circumstances, School Board Policy 6160 states that schools cannot be named after living individuals and any person for whom a school is named must have been dead at least 10 years.

The school division will work with PTA leaders at Tomahawk Creek Middle School to narrow suggestions to three names. The top choices will be announced in April, then additional public comment will be sought on these possible names. The School Board is expected to vote May 14 on the school name.

March 6 is deadline for openings on advisory boards

Advisory committees established by the Chesterfield County School Board include parents, teachers, staff members, students and others interested in helping Chesterfield County Public Schools achieve its vision of creating a better tomorrow. Advisory committee members appointed by the School Board must reside in the district they represent. Click the application button to apply by March 6 if you are eligible and interested in these openings:

Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee

• Bermuda District (partial term ending June 30, 2026)

School Health Advisory Board

• Clover Hill District (partial term ending June 30, 2024)
• Dale District (partial term ending June 30, 2025)

A ceiling full of books

Rachel Nordgaard uses ceiling tiles to encourage Gates Elementary students to read and share books. Watch this video to learn about her innovative approach and how it connects with Open Court Reading.