Chesterfield County, Virginia's Weekly E-Newsletter
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Stay Connected with Chesterfield!
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Scroll to the bottom for more helpful links and resources to stay up to date on all things Chesterfield!
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Today is National Voter Registration Day
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Today is National Voter Registration Day! Be sure you are registered to vote for the Nov. 3 general election.
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Sept. 23 Board of Supervisors Meeting
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The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 23, will be held in person in the Public Meeting Room at 10001 Iron Bridge Road. The online comment form is available for citizens to submit comments ahead of time.
The meeting will begin at 2 p.m. with a work session followed by the 6 p.m. evening session. Both sessions will be held in the Public Meeting Room and will be available for viewing on Comcast Channel 98, Verizon Channel 28, and live streamed on chesterfield.gov and the County’s YouTube channel.
For more information about the meeting, including social distancing guidelines and safety measures, read the full news release.
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Free Flu Shots on Sept. 25
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The Chesterfield Health District is offering FREE flu vaccines to the general public at their office, 9501 Lucy Corr Circle, on Friday, Sept. 25 from 1-5 p.m. Supplies are limited and you must have an appointment and be 18 years or older.
To make an appointment, call 804-318-8207.
The effects of the seasonal flu are very serious, especially in the wider circumstance of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensure you are protected from these viruses by getting vaccinated for the flu now and for COVID-19 when a vaccine is available. Do not put off your vaccine for another day. Call and make your appointment right away!
Those who register for a free flu shot will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival. Face coverings are required.
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This year's National Night Out celebration will occur Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Annually, residents in neighborhoods throughout Chesterfield County and across the nation, lock their doors, turn on the outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police.
Many neighborhoods throughout Chesterfield will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, flashlight walks, contests, and youth activities where there will be visits by the police and other first responders.
National Night Out is designed to:
- Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
- Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts
- Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police‐community partnerships
- Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back
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Community Services Board Honors Local
Partners of Mental Health Department
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Last month, the Chesterfield Community Services Board (CSB) presented partnership awards to county employees and community members who have enriched the work of the Department of Mental Health Support Services.
The Chesterfield CSB serves as an administrative-policy board for the Chesterfield Department of MHSS, which provides mental health, developmental disabilities and substance use disorder services to children and adults throughout Chesterfield County.
Though the CSB Partnership Awards are normally presented at the Chesterfield CSB Annual Recognition Dinner, this year’s honorees were recognized virtually during the CSB’s Aug. 20 meeting due to social distancing guidelines implemented to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Winners of the 2020 CSB Partnership Awards are:
- Sergeant George Turner and Corporal Matthew Rogers of the Chesterfield County Police Department
- Shalandis Wheeler Smith, Margarette Joyner, Sharalyn Garrard and Dorothy Dee-D Miller of the Ensemble Theatre Company
- Susan Pollard and Teresa Bonifas of the Chesterfield County Department of Communications and Media
- Dr. Charles Fischer and Mrs. Barbara Fischer of Fischer Sundae Puppets
- Allie Baumgartner, Arvachi Patel and other members of the Walgreen’s pharmacy staff
- James Cash and Diane Pulliam of Unifirst, a uniform rental company
For more information about the winners' work and contributions, read the full news release.
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Assistant County Attorney Named
"Up and Coming Lawyer"
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This month, Virginia Lawyers Weekly announced Assistant County Attorney Emily C. Russell as a member of the 2020 class of Up and Coming Lawyers. According to the publication, the awards program is in its fifth year and “recognizes lawyers from across the commonwealth who are making their mark within their first 10 years of practice.” Russell was the only local government attorney to be recognized in the 2020 class.
As assistant county attorney, Russell is responsible for providing in-house counsel and legal representation before Virginia’s state and federal courts. As counsel for the county’s code enforcement staff and Department of Social Services, Russell regularly appears in Chesterfield’s juvenile, general district and circuit courts, totaling over 150 court appearances yearly.
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“Emily is a passionate and effective attorney, dedicated to supporting her clients and improving the community for those who live in, work in and visit Chesterfield County,” said Deputy County Attorney Julie Seyfarth. “This is a well-deserved honor for Emily.”
Since joining the Chesterfield County Attorney’s Office in 2015, she has been vital to several key county initiatives, including co-leading Boots on the Ground, a multidisciplinary team of representatives from eight county departments that identifies strategies and resources to address nuisance properties, dilapidated properties and unsafe housing conditions for elderly residents.
In a recent success, Russell’s code enforcement litigation led to the sale of a large manufactured home park in the county, which will be redeveloped by a local non-profit to provide modern and code-compliant housing for residents. In addition, Russell is leading an effort to preserve the Colbrook Motel sign on Jefferson Davis Highway to commemorate the property’s history as Chesterfield’s only hotel featured in the Green Book, a resource for Black travelers in Jim Crow-era America. Her work has resulted in the county, in partnership with the Chesterfield Historical Society and community representatives, exploring options for redevelopment of the abandoned site that will honor the historic motel.
Before starting with Chesterfield, Russell worked as the policy manager for the Virginia Conservation Network, a non-profit partnership of Virginia environmental and conservation organizations. She previously served as the environmental law and policy analyst for Appalachian Mountain Advocates, a non-profit public interest law and policy organization.
A Henrico native, Russell graduated magna cum laude from Tulane University Law School, where she earned her J.D. She received her B.A. with Distinction from the University of Virginia.
The 2020 class of Up and Coming Lawyers will be honored at a virtual ceremony on Oct. 22, 2020.
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Updates from Virginia Governor Ralph Northam
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Governor Northam Announces Expansion of $70 Million Rebuild VA Grant Fund for Small Businesses, Nonprofits Impacted by COVID-19
"Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Rebuild VA, the $70 million economic recovery fund launched in August, is expanding its eligibility criteria to allow more small businesses to apply. Businesses that received funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and supply chain partners of businesses whose normal operations were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are now eligible to receive grants of up to $10,000. Businesses that have received federal funds must certify that they will only use the Rebuild VA grant for recurring expenses and that the grant will not be used to cover the same expenses as the other CARES Act funds."
Governor Northam Proclaims Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in Virginia
"Governor Ralph Northam today encouraged all Virginians to celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month, which is observed each year between September 15 and October 15."
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The 2020 general election will be conducted on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, and residents have three ways to cast their votes:
- Absentee Ballot Voting
- Early Voting
- General Election Day Voting
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Ballots will be mailed-out to county voters beginning Friday, Sept. 18, and the last day to request a mailed ballot is 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23.
Once you receive your absentee ballot, follow the instructions carefully in voting and returning your ballot.
Voters are encouraged to immediately vote and return their ballots to the Registrar’s Office.
There are several ways to return your ballot:
- Mail your ballot back via the U.S. Postal Service by using the return envelope sent to your residence by the Registrar’s Office. Voters also can use a commercial delivery service such as FedEx or UPS to return your ballot.
- Return your absentee ballot in-person at the Chesterfield Registrar’s Office at 9848 Lori Road, Chesterfield, Va. 23832.
- Return your ballot to the following secure drop-off locations beginning Oct. 19 during hours of operation:
- North Courthouse Road Library | 325 Courthouse Road, North Chesterfield
- LaPrade Library | 9000 Hull Street Road, North Chesterfield
- Meadowdale Library | 4301 Meadowdale Blvd, North Chesterfield
- Ettrick-Matoaca Library | 4501 River Road, South Chesterfield
Your ballot must be returned, or postmarked, to the Registrar’s Office in-person by 7 p.m. Nov. 3.
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Early Voting and Satellite Locations
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Registered voters may vote early at the General Registrar’s office beginning Friday, Sept. 18. The office, located 9848 Lori Road, Chesterfield, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; and will be open the two Saturdays (Oct. 24 and Oct. 31) before the election from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Early voting starts at the four County Libraries listed below on Monday, Oct. 19. The libraries are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Friday and will be open the two Saturdays before the election. The Saturday hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- North Courthouse Road Library | 325 Courthouse Road, North Chesterfield
- LaPrade Library | 9000 Hull Street Road, North Chesterfield
- Meadowdale Library | 4301 Meadowdale Blvd, North Chesterfield
- Ettrick-Matoaca Library | 4501 River Road, South Chesterfield
Saturday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. is the last day of early voting.
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General Election Day Voting on Nov. 3
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If you cannot early vote or miss the deadline to request an absentee ballot, all of Chesterfield’s polling locations will be open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Nov. 3 for in-person voting.
The number of voters allowed inside the polling place at any time will be limited to adhere to social distancing and give poll workers time to sanitize machines and equipment for use. All voters are asked to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing protocols.
If you voted early in person or submitted a marked absentee ballot to the Registrar’s office, you can neither cast another ballot, nor change your vote in person on Election Day.
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Become an Officer of Election
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Chesterfield County announced a $100 recruitment bonus to poll workers selected to work during the Nov. 3 General Election.
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Chesterfield currently boasts more than 1,300 officers of election. However, an overwhelming number of those officers are over the age of 65, and with the growing concerns about the resurgence of COVID-19 in the fall, the Registrar’s Office is preparing for several of those officers to potentially sit out this election.
Learn more by watching the linked video.
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Meet Mystic!
Mystic is a pretty girl with a silky white coat and mystical blue eyes! She's a little shy when meeting new people, but after a little bit of time she opens up and becomes the most loving dog there is. Mystic also has a calm side and sometimes just wants to lay by you to rest.
She knows "sit" and "down" and will do both for treats! Mystic has done well with other dogs at the shelter, but please still bring your other doggies to meet her if you are interested! She does not get along well with cats.
Mystic is a 3 year old Pitbull mix who weighs 54 pounds.
Animal #583211
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County Response to COVID-19
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Other important information and updates on resources for Virginians can be found at:
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Chesterfield Health Director Update
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Chesterfield Health Department
Free COVID-19 Testing in September
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As part of a statewide push to increase testing across the commonwealth, the Chesterfield Health Department is hosting free COVID-19 testing events in the month of September.
Note: Appointments should be made with the Chesterfield Health Department at 804-318-8207 before each event.
Several of the free walk-up testing events will occur multiple times a week at three primary locations in the county:
Beulah United Methodist Church
6930 Hopkins Road
5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sept. 23 and 30
Walmsley Boulevard United Methodist Church
2950 Walmsley Blvd.
5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sept. 22 and 29
Cornerstone Church
10551 Chalkley Road
1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 24
5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 28
Testing is for individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms and is free for uninsured or underinsured persons.
While some appointments will be reserved for walk-ups that morning, testing is limited and appointments should be made with the Chesterfield Health Department at 804-318-8207 before each event.
Spanish-speaking staff also will be present during the testing event.
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Remember to Complete Your U.S. Census!
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The deadline to complete the U.S. census is Wednesday, Sept. 30, and Chesterfield encourages residents who have not yet completed their 2020 U.S. Census to do so as soon as possible.
Completing the Census is easy!
Households should have received official U.S. Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 U.S. Census online, by phone or by mail.
Pay close to attention to the unique number given to your household and be prepared to use it during your response.
The 2020 U.S. Census is mandatory and responses are based upon the members of a household as of April 1 (Census Day).
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To learn more about the 2020 U.S. Census, visit the official website at my2020census.gov.
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Learn More About Your District
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