Chesterfield County, Virginia's Weekly e-Newsletter |
|
|
Stay Connected with Chesterfield! |
|
Scroll to the bottom for more helpful links and resources to
stay up to date on all things Chesterfield!
|
|
Learn More About the Proposed FY24 Budget
and FY24-28 Capital Improvement Program
|
|
Matt Harris, deputy county administrator for finance and administration, and Budget and Management Director Gerard Durkin presented Chesterfield's proposed FY2024 budget and 2024-28 capital improvement program to the Board of Supervisors during a work session last Wednesday.
The proposed FY24 budget document has been posted to Chesterfield's website at https://tinyurl.com/5n75vpzy.
|
|
Budget Community Meetings Continue This Week |
|
Members of the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors will continue to host a series of community meetings on the proposed FY2024 budget this week.
The community meetings, which will take place in each of the county's magisterial districts, are being held from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The remaining meeting locations and dates are:
Matoaca District: March 14 at CTC Hull Room D136, 13900 Hull Street Road
Bermuda District: March 15 at Thomas Dale High School, 3626 W. Hundred Road
Facebook Live (virtual meeting): March 16
Dale District: March 20 at Meadowbrook High School, 4901 Cogbill Road
Matoaca District: March 21 at New Matoaca Elementary School, 20300 Halloway Avenue
|
|
Have unwanted electronics sitting around collecting dust? Documents that need to be securely shredded? Look no further than Chesterfield's upcoming Shred & E-Cycling Event.
Chesterfield residents may stop by Westchester Commons this Saturday,
Mar. 18 from 8 a.m. to noon to securely shred personal papers at no cost or bring unwanted electronics to be recycled for a small fee depending on the item, size, and quantity.
Bring up to 2 small boxes or 3 grocery bags of personal papers for shredding per person. TVs are charged based on size: less than or equal to 27” – $25; over 27” – $35. Other electronics range from $5 to $30 apiece.
|
|
The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors last week approved a new annual license agreement with EventMakers USA to continue using part of the county-owned River City Sportsplex property as the site of its SERVPRO of Chesterfield After Hours concert series.
Under the terms of the agreement, which runs from Jan. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2023, EventMakers USA will pay Chesterfield a license fee of $7,250 per event plus $1 per ticket sold to maintain a concert venue at River City Sportsplex.
The latest additions to the 2023 SERVPRO of Chesterfield After Hours lineup are Colt Ford and Creed Fisher, who will be performing on July 15. Early bird general admission tickets go on sale for $16 apiece this Friday, March 17 at 10 a.m.
|
|
Enjoy Bird's Eye View of Ongoing
Otterdale Road Drainage Improvements
|
|
Click on the image above to watch an exciting video update from the Otterdale Road Drainage Improvement Project at the Blackman Creek crossing. Using our drone, we were able to capture footage from a bird's eye view. This phase of the project is expected to be completed by May.
|
|
Don't Be an Accidental Drug Dealer! Properly Store and Dispose of Prescription Medications |
|
Prescription drug abuse is a national epidemic. This spring, Chesterfield is once again promoting the proper disposal and storage of expired or unused medications through its “Don’t Be An Accidental Drug Dealer” campaign. As part of this campaign, free medication disposal pouches and locking bags are available for pick up at various locations throughout the county (while supplies last).
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 61 percent of people ages 12 and older who misuse prescription pain relievers get them from a friend or family member. That’s why it’s so important to dispose of expired or unused medications properly and keep other medications secure while they are being used.
One pouch can safely dispose of up to 45 pill tablets, six ounces of liquid or six patches. Once the medications are mixed with a small amount of water in the bag, the chemical compounds in the medications are deactivated. The biodegradable bag can then be safely disposed of in the trash.
|
|
Catch Up on Blog Posts from
|
|
In a new article posted to the Chesterfield On Point blog, you can learn more about Chesterfield's annual Diaper Drive.
NBC12 anchor and TV personality Sarah Bloom is joining Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Families First and Infant & Toddler Connection of Chesterfield in its quest to collect baby diapers and wipes as its first-ever Diaper Drive Ambassador.
Families First and Infant & Toddler Connection of Chesterfield are two programs of the county's Department of Mental Health Support Services. This year’s Diaper Drive looks to beat last year’s record by collecting more than 55,000 baby diapers for the organizations.
|
|
Watch and Listen to the Latest Episodes
|
|
On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, which drops tomorrow, Deputy County Administrator Matt Harris and Budget Director Gerard Durkin go in depth on the proposed FY2024 county budget, what is included, how the county was able to do so much while also providing comprehensive tax relief, and much more.
|
|
Join Bermuda District Supervisor Jim Ingle
for Community Conversations
|
|
Bermuda District Supervisor Jim Ingle will be hosting a series of community conversations with Bermuda District residents over the next three weeks.
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 accommodate more personal, in-depth conversations. To allow as many residents as possible the opportunity to attend, citizens will be limited to one meeting.
The meetings will be held on the following dates and sites:
- Monday, March 27 2-3:30 p.m., at Chester Library
- Tuesday, April 11 6:30-8 p.m., at Thomas Dale High School
|
|
Sign Up for Community Conversations with Midlothian District Supervisor Mark Miller |
|
Midlothian District Supervisor Mark Miller is hosting a series of community conversations Midlothian District residents later this month.
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 accommodate more personal, in-depth conversations. To permit as many residents as possible the opportunity to attend, citizens will be limited to one meeting apiece.
The meetings will be held on the following dates and sites:
- Tuesday, March 28 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Bon Air Library
- Thursday, March 30 from 6:30-8 p.m. at A.M. Davis Elementary School
|
|
Introducing Abercrombie!
This beautiful tabby lady is so sweet and affectionate. She loves behind-the-ear scratches and all eyes to be on her! She came in with an abscess at the base of her tail that has healed and just needs some hair to grow back in.
Abercrombie loves to lounge around in her cat bed and takes the term "cat-napping" to a whole new level. She is around 2 years old and weighs 12 lbs.
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.
|
|
Mental Health Support Services Provides Tips
for Problem Gambling Awareness Month
|
|
With March Madness tipping off tonight, what better time to talk about gambling and the issues that can potentially come with it?
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and Chesterfield's Mental Health Support Services staff has been working hard all month to spread awareness of this surprisingly common problem.
Approximately 6 million Americans experience problems due to their gambling behavior each year. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, please call, chat or text the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VCPG) at 1-888-532-3500.
|
|
Youth Art Month Projects Will Be Displayed
at Perkinson Center, County Libraries
|
|
Arts Fest spotlights student creativity and ability
March is celebrated nationally as Youth Art Month, Music in Our Schools Month and Theater in Our Schools Month. Throughout March, Chesterfield County Public Schools Arts Fest offers opportunities to see and hear the talents of students in visual and performing arts programs. The displays and events are free and open to the community.
Visual arts
Paintings, drawings, sculptures and other visual art by elementary and prekindergarten students will be on display through April 8 in Chesterfield County Public Library branches and the Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education. Library hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Perkinson Center is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Art by middle and high school students will be on display at Thomas Dale High, home of the Specialty Center for the Arts, during the Secondary Fine Arts Showcase. Viewing times will be March 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and March 26 from noon to 4 p.m.
Art by students in the Chesterfield Virtual School and CCPSOnline will be on display 24/7 in online galleries at oneccps.org.
Performing arts
The Secondary Fine Arts Showcase will take place March 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and March 26 from noon to 4 p.m. at Thomas Dale High. In addition to displays of visual art, the Secondary Fine Arts Showcase will feature all-county musical performances in guitar, fiddle, jazz band and middle school band.
|
|
Through April 14, Nominate a Chesterfield Resident for Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame |
|
Nominations for Chesterfield's Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame close at midnight on April 14. Nomination forms can be submitted at https://tinyurl.com/a26yzaz2.
This program recognizes Chesterfield seniors who have shown outstanding volunteerism since turning the age of 60. To be eligible, nominees must reside in Chesterfield, but the service they provide can be performed outside the county.
Nominators can be neighbors, friends, churches, senior groups, non-profit service agencies, organizations and businesses. Anyone who can verify the nominee’s qualifications for recognition may nominate. The nominator is responsible for providing complete and accurate information regarding the individual’s service.
All nominees will be celebrated at an in-person event on June 6 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Career and Technical Center on Hull Street Rd.
|
|
Volunteers Needed for Self-Guided Trash
Pickups During Week of April 15-22
|
|
Want to contribute to your community in a meaningful way this Earth Day?
Chesterfield County is inviting volunteers to participate in self-guided trash cleanups at county parks during the week of April 15 to April 22. The cleanups can be done by individuals and groups at a time and location of your choice.
To sign up or for more information, email fieldl@chesterfield.gov or call 804-748-1920.
|
|
If You Have a Random Act of Kindness
Story, Please Share it With Us
|
|
In honor of Random Acts of Kindness Week 2023, Chesterfield is re-launching its Kindness campaign.
Random acts of kindness take place around the county every day – and we want to hear about (and celebrate) them. Whether it’s paying it forward in the coffee shop line or having kindness shown from a friend or stranger, stories of kindness can spread far and wide.
This initiative is focused on celebrating all of the thoughtful things citizens are already doing for each other, while also encouraging you to go out and do something kind for a friend, family member, neighbor, coworker or even someone you have never met before.
|
|
Chesterfield Health District Encourages
Residents to Complete Community Survey
|
|
The Chesterfield Health District is partnering with Bon Secours, Chesterfield County Public Schools, Chesterfield Human Services, La Casa de Salud, VCU, Immigration Nation LLC, Waymakers, YMCA, Latinos in Virginia Engagement (LIVE) Center and Southside Community Development & Housing Corporation to launch the Chesterfield Community Survey.
The Community Survey will gather information about the health and quality of life of all Chesterfield residents. The data collected will shine a light on the strengths and needs of the community and enable us to identify how these factors differ neighborhood by neighborhood.
|
|
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.
|
|
Concerned About Lead Paint in Your Home? Apply for Free Assessment and Abatement Program |
|
A child’s brain grows rapidly during the first five years of life. Research shows lead exposure can harm a child’s health and brain development.
Children can be directly exposed to this hazard if they live in an older home that contains old lead-based paint, typically built before 1978. Lead-based paint can peel and crack into tiny pieces creating dust that children breath in or swallow.
Fortunately, lead exposure is preventable.
Chesterfield County’s Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program was created to protect children five years and younger and expectant mothers from lead exposure. In partnership with our non-profit partner, project:HOMES, families may qualify for a free lead hazard assessment and household repairs to remove lead exposure from their homes. No county staff will enter your home. This program has serviced several homes and is currently repairing others in Chesterfield that have lead-based paint.
If you’re a caregiver of younger children in an older home, you may also qualify for this program. For more information, please contact Emily Hurley by emailing Emily.Hurley@projecthomes.org or calling 804-718-0517.
|
|
Chesterfield Offers Tax Exemption
for Rehabilitating Older Homes
|
|
Are you aware that Chesterfield County 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.
|
|
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:
✅ 2022 State of the County
✅ District update – Request your board member to speak
✅ Senior resources in Chesterfield - Office of Aging and Disability Services
✅ Chesterfield Cooperative Extension - Master Gardeners
✅ So much more.
|
|
Updates from Chesterfield County Public Schools |
|
Media Mentorship: Helping Kids and Families Navigate the Media Landscape
Technology and media are an ever-present part of children’s lives. Where should parents and
teachers turn for guidance? What does science say about helping kids learn and grow up to be healthy adults in this Digital Age?
Hear from Lisa Guernsey (author of “Screen Time” and co-author of “Tap, Click, Read: Growing Readers in a World of Screens”) and Faith Rogow (author of “Media
Literacy for Young Children: Teaching Beyond the Screen Time Debates”) at Media
Mentorship: Helping Kids and Families Navigate the Media Landscape, which takes place Thursday, March 30 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Career and Technical Center @ Hull.
|
|
Families may qualify for museum membership scholarships
Chesterfield residents whose household income is less than $40,000 per year or who qualify for Virginia SNAP benefits are eligible for scholarship memberships at the Children’s Museum. Click here to apply.
Scholarship memberships are made possible by the county’s Economic Development Authority. Membership is valid for downtown and Chesterfield locations and includes:
- Unlimited admissions for two adults and up to six children
- Early registration for events and programs
- Members only hours
- 10% off gift shop purchases
- 10% off birthday parties
- Members-only preview for new exhibits
- Reciprocal membership at 200 other children’s museums
|
|
Apply to Chesterfield County Government jobs.
Apply to Chesterfield County Schools jobs.
|
|
Learn More About Your District |
|
|
|
|
|
|
