My Community: Henrico
Tell us what's happening in Henrico County! Maybe there's a community event planned at your child's school, or youth recreation signups are under way. Is your club recruiting new members? Have you - or someone close to you - received an honor lately? Maybe your church is looking for volunteers for a service project. Let us know by posting your news. Send us your photos too. Click here to submit your post. Please keep your post related to the county.

It’s here!  Richmond has a new company offering free tutoring services.  The mission is to provide a positive learning experience through professionally supported learning services.  The tutoring is free and will improve grades, study habits, and test taking skills. 
Here are testimonials from children that have received the tutoring from ODLC:
…the impact of tutoring in my life was the difference between getting my diploma or a GED later in life…Danielle

…I’m happy I had someone to help me with my reading…I now have a B instead of a F…Jay

…who know I could really get an A by changing my study habits…Shawn

…tutoring helped my son gain the confidence he needed to ask questions in class to better understand what he was supposed to do…Al

...it boosted up my math grade to a higher grade…VJ

If you want to get involved, you can become a volunteer tutor and become apart of the group of people with the deep down satisfaction of really knowing they have helped the community in a very meaningful way.  The website is http://www.opendoorslearningcenter.org. The phone number is 804-432-4259

Anything from roof gardens to the use of native plants to environmentally-friendly products and accessories can be a form of eco-chic, keeping it simple is the name of the game. Monochromatic (different shades of the same color) color schemes in soothing shades of green, larger but fewer plants, bolder colors, foliage over flowers, “designer” vegetables, and mixing it up; for example, interspersing “edibles” with flowers. Although historically earth-friendly is defined in terms of reduce, reuse and recycle eco-chic takes earth-friendly a step further. It is a reflection of how we feel about the environment, not just as a lifestyle choice but a decorating style as well.” Sylvia Hoehns Wright, as a speaker for the national Green Festivals and garden columnist, challenges present-day gardeners to be a naturalist with a “waste not, want not” ecological commitment: a caretaker of the environmental community. To learn more about Wright’s activities, see her web site http://www.TheWrightScoop.com

It’s been called “the sandwich generation.”  People who may have put off having children to first establish their careers are caught in a squeeze:  raising young children while starting to face the worries of caring for aging, ailing parents.  Imagine the peace of mind a “sandwich generation” woman would have if she knew her elderly parents had a caring and reliable companion—someone to take them to doctors’ appointments, shop for their groceries, do their laundry and prepare their meals.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if someone could run their errands and take care of their non-medical needs?  Someone to provide the services that just might make it possible for seniors to remain in their own home.

Rejoice!  A new business, offering just those services, has opened in Richmond.  Home Helpers provides seniors with the extra help they need to manage their everyday life.  For one small monthly fee, Home Helpers Home Assistance Program can be arranged to fit individual needs, from morning “perk-up” to evening “tuck-in,” plus a variety of services in between.

Home Helpers is flexible.  A Home Helper Caregiver can be available on an hourly, daily or weekly basis, day or night.  Although senior citizens who are looking to remain independent in their own homes are ideal candidates for the services, Home Helpers also offers loving care to expecting/new mothers and those recovering from a recent illness or injury.  In fact, Home Helpers’ services can be tailored to meet anyone’s personal requirements.

All Home Helpers Caregivers are reliable professionals who have been thoroughly screened, bonded, background checked and formally oriented to each client’s specific needs.  All Home Helpers Caregivers are employees, not subcontractors, and they are all bonded and insured.

“In a society where family members sometimes live hundreds of miles from each other, Home Helpers can step in to fill the role of a good neighbor,” says Richard Muth, Owner.  “Because our customers decide how often and when they need us, Home Helpers is an affordable and convenient choice.”

The two owners of the new local Home Helpers office are Richard Muth and Christopher Berney.  Mr. Muth has lived in the Richmond area for 20 years.  In 2005 he received an unexpected phone call that his father had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.  His father’s treatment over the next year included 6 cycles of chemotherapy and an intense treatment of stem-cell therapy, which required full time companionship during recovery.  “For one year, my mother dedicated her entire life to my father’s recovery, providing constant companionship and care” says Mr. Muth.  “Unable to take any time for herself, and too proud to ask my sister and I for help, I realized how valuable it would be to have a trusted, on-demand companionship service that my mother could reach out to for help.”

The other owner, Mr. Berney has a passion for helping people live more comfortably, stemming from his grandparents.  Seeing first-hand their desire to continue their lives in the home they’ve lived in for six decades, but their struggle to be able to easily handle the tasks they’ve been through in that time, caused him to seek out a business that could help those in a similar situation.  “I know my grandparents want the freedom to live their lives how they want, I know how I want them to be treated, and I think everyone deserves that no matter how much or how little help they need,” says Mr. Berney.  “It’s because of that, I decided to establish Home Helpers in the Richmond area.”

Home Helpers is a national company with corporate offices in Cincinnati, Ohio.  For more information regarding services available locally, please call (804) 864-4258 and check out our service offerings online at http://www.HomeHelpers.CC (as in Conscientious Caregivers).

Giant Yard Sale
Sept 15.2007
Giant Yard Sale at 2502 Merle St. Richmond, VA 23231 Sat. Sept. 15, 2007. Furniture, baby items glassware and much more. Sale starts at 8.00 am until last item sold.

Lakeside Presbyterian Church Weekday Preschool has spaces available for their Fall Festival. The Festival is September 29th from 10:00 to 2:00. There will also be live entertainment by Betsy Q, Children’s games, Silent auction and a food and bake sale. For more information please call the school at 261-7942.

Promise Care Child Development Center is celebrating its 10th yr by having an Open House 9/7 from 5-7pm. There will be food/beverages and an auction/gifts. We are located at 1515 Eastridge Rd. Richmond,Va. 23229. Please call 804-288-2098 for more information.

Virginia Crossings Resort, a AAA Four Diamond property located just outside of Richmond, Virginia, was awarded the 2007 “Clean Business Award” from Henrico County Fairfield District.  Tom Cupo, General Manager of Virginia Crossings Resort, accepted the award on behalf of the entire staff on June 26th at the Henrico County Board of Supervisors building.

“One of our primary goals is to be an integral, positive part of this community.  This includes doing our part to conserve Henrico County’s natural resources,” states Mr. Cupo.

The Clean Business Award is presented each year to local businesses who demonstrate outstanding landscaping projects, sufficient trash receptacles and recycling efforts.  There is one award winner in each of the five magisterial districts in Henrico County.  A Clean Business Award sign will be placed on Virginia Crossings Resort property for a 30 day period by the Department of Public Works. 

Organized in 1980, The “Keep Henrico Beautiful” program offers county residents of all ages litter prevention and recycling programs, environmental education resources and volunteer opportunities. http://www.co.henrico.va.us/utility/khbeautiful

Virginia Crossings Resort (http://www.virginiacrossingsresort.com) is central Virginia’s premier, full-service resort.  Managed by Benchmark Hospitality International, the resort is located just 15 minutes north of downtown Richmond, VA on 20 + acres of flourishing landscaped campus grounds.  With design inspiration courtesy of Virginia’s rich colonial history, Virginia Crossings Resort features 183 spacious master guestrooms and suites, 25,000 square feet of well-appointed function space, 18 holes of championship golf, activity Glen and multiple dining outlets.  Our newly renovated fitness center opened in March 2007.

Benchmark Hospitality International, an independent hospitality management company based in The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, operates resorts, conference centers, hotels and condominium resorts both domestically and internationally.  For locations of Benchmark Hospitality properties and for additional information, visit Benchmark’s Website at http://www.benchmarkhospitality.com.

For general information contact:
Jean Mackay Vinson
(757) 366-5711
jvinson@benchmarkhospitality

The article referred to is located here

Hi,

I think it really stinks that these young people in Henrico County are not allowed to drink.  None of the 22 charged were under 18 yet they get charged with drinking underage.  The young people at those ages are old enough to die in war for us and we don’t allow them a private party to drink a little alcohol. Do you folks in Henrico have so little to be concerned about that you have to pick on legal adults for having a drink.  Do you ask the soldiers when they come back from Iraq or Afghanistan if they’ve had alcohol while they’re fighting for your freedom? Please busy body old parents who want to be young again and mad because they can’t. Give these young folks a break already.  The article stated that they were at a private house drinking and none of them were under 18.

Thanks,
Ron Guill
Richmond,VA

Virginia Crossings Resort, a AAA Four Diamond property located just outside of Richmond, Virginia, was awarded the 2007 “Clean Business Award” from Henrico County Fairfield District.

Tom Cupo, General Manager of Virginia Crossings Resort, accepted the award on behalf of the entire staff on June 26th at the Henrico County Board of Supervisors building.

“One of our primary goals is to be an integral, positive part of this community.  This includes doing our part to conserve Henrico County’s natural resources,” states Mr. Cupo.

The Clean Business Award is presented each year to local businesses who demonstrate outstanding landscaping projects, sufficient trash receptacles and recycling efforts.  There is one award winner in each of the five magisterial districts in Henrico County.  A Clean Business Award sign will be placed on Virginia Crossings Resort property for a 30 day period by the Department of Public Works. 

Organized in 1980, The “Keep Henrico Beautiful” program offers county residents of all ages litter prevention and recycling programs, environmental education resources and volunteer opportunities.

Henrico resident and native New Kent County resident, Sharon L. Pajka-West celebrated earning the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in English Education from the University of Virginia during the Commencement Exercises on May twentieth. Dr. Pajka-West currently commutes to Washington, D.C. where she is an assistant professor at Gallaudet University.

Kathi Marks a native of Richmond, is currently working for Henrico Recreation and Parks as a Dance Teacher. Kathi has been asked to join the Dance Masters team as Director of Fine Arts. For information please contact Kathi via email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Elisabeth C Trucksess was inducted into the Alpha Iota Beta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College on 03/24/2007.

Trucksess, from Glen Allen, majoring in Sociology/Social Science, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Farrow, Jr. of Glen Allen.

Established in 1918 by two-year college presidents, Phi Theta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious honor society serving two-year colleges around the world.  The Society serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership and service programming. Students must rank in the top 20% of the class to be invited to membership in Phi Theta Kappa and must maintain high academic standing during their enrollment in the two-year college. Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 1.7 million members and 1,100 chapters located in 50 United States, United States territories, Canada, and Germany. In 1929, the American Association of Community Colleges recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges. The Society holds membership in the prestigious Association of College Honor Societies as the general scholarship honor society representing two-year colleges.

James Rettig, the university librarian at University of Richmond, recently was elected president of the 64,000-member American Library Association in nationwide vote.

After serving a year as president-elect, Rettig will take office in July 2008, becoming the chief elected officer of the world’s oldest and largest library organization. ALA’s mission is promoting highest-quality library and information services and public access to information.

A resident of Williamsburg, Rettig joined University of Richmond in 1998.

My-Lan Tran of the Virginia Asian American Community , and a resident since the last eleven years of Henrico County, has been selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as the recipient of the Minority Small business Champion Award of the Year for both Virginia and also for SBA’s Region III ( which is made up by Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia) She will be honored by the US Small Business Administration on Friday May 18, 2007 at the Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia.

The Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce (VACC) is very proud to learn that Ms. Tran has been selected by SBA for the award and further, very proud to be a close affiliation with Ms. Tran since its inception, with respect to the empowerment of the Asian community specifically, and to the empowerment of the minority community at large.

During the past three years, besides fulfilling her full time duties as a Program Manger for the City of Richmond’s Office of the Minority Development, Ms. Tran has tirelessly devoted her personal time during evenings, weekends and even vacation time to support VACC as well as other minority organizations, especially with the minority and small business enterprises, and to ensure that minority businesses are to be equally treated for opportunities and advancements.

This dedication to the Minority Cause is unmatchable and VACC is grateful to Ms. Tran’s contributions, making VACC a strong organization as it has been for the last three years.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and hundreds of members throughout the State of Virginia, I wish to congratulate Ms. Tran for such a high honor and further wish her with continuous success in both career and her passion to serve the minority communities in the State of Virginia.

First off, sorry it has been so long since I have written. We have been busy converting our new site, inRich.com.

After working on bolstering the DiscoverRichmond.com site for almost a year now, we have accumulated photos and videos of many of the Richmond area’s best attractions.  I decided to post highlighted photo tours of selected Henrico County attractions, historic sites and parks that we have visited.  I’d have to say—as a Henrico resident—that the county has many fine offerings, more than I expected.  However, in doing some research and reading on Henrico, it is surprising that there are so few sites on the list of National & State Historic Registers for Henrico County.

Beth Elon
Clark-Palmore House
Flood Marker of 1771
Henrico Theatre
Laurel Industrial School Historic District
Malvern Hill
Meadow Farm
Rocky Mills
Tree Hill
Walkerton
Woodside

We have visited only three linked above. It seems to me there should be more sites registered.  Henrico is one of the most storied and historic areas in the commonwealth, and it is one of the first areas settled in Virginia.  I guess I need to do more reading to understand what it takes to qualify for the list and I fully admit my ignorance on this topic.  No J.E.B. Stuart monument?  No Bloomendaal?  What about St. Chrysostom Church at St. Jospeh’s Villa?  Those all seem worthy to me.  Someone please enlighten me on this.

Phil Riggan
DiscoverRichmond.com

The Forest Ridge Subdivision (off of Ridge Road) in the West End is turning 50!  If you lived in this wonderful neighborhood at some point in the past 50 years then come and celebrate with the current residents (and past residents) of Forest Ridge on Saturday, June 23, 2007.  Contact Barbara to RSVP and for more information, including location, at 741-1688.

EVERYONE IS INVITED!

JOIN US FOR FUN & GAMES at our SPRING FESTIVAL! 
Kid’s Crafts——Face Painting——Fire Trucks—-Moonwalk——Health Screening——Food

Special Appearance by Jonathan Austin, Juggle Extraordinaire!
Saturday, April 28,    10:00 AM—2:00 PM

At Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church
9801 Fort King Drive
Richmond, VA (Henrico County)
(804) 270-2869
http://www.saumc.us

Many of you have already seen and read about this monument and historic site of The Battle of Yellow Tavern in a recent “WHAT’S THIS?” that we posted. That article has proven to be the second most popular article in March on the DiscoverRichmond.com website, behind only Richmond Quiz #6. That is surpising, as I didn’t think that many people would A) know is existed; and B) really care that much. Thanks for checking it out, and I hope you learned something.

As for the site, it was interesting for me to learn about Telegraph Road, the actual road where the monument is located. The building of Route 1 and later I-295 have reduced this section of the road to just a simple narrow neighborhood street, but at one time this was one of the main routes to Washington from Richmond. So much history, so little time to learn it all.

Phil Riggan
DiscoverRichmond.com

The ninth annual Kite Festival at Dorey Park on Saturday was a blast! My family and I went out to the event, held in eastern Henrico County, to do something different and get out in the great weather we had this weekend. My two small kids really enjoyed the kites and the activities (though waiting in line for 20 minutes for one slip down a blow-up slide will never seem worth the time). The displays by the Richmond Air Force kite club were extremely cool and I’m quite impressed with what people can do with some string, sticks, cloth and wind. If you have never been to a kite festival of any kind, I recommend it highly. I’ve played soccer at Dorey Park many times over the years and it is almost always windy out there—perfect for kite-flying. The RAF meets out there the first Sunday of each month, so maybe you could sneak a peak another time.

See a photo slideshow from the festival. The video I shot would be better, but I’m not sure what I shot would be up to the standard of most of the video we post on our websites.

Phil Riggan
DiscoverRichmond.com

BTW: (See the preview article from the Weekend section)

Want to tell our Virginia National Guard troops you support them?  The Glen Allen Ruritan and Exchange Clubs will host the 6th Annual Armed Forces Day on Saturday, May 19th at the CrossRidge Shopping Center.  A collection of items for “care packages” will be made, packed and shipped to units in Iraq and Kosovo.  Banners will be available for the public to sign and a monetary collection will be made.  Postage is needed as well as funds to support Red Cross activities at McGuire Veterans Hospital as well as other activities.

The event is 11:00-4:00 in front of Ukrop’s.  For additional information, contact Matt Davidson at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 257-9605.  Also online at http://www.glenallenruritan.org.  Our troops support us everyday, let’s all show our support to them this one day.

St. Chrysostom Church, a community church in the Anglican tradition and a parish of the United Episcopal Church of North America, 8000 Brook Road at St. Jospeh’s Villa. Call: 559-2690 or StChrysostom-UEC.org.

A blustery day produced a fine view of this church, located on the scenic St. Jospeh’s Villa campus in central Henrico County.

Phil Riggan
DiscoverRichmond.com