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 Learn More About the Grid-Scale Fusion Energy Plant Planned in Chesterfield
 At a press event at the state Capitol last Tuesday, Dec. 17, Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) announced the location for its first fusion energy plant: Chesterfield County.
CFS will independently finance, build, own, and operate the facility, which it has named ARC. The company expects ARC to generate about 400 megawatts of power starting in the early 2030s and to operate for at least 20 years. Upon completion, it will mark the first time fusion power is made available in the world at grid scale, with enough production to power about 150,000 homes.
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In the News
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County Government Offices Closed Tuesday-Wednesday
Please be aware that all Chesterfield County government offices, courts, libraries and convenience centers will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 24 and 25, in observance of Christmas. All but the courts will reopen on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 26 under normal operating hours.
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County Launching School Zone Speed Camera Program
Chesterfield is introducing school zone speed enforcement cameras to protect students and enhance road safety. These cameras will be installed in multiple school zones to ensure drivers follow posted speed limits in active school zones, creating a safer environment for children.
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 LaPrade Library Closing for Renovations on Dec. 31
LaPrade Library will close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, for staff to begin packing up equipment and materials ahead of planned renovations, which will include expanded meeting spaces and creation of an outdoor learning area. The improved library is expected to reopen winter 2025-2026.
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 Purchase Holiday Gifts from Chesterfield's Online Store
Help us highlight why Chesterfield is the best community to live, work, play and learn by showing off your county-branded items. Proceeds from all sales will help fund county employee appreciation events. There is no better time to start shopping and showcasing Chesterfield!
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Use Our Interactive Map to Find Holiday Light Displays Across Chesterfield
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 It's one of the most wonderful times of the year and Chesterfield knows how to get festive! Grab your family and friends and take a tour through the joyful Chesterfield holiday lights from the comfort of your own vehicle. Access our interactive map to help you plan your route.
If you're looking for upcoming holiday events, visit our blog to find events that'll get you in the holiday spirit in no time
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Upcoming Events
Parent Cafe
Friday, Dec. 27 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at North Courthouse Road Library
Indulge in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Savor a fresh cup of coffee and make some new friends while your child colors and plays with toys.
Anime Club
Monday, Dec. 30 from 6-7 p.m. at North Courthouse Road Library
Do you love anime and manga and want to meet more people with your same interest? Watch and read as a group in a fun and friendly environment.
Board of Supervisors Organizational Meeting
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 6 p.m. at the Public Meeting Room
The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors will convene to elect a chair and vice chair, then approve its meeting dates for calendar year 2025.
The Legend of the Poinsettia
Friday, Jan. 10 through Sunday, Jan. 12 at the Perkinson Center
Join the Latin Ballet of Virginia for a festive journey through Latin American holiday traditions that will warm your heart and spirit.
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Chesterfield On Point
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 The holiday season is a reindeer’s time to shine. While Chesterfield may not have reindeer, a similarly majestic species of animal has called the county home for more than a century.
A herd of elk two dozen strong – 17 females and seven males – still resides today at Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), a military logistics installation that covers 611 acres along Chesterfield’s northern Route 1 corridor.
“We’re the only Department of Defense facility in the world that is permitted to exhibit wildlife, so we’re really proud of that,” said Jimmy Parrish, a facility engineer at DSCR who has worked with the elk for 21 years as part of the installation management team.
The story of how they got here at all is one for the history books.
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Chesterfield Behind the Mic
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 On a special episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, check out the live recording of the State of the County 2024 presentation, which was delivered via a live podcast recording at the Chesterfield Chamber meeting Dec. 11. It included a panel consisting of County Administrator Dr. Joe Casey, Deputy County Administrator Jesse Smith, Procurement Director Stephanie Brown and Social Media Coordinator Katie Cominsky. You can watch the full video here or check out the 2024 highlight video here.
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Every Monday, This Week in Chesterfield points residents to fun, exciting and interesting things going on around their community.
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 Chesterfield Behind the Mic is an audio and video podcast focusing on the people, stories and happenings of #Cfield.
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 Subscribe to our Chesterfield on Point blog to stay informed about a variety of topics and events important to the community.
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Adoptable Pet Spotlight
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Introducing Jack Frost!
He's one smart cookie. Jack Frost knows tricks -- how to sit and jump to catch treats! He loves to stay busy and be given tasks to do.
He seemed to do well with other dogs after a slower introduction. He is on the dominant side, so he may clash with another dominant dog. He's a Shepherd mix, around 2 years old, and weighs 45 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.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays. Our shelter is located at 9300 Public Works Road.
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Resources and Useful Information
Report Illicit Discharges to County's Storm Sewer System
Chesterfield’s stormwater ordinance prohibits unmanaged and intentional non-stormwater discharges to the county’s storm sewer system including the disposal of leaves. 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 Chesterfield County website.
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Get Accurate, 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.
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Request a Speaker Today!
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:
✅ State of the County
✅ District update – Request your board member to speak
✅ Preparing for an emergency - Emergency Management
✅ Senior resources in Chesterfield - Office of Aging and Disability Resources
✅ Chesterfield Cooperative Extension - Master Gardeners
✅ So much more
Request a speaker online.
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Helping Others is a Tradition at Manchester High
For 20 years, math teacher Lauren Murray and her band of elves have made holidays especially merry around Manchester High School. Each of those years, families connected to the school have received gifts and food to brighten their winter break.
This year, Manchester High’s Angel Tree Project is helping about 60 children in 27 families.
“L4L,” Murray says. That stands for Lancers for Life and represents the strong community connecting Manchester High teachers, staff, students, families and alumni. Read more about the program.
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Music Teachers Recognized by VCU
Virginia Commonwealth University recently honored two music teachers in Chesterfield County Public Schools:
- VCU selected Jamie Barrack as the 2024 Outstanding Music Educator. He teaches chorus at Meadowbrook High. This award is given for innovative and exemplary practice in music education, having a transformative impact on the profession and reflecting the core values of the VCU Music Education program in seeking to better the individual human condition through music education.
- VCU selected Caroline Gryder for the 2024 VCU Outstanding Music Educator Young Alumni Award. She is the music teacher at Bellwood Elementary — and a former student of Jamie Barrack! The young alumni award is given for exemplary practice as a young music educator, impacting her school and broader community, emerging as a leader in the profession and reflecting the core values of the VCU Music Education program.
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Explore career opportunities in Chesterfield and join our team of dedicated professionals in Government and Public Schools—apply today to shape our community’s future.
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Discover who represents you in Chesterfield and learn more about your magisterial district to stay connected and informed.
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