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 Chesterfield Testing Confirms Water Remains Safe Following Fluoride Release in Richmond
 Last Wednesday, April 23, City of Richmond Water Treatment Plant personnel were performing a repair on their fluoride feed pump. Inadvertently, a higher-than-recommended concentration of fluoride was released into the distribution system. Chesterfield County Utilities Department was first alerted to a potential issue on Sunday night, April 27, at 8:13 p.m. by Chesterfield’s emergency management coordinator.
The Utilities Department staff immediately contacted City of Richmond Water Treatment Plant personnel to determine what, if any, impact this had on the county’s water supply. Initial reports indicated there were no issues at the plant. However, follow up discussions later into the evening confirmed maintenance activities on the fluoride pumps earlier in the week resulted in elevated fluoride levels leaving the plant. These were reported to have not exceeded the Primary Maximum Contaminant Level (PMCL) of 4.0 mg/L. Public health was not at risk and Chesterfield’s drinking water remained safe to consume.
First thing Monday morning, April 28, the Utilities Department expedited fluoride testing on all pending samples to gather as much data as possible and better understand the situation. Certified laboratory results for the concentration of fluoride were available by early Monday afternoon. Based on those results, no change in fluoride concentration occurred in Chesterfield County water until Friday, April 25. Prior to the incident, the City of Richmond had not been feeding fluoride due to the pump repair work needed.
The results showed fluoride levels from the previous week had not reached the threshold to pose a health concern and additional testing results showed fluoride levels were decreasing. Had it been determined that public health was in danger, the Utilities Department would have immediately issued an alert and taken additional action.
To reiterate: Throughout the event last week, Chesterfield’s drinking water was safe to consume and it remains so.
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 Mark your calendars! Chesterfield Outdoor Fest presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors Midlothian returns to the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds at noon on Saturday, May 31.
The second annual event will feature several exciting, new elements this year: the Richmond region’s first-ever Canicross 5k race, Ultimate Air Dogs, live music, a beer garden and an appearance from Chesterfield’s mascot, Cole.
"Whether you’re a resident or visitor, you are always close to something special in Chesterfield," said J.C. Poma, executive director of the county’s Sports, Visitation and Entertainment Department. "Chesterfield Outdoor Fest will help shine a spotlight on Chesterfield as a premier community and destination. We’re especially excited to build on the success of last year with new activities, expanded entertainment, and even more ways for families and outdoor enthusiasts to experience everything Chesterfield has to offer."
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In the News
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BOS Appropriates Funds for 5% Real Estate Tax Credit
At its April 23 meeting, the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors appropriated $15 million in previously designated reserve funds to provide a one-time 5% credit on first-half 2025 real estate tax bills. The credit will appear automatically on real estate tax bills due June 5 and does not require any action by property owners.
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Early Voting for Democratic Primary Begins This Friday
In-person early voting for the June 17 Democratic Party Primary Election begins this Friday, May 2, and continues until Saturday, June 14. Early voting will only be available at Central Library (7051 Lucy Corr Blvd.). Voting will be held in the large meeting room across from the Cooperative Extension office.
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 Monument to Fallen Miners Dedicated at County Park
During a memorial dedication April 22 at Mid-Lothian Mines Park, county officials and community members unveiled a stone monument adjacent to the ruins of the Grove Shaft coal mine – where 40 men tragically lost their lives in two underground explosions in the late 1800s.
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 Annual Triad Senior Day Takes Place Wednesday
Chesterfield Triad will host the annual Senior Day event Wednesday, April 30 at Southside Church of the Nazarene (6851 Courthouse Road). Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the program kicks off with a keynote address at 1. The resource fair with vendors, door prizes and music begins at 1:45 p.m.
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 Farmers Market Opens for 2025 Season on May 7
The Chesterfield County Farmers Market kicks off the 2025 season on Wednesday, May 7 at 11 a.m. The weekly market is held in the county government complex at 6701 Mimms Loop. A variety of vendors sell locally produced fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods and other items.
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 First Responders Honored with Bronze Star Medal
Fourteen members of the Virginia Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (VAHART), including six first responders from Chesterfield Fire and EMS, were presented the Virginia National Guard Bronze Star Medal Tuesday, April 22 at the Eanes-Pittman Public Safety Training Center.
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County's Hidden Gems: Alma Bella Academy
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Another Chesterfield Hidden Gem is out! Nestled in the heart of Enon, Alma Bella Academy is a hidden gem that offers a refreshing blend of artistry, community, and creativity. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this charming academy offers something special for anyone looking to explore their artistic side.
Learn more about Alma Bella Academy and our Hidden Gem series by visiting the Experience Chesterfield blog.
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Upcoming Events
Bermuda District Community Conversation
Monday, May 5, 2 p.m-4 p.m. at the Chester Library
Chesterfield Board of Supervisors Chair and Bermuda District Supervisor Jim Ingle will host a community conversation, providing Bermuda District residents the opportunity to discuss issues important to them, ask questions and brainstorm solutions. Registration is required.
Community Open House: Northern Route 10 Corridor Plan
Tuesday, May 6, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Beulah Recreation Center
Chesterfield's Planning Department staff are hosting an open house to present information about the draft Northern Route 10 Corridor Plan. Stop in and ask questions about the plan.
Broken Leg Theatre Presents Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka
Thursday, May 8 through Sunday, May 11 at the Perkinson Center
The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl's fantastical tale. Purchase tickets at the Perkinson Center's website.
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 Chesterfield Commemorates Vital Role in Revolutionary War 250 Years Later
Last Saturday, April 26, community members joined the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia and Parks and Recreation for “Shot Heard Round the World”, a Revolutionary War 250th Anniversary event. The celebration at Historic Eppington took place nearly 250 years to the day of when news of the Battle of Lexington and Concord broke to locals in the Virginia Gazette.
The hundreds of people in attendance enjoyed living history interpreters and demonstrations including a blacksmith, craftsmen, exhibitors, candle making, tin punch, storytellers, children's games and house tours.
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Chesterfield Behind the Mic
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 On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Jennifer Patterson of Human Services about her role as the county's Opioid Abatement Authority (OAA) administrator and how a new campaign called Reigniting Hope seeks to reach those battling substance use and offer potential solutions on a path forward.
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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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I'm a Shining Starr!
My name is Starr and the staff all say I'm just the sweetest gal! At around 8 years old, I got all of my wild years behind me and now I just want a calm, quiet life with early bedtimes. I'm sure some of you can relate? I really could care less about other dogs. I'll coexist fine but really just do my own thing. I already learned many of the necessities in dog life to include: "sit", "stay" and to really ham it up if I want a lot of treats.
I do have some mild arthritis in the rear but I'm getting around just fine. The shelter just isn't the place for me so it will probably be even better in a home-setting. I know I won't be everyone's top pick, but can I be yours?
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
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Parenting is hard, but Chesterfield County Mental Health Support Services offers resources to help, such as parenting classes, parent/family consultations and a class to raise awareness about the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Classes and consultations are both offered virtually and in-person.
If you are interested in a class or consultation or want class schedules and information, visit the county website. For questions, contact Prevention Services by email or call 804-768-7800.
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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:
✅ 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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Going Green at Bettie Weaver Elementary
A large group of students, teachers, parents and volunteers got a head start on Earth Day when they met April 13 at Bettie Weaver Elementary School to refurbish a large butterfly garden near the entrance.
The project received a $5,000 grant from the PTA to purchase plants and gardening equipment. Justin Woodruff, father of a Bettie Weaver Elementary student, provided the landscape design pro bono. Many members of the local community provided support for the landscaping project.
They planted hardy native and nativar plants that would offer nectar for pollinators, provide habitats and support local ecosystems.
Learn more about this special project and see more photos.
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Cosby High Goes Viral for National Library Week
For National Library Week (April 6-12), the Cosby High library team posted an Instagram reel that may have broken the school library internet. As of last Friday, the reel had more than 13.7 million views, more than 9,000 comments and nearly 760,000 likes.
“We just wanted to create a video to get our students laughing, highlight some new books, and hopefully draw more students to our page for library updates and events,” said Assistant Librarian Nina Beltran. “We were floored when the reel started to get so much attention!”
The humorous short drew responses from notable figures including actors, online influencers, politicians and authors. ESPN even shared the reel. Before the post, the library had fewer than 50 followers. Their account now has well over 10,000. “We hope that people see what a welcoming and joyful place the library is,” Nina said, “and that it is an integral part of the school community.”
Watch the viral short here.
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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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