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 County leaders gathered Saturday, Oct. 10 with representatives of the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia, Daughters of the American Revolution and community members to unveil a historic marker at the site of the Chesterfield Barracks and dedicate a commemorative brick walkway honoring the people who served there.
At the recommendation of Gov. Thomas Jefferson, the Continental Army established a training barracks for recruits at Chesterfield Courthouse. Throughout the brutal winter of 1780-81, a hospital, manufactories, storehouses and 160 huts for quartering troops were constructed on what is now the county’s historic courthouse green.
About 1,100 soldiers from across Virginia lived and trained at the barracks, which came to be known as “the Valley Forge of the South.” Many went on to fight in battles that changed the course of the war in the south; others served at the Siege of Yorktown, eventually helping to force British Gen. Cornwallis to surrender in October 1781.
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The southern section of the Fall Line Trail is one step closer to completion.
At a ceremonial groundbreaking Wednesday, Oct. 7, county, regional and state officials joined the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to mark the start of construction on the 9.5-mile project, which will begin at Route 10 and follow an abandoned railroad corridor through southern Chesterfield before crossing the Appomattox River and terminating at Petersburg’s Patton Park.
“Today is about much more than breaking ground on the trail,” said Kevin Carroll, vice chair of the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors (Matoaca District). “We're breaking ground on an opportunity to connect our communities, encourage healthy lifestyles, support local businesses, and create a lasting asset for the future. It’s a transformational project.”
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In the News
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Spooktacular! Returns with Huge Halloween Celebration
Join Chesterfield Parks and Recreation for Spooktacular! on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 6-8:30 p.m. at River City Sportsplex. Put on your Halloween costume and enjoy a fun, family-friendly evening filled with free candy, food vendors, music, bounce houses, photo booths, glitter tattoos, haunted train rides and more.
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Oct. 15 Community Meeting Focused on Mall's Future
Chesterfield Board of Supervisors Chair and Midlothian District Supervisor Mark Miller will host a community meeting Thursday, Oct. 15 from 6-8 p.m. at James River High School, giving attendees an opportunity to ask questions, share input, and view a presentation on the future of Chesterfield Towne Center.
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Explore Coal Mining History at Mid-Lothian Mines Day
Experience Chesterfield's early coal mining history Saturday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mid-Lothian Mines and Railroad Park. Activities include guided trolley tours, musical performances, coal mining and railroad exhibits, living history and children's activities. Parking and admission are free and concessions will be available for purchase.
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Learn About '1 For Schools' at Oct. 19 Virtual Meeting
Chesterfield will hold a second virtual community meeting next week to present information about the “1 For Schools” 1% sales tax referendum that is on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. Staff will provide an overview of the referendum and break down the proposed school projects via Facebook Live on Monday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m.
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Community Forum on Data Centers Takes Place Oct. 27
Chesterfield County will host a community forum Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Brightpoint Community College’s Chester Campus to provide residents with information about data centers. Following a panel discussion, community members will have an opportunity to ask questions directly to subject matter experts.
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Annual Veterans Day Event Scheduled for Nov. 11
Chesterfield and the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia invite the public to attend the annual Veterans Day Ceremony Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. The ceremony will once again be held at the county fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Road. The theme of this year’s event is “America 250: Revolutionary Resilience and Resolve."
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Upcoming Events
Movie Night at the Airport: The Rocketeer
Saturday, Oct. 17, 5:30-9:30 p.m. at Chesterfield County Airport
Attend an open house and free showing of the movie The Rocketeer. Aircraft and displays will be available beginning at 5:30 p.m. The movie will begin at 7:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to sit on. Food will be available to purchase from food trucks onsite. No pets, outside food or drinks will be allowed. In case of rain, the movie will be postponed.
Zoso the Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience
Saturday, Oct. 17, 6:30-10 p.m. at Pocahontas State Park
Celebrating 31 years of touring in 2026, Zoso has become one of the most iconic and respected Led Zeppelin tribute experiences in the world, having played over 4,900 shows in all 50 states and internationally. Returning to open is local favorite, Hold The Line RVA, a Richmond-based high-energy southern rock, country, alternative and dance music cover band.
Dia de los Muertos Festival
Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Perkinson Center
Presented in partnership with the Latin Ballet of Virginia, this vibrant, family-friendly festival invites the community to experience the beauty and traditions of Día de los Muertos through dance, music, art, food, and hands-on activities for all ages. It's a time to celebrate life and honor the memory of loved ones. Come experience a day filled with color, creativity and culture.
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Unfunded Mandates Drive Up Costs for Chesterfield and Other Local Governments Across Virginia
Every year, Chesterfield spends millions of local tax dollars complying with various unfunded mandates.
What is an unfunded mandate? It’s a state or federal requirement that comes with a cost either partially or fully borne by the locality.
Because Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, its local governments possess no powers beyond those explicitly given to them by the General Assembly. Localities can do only things the state allows and must do things the state requires.
Learn about a few of the 840 different requirements listed in Virginia's Catalog of State and Federal Mandates on Local Government.
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Chesterfield Behind the Mic
On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we do our annual drop in on the ongoing high school football season and see where things stand for the area’s teams at the midway point in the season, then take a look at what’s ahead the rest of the way.
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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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Say Hello to Laffy Taffy!
Laffy Taffy is a friendly and curious Hound. She is a spayed female who is around 8 months old and weighs about 40 lbs. Laffy Taffy loves to zoom around and play with other dogs. During her time here at the shelter, she has learned about toys and thinks they are so much fun! Like all hounds, she follows her nose and loves when it leads her to food. She enjoys treats of all kinds. She is still a puppy so she will need some basic training, but that will make bonding with her that much more enjoyable. If you are in the mood for a sweet treat, Laffy Taffy is just the girl for you.
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
'1 For Schools' Referendum Will Be on Nov. 3 Election Ballot
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, Chesterfield County voters will be asked whether the county should be authorized to levy an additional local retail sales tax of up to 1 percentage point.
If voters approve the referendum, the Board of Supervisors could then adopt an ordinance to levy the tax. Revenue from the tax could be used only for qualifying capital projects involving the construction or major renovation of public schools serving Chesterfield County. The tax would expire July 22, 2046.
If the additional sales tax is implemented, the Board has signaled it would consider a reduction of 2 cents in the real estate tax rate and 10 cents in the personal property tax rate.
Have questions about the referendum, proposed projects or how the funding could be used? Email the 1 for Schools team.
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October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Chesterfield County Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center works closely with state, county and community agencies, serving as the hub of the county's coordinated community response to domestic and sexual violence.
The Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center, located within the Chesterfield Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courthouse, provides direct services to victims of intimate partner and/or sexual violence, such as civil and criminal justice advocacy, court accompaniment, crisis intervention, individual counseling, protective order assistance, risk assessment, safety planning, service provider referrals, and support groups.
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Chesterfield Residents, Help is a Click Away
The Chesterfield Health District is one of 35 health districts, made up of 119 local health departments under the Virginia Department of Health. It serves the counties of Chesterfield, Powhatan and the city of Colonial Heights to include more than 430,000 residents.
Simply enter your ZIP code at FindHelpVA to search for free or low-cost programs near you and get help with healthcare, housing, food, and more.
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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
✅ So much more
Request a speaker online.
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Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Get your weekly dose of Chesterfield news by signing up for Happening in Chesterfield.
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 Special Olympics Celebrates Chesterfield High Schools
Special Olympics recently honored Cosby High, James River High and Midlothian High as National Banner Unified Champion Schools. This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding commitment to creating a culture where inclusion, acceptance, respect, leadership and friendship are embedded throughout the school community.
Dedicated clubs at each school build inclusion and connect students with and without disabilities. They offer unified sports, with trained coaches, in at least two seasons. Chesterfield high schools offer bocce and track as unified sports. Students also play and cheerlead in the Medford League, a countywide basketball organization for students with disabilities.
 Hening Elementary Students Experiment with Popcorn
Kindergartners at Hening Elementary engaged their five senses in a carnival setting Oct. 2. Popcorn was at the center of seeing, hearing, smelling, touching and — of course! — tasting at the memorable lesson. Resource teachers partnered with kindergarten teachers as classes rotated through learning stations in the school cafeteria.
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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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