Chesterfield County Community Insider Weekly Newsletter

Hope everybody’s having a great week! We’ve got another packed edition of the Chesterfield County Community Insider for you, with everything from two brand-new elementary schools opening their doors to storm cleanup, upcoming events, local news, and a whole lot more.

We’ve also got a pretty great feel-good story this week—29 pets found new homes through Chesterfield County Animal Services! 🐾❤️

So grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s catch up on what’s happening around Chesterfield.

Stay cool and have a great week!

Matt

Chesterfield County Police are investigating an early-morning shooting on the campus of Virginia State University that left one person injured yesterday.

Officers were called to the area of Boisseau Street and Third Avenue in Ettrick around 4:14 a.m. Tuesday. Police found the victim at a nearby business suffering from a gunshot wound.

The victim was taken to an area hospital and, fortunately, the injuries are considered non-life-threatening.

Police are still working to determine what led up to the shooting, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone who may have information is asked to contact Chesterfield County Police at 804-748-1251, Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660, or submit information through the P3 app.

We'll keep an eye out for any additional details as investigators work to piece together what happened.

Those strong storms that rolled through the area left behind quite a mess in parts of Chesterfield County.

Downed trees and power lines were reported in several areas, and on the 9200 block of Winterpock Road, a tree actually fell onto a home. The good news is that no injuries were reported.

Residents cleaning up after the storm should be especially careful around any downed electrical lines. Always assume a fallen power line is live, keep your distance, and report it to the appropriate authorities or utility company.

Officials are also reminding residents dealing with outages to turn off or unplug appliances before electricity is restored. That can help protect electronics and appliances from potential power surges when the lights come back on.

It's a big start to the school year for families in two parts of Chesterfield County.

The county recently celebrated the opening of the new Deep Creek Elementary School and Bensley Elementary School, giving local students and teachers modern new spaces designed around learning, creativity and connection.

Both schools are ready to welcome students as the new school year gets underway.

New schools are obviously about much more than new buildings. They're places where thousands of Chesterfield kids will learn, make friends, discover new interests and create memories for years to come.

The openings represent another major investment in Chesterfield's growing school system and should be especially exciting for the families, teachers and staff who will call these new campuses home.

Here's wishing the students and staff at both schools a great first year in their new digs! 🎒

Hi, it’s Matt your page sponsor! I specialize in buying houses just as they are—no repairs, no commissions, no hidden fees. Whether you’re dealing with an unexpected move, inherited property, or just want to skip the hassle of the traditional process, I’m here to help.

I’ll make you a fair cash offer, handle all the details, and close quickly so you can move forward stress-free.

📞 Call me, Matt, at 804-600-4774, and let’s turn your house into cash—fast, easy, and hassle-free!

If you regularly travel through the Alverser Drive and Old Buckingham Road area, here's a meeting you'll want to know about.

Chesterfield Transportation is holding a public hearing Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Midlothian Middle School regarding the proposed Alverser Drive at Old Buckingham Road Roundabout project.

The meeting gives residents an opportunity to learn more about what's being proposed, ask questions and provide feedback before the project moves forward.

Transportation projects like this can have a real impact on nearby neighborhoods and anyone who uses the roads regularly, so this is a good opportunity to hear the plans firsthand rather than waiting until construction begins.

If you live or work nearby—or simply travel through that intersection frequently—consider stopping by and making your voice heard.

Three years after Chesterfield Fire and EMS Captain Jason “Wee Man” Ware lost his life, his family, friends, fellow firefighters and community are making sure his memory lives on.

Ware was a 20-year veteran of Chesterfield County Fire and EMS who died in a car crash on August 11, 2023, while on his way to work. He left a lasting impact on both the department and the community he served.

That impact could be seen again as people gathered in Chester for the third annual Wee Man Walk, remembering Jason while celebrating the life he lived.

The annual walk begins at Three Leg Run Brewery in Chester and brings together coworkers, loved ones and community members who want to honor one of Chesterfield's own.

Three years may have passed, but the turnout and continued tradition show that Jason hasn't been forgotten.

It's a meaningful tribute to a local firefighter who dedicated two decades of his life to serving others. ❤️

Now here's some good news to finish things off.

Chesterfield County Animal Services recently celebrated a fantastic adoption day, with 29 pets heading home with their new families. 🏡

That's 29 dogs, cats and other furry friends getting a fresh start—and plenty of Chesterfield households gaining a new member of the family.

County officials thanked everyone who helped make the successful event possible, including the families who chose to adopt as well as the volunteers, staff members and vendors who put in the work behind the scenes.

Adoption events like this can make a big difference for a local shelter. Every successful adoption not only gives an animal a home but also creates space and resources to help the next animal that comes through the doors.

So congratulations to all 29 newly adopted pets—and to the Chesterfield families who probably have a little more fur on the furniture this week. 🐾

🍅 Chesterfield County Farmers Market

Date: Wednesday, August 12 & Wednesday, August 19
Time: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Chesterfield County Farmers Market, 6701 Mimms Loop, Chesterfield
Details: Shop fresh produce, baked goods, local food, horticultural products and other items from area farmers and vendors. The market runs every Wednesday through September 30.

🐾 Caterpillar Club: Animal Clues

Date: Thursday, August 13
Time: 10:00–11:00 AM
Location: Pocahontas State Park — playground by the Aquatic Complex
Details: A nature program geared toward ages 3–5, although the whole family is welcome. This week's "Animal Clues" program lets little detectives explore the park while learning how to identify signs left behind by local wildlife. Dress for the weather.

🏄 Introduction to Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Date: Saturday, August 15
Time: 10:00 AM–Noon
Location: Henricus Historical Park
Details: Here’s a sporting option for anyone who wants to get out on the water. Chesterfield County Parks & Recreation instructors teach basic paddling techniques and water-safety skills. Ages 8+, with an adult required for participants ages 8–14. Listed price is $10.

🏹 Archery: Aiming Basics

Date: Saturday, August 15
Time: 9:30 AM–Noon
Location: Rockwood Nature Center
Details: Beginning archers can work on form and body mechanics through stretches, drills and live-range practice. Equipment is provided, although participants who have their own gear may be able to use it with instructor approval. The class is for ages 9+ and requires completion of Archery Intro and Form Basics within the past year. Listed cost is $20.

🪕 Pocahontas Premieres Mini Bluegrass Festival

Date: Saturday, August 15
Time: 6:00–10:00 PM
Location: Heritage Amphitheater at Pocahontas State Park, 10301 State Park Road, Chesterfield
Details: One of the bigger entertainment picks of the week. The Mini Bluegrass Festival features Josh Grigsby and County Line, Tara Mills Band, Garden Variety String Band, and David Wade and Black Mountain. Admission is listed at $20 per person, with children 5 and under free. Gates open an hour before the show, and the regular park parking fee applies.

🏃 PRoject Speed Community Track Session

Date: Tuesday, August 18
Time: 6:00–7:00 AM
Location: Swift Creek Middle School
Details: Early risers can get in a structured track workout with other local runners. The Tuesday-morning sessions welcome runners of different abilities, with participants able to follow their own workout or team up for intervals. The August 18 session is the final scheduled date of the summer series and is listed as free.

🎨 Paint & Sip: Lightning Bugs in a Jar

Date: Wednesday, August 19
Time: 1:00–3:00 PM
Location: Ettrick Recreation Center
Details: Participants will paint a nighttime landscape featuring glowing lightning bugs inside a mason jar. All painting supplies are provided. The Chesterfield County Parks & Recreation activity is listed at $25; check registration availability before attending.

📜 Your Life, Your Legacy: Estate Planning Made Simple

Date: Thursday, August 20
Location: Chesterfield Baptist Church
Details: Local attorney David G. Moss leads an approachable introduction to wills, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, transfer-on-death deeds and other estate-planning basics. The session is geared toward adults 50+ and is designed for people with no previous legal knowledge.

🥁 CultureFest: Korean Drumming & Dance

Date: Friday, August 21
Time: 3:30–4:30 PM
Location: Children's Museum of Richmond - Chesterfield
Details: CultureFest celebrates Korean culture with a special performance of Korean drumming and dance — Daegun Pungmulnori — followed by an interactive session. It's geared toward families and children of all ages. No registration is required, and the program is free with museum admission. Organizers recommend arriving early.

Weather forecast: Guaranteed to be 100% accurate at least 20% of the time—unless it changes. Expect sunny skies… or rain. But definitely weather. We guarantee some form of that. No refunds!

Note: While the provided forecast gives a general idea of expected weather conditions, it should be treated with caution due to potential inaccuracies in long-term predictions. Checking closer to the date will provide a more reliable forecast.

Q. Why was the coach yelling at the vending machine?

A. He wanted his quarter back.

As always, thanks for spending a few minutes with us and staying connected to what’s happening around Chesterfield County.

Whether you’re heading out to a local event, getting the kids ready for another school year, or just trying to enjoy what’s left of summer, we hope you have a safe and fantastic week ahead. ☀️

See you right back here next week with more local news, events, weather, and everything else happening around our community.

Take care, Chesterfield!

Matt

Disclaimer!