The 2024 Virginia legislative session began on Jan. 10, with several Henrico representatives introducing major bills that would impact local school boards, public schools, state colleges, and even homeschooling families. Four state senators and five house members represent districts in Henrico. Six of those nine lawmakers are Democrats, while three are Republicans. Proposed bills will have to go through the House Education Committee and the Senate Committee on Education and Health, or other relevant committees, before being voted on by house and senate members. Among the bills introduced by members of the Henrico delegation: Ban on legacy admissions Newly-elected Sen....Article Link

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Caroline Caylor, CEO of ARAZ Systems, has made significant strides in a traditionally male-dominated industry, carving her own path and contributing to the growth and success of her company. ARAZ Systems operates in three distinct divisions, each showcasing the company's versatility and commitment to excellence. DLA (DOD) Commodity Procurement: Specializing in the procurement of airplane parts and computer hardware for the Department of Defense (DOD). Focus on supporting warfighter missions, demonstrating a commitment to national defense. Computer Hardware & IT Services: Offers a comprehensive range of IT services, including Cloud Migration & Modernization, Cyber Security, Application Development, Mobile Development, Enterprise...Article Link

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The Virginia Department of Social Services is moving its headquarters from downtown Richmond to Innsbrook during the next month, but services will not be interrupted during the move, according to agency officials. “As we move into our new modern space, we’re not just changing our address - we’re stepping into a new chapter where every corner of this building reflects our commitment to designing and delivering high-quality human services,” said Virginia Department of Social Services Commissioner Danny Avula. “Just as our services and programs must be continuously evaluated and adapted to the needs of Virginians, so too should our workspace...Article Link

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Henrico County has agreed to purchase one of the most historically significant parcels of land in the United States, county officials announced during a public hearing and press conference Wednesday in Varina. The county will spend .25 million to buy the 2,095-acre Varina Farms along the James River, the site on which John Rolfe developed a new strand of tobacco whose proliferation saved the failing Virginia Colony at Jamestown in the early 1600s and gave rise to the birth of a nation. County officials said Wednesday that they intend to preserve the land and will consider in the coming years...Article Link

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As Henrico continues to expand, there has been a wave of sizable real estate developments proposed and/or approved in the Willow Lawn area, centered around the intersection of Staples Mill Road and West Broad Street. As new proposals are submitted over time, it can be difficult to see the complete picture, so we’ve summarized a number of them below with links to the Citizen’s past coverage for more information. Including the 20-30 year timeframe for the redevelopment of Willow Lawn and not accounting for any new proposals yet to be heard, these developments taken together will, or have, brought major...Article Link

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8416 O’Connor Court, Unit 06 - 0,000, 912 SF (built in 1985), from Brittany N. Esteppe to Benjamin H., Bruce and Jennifer L. Boykin. 240 Defense Avenue - 8,000, 840 SF (built in 1956), from Kristin Menz-Yianni to Lansgate Rentals LLC. 5903 Upham Drive - 0,000, 1,017 SF (built in 1950), from Doug Dennison and Geoff Lawrence to Sylvia Marie Barley. 2901 Bufflehead Court - 2,500, 2,284 SF (built in 2001), from Edna Mae Phipps to Fair Value Home Buyers LLC. 3818 Tighe Court - 0,000, 1,848 SF (built in 1989), from Kevin C. Grant to James Thomas III and...Article Link

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Tamere Briley, a student at Reynolds Community College, has been named a 2024 DREAM Scholar by Achieving the Dream, a national award from a network of community colleges that honors students who are committed to social and economic mobility. Briley, a criminal justice student on track to graduate in spring 2024, was one of just eight scholars nationwide selected. “I remember the exact date – it was December 18 and I was sitting in my car,” Briley said. “An email popped up on my phone. It said congratulations, you have been selected for the 2024 DREAM Scholars Program, and I...Article Link

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Virginia environmental officials are seeking public comment on plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of a federal grant worth more than billion. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality will host a series of three community meetings statewide, including one in Henrico, to get feedback on ideas that would help the commonwealth reach its climate pollution reduction goals. The first meeting is scheduled for Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. at the DEQ Piedmont Regional Office at 4949-A Cox Road in Glen Allen. The other meetings will be held Jan. 23 in Woodbridge and Jan. 25 in Virginia Beach....Article Link

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As Housing Families First expands to serve more families in the Richmond region, the organization has promoted Terri Iguina and Cindy Moussavou to fill the new positions of deputy director of operations and deputy director of programs. The promotions took effect Jan. 1. HFF offers a range of services to families facing housing instability and homelessness, including relocation assistance, permanent housing placement, and access to other housing and social service resources. Iguina, who has served in various roles at HFF since 2011, has extensive experience in project management, community engagement, and operational excellence. In her new role, she will be...Article Link

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Publix and Special Olympics Virginia will work together to support 22,000 athletes with disabilities in Virginia and beyond as part of the grocery chain's annual Torch Icon Campaign Jan. 12-21. During that timeframe, customers who visit their local Publix can donate to their state’s Special Olympics athletes. With a donation of as little as [post_excerpt], customers can receive coupon savings on items from Procter & Gamble brands like Crest, Always, Olay, Old Spice, Gillette, and Pampers. Donations also may be made online at publix.com/torchicon. The Torch Icon Campaign began in 1993 and has raised more than million for...Article Link

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