City E-Currents - Hopewell, Virginia...Page 3 of 18 November 2016 City E-Currentsdepartment/agency continued Congratulations to our team for once again winning the “Most Spirited”

Mark Haley, City ManagerMunicipal Building300 N. Main St., Hopewell, VA 23860804.541.2243www.hopewellva.gov

Herbert BraggDir. Intergovernmental & Public AffairsFor additional information, pleasecontact Mr. Bragg at (804) 541-2270.

Freda Snyder - Design & Illustrations

Inside This Issue...Mayor’s Corner .....................................1 & 2

City Manager .........................................1 & 2

Military Retirees Appreciation Banquet and Ball ................. 2

City Point 5k costume winners ................. 3

Costume Contest Winners, held at the Employee Luncheon ............... 3

Mayor Brenda Pelham hands out Proclamations ........................... 4

Local Public Housing Authority ExecutiveDirector Receives National Certification .. 5

HCPS Receives Grant to Support After-School Programs and Enrichment ............ 6

Hopewell Water Renewal Announces a New Business Manger and a New Look ... 7Thanksgiving Day Holiday to Delay Some

CVWMA Collections ................................... 7

Leaf Disposal Options................................ 8

Community Gathers for Future of Schools ....................................... 9

Exhibition Night at Patrick Copeland ....... 9

Guest Teach Students About the Power of a Vote ....................... 10

Hopewell Schools Receive$500,000 to Strengthen Leadership ........ 10

Department of Recreation and Parks ..... 11

Hopewell Recreation and ParksReceives Best New Program Award ....... 12

Events ...................................................13-15

SHELTER IN PLACE (SIP) ........................ 16

NFPA Thanksgiving Safety Tips ............. 17

Phone Directory ........................................ 18

City E-Currents is a publication of the City of Hopewell. Issue29:November2016

Inside This Issue...

Brenda S. Pelham

Mayor’s Corner

City E-Currents

CitizensofHopewell:

Solongtoyear100whichisaperfecttimetoreflectuponourachievementsandtolookforwardtoseewhat’smoretobedoneandforsurethereisalwaysmoretobedone.WebeganlastyearwiththeformationoftheCity’s100thYearAnniversaryCommittee.InDecemberof2015weunveiledtheCity’s100thYearAnniversarylogoandstartedourcentennialyear2016withnumerous events, activities and celebrations culminating thishistoricchapterinourCity’shistory.IwanttothankCitycouncilandcommitteememberswholaboredsofaithfullytohighlightthemanywonderfuldimensionsofourcitytoincludeallofourbusinesspartners,schools,faith-basedcommunity,socialandcivicorganizationsandsomanyothers. Ourpolice,fireandsheriff’sdepartmentshelptoensurethatourresidentsandbusinessesaresafeandsecure.Evenwithincreasedcallvolume,ourresponsetimesaregoodandtotalcrimeratesareinadeclinethankstoinnovativeleadership,communitypolicing,technology(suchasbodyworncameras),andtheconstantreevaluationandredevelopmentofassetsandresources.Keepalookoutforourtwonewfiretrucksarrivingsoonwhichreplacesomeveryoldequipment. WearealsocontinuingourStrategicPlaneffortsasitrelatestoeconomicdevelopmentandrevitalizingdowntownthankstotheallureoftheBeaconandtheeffortsofCityCouncil,EDA,HopewellDowntownPartnershipandaheartygroupofcommitteddowntownentrepreneurs.

Mark A. Haley

City Manager

See CITY MANAGER page 2

Myfellowcitizens:

AsweapproachthecloseoftheCityofHopewell’s100thYearAnniversaryCelebration(1916-2016).IamhonoredandproudtoserveasyourMayorduringthiswonderfulperiodintheCity’shistory.IwanttopersonallythanktheCityofHopewell100thYearAnniversaryCommitteeforspearheadinganawesomelineupofevents and activities… beginning last December 2015 with theunveilingoftheCity’snew100thYearAnniversaryLogoduringourLightUptheNightcelebration. Other key events throughout the year included a SpiritualCelebration,aFireTruckParade,aJuneteenthCelebration,ButtsonBroadway,RideForWarriors,aPaddleBattlesponsoredbyFriendsOftheLowerAppomattoxRiver(FOLAR),a100thYearAnniversaryProclamationCeremonyandconcertfeaturingthefamousCommodoresperformedatFestivalParkandawonderfulFireworksshowtotopitalloff. Inaddition,toaHopewellHauntsandFallFestival,CityPoint5KRace,andstilltocometheCity’sHolidayBoatParadeandLightuptheNightandtheCityAnnualParade&TreeLightingcelebration. HopewellisreinventingitselfandhasemergedasoneofthetopsmallcitiesintheCommonwealthofVirginia.Duringthepastyear,wehaveobservedincreasedeconomicdevelopmentactivitytoincludehosting,casting,shootingandpremieringofthemovie“Imperium”starringDanielRadcliffeandaHollywoodstyleRedCarpet.

See MAYOR’S CORNER page 2

The Councilapproved StrategicPlan also includes citybeautification initiativesand one of the biggerprojectseverundertakenby the City will berevitalization of theCity’s Gateways. Twoyears ago the CameronFoundation initiatedgateway improvementplans (at their expense)for all of the localitiestheynowserveincludingHopewell. Their boldplan is to assist thelocalities by providinggreatly enhancedgateways includinginstallation of public art that will uplift community spirit,resident’s self-esteem, civic pride and even spur economicdevelopment. Hopewell budgeted and approved $600,000towardgateways(asaStrategicPlanProject)andthisisnowbeingmatchedbytheCameronFoundation.TheFoundation’smatch includesa largeanduniquepieceofpublicartvaluedas a $450,000 GIFT to the City including landscape designservices.Localresidents,theCameronBoardandprofessionalartcuratorsallparticipated in theartistselectionprocessandthusthebig‘H”willinFall2017greetvisitorsandresidentsalikeasyouenterHopewellfromChesterfieldCo.onRt.10.The51footsculpture is intended tostandasa tribute toourindustrial past and future as it welcomes you to Hopewell.Its location will augment the Marina, the new BoathouseRestaurantandtheriverwalkproject.ThiswillbeoneofthemostuniqueandlargestpiecesofpublicartinVirginia.Again,thepublicartcomponentofthegatewayprojectisaNOcost

itemtoHopewellcitizens.Visitourweb-sitetoseeananimatedviewofthebig‘H’concept. FallalwaysbringsthechallengesofkeepingtheCitycleanandgettingalltheleavesuptokeepstormwaterfreelyflowing.TheCityofHopewell’sPublicWorksDepartmentprovidesleafdisposal options for residents. City crews will collect leavesfromtheresidentialsideofdrainageditchesandcurbsthatareaccessible to collection vehicles.A normal collection fee ischargedandseniorsgetasignificantbreak.ResidentsmayuseleafcollectionservicesuptothreetimeseachyearduringthemonthsofNovember,December and January.For additionaldetails see more on page 8, Leaf Disposal options. PleasecontactourPublicWorksDepartmentat(804)541-2294orvisitourweb-sitewww.hopewellva.gov Asthewinterseasonapproaches,pleasebeawareofthemanyhazardsinvolvedwithsnow.Pushingaheavysnowblowercancauseinjury,andbemindfulofhowcoldweatheraffectsthehumanbody.Coldweathercanincreaseheartrateandbloodpressure. It can make blood clot more easily and constrictarteries, which decreases blood supply. Individuals over theageof40orwhoarerelativelyinactiveshouldbeparticularlycareful. Pleasedonotshovelsnoworrakeleavesandotherdebrisintothedrainagesystem.Whenyouareshovelingsnow,don’tcreatehugepilesalongtheedgeofyourdrivewayinthedirectionthattheplowwillbecomingfromorthesnowyoujustshoveledwillgetplowed rightback into thedriveway. Instead,heaveeachsnowshovel-fulladecentdistanceawayfromyourdrivewayapronthatwaytheplowwon’tleaveasmuchtoberemoved. Lastly,whynotconsiderauniquegiftofentertainmentforyourholidayshopping. Agiftof tickets toaperformanceattheBeaconTheatreisveryspecialandsupportsthiswonderfulcommunityasset. IwanttowishallofyouaHappyThanksgiving&ChristmasholidaysandasafeandprosperousNewYear!

MarkHaley

Page 2 of 18 November 2016 City E-Currents

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Iwanttothankeachcityandschoolemployeeandfaculty,each business, social and civic organizations, volunteerorganizations, industrial plants, partner agencies to includelocal,stateandfederalgovernmentsandespeciallytoeachandeverycitizenofHopewell. Asweendthis100thYearcelebration(Hopewell’sBirthday),IthankGodforeachandeveryblessingHehasandcontinuestobestowuponourCity.Isolicitallofourcitizens…continuestaypositive,promoteourcityandbelieveinourCity. WhenIreturnedtoHopewellafterserving12yearsintheU.S. Army, I came to realize and believe that Hopewell isa wonderful historic riverfront community and I wanted tocontributetoitscontinuedvitalityandimprovethequalityoflifeforall.ThishasbeenagoodsuccessfulyearforourCitydespitesomechallenges. Nevertheless,weareonasustainablepathbyimprovingtheCity’sinfrastructure,increasedeconomicdevelopmentactivity,environmentalstewardship,familyservices,education,publicsafety,Citybeautificationefforts,employeedevelopmentandretention and much more. I encourage all of our citizens toparticipate and support local government. On behalf of CityCouncil and I, we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving andChristmas holidays and a safe and prosperous NewYear in2017.

BrendaS.PelhamMayor

City Manager continued from ................................................................ page 1

MG Darrell Williams, Combined Arms Support Command and Fort Lee Commanding General, Mayor Brenda Pelham, City of Hopewell and his wife Myra Williams at the October 2016 Fort Lee Military Retirees Appreciation Banquet and Ball.

Military Retirees Appreciation Banquet

and Ball


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Congratulations to our team for once again winning the “Most Spirited” Award. The “Blues Brothers” include Darlene Loving, Patrice Call, Dorothy Gerard, Michelle Ingram, Aimee Francoeur, and Councilor Jackie Shornak. A BIG thank you to Darlene for sharing her creativity. I am confident she is already planning for next year’s event!

City Point 5k “Most Spirited Award. The “Blues Brothers”

Costume Contest Winners,held at the Employee Luncheon Winners of the 1st luncheon are as follows: 1st place ......................Imari Carter ............................................. Snow White2nd place ......................Dorothy Gerard ..................................The Red Queen3rd place ......................Debbie Reason ............................................Tinkerbell4th place .......................Jessica Krack ............................ Flo from Progressive5th place ......................Tom Gates ............................................ Duck Dynasty6th place .......................Chastine Brown .................................................Mime Winners of the 2nd luncheon are as follows:1st place .......................Chris Teasley .................................................Pumpkin2nd place ......................Jennifer Rexroad ................................... Finding Dory3rd place ......................Linda Howard ....................................................Pirate4th place ......................Aimee Francoeur .................................Storm Trooper5th place .......................Felicia Herring-Jones ...............Bubble Gum Machine6th place .......................Wanda Brown .................................................... Devil

Include from L-R Councilor Jackie Shornak, Patrice Call, Dr. Cliff Morris, M.D., Darlene Loving, Dorothy Gerard and Michelle Ingram.


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Mayor Brenda S. Pelham and Vice Mayor Christina J. Luman-Bailey presents a proclamation to Mr. Herndon Smith’s widow.

Mayor Brenda S. Pelham presents a proclamation to Rev. Dr. Rudolph Dunbar outgoing Chair of Hopewell Planning Commission.

Mayor Brenda S. Pelham issues a proclamation to members of the James House. Pictured left to right: Lili Quintana, Jane Clayborne, Mayor Breda S. Pelham and Charles Dane, Assistant City Manager, Aaran Kelley, Erica Blackwood, and Jennyfer Viera.

Planning Commission members from left to right: Elliot Eliades, Vice Chairman, Cassandra Vanderkeift, Rev. Dr. Rudolph Dunbar, former Chairman, Johnny Jones, and Todd Butterworth.

Mayor Brenda S. Pelham, City of Hopewell and LTG Gwen Bingham, Keynote Speaker at the October 2016 Fort Lee Military Retirees Appreciation Banquet and Ball.


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On July 25, 2016, StevenA.Benham,Sr.,HopewellRe-development and HousingAu-thority, received certificationas a Housing DevelopmentFinance Professional (HDFP)fromtheNationalDevelopmentCouncil(NDC).HDFPCertifi-cationisaprofessionalcreden-tial given to individuals whosuccessfully complete NDC’sintensive housing developmentfinance training series. Thetraining provides individualsworkinginthefieldofhousingdevelopmentwithinstructioninsingle-family home ownershipfinance, multi-family housingdevelopment finance, housingdevelopment finance includingproblemsolvinganddealstruc-turing,andthecreationandim-plementation of developmentprograms. The four HDFP Certifica-tion Program courses rangefromthreetofivedaysinlengthand conclude with an exam.Uponsuccessfulcompletionofall four courses, the candidateisawardedHDFPCertification. The National Development

Council was established in1969andisanon-profitorgani-zationspecializingineconomicandhousingdevelopmenttrain-ingandtechnicalassistanceforcommunitydevelopment.NDChas provided training to over60,000 professionals workingin the fields of economic andhousing development. Partici-pantscomefromdiverseback-groundsincludingcityandstategovernments, public agencies,community-based organiza-tions, professional organiza-tionsandbanks. Steven became the Execu-tive Director of the HopewellRedevelopment and HousingAuthority(HRHA)onJuly10,2009.HehasaB.S.degreeinbiology from the UniversityofGeorgiaandaMBAdegreefrom Strayer University. HisPublic and Assisted Housingcareerbeganwithhisselectionaspartofaninauguralclassof50 military persons trained inthe various housing manage-ment skills. Theprogramwastitled LEAP, Leadership Em-ployment for Armed Forces

Personnel. LEAP was fundedby the Department of HealthandHumanServicesincollab-oration with HUD and the USJusticeDepartment. Steve is married to Lindafor the past 39 years. Theyhave two sons, Steven Jr. andCorey and two daughters- in-law, Krystyn and Kimothy.On July 7, 2013, he became agrandfatherwiththeadditionofBraydenfromCoreyandKimo-thy. SteveisaformerArmyof-ficer, promoted to the rank ofMajor, served in Desert Stormand received the Bronze Starmedal. He is adeaconatTheChurchofGodatRichmond,amember of the Hopewell Ro-taryclub,on theboardsof theUnited Way of Hopewell andPrince George County andthe Hopewell/Prince GeorgeHealthyFamiliesagency,andamemberandpasttrusteeoftheHistoricHopewellFoundation.Heenjoysthevariousopportu-nitiesaffordedhimtohelpoth-ersthroughhisaffiliations.

Local Public Housing Authority Executive Director Receives National Certification

Steven A. Benham, Sr.

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HCPS Receives Grant to Support After-School Programs and Enrichment

Hopewell City PublicSchools, in partnership withthe John Randolph Founda-tion, arepleased toannouncethe award of the 21st Cen-tury Grant. This grant, fromthe Virginia Department ofEducation, will help supportafter-school enrichment op-portunitiesforthechildrenofHopewell. Twoschoolsinthedivisionwill be the recipients of thegrant, Patrick Copeland Ele-mentarySchoolandCarterG.Woodson Middle School withPatrick Copeland receiving$162,835andCarterG.Wood-son receiving $163,797. Thegrants will be renewable fortwoyears,makingthetotalofthegrantcloseto$1million. JohnRandolphFoundationserved as a co-applicant forthe21stCenturyGrant,ledbyformer Youth Network Officer, Yawandale Birchett-Thomp-son. Though she no longerserves with the Foundation,Birchett-Thompson shared inthe excitement of the grantand the impact it will have,not only in the schools, butthroughouttheentirecommu-nity. “This award is a thrillingvictoryfortheCityofHopewellandtheJohnRandolphFoun-dation. I couldn’t be happierabout the expansive opportu-nities the travel, after-schoolprogramming, and academicenrichment the 21st Centurygrant will bring to some ofHopewell’sstudentsandfami-lies, as well as the bondingpartnershipthisawardcreatesforalloftheagenciesthatwill

be bringing community-basedprogramming to each receiv-ingschool,”shesaidinastate-ment. Dr. Kim Evans, AssistantSuperintendent of HopewellCity Public Schools, said thegrantgivestheschooldivisionmoreopportunities toprovidedeeper learning for studentsthroughtutoringandmentor-ing programs to increase ourstudent’s knowledge base.Parentsareinvitedtoshareinthisgrantaswell. “Weareexcitedaboutthisopportunitytoprovideextend-edlearningforourstudentsatCarter G. Woodson and Pat-rickCopeland.Wewillpartnerwithseveralcommunityagen-ciestoprovidefunandengag-ing learning opportunities forour students as we close aca-demicgaps,”shesaid.“Wewillalso invite parents to comein to learnhowtoextend thelearningintotheirhomes.” This grant represents thevision of the leadership atHopewell City Schools of fo-cusingonyouthdevelopment,a vision brought forth by theJohn Randolph Foundation,which has served the city ofHopewell for over 20 years.The Foundation is a commu-nity-based non-profit organi-zationfocusingonthehealthywell-beingofitsresidentsandyouth through financial in-vestment,healthandwellnessbasedgrants,andpartnershipswith many community agen-cies. “We are thankful to theJohnRandolphFoundationfortheir assistance in obtainingthesegrants,”Dr.Evanssaid.

BothPatrickCopelandandCarter G. Woodson MiddleSchoolwillbeworkingcloselywithseveralcommunityagen-cies in the city, such as theAppomattoxRegionalLibrary,the Hopewell ManufacturersAssociationand theYMCAofGreater Richmond. Thoughthe grant has just been an-nounced,plansarealreadyintheworksforitsimplementa-tion. CarterG.WoodsonMiddleSchool will be home to theCommunity Learning Cen-ter, which will be hosted on-site during the school yearonMondays,Wednesday,andThursdays from 3:30 p.m. to5:30 p.m. Patrick CopelandElementary will also host aCommunity Learning Cen-ter, which will be open dur-ing the school year on Mon-daysthroughThursdaysfrom2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Bothprograms will provide snacksthrough the federal USDAfood program and transpor-tationwill beprovidedat theendoftheprogram. The new learning centerprograms will give studentsinHopewellthechancetofur-thertheiracademicscareersaswellasprepareforhigheredu-cation or vocational trainingonce they graduate from theschoolsystem.Thegrantalsoallows for students to breakawayfromthelargeclassroomsettingandreceivemoreproj-ect-based learning opportuni-tiesinaconcentratedenviron-ment.


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Ournewnameisfinallyvisiblewithournewsign.OnJuly 1, 2016, Hopewell Regional Wastewater TreatmentFacility’snamechangedtoHopewellWaterRenewal.Ithastaken until October to have our entrance sign refurbishedwiththenamechange. With the new nitrogen reduction treatment projectstarting up in early 2017, the new name and sign is veryappropriateandjustinthenickoftime.Ourdedicatedstaffisveryproudofournewnameandwhatwedotoimprovethehealthofourcommunityandtheenvironment.

Hopewell Water Renewal Announces a New Business Manager and a New Look

Congratulations toShaynaJohnsononherpromotionfromHopewellWaterRenewal’s Purchasing Agent to our new Business Manager. With Shayna’smastersdegreeinbusiness,shehasbeenatremendousassettothefacilitysinceshebeganin2004.ShebeganasourExecutiveAssistant,waspromotedtopurchasingagent,andnowtoBusinessManager.Herdedication,coolhead,positiveattitude,andwinningsmilemakeheradelighttoworkwith.Herpromotiontobusinessmanageriswelldeservedbecauseshealwaysgoestheextramilemakingsurethatdetailsarenotoverlookedandprojecttimelinesaremet.Weareproudtohaveheronourteam.

Richmond, VA- Thursday and Friday CVWMA residential recycling andresidentialtrashcollectionswillbedelayedonedayinobservanceofThanksgivingDay,Thursday,November24.TherewillbenocollectionsonThanksgivingDay. REDThursdayandREDFridayrecyclerswillhaveaonedaydelayinrecyclingcollectionserviceduetotheholiday.FridaycollectionswilltakeplaceonSaturday.

Trash collection in the City of Petersburg will occur on the day following your normalscheduledday.FridaycollectionswilltakeplaceonSaturday. StayConnectedwithCVWMA.ForadditionalinformationaboutCVWMAprograms,pleasecallCVWMAat(804)340-0900forrecyclingor(804)425-0500fortrashcollectionorvisitwww.cvwma.com,CVWMAonFacebook,CVWMAonTwitter,andCVWMAonInstagram.

COLLECTIONSThanksgiving Day Holiday to Delay Some


TheCityofHopewellprovidesresidentsthefollowingleafdisposaloptions:

Leaf Vacuuming–Citycrewswillcollectleavesfromtheresidencesideofdrainageditchesandcurbsthatareaccessibletocollectionvehicles.Anominalcollectionfeeischarged.

(1)ResidentsmayuseleafcollectionservicesuptothreetimeseachyearduringthemonthsofNovember,December,andJanuary.(2)Servicechargesare:

(3)Call541-2294toscheduleapickup.Paymentsmustbereceivedbeforeserviceisprovided.Paymentscanbemadeateither:

(4) Senior’s and handicapped individuals who previously registered for Leaf Vacuuming services should call 541-2294 to schedule appointments. All others will need to provide documentation of age or handicap when scheduling appointments.(5) Leaves must be adjacent to the street and accessible to City crews. They may not be placed inside fences, ditch lines, gutters, unopened or unserviceable, alleys, or in the street. Do not mix limbs and other debris with leaves. Violators may be cited.(6) Leaf vacuuming appointments should be scheduled before leaves are raked to

minimize scattering potential.(7) Five service areas have been established to provide equitable coverage throughout the city.

Leaf DisposaL options

Residential Refuse Collection - Container First Services will pickup bagged leaves as part of normal refuse collection services. Bags must be strong enough to contain the contents without spilling when handled by refuse collection workers. The total number of bags disposed of each week may not exceed a normal pickup truck load. (8’ x 4’ x 4’) There is no additional charge for this service.

Citizen’s Convenience Center – Residents may dispose of leaves and other yard waste at no cost. Operating hours are 12:30

to 3:30 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and 8:00 to 4:30 on Saturdays.


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LSBy HCPS AdminiStrAtion A group of almost 40 individuals met for three days onOctober18,19,and20,tokick-offaformalstrategicplanningprocessforHopewellCityPublicSchools.Madeupofschoolpersonnel,students,parents,Cityofficials,businessleaders,localpastors,highereducationrepresentativesandconcernedcitizens,thegroupcommittedtothreedaysofintensivework,designedwithonegoal inmind--engaging theHopewell community inlong-term planning to ensure the success and well-being ofeverysinglechildservedbytheschoolsystem. LedbyDr.WayneHarrisandDr.KevinCastnerofCambridgeStrategics, the overall focus was on “dreaming what thecommunitywantsfortheirownchildren...andallofthechildrenofHopewell.”Facilitatorsdescribedthekeycomponentsoftheprocesstoinclude:continuouscreation,strategicabandonment,broadbasedparticipation,boldaspirationsfortheorganization,developingcommonvalues,maintainingastudentfocuswith consistent direction and synchronized action. Advised to “Think big...be bold,” the energy and enthusiasm forenvisioningthefutureoftheCity’schildrenwasveryevidentbythisfocusedanddeterminedgroupofcitizensdedicatedtoimprovingtheirlocalschoolsystem. Dr. Melody Hackney, Superintendent of Schools said, “What a blessing this process has already been! I am sogratefulfortheinvestmentofourschoolboardandcommunityinthiscriticalopportunitydesignedtohelpusfocusourleadershipandworkintothefutureforourkids.”Hopewellisverydedicatedtoitschildrenandschooldistrict,andithasbeenajoytobegintheseconversationswithkeystakeholdersinourgreatlittleCitysofullofpotential!Ican’twaittowatchtheworkandresultsunfold!”

By Caitlin Davis, HCPs MeDia sPeCialist

Students at Patrick Copeland Elementary showcased the products of their hard work and dedication since the start of school at Exhibition Night on September 28. The exhibition is a chance for students to have their projects on display for parents, teachers, principals, and Administrators. The students are given the chance to not only present their projects but to answer questions from those in attendance about their work. This was the division’s first school-wide exhibition and it was a peek inside what teachers and Administrators are striving towards, project-based learning.

Projects at the exhibition ranged from one on the different regions of the United States, to community heroes, and the importance of a vote in an election. Dr. Melody Hackney, Superintendent, Dr. Kim Evans, Assistant Superintendent, and Burlin Gregory, Director of Innovation, went to the classrooms took pictures and asked the students questions about their presentations. Other School Administrators stopped by such as Principal of Dupont Elementary, Carla Fizer, Assistant Principal of Dupont, Patricia Lobo, and Assistant Principal of Carter Woodson, Jeffery Boarman. We want to thank all the students for their hard work and to all those who came to this event.

Community Gathers for Future of Schools

Exhibition Night at Patrick Copeland


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Hopewell City Public Schools is pleased to announce that, in partnership with Virginia State University and Henrico and Sussex County Public Schools, they have received a three-year grant from the New York based Wallace Foundation, which is aimed at improving the preparation program for aspiring school leaders. Dr. Kim Evans, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, formally announced the grant at the October 13th School Board meeting. Dr. Evans stated that during the first year of the grant, Hopewell will receive a little over $500,000 to improve principal leadership. “We have worked very closely with the partnering divisions and Virginia State University to revamp what the principal preparation track will look like for administrators to ensure that they are better prepared to lead in challenging school divisions,” Dr. Evans said. Virginia State University was one of seven universities, and the only one in Virginia, to be chosen by the foundation to receive assistance on redesigning its programming for future leaders in area schools. The seven universities that were chosen, Albany State University, Florida Atlantic University, North Carolina State University, San Diego State University, the University of Connecticut, and Western Kentucky University, will receive funding to aide in a review of courses which relate to university-based principal training. The initiative of the foundation desires to address a growing concern that university programs across the country have not met the increasing demands of principalship. According to a recent Wallace commissioned study, “Improving University Principal Preparation Programs: Five Themes from the Field, 80 percent of district superintendents are dissatisfied with the quality of principal preparation program, and many universities also believe their programs have room for improvement. Dr. Evans has experienced this need first hand, recalling her years spent preparing for her Master’s Degree. Immediately recognizing the need for a change, she expressed excitement for not only current principals but leaders who have been with the division for years. The importance of this grant, Dr. Evans said, is to strengthen the leadership in Hopewell Schools. The leaders in each school have a valuable role not only in the support of teachers but in the success of each student, she added. “Research shows next to a classroom teacher the most important factor in student success is the leadership in the building,” Dr. Evans said. “We know that everything rises and falls on leadership so we are excited about this opportunity to improve our student success by improving our leadership in the division.” Independent researchers are expected to release two reports on the Wallace Foundation’s University Preparation Program Initiative; which was built upon 15 years of Wallace-supported research and experience about the makings of an effective principal. The first report is expected in 2018 or 2019 and it will analyze the early implementations of this program at the selected universities. The final report, which is not expected until 2021, will evaluate whether the universities successfully redesigned their programs.

Hopewell Schools Receive$500,000 to Strengthen Leadership


Delegate Riley Ingram, School Board Vice-Chairwoman Linda Hyslop, Superintendent Dr. Melody Hackney, and Lawyer Peter Eliades paid a visit to Mrs. Cheryl Williams’ class at Patrick Copeland Elementary on September 20. They were invited by the students to come speak on the importance of a vote. Students researched questions to ask and led the discussion in break-out sessions with each guest. Students asked questions such as, “why can adults vote but children cannot,” and “why does my vote count in an election?” This class displayed an example of the concept Hopewell Schools are working to bring to life, project-based learning. This new approach to teaching gives students real-world examples of their textbook lessons and showcases a more hands-on experience in the classroom. We are proud of the students and Mrs. Williams for their display of excellence and we want to thank our special guests for coming to speak with our students.

Guest Teach Students About the Power of a Vote

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WestWood Park ProjectVolunteers from AdvanSix (formerly Honeywell) and Rebuilding Together-Richmond teamed up with staff from Hopewell Recreation and Parks to beautify Westwood Park. The neighborhood park is a popular destination for children, families, dog walkers and youth baseball participants. The park offers a play area with a climbing structure and swings, a baseball field, tennis court, open space, and picnic tables. The project included the installation of a variety of shrubbery and trees, surrounded by mulch beds and

flowers. The volunteers also assisted with building and installing four new picnic tables at the park site. Volunteers from AdvanSix are not strangers to improving the parks in Hopewell. They assisted with a large landscaping project at Atwater Park and Soccer Complex last fall, which included the installation of mulch beds and a new walkway near the concession building. The Department of Recreation and Parks is very appreciative of the volunteerism demonstrated by the dedicated employees of AdvanSix and staff from Rebuilding Together-Richmond. Manager of Facilities and Maintenance for the Recreation Department, Tom Gates, said “we simply wouldn’t be able to improve our parks without the help from these volunteers.” The department is working with Rebuilding Together-Richmond on additional park improvements throughout the city, with the next project scheduled to take place at Arlington Park.

UPcoming sPecial events:Saturday, December 3-Holiday Boat ParadeSunday, December 4-Light Up the Night (parade, tree lighting, and holiday concert)Please visit www.hopewellva.gov/special-events for more information.

HoPeWell commUnity center imProvementsThe Department of Recreation and Parks has begun a variety of improvements scheduled to take place at the Hopewell Community Center. Visitors and passersby may have noticed exterior work at the main entrance of the building. Improvements are being completed in an effort to increase safety and accessibility for customers and visitors. The project is being completed by staff from the Public Works Department. Additional improvements scheduled to take place in the near future include repaving of the main parking area and drop-off loop, as well as complete resurfacing of the pool deck. Both future projects are part of the department’s fiscal year 2017 capital improvement plan and are slated to be completed by the end of the year. The projects will impact facility guests and the department asks for your patience as improvements are completed.

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Hopewell Recreation and ParksReceives Best New Program Award

HOPEWELL, VA. Over 500 delegatesfrom around the state gathered last weekat the 62nd Annual Conference of theVirginia Recreation and Park Society heldat the Hotel Roanoke Convention Center.The conference is a learning exchange andprovides an opportunity for recreation andparkprofessionalstodiscussareasofcommoninterest. Highlighting each year’s conferenceis a formal presentation of awards. Thisstate-wide program honors individuals,departments and organizations throughoutVirginia who have demonstrated excellencein any of several areas during the previousyear.101applicationswerereceivedvyingforawardsin14differentcategories.Judgedbya juryof itspeers,HopewellRecreationandParks,wasselectedastheBestNewProgramAward.

Population 25,000 and Under:Heroes Camp Heroes Camp is a weeklong day campprogram which unites children ages 6-13with public safety officials, first responders andmilitarypersonnelforaglimpseintoeachcareer field. Participants enjoyed a variety of activities including extinguishing a fire with a waterhose,kidsvs.copsdodgeball,andridesin a military utility vehicle just to name afew. The camp featured a variety of field trips which included the Hopewell Court House,FortLeeMilitaryReservation,andHopewellFire Station 1. The camp was offered forthe first time in 2015 as part of a complete overhaul of the department’s summer campofferings. The program was made possiblewith the participation of the Hopewell FireDepartment, Hopewell Police Department,HopewellSheriff’sDepartmentandFortLeeMilitaryReservation.Thepopularcampwillbeofferedagaininthesummerof2017. “Wearehonoredandhumbledtoreceivethis award for what we believe is a very

special program,” said Aaron Reidmiller,directorofRecreationandParksfortheCityofHopewell. “Wewouldnothavebeenabletoofferthisuniquecampopportunitywithoutthe fullsupportofourpartneragenciesandthededicationofoursummercampstaff.” The mission of the Virginia RecreationandParkSocietyistouniteallprofessionals,students,andinterestedlaypersonsengagedin the field of recreation, parks, and other leisure services in the Commonwealth ofVirginia.FormoreinformationontheSocietycontact the state office at 804/730-9447 or visitthemonthewebatwww.vrps.com. The Hopewell Recreation and ParksDepartment offers a variety of recreationalopportunitiesdesignedtoimprovetheoverallhealth and wellbeing of the community.Through dedicated services and resourcemanagement, the department provides ahealthy, friendly and safe environment forthecitizensofHopewell.

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•HarOLd MELVIN’S BLuENOTES Date:Saturday,November26,2016

•LITa FOrdDate:Friday,December2,2016

•LEz zEppELIN Date:Saturday,December10,2016

•THE SpINNErS Date:Thursday,December29,2016

•THE dEL MCCOury BaNd Date:Saturday,January14,2017

•LOVE aNd THEFT Date:Saturday,January21,2017

•THE K.O.d.E. rEuNION wITH audIOuVauLT Date:Saturday,January28,2017

•TraVIS TrITT Date:Tuesday,January31,2017

•COLLIN rayEDate:Friday,February10,2017

•THE BLaCK LILLIES Date:Saturday,February11,2017

•FIrEHOuSE wITH SpECIaL guEST TEazE Date:Saturday,February18,2017

•aN EVENINg wITH 1964 THE TrIBuTE Date:Saturday,February25,2017

•rONNIE MCdOwELL Date:Saturday,March11,2017

•gET THE LEad OuTDate:Saturday,April1,2017

•THE OuTLawS Date:Saturday,April29,2017

The Beacon Theatre Schedulehttp://thebeacontheatreva.com/schedule-2/

Call (804) 446-3457 or myticketstobuy.com

•a MOrNINg wITH JaCK HaNNaDate:Saturday,May6,2017

•THE JIMMy dEaN MuSIC FESTIVaL FEaTurINg LOrETTa LyNNDate:Saturday,May13,2017-ThIS ShOw IS SOld OuT.

•BLuE OySTEr CuLT Date:Friday,June2,2017


Safe

ty SHELTER IN PLACE (SIP)DURING A CHEMICAL EMERGENCY

How do I prepare?• IdeNtIfy ahead of time all the openings in your home/business that will need to be closed in the event of a SIP emergency (windows, doors, fireplace dampers, etc.)• deteRMINe how to quickly shut off all air moving equpment in your home/business to include: heating, air conditioning, exhaust fans, etc.• Cheese a room in your home/business to serve as a “Shelter Room”. This should be on the highest level of your structure with minimal doors and windows, and enough room to accommodate everyone in your home/business.• AsseMBLe a SIP kit with the items listed in above, and store it in your “shelter room”. Pre-cut the plastic sheeting to cover windows, air vents and other openings in your “Shelter Room” and label accordingly.• sIgN-up for the City’s CodeRED emergency telephone notification system to ensure you will receive SIP messages. You can do so by going to the City’s website at: www.hopewellva.gov and clicking on the CodeRED icon, or by calling the Fire Department at: 804-541-2288.

Practice Your SIP Skills!Hopewell Fire & Rescue, in cooperation with the Hopewell Local Emergency Planning Committee (or LEPC) is conducting a Citywide Shelter-In-Place drill to give everyone the opportunity to practice this important skill. Everyone, including residents, business, etc. are encouraged to participate.

When?Wednesday December 7th, 2016

Where?Your Home/Place of Business

How?The City will send out a CodeRED Message at

approximately 11:00 AM instructing everyone to practice SIP!

How do i participate?1. Sign up for CodeRED

2. Review this information3. Practice on December 7th.

Questions?Hopewell Fire & Rescue200 South Hopewell St.

Hopewell, VA 23860Phone: 804-541-2288


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Formost,thekitchenistheheartofthehome,especiallyduringtheholidays.Fromtestingfamilyrecipestodecoratingcakesandcookies,everyoneenjoysbeingpartofthepreparations.Sokeepingfiresafetytopofmindinthekitchenduringthisjoyousbuthectictimeisimportant,especiallywhenthere’salotofactivityandpeopleathome.Asyoustartpreparingyourholidayscheduleandorganizingthat largefamilyfeast,remember,byfollowingafewsimplesafetytipsyoucanenjoytimewithyourlovedonesandkeepyourselfandyourfamilysaferfromfire.

Thanksgiving by The numbers·Thanksgivingisthepeakdayforhomecookingfires,followedbyChristmasDayandChristmasEve.·In2014,nearlyfourtimesasmanyhomecookingfiresoccuronThanksgivingasonatypicalday.·In2014,U.S.firedepartmentsrespondedtoanestimated1,730homecookingfiresonThanksgiving,the

peakdayforsuchfires.·Unattendedcookingwasbyfartheleadingcontributingfactorincookingfiresandfiredeaths.·Cookingequipmentwasinvolvedinalmosthalf(48%)ofallreportedhomefiresandcivilianandtiedwith

heatingequipmentforthesecondleadingcauseofhomefiredeaths.Source: NFPA’s Fire Analysis & Research division

safeTy Tips·Stayinthekitchenwhenyouarecookingonthestovetopsoyoucankeepaneyeonthefood.·Stayinthehomewhencookingyourturkeyandcheckonitfrequently.·Keepchildrenawayfromthestove.Thestovewillbehotandkidsshouldstay3feetaway.·Makesurekidsstayawayfromhotfoodandliquids.Thesteamorsplashfromvegetables,gravyorcoffee

couldcauseseriousburns.·Keepthefloorclearsoyoudon’ttripoverkids,toys,pocketbooksorbags.·Keepknivesoutofthereachofchildren.·Besureelectriccordsfromanelectricknife,coffeemaker,platewarmerormixerarenotdanglingoffthe

counterwithineasyreachofachild.·Keepmatchesandutilitylightersoutofthereachofchildren—uphighinalockedcabinet.·Neverleavechildrenaloneinroomwithalitcandle.·Makesureyoursmokealarmsareworking.Testthembypushingthetestbutton.

Thanksgiving Safety

Page 18 November 2016 City E-Currents

dO yOu KNOw yOur CITy COuNCILOrS? MayorBrendaS.Pelham Ward#6 PH:(804)720-8619 ViceMayorChristinaJ.Luman-Bailey Ward#1 PH:(804)541-2249 CouncilorArleneHolloway Ward#2 PH:(804)926-0695 CouncilorAnthonyZevgolis Ward#3 PH:(804)541-2249 CouncilorJasmineE.Gore Ward#4 PH:(804)541-2249 CouncilorWayneWalton Ward#5 PH:(804)541-2249 CouncilorJackieM.Shornak Ward#7 PH:(804)541-2249

CITy dEparTMENT dIrECTOr/OFFICEr pHONECityManager MarkHaley 541-2243AssistantCityManager CharlesDane 541-2243CityAttorney StefanCalos 541-2247CityClerk RossKearney,III 541-2249Children’sServicesAct WandaBrown 541-2470EconomicDevelopment CharlesDane 541-2271Engineering JohnnieButler 541-2319Finance JerryWhitaker 541-2306FireChief DonnyHunter 541-2288HealthyFamilies BernettaR.Quinn 458-9271HumanResources ReniaColes 541-2246InformationSystems TerryBurd 541-2225Intergovernmental&PublicAffairs HerbertBragg 541-2270DirectorofNeighborhoodAssistance&Planning TevyaGriffin 541-2220Police JohnKeohane 541-2282PublicWorks EdWatson,Jr. 541-2295Purchasing AprilCone 541-2205RealEstateAssessor PatriziaWaggoner 541-2234Recreation AaronA.Reidmiller 541-2304DirectorofRegionalWastewaterTreatmentFacility JeanieGrandstaff 541-2210RiskManagement DaveHarless 541-2203EmergencyServices BenRuppert 541-2298SchoolSuperintendent Dr.MelodyHackney 541-6400SocialServices RaySpicer 541-2330VoterRegistrar PamClark 541-2232

CONSTITuTIONaL OFFICErSMasterCommissioneroftheRevenue DebraReason 541-2237Commonwealth’sAttorney RichardK.Newman 541-2255Sheriff LutherSodat 541-2301Treasurer TerriBatton 541-2240CircuitCourtClerk TamaraWard 541-2239

parTNEr agENCIESAppomattoxRegionalLibrary BrianManning 458-6329HopewellCombinedCourtsClerk EllenChiasson 541-2257HopewellHealthDepartment Dr.AltonHart 458-1297Hopewell-PrinceGeorgeTourismOffice BeckyMcDonough 541-2461HopewellRedevelopmentandHousingAuthority(HRHA) StevenBenham 541-1458

Documents

City E-Currents - Hopewell, Virginia...Page 3 of 18 November 2016 City E-Currentsdepartment/agency continued Congratulations to our team for once again winning the “Most Spirited”