The Parade of Lights begins in Richmond and travels along the James River through Henrico and Chesterfield counties. The boats will be judged in a number of categories, including boater-chosen theme, originality, appearance and charm. Judges include community leaders and local celebrities. Henricus is the final venue on the parade route with the viewing scheduled from 7:30-8 p.m.

Prior to the parade, the public is encouraged to experience a Colonial Christmas at Henricus Historical Park. Visitors may tour the re-created English settlement and speak with settlers about their lives and holidays in the 17th century. Holiday colonial activities will take place during special hours from 1 until 9 p.m. Park admission and parking fees will be waived on Dec. 10.

Henricus Foundation Patrons are invited to a complimentary holiday reception in Mount Malady from 5 until 8 p.m. on Dec. 10. Current Patrons should make a reservation by Dec. 2 via email to furnishs@chesterfield.gov (include name, address and phone number). Information about becoming a new Patron may be found at www.henricus.org/gift-club. Please direct any questions to Linda Dalch Jones at 804-514-1098.

The museum store at Henricus is currently stocked with holiday gifts for people of all ages. Products include handmade Virginia Indian and colonial crafts, jewelry, historical literature, T-shirts and a variety of items for children. Prices range from budget-friendly to high-end. Gift certificates and Henricus Foundation Patron memberships also make unique holiday presents.

Henricus Historical Park is located on 32 acres along the scenic and historic James River and is surrounded by the 810-acre Dutch Gap Conservation Area. Only 20 minutes from Richmond, the park is located at 251 Henricus Park Road, Chester, Virginia 23836.

More about Henricus Historical Park:
Founded in 1611 by Sir Thomas Dale, the Citie of Henricus is the second successful English settlement in North America and commemorated its 400th anniversary in September 2011. Henricus Historical Park is a living history museum located within the Dutch Gap Conservation Area with Pre-K–12 and adult education programs, including indoor and outdoor meeting and special event space available for rental. Henricus Historical Park is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which operates in partnership with the Henricus Foundation and the counties of Chesterfield and Henrico. For more information about Henricus Historical Park visit www.henricus.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Police responded to the area of Keswick Garden Apartments at about 10 p.m. on Wednesday and found a man who had been shot. The victim, 22, had sought help from a nearby apartment resident, who called police. The victim was transported to VCU Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

The suspect is described as a black male, about 5 feet 9 inches tall with a slender build. He was wearing dark clothing and had a full beard. He was seen driving a small, white vehicle.

Anyone with information should contact the Chesterfield County Police Department at 804-748-1251 or Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660

Alsaidi pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge M. Hannah Lauck in Richmond, Va., to one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods. In his guilty plea, Alsaidi admitted that he sold shoes and apparel that he knew were counterfeit at his two stores in Petersburg, Va., from May 2007 until March 2009. Alsaidi also admitted that he purchased these counterfeit goods from an individual in New York.

According to court documents, Alsaidi received more than 1,400 packages of counterfeit merchandise at his stores from New York over a 23-month period. The merchandise bore fake trademarks for companies such as Nike, NFL, Lacoste, True Religion and Coogi.

Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 23, 2012, at 9:30 a.m., before U.S. Chief Judge James R. Spencer in Richmond. At sentencing, Alsaidi faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $2 million fine.

This case is an example of the type of efforts being undertaken by the Department of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property (IP Task Force). Attorney General Eric Holder created the IP Task Force to combat the growing number of domestic and international intellectual property crimes, protect the health and safety of American consumers, and safeguard the nation’s economic security against those who seek to profit illegally from American creativity, innovation and hard work. The IP Task Force seeks to strengthen intellectual property rights protection through heightened criminal and civil enforcement, greater coordination among federal, state and local law enforcement partners, and increased focus on international enforcement efforts, including reinforcing relationships with key foreign partners and U.S. industry leaders.

via FBI — Virginia Store Owner Pleads Guilty to Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods.

Chesterfield County fire marshals determined the fire started in the kitchen as a result of a pot being left on the stove unattended.

Police responded to Alfalfa Lane at about 6:40 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2, and found a man with a gunshot wound to the chest. Another male victim, who had an apparent gunshot wound to the arm, was soon located in Shady Hill Mobile Home Park, located in the 6800 block of Jefferson Davis Highway. This victim had fled from the Alfalfa Lane location. Both men were transported to VCU Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

Police obtained warrants for Antonio S. Flax, 50, for felonious assault, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and illegal possession of a firearm in relation to this incident. The United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force took Flax into custody on Tuesday, Nov. 8, in Richmond. Flax, of the 2300 block of Alfalfa Lane, is being held in the Chesterfield County Jail pending a hearing in Chesterfield County General District Court.

While some landowners have contacted the forestry department about the individual, “it’s quite possible that other landowners are being scammed—an action that can cost them thousands of dollars,” Talbert said. “We want citizens to know that this individual does not work for the Virginia Department of Forestry, and that the VDOF does not purchase timber. … We urge landowners who may be contacted by someone claiming that ‘Forestry’ sent him to purchase their timber to contact their local sheriff’s office and report the incident immediately.”

Chuck Wright, VDOF area forester for Goochland and Fluvanna, said most forest landowners harvest timber only once or twice during their lifetimes. “It’s extremely important to have a good plan for overall management of their timber resources, as well as a specific timetable when that timber is going to be harvested.”

Landowners also should keep in mind that timber markets tend to fluctuate, he said, and it is often best to solicit the services of a private consulting forester to handle a potential harvest. Upon request, the forestry department can provide landowners with a list of private forestry consultants who work in their areas.

On Tuesday, Oct. 18, Ambrister’s body was found in a taxi cab in a vacant lot behind the 4800 block of Jefferson Davis Highway near Walmsley Boulevard. Ambrister, 49, was a driver for Boulevard Cab Co. in Petersburg.
Chesterfield police obtained warrants for Quindell M. Kirby, of Petersburg, for murder, robbery and two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Chesterfield police worked with the Petersburg Police Department during this investigation, and were able to locate and take Kirby, 23, into custody with the assistance of the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force on Thursday, Oct. 27, in Petersburg.

Snagajob has been named a Top-10 Best Small Company to Work for in America for the past three years before earning the top ranking this year.

“Snagajob is a prime example of how an entrepreneur with a vision and a dedication to building a company and supporting employees can live out the American dream,” said Governor McDonnell. “In a little more than a decade, this company has become a leader in its field, and is now a nationally recognized ambassador for the Virginia story of business and job creation success. Snagajob has also become a major area employer, doubling its number of local employees to more than 300 this year, with more growth on the horizon. That kind of expansion not only helps Virginia’s economy but will further the growth of other companies – both within Virginia and nationwide – as Snagajob helps other businesses with their hiring needs for hourly employees.”

Snagajob was selected among hundreds of small companies (50-250 employees) competing for the best place to work honor from the Great Place to Work Institute. The award is based on employee surveys, an in-depth questionnaire and factors such as credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie.

“The foundation of what we look for in ‘Snaggers’ – our employees – is great people who love doing great work together as a team,” said Shawn Boyer, co-founder and CEO of Snagajob.  “I’m incredibly proud of this honor especially because it’s based on employee feedback. This award is further validation that our maniacal focus on people and culture is the right approach, particularly as we grow at a rapid pace and have doubled our size in the past year.”

Great Place to Work is a global research, consulting and training firm that produces the annual FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For list and Great Place to Work Best Small & Medium Workplaces list published by Entrepreneur.com.

TCD is a disease complex that attacks walnut trees, Juglans spp. The fungus Geosmithia morbida is vectored by the walnut twig beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis, causing small cankers under the bark of the tree. The beetle introduces the fungus while it tunnels beneath the bark. As more beetles attack the tree, the number of cankers increases until they coalesce to girdle twigs and branches, restricting movement of nutrients and eventually killing the tree. Neither the beetle nor the fungus is native to the eastern U.S.  Thinning or dead branches will initially occur at the top of the tree, which will die from the top down. Trees may be infested for many years before showing symptoms. There is currently no preventive or curative treatment for the disease.

Following the detection of TCD in the counties of Chesterfield and Henrico in July of this year, Commissioner Lohr established a temporary quarantine that included those two counties and the City of Richmond.  The quarantine, which became effective on July 21, 2011, is intended to prevent the artificial spread of the disease. Under the terms of the quarantine, all walnut plants and plant parts of walnut, including green lumber, logs, stumps, firewood, roots, branches, mulch and chips, are prohibited from being moved out of the quarantine area. Once established, TCD has the potential to spread to uninfested areas, either through natural means or through the artificial movement of infested articles.

During subsequent surveys conducted by VDACS staff, additional sites infected with TCD were found in areas outside the initial quarantine.  Consequently, Commissioner Lohr expanded the quarantine area to also include the counties of Goochland, Hanover and Powhatan, as well as the City of Colonial Heights.  The expanded quarantine is also temporary and will last no more than 90 days.  Following a public hearing during the upcoming meeting of the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Board) on December 8, 2011, in Richmond, Commissioner Lohr intends to ask that the Board adopt this as a permanent quarantine.

Cody E. Wood, 19, of the 5500 block of Marsh Light Lane, was critically injured when a vehicle struck him while he was walking on Old Buckingham Road near Unison Drive. The vehicle left the scene of the crash. Wood was transported to VCU Medical Center, where he died as a result of his injuries at about 5 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13.

On Friday, Oct. 7, police arrested and charged Bernard Talla Kamgang, 41, with felony hit and run in relation to the crash. Kamgang, of 2200 block Chalfont Drive, in south Richmond, was released on bond with a pending court date of Oct. 13, 2011.

Police said a man approached a teller at about 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 4, and passed a note demanding money. The suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash and left the scene on foot. No one was injured during the robbery.

On Oct. 13, police arrested and charged Daniel R. Green, 29, with robbery, entering a bank armed with intent to commit larceny and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Green, of the 2700 block of Normandale Avenue, is being held without bond at the Chesterfield County Jail pending a hearing in Chesterfield County General District Court on Friday, Oct. 14.

The crash occurred in the 6200 block of Qualla Road at about 8:10 p.m. on Oct.13. Police said a 2003 Nissan 350Z was traveling south on Qualla Road when the driver lost control, crossed into the northbound travel lane and struck a 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio.

The driver of the Nissan, Gage M. Edwards, 17, died at the crash scene. The passenger in the Nissan and the driver and passenger of the Volkswagen were transported to VCU Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

Police continue their investigation into this crash.

Police need your help locating the driver and the vehicle that fled the crash scene. Anyone with information about this crash is encouraged to call 748-1251. If you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Solvers at 748-0660.
Police continue their investigation into this crash.

Police responded to Alfalfa Lane at about 6:40 a.m. Sunday and found a man with a gunshot wound to the chest. Another victim was soon located in Shady Hill Mobile Home Park, located in the 6800 block of Jefferson Davis Highway. This male victim, who had an apparent gunshot wound to the arm, had fled from the Alfalfa Lane location. Both men were transported to VCU Medical Center; their injuries did not appear to be life threatening.

Police have obtained warrants for Antonio S. Flax, 50, for felonious assault, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and illegal possession of a firearm in relation to this incident. Flax, of the 2300 block of Alfalfa Lane, is described as a black male, about 5 feet, 7 inches tall and 220 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information should contact the Chesterfield County Police Department at 804-748-1251 or Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660 or text the code tip699 with the tip and send to 274637 (CRIMES).

Authorized by: Capt. David Pritchard, Criminal Investigations Division. For more information, please call Lt. Randy Horowitz at 804-706-2821.

“Getloaded has actively supported Special Olympics of Virginia for over a decade, at events including the Summer Olympic Games, Polar Plunge and Over the Edge,” says Fergus Caldicott, general manager at Getloaded. “So, we jumped at the opportunity to combine two passions — the trucking industry and philanthropy — by bringing the World’s Largest Truck Convoy to Virginia for the first time.”

This year’s Virginia convoy spanned 55 miles beginning and ending at the Meadow Event Park, home of the State Fair of Virginia. In addition to the fundraising drive, the celebration featured food from local vendors, an awards ceremony, a visit from 25 Special Olympic athletes and a Harley Davidson giveaway. Thanks to generous donations from participants and sponsors, the event raised over $12,000 for the Special Olympics of Virginia.

“We are proud of our role in the trucking — and central Virginia — community and look forward to gathering even more truckers and funds at next year’s convoy,” said Caldicott.

For more information about the World’s Largest Truck Convoy and Special Olympics, visit: Resources.specialolympics.org/convoy_contacts.aspxR

Clifford Hardy, 33, was found at about 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20, in the area of Hull Street Road and Fordham Road. He was unharmed.

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Chesterfield Police are searching for a missing man who was last seen on the morning of Monday, Sept. 19. Clifford Hardy, 33, was last seen at about 11:50 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 19, when he left his residence in the 5300 block of Hackney Road. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt with a CES logo attached, beige pants and white sneakers. He may also be wearing a white hat. Hardy is described as a black male, about 6 feet tall and weighing about 136 pounds. He has short black hair, brown eyes and wears glasses. Hardy is also described as having special needs. Anyone with information about Hardy’s whereabouts should call Chesterfield County Police at 748-1251.

Belal Amin Alsaidi, 30, of Petersburg, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury yesterday in Richmond, Va., with one count of conspiracy and three counts of trafficking in counterfeit goods. According to the indictment, between May 2007 and April 2009, Alsaidi allegedly purchased apparel and shoes that he knew were counterfeit from an individual in New York and then sold this merchandise at his two stores in Petersburg. The indictment alleges that he sold goods bearing fake trademarks for companies such as Nike, NFL, Lacoste, True Religion, and Coogi.

Alsaidi was arrested in Buffalo, N.Y., and is scheduled to make his initial appearance tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. in the Western District of New York. His arraignment in the Eastern District of Virginia will be scheduled for a future date.

The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each count of trafficking in counterfeit goods carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $2 million fine. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of profits from illicit trafficking in counterfeit goods as well as the seizure of the goods.

Criminal indictments are only charges and are not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The indictment announced today is an example of the type of efforts being undertaken by the Department of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property (IP Task Force). Attorney General Eric Holder created the IP Task Force to combat the growing number of domestic and international intellectual property crimes, protect the health and safety of American consumers, and safeguard the nation’s economic security against those who seek to profit illegally from American creativity, innovation and hard work. The IP Task Force seeks to strengthen intellectual property rights protection through heightened criminal and civil enforcement, greater coordination among federal, stat, and local law enforcement partners, and increased focus on international enforcement efforts, including reinforcing relationships with key foreign partners and U.S. industry leaders. To learn more about the IP Task Force, go to www.justice.gov/dag/iptaskforce/.

The annual contest is open to students in Dominion’s service areas in North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia. Students will research and write a 350-word essay about the achievements of state and national leaders who have been honored during the series’ 21-year history.

Strong Men & Women highlights the accomplishments of selected African-American role models and tells their stories in an educational series distributed in February during Black History Month. Program information, contest guidelines, entry form and a list of individuals being honored this year are available at Dominion’s website, www.dom.com, keyword: strong. Teachers are encouraged to use the lesson plans posted on the website.

Each of the four winners will receive a notebook computer and their schools will receive a $1,000 cash award. Entries must be submitted online by Nov. 7. The awards will be presented at a ceremony in Richmond on Jan. 19, 2012.

More than 20,000 sets of learning materials are sent to schools and libraries in northeastern North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Dominion is one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 28,200 megawatts of generation. Dominion operates the nation’s largest natural gas storage system and serves retail energy customers in 15 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company’s website at www.dom.com.

Chesterfield Fire Marshals determined the fire started in a bedroom of the home, however, an exact cause has yet to be determined.

For more information, contact Lt. Jason Elmore of the Chesterfield County Department of Fire and EMS at (804) 748-1426.

Lawrence W. Slater, 36, of the 12300 block Branner Place in Chester, was leaving a parking lot on West Hundred Road in Chester when he lost control of his motorcycle at about 8:15 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 12. The motorcycle struck the concrete curbing of a median, causing the motorcycle to flip several times. Slater was thrown from the motorcycle. He was transported to VCU Medical Center, where he died on Sept. 15.

Katharine Talbert, 40, was last seen on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the Kmart on Glenside Drive at West Broad Street in Richmond. She was last seen wearing khaki Capri pants and a brown shirt.

Talbert, of the 9500 block of Riddle Road, is described as a white female, about 5 feet 2 inches tall and 135 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about Talbert’s whereabouts should call Chesterfield County Police at 748-1251.

“In keeping with our mission – Listen Learn Care − we’ve created these fun and exciting sackpacks in response to what kids have told us they like”

Stewart will participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony during the grand opening event and help the Office Depot Foundation donate 2,000 new sackpacks to schools and non-profit organizations that work with children in need in midlothian and the Greater-Richmond area.

“I’m proud to be joining the Office Depot and the Office Depot Foundation in midlothian for this important event,” said Stewart. “Office Depot is focused on taking care of business for its customers every day and that certainly shows in the store’s convenient layout and features. I’m also looking forward to helping the Office Depot Foundation donate essential school supplies to kids in need that will help them succeed inside the classroom. It’s always a very rewarding feeling to know the type of positive impact a donation like this has on their life.”

Stewart is partnering with the Office Depot Foundation for the third consecutive year to support the Foundation’s National Backpack Program, helping to donate 350,000 sackpacks throughout the 2011 back-to-school season – the most sackpacks given out in a single year since the program started in 2001.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony and “Back-To-School Celebration” conclude, Stewart will hold an autograph session for 400 fans beginning at 4:30 p.m. local time at the store. Wristbands will be required for an autograph and will be available at the store beginning at 8 a.m. on the event day. A replica of Stewart’s No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 show car will be on display in the store’s parking lot, along with racing simulators for fans to enjoy.

An Inside Look at the New Office Depot Store in midlothian

According to Store Manager Todd Davis, the new midlothian store includes a number of features designed specifically with the customer in mind, including colorful and clear signage, and carpeted floors for a warmer feel. The floor plan is simple to navigate with a layout that is intuitive, logical and convenient for the customer to shop.

The midlothian Office Depot store employs 14 associates. It incorporates a full-size Copy & Print Depot and a Tech Depot Services section, both of which are conveniently located adjacent to the cash registers. It houses more than 5,000 technology, furniture and supply products in approximately 8,000 square feet of selling space.

The store hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The telephone number is 804-379-0041.