WHO: Byron C. Marshall, Chief Administrative Officer Anthony McLean, Acting Director of Emergency Management WHAT: Update of city's progress in responding to the winter storm WHEN: 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 19, 2009 WHERE: City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Richmond Ambulance Authority 2400 Hermitage Road BACKGROUND: City officials will provide an update on the city's efforts in response to the winter storm. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is a central command and control facility where city officials are coordinating the city’s response to the storm. Contact: Tammy Hawley, (804) 646-3110

WHO: Mayor Dwight C. Jones WHAT: Update of City's progress in responding to the winter storm WHEN: 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 19, 2009 WHERE: Department of Public Works Parker Field Operations Center at Hermitage Road and Avenue of Champions BACKGROUND: Mayor Jones will provide an update on the City's efforts in response to the winter storm. Contact: Tammy Hawley, (804) 646-3110

Who: Mayor Dwight C. Jones Who: Present toys to residents during toy drive distribution event When: 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. on Friday, December 18, 2009 Where: Arthur Ashe Athletic Center 2907 North Boulevard Richmond, VA 23230 Background: Mayor Jones, the city of Richmond and Radio One present new unwrapped toys, books and clothing to residents in an effort to “Build a Better Richmond” for area youth this holiday season. The toy drive began on Tuesday, December 10, 2009, with donations being accepted at any city fire station, City Hall, Southside Community Service Center, and two Radio One events at the Brook Road and Sheila Lane Walmarts. Contact: Tammy Hawley, (804) 646-3110

The city of Richmond will host a number of citywide events in celebration of this holiday season. City residents and visitors can enjoy the spirit of the season at the 17th Street Farmers’ Market’s Grand Illumination celebration on Friday, December 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Local crafters and food vendors will be highlighted at the event, and the Salvation Army International Brass Ensemble will perform a variety of holiday classics. Holiday celebrations will still be in full swing on Saturday, December 12 at the 17th Street Farmers’ Market. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., over 80 tuba players will perform in four-part harmony at this year’s Tuba Christmas. Singing Santa will also be at the event, caroling the crowd. This is a must see holiday event for the entire family. For more information on the 17th Street Farmers’ Market, call (804) 646-0477 or visit www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com . Main Street Station will host its annual Holiday Open House on Friday, December 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at th...

WHO: Mayor Dwight C. Jones Linda Forem, General Manager Radio One Richmond Clovia “Miss Community” Lawrence, Community Outreach Director Radio One Richmond WHAT: Event to begin the City of Richmond and Radio One Holiday Toy Drive WHEN: 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 2, 2009 WHERE: Richmond Fire Station 10 900 Hermitage Road Richmond, Virginia Background: Donations of new, unwrapped toys, books and clothing are appreciated and will be accepted at any city fire station or at City Hall through December 17. Radio One will also be accepting donations at the Wal-Mart Supercenter at 2501 Sheila Lane from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Dec. 17. Donations will be distributed to children in need within the Richmond community. Contact: Tammy Hawley, (804) 646-3110

The 17th Street Farmers’ Market will kick off the holiday season with the 11th Annual Holiday Market on Friday, November 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature local crafters, artisans, food vendors and live entertainment. The 17th Street Farmers’ Market will have Frasier Fur trees available for the “Virginia’s Finest” Christmas tree sale. These trees are grown on the mountains of Floyd County in southwestern Virginia and are known as some of the finest Christmas trees in the region. The Christmas trees are priced at $37 for 6 to 7 foot trees and $47 for 7 to 8 foot trees. The Christmas tree sale will continue to December 13, or as supplies last. Holiday Market proceeds benefit the 2010 17th Street Farmers’ Market children’s garden program. The program provides funding for local children to purchase seeds and plants for a new children’s garden in the spring of 2010. The market is regularly open on Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays a...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones attended today’s informal session of Richmond City Council to speak in support of expediting a resolution to accept the Richmond Public Schools Phase 1 Construction Plan. Eight members of City Council signed on as co-sponsors of the resolution with the Mayor. “Education remains a top priority for the city of Richmond and this administration,” said Mayor Jones. “We have waited too long to deal with the long-overdue problem of antiquated schools. This is a fiscally-prudent and educationally-imperative plan. We are at a juncture now where we are ready to move forward together and develop very specific timelines for the construction of our schools.” Phase 1 of the school’s construction plan consists of two parts, the building of new schools and substantial renovations to some existing schools. Phase 1A of the plan includes a new Huguenot High School, Broad Rock Elementary School, Oak Grove Elementary School and Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School. The new Huguenot...