Local Entrepreneur Crystal Richards will open Nappy by Nature, a hair salon, with assistance from the city of Richmond Department of Economic Development’s Commercial Area Revitalization Effort (CARE) and Enterprise Zone Programs. The salon, located at 1820 Hull Street, will hold a grand opening today, September 15, 2009, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. “At a very young age, I knew I wanted to be in the hair care industry,” said Richards. “My goal was to one day operate my own salon and I am very excited that the day is finally becoming a reality.” “It is extremely fulfilling to see a business excel to this point and utilize the financial incentives offered through the city’s CARE program,” said city Director of Economic Development Carthan Currin. “By providing business assistance through financial and enterprise zone incentives, we are stimulating private investment in the city.” To celebrate the grand opening, Nappy by Nature is offering specials to youth ages 4 -17 on Tuesday. The salon spec...

The Richmond Healthy Start Initiative has been notified that they will receive $4.5 million over the next five years through the Healthy Start program at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program is dedicated to ensuring that low-income and disadvantaged pregnant women receive the health care they need. Services include outreach, home visitation, case management, health education, perinatal depression screening, interconceptional care and other effective approaches to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy birth. U.S. Congressman Bobby Scott stated, “Healthy Start is exactly the type of community-based prevention program that will save lives and also millions of dollars in healthcare costs down the road.” “I am thankful that the Richmond Healthy Start Initiative has been selected to receive this funding,” said Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “Congressman Scott has been a true champion for our program and I thank him for his efforts in ensuring we receive this fund...

50 Million Pound Challenge Walk Off Set For Saturday WHO: Mayor Dwight C. Jones Dr. Ian Smith (founder/creator of The 50 Million Pound Challenge, New York Times bestselling author of The 4 Day Diet) WHAT: 50 Million Pound Challenge Walk/Run Off WHEN: September 12, 2009 Registration begins at 8 a.m. Opening remarks at 8:30 a.m. Challenge Walk/Run Off begins at 9 a.m. WHERE: Chimborazo Park East Broad Street and 32nd Street BACKGROUND: The 50 Million Pound Challenge is a free national health initiative encouraging people to come together and take control of their health by getting fit. Richmond joins 15 cities and more than 37,000 teams from across the country that will be participating in the Challenge Walk Off on September 12. Challenge event activities include a 2-mile walk/run-off, line dancing, clowns, arts and crafts, and wellness vendors. State Farm will provide raffle prizes during the event to i...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones and Dr. Ian Smith, founder and creator of the 50 Million Pound Challenge, invite residents to participate in the 50 Million Pound Challenge Walk Off, from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, September 12, at Chimborazo Park. In an effort to encourage citizens to take a step toward a healthier lifestyle, Mayor Jones, the Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities and the Richmond City Health District have planned a family friendly event at Chimborazo Park, East Broad and 32nd Streets. Event registration begins at 8 a.m. and the 2-mile walk/run begins at 9 a.m. Other activities for the Challenge include line dancing, clowns, arts and crafts, and wellness vendors. State Farm will provide raffle prizes during the event to include $100 Visa gift cards, iPod Shuffles, a Wii Fitness system, and more. Everyone that signs up for the Challenge walk or run will receive free healthy snacks and a free 50 Million Pound Challenge t-shirt provided by State Farm. To join ...

Internal panel designed to help ensure compliance The City of Richmond announced today its intent to step up efforts to ensure departmental compliance with procurement rules for city contracts. The enhancements are partly a result of an administrative review recently conducted by Mayor Dwight Jones' Administration following an Inspector General's report on the city's Procurement Services Department. The Inspector General's report was issued as a result of a 2007 complaint alleging that the Procurement Services Department incorrectly awarded a sole source contract for the purchase of police vehicles. "Our internal review of this matter indicates that the Procurement Services Department did not properly follow procurement rules in the awarding of the contract in question. The Department took corrective actions within 60 days of the questionable procurement. However, our findings indicate that there still aren't sufficient safeguards to ensure full complianc...

Client Services Will Not Be Impacted Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ administration announced today efforts to reorganize the Richmond Department of Social Services and to correct what has been determined to be major financial management failures. This week the administration became aware of billing errors that have been generated by the department to the Commonwealth of Virginia. “We’ve identified financial management failures that have resulted in an estimated $3.8 million in over billing to the Commonwealth of Virginia. We’ve already begun the process of correcting the billing with the proper State representatives and we're working closely with the City's Auditor,” said City Chief Administrative Officer Byron Marshall. “This management failure has highlighted for us an area of City government that must be retooled. We have no evidence that any of this is based in fraud or corruption, but rather poor management and record keeping which indicates a need to make significant proced...

The City has opened three cooling shelters to assist residents during the anticipated heat this week. The cooling shelters are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., today, Monday, August 10 through Wednesday, August 12. City cooling shelters are opened when the temperature/heat index reaches or exceeds the 95 degree mark. Cooling shelters are located at: -Southside Community Center, 4100 Hull Street -Department of Social Services, 900 East Marshall Street -East District Center, 701 North 25th Street Bottled water will be available, but food will not be provided. Pets, with the exception of service animals, will not be allowed. All residents should take measures to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the heat during the day. For more information regarding cooling services, citizens can contact the Department of Social Services Fuel Assistance Office, 646-7046. Elderly citizens with heat related issues can contact the Adult Protective Service Unit, 646-7367. In the event ...