JAMES HASKINS
For the second time, Chesterfield’s River City Sportsplex has been recognized during SportsEvents magazine’s 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards. River City Sportsplex placed first in the All-Star Outdoor Sports Venue category and took second place in the All- Star Multipurpose Sports Venue or Complex category. Located along Genito Road and state Route 288, the River City Sportsplex first opened in 2011. The complex is home to one of the largest pods of synthetic turf fields in the U.S. – boasting 12 all-weather synthetic turf fields, providing an ideal location to host a variety of sports and activities year-round in one location. River City Sportsplex has served as an economic driver for the county, helping to generate more than $89 million in direct economic impact to Chesterfield since July 2017 and hosting more than 500,000 people annually.
Community
The Friends of the Chesterfield County Public Library is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a signature fundraising project, the Children’s Picture Book campaign, to help the library system replenish the children’s picture book collections. The Friends’ goal is to raise enough money to purchase at least 1,000 picture books for the library system. During 2020, picture books became the second most in-demand item for CCPL systemwide. With a look to the future, there is a need to replace the very worn collection with newer editions of perennial favorites and add new titles that expand the diversity and cultural sensitivity of the collection. For every $20 raised, CCPL will be able to purchase and maintain one new picture book and get it into the hands of young readers and families in the community, an investment in early literacy education as well as lifelong learning. A dedicated book plate can be included for an additional $6. For information on how to participate in the picture book campaign, visit chesterfieldfriends.org.
Education
The HOSA – Future Health Professionals chapter at James River High School received affiliation in October. The chapter, with 13 charter members and an adviser, is the third chapter in Chesterfield County Schools, joining Monacan and Cosby high schools. Senior Lauryn Sims, a former sports medicine volunteer who plans to major in exercise science and study to be a physical therapist, developed a program of work and bylaws for the chapter’s affiliate application. In the coming months, chapter members will elect officers and begin its program of work to explore medical careers with local professionals, support school activities and engage with community health initiatives. In addition to local activities, the chapter plans to participate in statewide and national HOSA competitions. HOSA – Future Health Professionals is the largest international student-led organization operating in schools for students enrolled in health science and biomedical sciences programs and serving those interested in pursuit of careers in health and biomedical professions.
James River senior Lauryn Sims (top left); adviser Bronwyn Moseley (top center)
Announcements can be emailed to [email protected], faxed to 804-744-3269 or mailed to Chesterfield Observer, Attn: Announcements, P.O. Box 1616, Midlothian, VA 23113.