New Kent Parks and Recreation shift strategy as population, programs continue to grow

When COVID-19 arrived, New Kent Park and Recreation Director Kim Turner said they were knee-deep in programming. And while grants were used to aid staff in childcare services and provide outdoor recreational equipment, she knew she had a big obligation to fill when everything would return to a sense of normalcy. “We didn’t know when people were going to go back inside,” Turner said in a Wednesday morning interview, sitting under the shade at the two-year old Pine Fork Park. “We just had to be ready and were heavy on working with essential personnel and funding to support programming and…
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Revamp of recreational facilities becomes eye-catcher in Charles City

Summer months mean down time for teachers in the classroom. But for most parents, keeping their children busy and active is something that continues to be vital in growth and memories. Students out of school usually mean busy times for Charles City’s Park and Recreation Department. Director Kimberly Barrow, now in year four, has slowly helped rebuild the numbers of the Summer Camp program. In particular, bouncing back after a setback of COVID-19 is one of the driving forces that led her to researching grants. “The National Recreation Park Association puts out grants all the time and it’s finding grants…
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Chronicle staff to interview candidates in upcoming Fall elections

The New Kent-Charles City Chronicle will begin conducting interviews with candidates who are running in the Fall 2023 general election. Candidates will be contacted by Chronicle staff via telephone or in-person at public events and engage in a series of questions. Chronicle staff will also take a headshot photo if one has not been provided. Information about candidates will be published in either a late September or early October edition of the Chronicle. Chronicle staff will also attend town halls and public forums for public debates. If you have any questions, please contact editor Andre Jones.

Charles City National Night Out 2023

‘Noisy Nature’ at Heritage Public Library

Chickahominy Health District offering overdose education classes

The Chickahominy Health District, that services both New Kent and Charles City County, will offer free Naloxone and Opioid Overdose Education classes in August. The classes will teach citizens how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency. Attendees will receive free naloxone nasal spray that is used to assist with those emergencies and is recommended to be in first aid kits. Classes are less than 30 minutes long and are walk-in. The classes will be held on Aug. 9 and Aug. 23, 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the Charles City Health Department, 7501 Adkins Road, and in New Kent on…
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Charles City food pantry opens doors to community

Bragaw named new priest at St. Peter’s Parish

St. Peter’s Parish in New Kent announced that the Rev. Dr. Stephen Bragaw will serve as the church’s new priest effective Aug. 1. Bragaw is a second-career priest who earned his Master’s in Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS). He came to the priesthood after serving for more than 30 years as a professor of government and American political history at Washington and Lee, the University of Virginia, and Sweet Briar College.

Paige named to CVTA’s financial committee

New Kent Board of Supervisors’ District 3 representative Patricia Paige has been named as a member of the financial committee of the Central Virginia Transportation Authority. Five spots are available on the board, which oversees and discuss how to use allotted funds to assist with transportation needs in Central Virgina.

Letter to the Editor: One year of 988 has saved lives

On July 16, it will mark one year since our nation transitioned to 988, the easy-to-remember nationwide mental health crisis helpline. This number connects callers with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). Since the launch of 988 in 2022, data shows an increase in overall calls, texts, and chats. More people are getting connected to care and connected sooner than ever before. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 9,360 people use 988 every day. Of that number, 98 percent of people are helped during the call, text,…
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