In a world where endless notifications and meetings often blur the boundaries between work and personal life, the opportunity to step away—intentionally, meaningfully—is a gift. At Henrico County, full-time employees are offered eight hours of paid volunteer time annually, with recurring opportunities to participate in community service. It’s more than a benefit; it’s an invitation to connect, to contribute, and perhaps most surprisingly, to discover something deeply personal in the process.

Earlier this year, I chose to spend a portion of my volunteer time at Soar365, an organization serving individuals of all ages with disabilities—and their families—across Central Virginia. Their approach is profoundly person-centered, celebrating the unique strengths and spirit of each individual. They don’t just offer support; they offer understanding, joy, and an undeniable sense of belonging.

My visit coincided with their Valentine’s Day celebration, and Henrico employees were invited to join participants in the adult day program for an afternoon of arts and crafts. The space was bright, scattered with painting kits and blank canvases, surrounded by bingo stations and more than a few rogue sparkling eyes. It was loud, joyfully so, with laughter bouncing off the walls. It started with music humming in the background and dancing, both on and off tune. The flow of movement provided a sea of staggered uniformity that was free and confident. Announcements followed. Ashley Christian, volunteer engagement coordinator at Soar365, gave a presentation to the group and led us in low-risk exercises that would help anyone on their journey towards health and well-being.

I found myself at a table with three program participants, each working on their own Valentine crafts. We painted canvases and bedazzled them with trinkets and beads.  One was focused, boldly painting in colors of red and orange. “For my family,” she expressed to me, not looking up. Another preferred stickers, especially colorful ones, and, when finished, told me he would give them to his girlfriend, who was making crafts at another table.

There’s something grounding about making something with your hands. But what struck me most wasn’t the crafts—it was the presence. These moments were completely undistracted. I wasn’t a volunteer from an organization. I was just a person, sharing a table, creating, listening, and laughing.

Before the afternoon unfolded, I learned about how Soar365 operates—not through grand gestures, but through daily acts of empathy and tailored support. Staff members shared information about the program and recommendations that make for the best possible experience. Even more lovely, they knew every individual’s preferences and communication styles. They anticipated needs before they were spoken. The combination of expertise and kindness was palpable and inspiring.

When I returned to the office following this experience, I felt lighter. Not because the work had changed, but because I had. That one afternoon reminded me that the value of my time isn’t measured solely by output, but by the impact it has on others and myself.

Volunteering isn’t just about giving back; it’s about tuning in. It’s about stepping outside of our routines to rediscover what connects us. And in those eight hours a year, we’re not just encouraged to make a difference—we’re reminded that we can already make a difference.

We encourage you to have your own experiences and connect with the community we all serve. Check out Outreach & Engagement’s webpage for regularly updated opportunities or keep an eye out for General Notice emails. You can also reach out to Henrico’s Volunteer Program Coordinator, Victoria Davis, to get started. It may be the most meaningful meeting you put on your calendar.

For more information on requesting and using volunteer leave, please refer to Section 8.20 of the Policies and Procedures.

As we welcome the fresh air and new beginnings that come with spring, it’s also the perfect time to give your retirement plans a seasonal checkup! If nothing else, it’s a great opportunity to check your beneficiaries and make any necessary updates if needed, ensuring your plans are in order.

Resources to Help You Stay on Track

Henrico County’s 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan with Empower

• What is market volatility?
• Check out the Empower – Learning Center for resources and tools on a variety of financial topics.
• Schedule an individual virtual appointment with Chip Richardson, Empower Retirement Plan Advisor, to discuss your Empower 457(b) deferred compensation account or review your plan options.

Virginia Retirement System – Hybrid Defined Contribution Plans with Voya

• Focus Newsletter – April 2025
• Be Ready Team – Voya Financial Planning Services
• Check out the Hybrid Learning Channel to get better acquainted with the defined benefit and defined contribution components of the Hybrid Retirement Plan.
• Henrico County Virtual Appointment Day – June 10, 2025
  • Schedule an individual virtual appointment with Steve McGregor, VRS DC Plans Education Specialist, to discuss your account or review your defined contribution plans options. June 10^th will be dedicated to Henrico County employees.
  • Employees can always schedule an individual appointment at any time that is convenient, utilizing Steve’s scheduling site at https://stevemcgregor-dcp.timetap.com/.
  • Coming Soon: On-site Hybrid education seminars at the Henrico Training Center in August and November. Individual meetings will be available after the seminar.

Naming a Beneficiary
 

VRS Defined Benefit Plans (Pension – Plan 1, Plan 2, and Hybrid Plan Members)

• Register or log in to your myVRS account to name or update beneficiaries for your defined benefit member contributions and VRS Group Life and Optional Life Insurance.
   

VRS Defined Contribution Plans (Hybrid Plan Members Only)

• Log in to your DCP Account at dcp.varetire.org/login  and select Personal Information > Beneficiary Information. 
• Note: VRS Hybrid Plan Members must complete two beneficiary designations: one for the defined benefit component and one for the defined contribution component of their plan.

Empower – 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan

• To designate or update beneficiaries for your Empower retirement account online, log in to your account at participant.empower-retirement.com, navigate to the “Beneficiaries” section, and follow the prompts to add, edit, or remove beneficiaries. 

Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, but the right resources can make all the difference. Whether you’re just getting started or reviewing your current plan, it’s never too early—or too late—to take steps toward a more secure financial future.

Henrico’s Environmental Action Resource Team (H.E.A.R.T.) works diligently on behalf of our residents, businesses, and visitors to provide equal access to Henrico County’s natural resources and to encourage shared responsibility for their protection. It comprises representatives from various Henrico County agencies, schools, and the community, all dedicated to pushing forward county efforts to promote sustainability, preserve natural resources, beautify the community, and protect the environment.

With Earth Day right around the corner, here are 15 ways you can join their effort and minimize your carbon footprint within Henrico and beyond:

1. Pick up a free bare-root seedling from your local Henrico Library on Saturday, April 12! H.E.A.R.T. and Henricopolis are sponsoring the event.
2. Get outside with Recreation and Parks! There will be an Earth Day Celebration on April 19, Movie in the Park: Taylor Farm on April 18, Farm Field Day on April 26, and more! Check out the events calendar!
3. Join Keep Henrico Beautiful and Henrico County Public Library to learn about dragonfly and damselfly populations and their role in the ecosystem on April 18 at the Tuckahoe Library. (Check out the event on the library website.
4. Listen to the Henrico County H.E.A.R.T. podcast to hear about news, programs, and projects!
5. Drop off food scraps and other certified compostable materials at both Henrico Public Use Areas. This free, residential drop-off composting program reduces the amount of waste in landfills and is better for the environment. It is available to County residents and employees. Learn more on the County website.
6. Be intentional about energy efficiency in your home by changing lights to LEDs, adding insulation, weatherizing, using window blinds wisely, or upgrading inefficient HVAC systems. Checkout out the Going Green chapter in our Homeowner’s Enhancement Guide.
7. Be mindful of energy vampire technology! Technology and appliances can still consume electricity when turned off or in standby mode, but are still plugged in. Turn off lights, put your computer to sleep when not in use, think before printing, and unplug electronics when they are not in use. Set thermostats to balance thermal comfort with energy management.
8. Recycle! If you are a Henrico County resident and live in a single-family detached home accessible from a public road, curbside recycling collection service is available to you through the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA). This service is free for county residents, and collections are held every other week. Additionally, the Solid Waste Division of Public Utilities offers free disposal of household hazardous waste such as used motor oil, old gas, antifreeze, and oil-based paints and solvents. To safely recycle batteries, take them to one of many locations in Henrico that participate in the Call2Recycle program.
9. Plant native plants. They are well adapted to local environmental conditions, maintain or improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, often require less fertilizer and pesticides than many alien plants, and create food and habitat for wildlife. Along with their ability to thrive naturally in our county, these native plants are suggested for developers seeking compliance with Henrico County’s planning and development ordinances. Currently, at least 35% of all plants in a proposed landscaping plan must be Native Virginia Species. Check out our Native Plant list on the County website.
10. Secure Your Load and Stop Litter! When using any vehicle or trailer to haul material, take a few minutes to make sure items are properly tied down, cover everything with a tarp or something sturdy, make sure brush and debris are not overhanging or dragging on the road, put lighter weight items at the bottom, don’t overload, and always double check and be aware while driving.
11. Use sustainable transportation! Henrico has 56 miles of bike lanes, 10 active bus routes with over 350 stops, 269 miles of sidewalk, and numerous walking paths and trails! H.E.A.R.T. has installed several bike racks for residents and employees at the Government and Courts buildings. If you are worried about being visible on the bike paths, sidewalks, or walking trails, pick up a free WOAH! (Watch Out Ahead Henrico) vest at an area library, police station, or government center.
12. Volunteer with Keep Henrico Beautiful. Join the Litter Pickup Program, Adopt a Road, or The James River Regional Clean-up. Outreach and Engagement Volunteer Services Program also has clean-up days at Woodland Cemetery and St. James Community Cemetery.
13. Enjoy hands-on learning with Henrico County Public Libraries! Learn how to start a vegetable garden, propagate, shade garden, or use a field guide and identify wildflowers. If arts and crafts are more your style, make your own seed bombs, decorative flowers, planter painting, or enjoy an art demo. There are different programs for kids, teens, and adults. See the events calendar or program guide for more information.
14. Be conscious of your home’s typical resource consumption, such as water, electricity, and natural gas. Whether you total up your bills for a year or keep a spreadsheet of your usage, see what you regularly use and where you can improve. Be on the lookout for any drastic changes that could indicate a leak or other inefficiency.
15. Share your opinion with HenricoNEXT and participate in the process of updating the county’s Comprehensive Plan. The plan provides a vision for Henrico’s future, including its physical development and the enhancement of its quality of life. Stormwater protection, replanting the tree canopy, protection of natural resources, renewable energy, active transportation, and recreation and parks are a few of the issues associated with environmental sustainability that will be covered in the plan update.

Last week, the County Manager hosted an Employee Town Hall to celebrate recent successes and share information regarding the budget and other county efforts. While there have been smaller agency-wide town halls, this was the first of hopefully many all-employee events this year, and employees should expect to see County leadership everywhere!

Sheila Minor, The Director of Finance, opened by highlighting County successes by recognizing employees in the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and Public Works (DPW) for their hard work and diligence in handling the recent water crisis and snow events. She also celebrated two of the three approved Housing Affordability Trust projects and the fact that several General Government and Schools employees are new homeowners thanks to the Employee Home Purchase Assistance Program!
The County Manager then took the stage to reiterate how the values of the County align with the proposed budget, which includes a 6% raise for employees and tax cuts for residents. He credited the Police Division for continued low crime rates despite 80 position vacancies. He also touted that Henrico is in the 99th percentile in the nation for our healthcare benefits regarding the richness of plans and cost to the employee!

Finally, Chief of Staff Cari Tretina opened the floor to questions and comments. There were questions about healthcare/ Employee Benefits and market adjustments, as well as questions regarding preventative care. Director of Human Resources Yvette Geroge highlighted the Perks at Work program, which features discounts for gyms, health programs, and many other things. She also emphasized Employee Health Services, Fitness and Wellness classes, yoga classes, and our first-place worldwide title in a recent rowing competition. Yvette wrapped up by encouraging employees to use their healthcare benefits in a preventative way and by utilizing the employee resources website for additional information on benefits available to employees. For details on all healthcare-related benefits, please visit the Benefits section of the employee website.

As Cari received even more questions about wellness programs, she took the time to discuss the additional paid leave options and the importance of utilizing leave to stay mentally and physically healthy. Cari also answered questions related to electric vehicle chargers and the ability of internal hires to negotiate their salaries.

In his closing remarks, the County Manager thanked everyone for listening and reiterated the importance and purpose of town hall meetings. “This is what makes us, I think, as an organization, really good, because we listen. And this is a place where you should never be afraid to speak.”
You can watch the entire Town Hall on the County Intranet site. If you have any questions about the Town Hall Meeting or for County Leadership, please email Cari Tretina at [email protected].