ANNOUNCEMENTS
Preservation area wins Scenic Virginia award

The Brown & Williamson Conservation Easement in Chesterfield County recently received an honorable mention for "Best Preservation of a Scenic Viewshed" from the nonprofit conservation organization Scenic Virginia during its 2006 Scenic Awards. A coalition worked to preserve 262 acres along a one-mile stretch of the James River that qualifies for the Scenic River designation, but is zoned industrial and was threatened by development. The conservation of the property will enhance water quality in the James River while preserving significant wildlife habitat and magnificent views. Project partners are the Chesterfield County Parks & Recreation Department, Friends of Chesterfield's Riverfront, Virginia Outdoors Foundation, Brown & Williamson Company, Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation, DuPont Teijin and Environmental Solutions.

The following persons have been appointed to seats on the Gifted Education Advisory Committee for Chesterfield schools: Jennifer Ogburn (term of 2006-09); Lori McNulty (2006-09); Giola Forbes (2004-07); Daisy Byrd (2006-09); B.K. Archer (2006-09); Jacqueline Graves (2004-07); Mary Ann Reid (2006-09); Stephanie Estes (2005- 08); Joe Barden (community representative 2004-07); Ed Bosha (James River High teacher 2005-08); Anne Canipe (Carver Middle teacher 2005-08); Jessica Dictor (Meadowbrook High teacher 2006-09); Tina Martin (Hopkins Elementary principal 2005-08); Mary Ann McCrum (Grange Hall Elementary support staff 2004-07); Jeffrey McGee (Matoaca Middle principal 2004-07); Lacy Patterson (Marguerite Christian Elementary teacher 2005-08); Margaret Seitz (Bettie Weaver Elementary teacher 2005-08); and Christine Wilson (Midlothian High principal 2004-07). David Jansen (2006-09) and Frances Thompson (Manchester Middle teacher 2006-07) were reappointed.

LifeStyle Builders and Developers will build 25 single-family homes at Midlothian Town Center, a 60-acre mixed-use community located at the intersection of Midlothian Turnpike and Winterfield Road in the village of Midlothian. Lifestyle will construct the upscale residences within the neo-traditional neighborhood that's being developed by

James Doran Company. The development combines retail, office and residential to create a "new urban village."

Babies "R" Us will open next month in the Village at Swift Creek on Hull Street Road just west of Route 288.

Water & Earth Exotic Imports has opened at 9821 Chester Road in Chester. It offers bamboo plants, arrangements, wedding and shower favors, and a variety of arrangements.