ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chesterfield named one of nation's best 100 communities for young people

Kimberly Johnson and William Dickerson will marry in Nags Head in May.

America's Promise Alliance, the nation's largest alliance dedicated to children and youth, in partnership with Capital One, has once again named Chesterfield County as one of its 100 Best Communities for Young People for 2008. The 100 Best competition recognizes 100 outstanding communities across America - large and small, rural and urban - that are the best places for young people to live and grow up. More than 300 communities in all 50 states applied for the honor this year. The 100 winning communities span 37 states. This is Chesterfield's third time on the list.

SAFE, the county's substance abuse prevention coalition, was cited as one reason for Chesterfield being selected. Last year, SAFE conducted a community youth needs assessment that resulted in a community-wide substance abuse prevention initiative. The county's Partnership for Youth was also mentioned. That group assessed suspended and expelled youths, helping keep young people in school and developing fundamental educational components to impact success.

Families First, another program in the county, provides regular home visitation to new parents to help them develop the skills they need to care for their newborns.

The Health Department's Women, Infants and Children Program provides vital nutrition, with an average monthly caseload of approximately 4,000. Another initiative, the

Coalition for Active Children (COACH) provides assistance with education, activities and programs designed to reduce childhood obesity. In a typical year, the program serves approximately 750-800 children.

In other announcements:

Sharon and Raymond Carver of Wake, Va. and James T. Yacobi Sr. of Poquoson, Va. announce the engagement of their daughter, Kimberly Yacobi Johnson to William Brian Dickerson, son of Jerry and Susan Dickerson of Chesterfield. Johnson is a graduate of Gloucester High School and is employed by the West Point Police Department. Dickerson is a graduate of Manchester High School and is employed by the Richmond Police Department. A May wedding in Nags Head is planned.

The owners and employees of Old Dominion Insulation Corporation have donated $20,000 in services and materials to improve the Chesterfield Senior Center at the Episcopal Church of Our Savior.

Chesterfield County has accepted an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant of $97,194 for the Community Corrections Services Day Reporting Center.

SouthPeak Interactive, LLC and Global Services Partners Acquisition Corp. have merged to form SouthPeak Interactive Corporation. SouthPeak in Midlothian is a fast-growing video game publisher that utilizes independent studios to source and produce innovative video games.

Shamin Hotels has kicked off a food drive to benefit the Central Virginia Foodbank (CVFB). Through Mar. 20, boxes will be placed in the lobbies of all 17 Richmond area Shamin Hotels plus a box at the company's corporate headquarters in Chester. Shamin Hotels employees will also volunteer their time to the CVFB during the month of February.

Jeff Bowman of Commonwealth Photography in Chester has earned a master's of photography degree from the Professional Photographers of America. The degree was presented earlier this month in Tampa. The master's program exists to recognize photographic excellence in imagery and print for more than 20,000 members.