News Near You for March 29

NEWS NEAR YOU

Sussex The entry deadline for the Wakefield Foundation Annual Flower and Art Show is tomorrow. A gala reception and award ceremony will be held May 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Wakefield Foundation, 100 Wilson Ave. in Wakefield. The show will continue through May 15. For an application or details, visit http://www.wakefieldfoundation.org or call (757) 8996005.

Richmond Fort Lee officials will honor the late U.S. President John Tyler at a wreath-laying ceremony today at 2 p.m. in Hollywood Cemetery, 412 S. Cherry St. Wreath-laying ceremonies are held at the gravesites of all presidents to honor their dedication. Tyler was born March 29, 1790, at Greenway in Charles City County, served twice as Virginia's governor and was the 10th U.S. president, serving from 1841 to 1845. He died in 1862 in Richmond. Fort Lee's Maj. Gen. James E. Chambers will lead the ceremony.

Chesterfield A blood drive will be held Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library at Chesterfield Community High School, 12400 Branders Bridge Road, Chester. The event is sponsored by the school's National Honor Society. To make an appointment, call (804) 768-6156, ext. 5119.

Hanover Interested in learning more about maintaining your historic home? Preservation Virginia will present 2009 Restore Virginia April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Historic Scotchtown in Hanover County. Experts will be on hand to share information on maintaining older buildings. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. The price includes a tour of Scotchtown. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at http://www.preservationvirginia.org, starting Friday.

Chesterfield The deadline to nominate someone for the 2009 Outstanding Youth Awards is being extended to tomorrow at 5 p.m. Nomination forms are online at http://www.chesterfield.gov, then under County Departments, click on Youth Planning and Development. To be considered, youths must be residents of Chesterfield County between the ages of 12 and 18. Adult nominees who work with youths must be Chesterfield residents. For details, contact Beth Clements at (804) 796-7100.

AROUND THE STATE

Woodbridge State parks are accepting applications for this summer's Youth Conservation Corps. Three-week sessions in up to a dozen state parks will begin June 21 and July 19 for students 14 to 17 years old. Projects include wildlife and fisheries habitat improvement, trail and campground construction and restoration, timber and shoreline improvement, and landscape beautification. Crew members are provided room, board, T-shirts and work-related equipment. They receive a $500 stipend at the end of the three weeks. The application deadline is April 11. Get details from program coordinator Gaston Rouse at (703) 583-5497 or visit http://www.virginiastateparks.gov.

Virginia Beach Some Virginia Beach police officers soon will carry Tasers. City police said in a news release that about 30 officers will get Taser X26 electrical devices by the end of the month after they complete mandatory training.

Norfolk A crackdown on Norfolk convenience stores has turned up crack pipes, drug vials and bootleg music and movies. City officials said last week that they seized such items, along with expired food and baby formula, untaxed cigarettes and Viagra and other prescription pills, that were for sale in 11 independently owned convenience stores in the past six weeks. Criminal charges are being filed against the stores' operators, and officials plan to investigate all city convenience stores. A task force of city, state and federal officials formed recently in response to complaints about illegal items being for sale at the stores. -- From Staff and Wire Reports