February 17, 2023

A publication by Gloucester's Department of Community Engagement and Public Information

Julie Shields Recognized for Helping to Keep her Community Clean 

Julie Shields has been showing love for Gloucester by volunteering her time to pick up litter in her Hayes neighborhood for the past few years. In doing so, she walks approximately four miles a day and brings cleanup supplies with her on most walks.

Learn more about Julie's efforts and how you can help clean up Gloucester by clicking here.

Virginia's Spring Fire Season is Here

Along with the State Law, Gloucester County Code states: "During the period beginning February 15th and ending April 30th of each year… it shall be unlawful for any person to set fire to, or to procure another to set fire to, any brush, leaves, grass, debris or field containing dry grass or other flammable material capable of spreading fire, located in or within three hundred (300) feet of any woodland and brushland, except between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and midnight."

To learn more about the Countywide Burning Ordinance that is in effect year-round, click here.

For general questions, or to report complaints, please call the Office of Environmental Programs at (804) 693-1217 during normal business hours. After hours and on weekends, please call (804) 693-3890. To report fires threatening lives or property, call 911.

Historic Courthouse Circle Update!

We are excited to announce that the new entrance to the Visitor Center is now open! New sidewalks, historic markers, and a revamped Visitor Center entrance awaits our residents and guests.

Access to the historic court circle can be made through the West & side entrances. The entrance closest to the Gloucester Museum of History is now closed.

Please be mindful of new construction areas.

Plessinger Receives Special Designation

Just recently, Nicholas Plessinger with our Real Estate Assessment Department earned his Residential Evaluation Specialist designation. He is a Real Estate Analyst II and has been in the profession for 10 years. He holds a bachelor’s in business administration degree from Christopher Newport University in Newport News.

His accomplishments were also featured in a recent edition of "Fair and Equitable" magazine, a publication that serves Assessors worldwide and is published by the International Association of Assessing Officers.

February is CTE MONTH!

OPEN HOUSE

February 21 5-7:00

Gloucester High School Administration is very proud of our staff and the great things that are happening at GHS! They are planning to have an Open House for CTE (Career Technical Education) on February 21 from 5-7 p.m.

Students, parents, staff, and the community are invited to come see all their classes as they celebrate the many things that are going on.

Exchange Club of Gloucester-Mathews is Formed

The Exchange Club of Gloucester-Mathews has announced that it has set a date for its Introductory & Enrollment meeting:

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

6:30-7:45pm

Gloucester County Public Library

6920 Main Street

Gloucester, VA 23061

Please mark your calendars to come out and learn how you can help to make the community a better place to live.

Organizers will be providing light refreshments and hope to see you there.

For more information on the Exchange Club, visit www.nationalexchangeclub.org

How to Avoid the Clog Monster? Keep the Wipes Out of Pipes!  

When it comes to the toilet, do you know which items are flushable and the ones that are not? According to the people behind the region-wide askHRgreen.org public awareness and education campaign, it is time for a tutorial. Only water, toilet paper and one’s personal business should be flushed down the toilet.

“Hampton Roads sewer systems are designed to transport these three things only,” said Katie Cullipher, an askHRgreen.org team leader. “Flushing anything else can lead to clogged pipes, expensive plumbing repairs and service interruptions for both you and your neighbors.” 

A common culprit of backed up toilets is the so-called “flushable” wipe. Made of fibrous materials, wipes do not degrade and break down the way toilet paper does. According to Cullipher, it is the equivalent of flushing a handkerchief down the commode. 

Other household items that should never be flushed include cat litter, cigarette butts, cotton swabs, diapers/diaper liners, dryer sheets, facial tissues, family planning products, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, toilet bowl scrubbing pads, fats/oils/grease/food scraps from the kitchen, and dental floss (which can wrap around other items creating monster-sized clogs). 

Replayed Post on Money, Health, and Other Things!

For those needing some motivation to continue their health/wellness New Years Resolutions or just looking to be healthier in 2023, the Virginia Cooperative Extension will revisit some of its past posts on nutrition, health, and exercise. This week, they’ll discuss ways to prevent exercise burnout.

To tune in, click here.

LIBRARY NEWS

PARKS & RECREATION NEWS

Parks, Recreation and Tourism Events for the week of February 17, 2023

SPRING SOCCER

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is extending Spring Soccer registration for ages 9-11 and 12-14 until February 19. Registration fee is $47.

PUPPY TRAINING CLASSES

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is accepting registration for Puppy Training Classes on Wednesdays from March 22 through April 26 at Beaverdam Park. The Small Breeds class (less than 50 pounds) will be 4:30-5:30 and the Large Breeds Class (over 50 pounds) is from 5:30-6:30. The fee is $169 and the registration deadline is March 15 or when classes fill.

FLOOR YOGA

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is accepting registration for Floor Yoga Classes on Thursdays in March from 10:00-11:00 am at the Stewart Building. The fee is $40 and the deadline to register is February 28.

KARATE

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is accepting registration for Karate for ages 4 and older on Mondays or Thursdays at T. C. Walker Gymnasium the week of March 13 through the week of May 11. NEW! We are offering a family class where parents/guardians and children participate together. 6:00-6:30 pm is for ages 4-7 for $43, 6:40-7:20 is for ages 8-12 for $45, 7:30-8:20 pm is for Families Adults $40 and children $35 and 8:20-9:00 pm for advanced students ages 13 and older for $45. The deadline to register is the week of March 13 or when classes fill.

SPECIALTY INSTRUCTORS

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is seeking individuals that are interested in teaching classes for youth or adults. Dance, gymnastics, yoga, exercise, crafts, arts, games, knitting, carving, and just about anything else you are interested in sharing. Visit the county’s webpage and look for job opportunities, all applications must be online.

For more information on these and other activities call PRT at 804-693-2355, email [email protected] or stop by our office 6382 Main Street. For online registration visit https://gloucesterva.info/civicrec