February 18, 2022
A publication by Gloucester's Department of Community Engagement and Public Information
Gloucester Recognized for its Floodplain Management Efforts


The Virginia Floodplain Management Association (VFMA) recently named Gloucester County its 2021 Community of the Year.

Gloucester was given the award due to the tireless work County staff and the members of its Floodplain Management Committee have done to mitigate flood-related financial losses in the community and toward providing discounts to residents on their flood insurance premiums by actively participating in the CRS program.


Virginia's 4 PM Burn Law Began this Week

Still trying to get rid of those pesky fall leaves? From now until the end of April, it's unlawful to burn them until after 4 p.m. The 4 p.m. Burning Law bans open-air burning prior to 4:00 p.m. if the fire is within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass which could carry fire to the woods. Burning is allowed between 4:00 p.m. and midnight as long as the burner takes proper precautions and attends the fire at all times.

It is also important to remember Gloucester County Virginia Government has a County-Wide Burn Ordinance that is in effect year-round. To read more, visit: https://www.gloucesterva.info/571/Burn-Ordinance

Save the Date for Clean Gloucester Day 2022
Consider making a tangible difference in the health of your community! Save the date for the next Clean Gloucester Day!
Gloucester's Unemployment Rate Continues to Drop

December jobs numbers are in and Gloucester’s unemployment rate continued to decrease from the November numbers, according to the Virginia Employment Commission.

Gloucester continues to have a lower unemployment rate than Hampton Roads and the State of Virginia. Gloucester's unemployment rate in December was reported at 2.3%, down from a 10.2% peak rate that occurred at the start of the pandemic in April 2020.
Rappahannock Community College Hosting GED Information Sessions
 
Rappahannock Community College is offering GED information sessions for adults 18 years and older.

“Many adults want to further their education or career opportunities but need a high school diploma,” said Sherry Grantham, RCC’s Adult Education Regional Specialist. “We want to make the process easy to understand.” For adults who aren’t sure what a GED certificate is or want to know if getting their GED is the right option, RCC is holding several information sessions.

During the free, online or in-person GED presentations, RCC staff will discuss the requirements and benefits to obtaining a GED certificate. Individuals could also qualify for tuition-free spring GED Boot Camp through RCC.

Info sessions will be held on February 28, March 2, and March 4. Call 804-333-6829 to register and get more information.

The Adult Education program at RCC provides comprehensive courses that enable adult learners to develop knowledge in order to:
·         Obtain a GED or High School Equivalency and choose a career pathway
·         Place in post-secondary education
·         Obtain the necessary skills for employment
·         Improve basic numeracy and literacy skills

Call 804-333-6829 for more information about RCC’s Adult Education programs and the GED information sessions.
PARKS & REC NEWS
More Upcoming Activities Hosted by Parks & Recreation

BEAVERDAM THE FULL HIKE
Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring The Full Hike on March 12 at 9:00 am at Beaverdam Park. Meet at the Main entrance (8687 Roaring Springs Road) at 9:00 am, we will shuttle you to the Fary’s Mill Road entrance where you will pick up the multi-use trail for a 9.5 mile hike back to the Main Entrance. THIS IS A SELF GUIDED HIKE. Bring food and water. Dress for the weather and wear rugged shoes. The fee is $5 and the deadline to register is March 5.

BEAVERDAM HAS GONE TO THE BIRDS
Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring Bluebird House Building on Saturday, March 12 at 9:00 am at Beaverdam Park for ages 8 and over, under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All supplies are included, bring a battery powered screw driver if you have one. The fee is $24 and the deadline to register is March 5.

SWAP MEET AT WOODVILLE
Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring a Swap Meet at Woodville park on Saturday, March 26 from 10:00 am to Noon. Bring gently used items that you no longer want or need to trade (no sales please). We will supply a table, bring a chair if you like. There is no fee but PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED by March 19.

WHIFFLEBALL, TEEBALL AND SOFTBALL LEAGUES
Parks, Recreation & Tourism sponsors Whiffleball for ages 4 and 5, Teeball for ages 6 and 7 and Coach Pitch softball for ages 8 through 10, age as of September 30, 2022. Seasons run mid-June through the end of July at Ark and Abingdon Parks. The fees are $27 for Whiffleball and $47 for Teeball and Softball, the deadline to register is May 1.

Remember pre-registration is required for all activities. 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.
LIBRARY NEWS
Replayed Post on Money, Health, and Other Things!
For those with the New Years Resolution to purchase a new home in 2022, the Virginia Cooperative Extension will revisit some of its past posts on the Five C’s (criteria that lenders use), and different mortgage loan options. This week, they will conclude a discussion on the Five C’s! To tune in, click here.
Flexible Job Opportunity Available!

Gloucester County is recruiting for a (Work As Required) Park Aide.
Do you enjoy the outdoors? Are you seeking a flexible job opportunity?

Come Join Our Park Operations Team!

For more information, to apply, and review full job descriptions, please visit https://www.gloucesterva.info/347/Job-Opportunities
Have a community event coming up? Consider listing it in The Bee Line Events Calendar!

Town Crier | 804-693-5730 | Contact Us |
6382 Main Street
Gloucester, Virginia 23061