January 12, 2024

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

GREAT NEWS for volunteer firefighters and paramedics  There's a new rule that might get you a tax cut on a vehicle in Gloucester County. The deadline to apply is January 31, so don't wait too long to fill out the paperwork!

Due to an unexpected delay in printing and mailing, January Public Utilities statements were mailed Jan. 10. All statements have current and past-due balances as normal.

If you have any questions, please contact Public Utilities Customer Service at 804-693-4044.

Tuesday, Jan. 9 was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. We can't say how much we appreciate our Gloucester County Sheriff's Office deputies, Animal Control officers and the Virginia State Police troopers who keep Gloucester a safe place to live. We salute your bravery, and your dedication to our residents!

With the potential of a winter storm impacting our area next week, Gloucester Emergency Management encourages us to be prepared by registering for BEE Alert and taking a look at the information above.

Attention Gloucester businesses! 

The Commissioner of the Revenue's office mailed out business license renewal forms last week to its list of current business account holders. Those forms, and Business Personal Property forms, are due back on March 1.

If you have closed your business or have any questions, please call the COR office at 804-693-1319.

Replayed Post on Money, Health and Other Things

For those needing some motivation to start their health/wellness New Year Resolutions, or just looking to be healthier in 2024, 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!

GCPS CORNER

A Message from Your School Superintendent:

I am delighted to share the exceptional achievements of Chloe McPherson, an inspiring 3rd-grade student at Achilles Elementary School, and her mother, Nicole McPherson. Their recent recognition during the State of the Commonwealth Address at the State Capitol on January 10, 2024, by Governor Youngkin is a testament to Gloucester County Public School's unwavering commitment to educational excellence, emphasized through intensive tutoring and the implementation of the science of reading and mathematical processing skills.

Chloe's educational journey at Achilles Elementary reflects the meticulous attention to detail in our pursuit of excellence. The September launch of the All In Tutoring Program, a cornerstone of our dedication to personalized support, has played a pivotal role in Chloe's academic success, showcasing the effectiveness of our commitment to individualized learning.

Principal Susan Andrews and the dedicated team at Achilles Elementary have prioritized building relationships with families and recognized the importance of unlocking student potential through collaborative teamwork. Chloe's achievements testify to the positive impact of these partnerships between educators, parents, and students, creating a supportive learning environment.

Chloe's story symbolizes every student, teacher, and staff member's collective efforts to strive for continuous improvement. This spirit resonates in every elementary and middle school within GCPS, serving as a reminder that overcoming challenges leads to strength and resilience.

In line with fostering collaboration and attention to detail, Gloucester County Public Schools is pleased to introduce the "Principal for the Day" program. This initiative allows school board members, county administrators, board of supervisors, and community dignitaries to gain firsthand experience in the day-to-day operations of a school. If you've ever wished to understand the joys and challenges of educational leadership, this program offers a unique opportunity. Through shared experiences, we aim to build camaraderie and share our stories, reinforcing the importance of teamwork in achieving educational success.

We eagerly anticipate the participation of our community members in this enriching program, and we look forward to continued collaboration and success in education.

Anthony Vladu, Ed.D.

Gloucester County Public Schools Superintendent

CLEAN COMMUNITY NEWS

Consociate Media is holding a litter clean up on Guinea Road on Monday, January 15th as a Day of Service. Anyone is welcome to join the effort. Call Clean Community with questions or for supplies 804-693-5370. 

LIBRARY NEWS

PR&T NEWS

Summer is right around the corner & we know so many of you love hitting the river for some fun!

In Virginia, operators of personal watercrafts (such as jet skis, Sea Doos, and Wave Runners) and operators of motorboats with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater, are required to have a boating safety education course completion card on board when operating the equipment listed above!

Register today for the FREE Boating Safety Education Course that will be held at the Whitcomb Lodge at Beaverdam Park on Saturday March 30th from 8AM-4PM. This course will be conducted by Captain Ronald Cagle with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and will cover important fundamentals of safe and responsible boating. This course is for ages 12+.

Registration Deadline is March 23rd.

CURRENT PR&T ACTIVITIES

THE FULL HIKE

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring The Full Hike (9.5 miles) on Saturday, January 20 at 10:00 am at Beaverdam Park. It’s a 9.5-mile hike so bring water and snacks. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. The registration fee is $5 and the deadline to register is January 13.

FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATION

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring Food Safety Certification on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, February 6-15 at the Stewart Building. This course meets the County Code requirements for food service. The full course fee is $185. For those needing test only, the test date is February 15, there are two options: with book is $85 or without book is $65. The registration deadline is January 15.

RUGRATS, LOONEY TUNES & JUNIORS SOCCER

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring Spring Soccer for ages 4 to 11 as of September 30, 2023, from late February through Early May. Practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays and games on Saturdays at Ark and Abingdon Parks. Volunteer coaches and officials are needed.  The registration fee is $45 if registered by January 21 or $50 January 22 through February 4.

BEAVERDAM TRIATHLON – Begin your training now.

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring the first Annual Beaverdam Triathlon on Saturday, May 11 at 7:00 am for ages 16 and older. The race consists of a 2.5-mile run, a 6.1-mile bike and a 1.9-mile paddle. Mountain Bikes and recreational canoes and kayaks only, no street bikes or racing watercraft. The fee is $50, and the registration deadline is April 11.

SENIORS SOCCER

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring Spring Soccer for ages 12 to 14 as of September 30, 2023, from mid-March through mid-May. Practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays and games on Saturdays at Ark and Abingdon Parks and possibly some other localities. Volunteer coaches and officials are needed. The registration fee is $45 if registered by January 21 or $50 January 22 through February 4.

BINGO

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring Bingo for ages 55 and over on Wednesday, January 24 from 10:30 am to Noon at the Stewart Building. Winnings are prizes no cash. The fee is $10 and the deadline to register is January 21.

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

For more information, to apply, and review full job descriptions, please visit https://www.gloucesterva.gov/347/Job-Opportunities