January 27, 2023 Issue of the Gloucester County Town Crier

January 27, 2023

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

Simply scan the QR codes above to learn more about joining our two volunteer fire and rescue squads.

Local Fire and Rescue Organizations Seeking Volunteer Firefighters and Medics

Both the Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue and Rescue Squad, Inc. (GVFRS) and Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad (AVFRS) are in need of volunteers to effectively serve the needs of the community.

Both organizations report that the number of new recruits for both medics and firefighters have dwindled over the past several years, placing an extreme burden on the volunteers that continue to actively serve.

There are general requirements to join each department.

GVFRS requirements include being 18 years old, having no criminal record, possessing a clean driving record, and having a desire to help the community. The organization offers a Junior EMS and Fire Cadet Program for those who are 16-18 years old. To learn more about joining GVFRS, visit gvfrs.org/join or call Station #1 at 804-693-2148. AVFRS offers several membership categories. There is an application page on the company’s website, www.avfr.com/join-the-company, or by calling 804-642-2360.

“Our volunteer fire and rescue squads are extremely vital to the well-being of our community,” said Gloucester’s County Administrator, Carol Steele. “The dedicated volunteers of both organizations also save our taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.”

An Important message from the Gloucester Department of Social Services regarding SNAP Benefits

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 law recently passed by Congress ends emergency allotments after the February 2023 issuance. This means by March 2023, all SNAP households’ benefits will return to normal amounts, without the added supplement.

Take a moment to learn what your County Government accomplished during 2022 and what's in store for our community in 2023!

Our County Administrator, Carol Steele, presents her first "State of the County" address!

Survey Launched to Gauge Citizen Priorities Available Until Feb. 2

As the County enters a new year, Gloucester County is interested in receiving citizen input as its Board of Supervisors begins to prioritize strategic initiatives for 2023 and beyond.

The survey, which only takes a minute or two to complete, asks citizens to rank a set of nine priorities from what is most important to least important to them. The survey also provides an opportunity for citizens to list additional priorities that may not already be included in the survey.

“We hope to use this data to present to the Board of Supervisors during its annual retreat later this month,” said Carol Steele, Gloucester’s County Administrator. “Ultimately, we would like the board to have a first-hand look into the priorities that are near and dear to the hearts of our

citizens.”

The survey asks participants to rank priorities such as maintaining the rural character of Gloucester, address housing needs, maintaining/enhancing infrastructure, and more.

To participate in the survey, click here.

Rappahannock Community College Helping Move More Teachers into the Workforce

Recognizing the need for more teachers in the region, Rappahannock Community College (RCC) is hosting an information session on how to turn an existing Bachelor’s degree and job experience into a teaching career. Representatives from EducateVA, Virginia’s Community Colleges’ Career Switcher program, will provide details on the program.

The Career Switcher program is an 18-week pathway to teacher licensure. Classes are held online and on weekends allowing participants to earn a teacher license while maintaining their current job and responsibilities. The curriculum pathway is approved by the Virginia Department of Education and trains teacher across the Commonwealth, who go on to be hired to fill teaching positions. Subject areas include all the sciences, English, math, foreign languages, health and physical education, technology, business, and marketing at all grade levels.

Pre-requisites for applying include a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 2.5 GPA, at least three years of full-time work experience, and PRAXIS subject and VCLA Reading/Writing assessments.

The information session will be held on February 21 at 6 pm in the Lecture Hall on both the Glenns and Warsaw campuses of RCC. Participants are asked to register in advance at www.tinyurl.com/careerswitcherinfo or upon entrance to the event.

For more information please contact Holly Dixson at (804) 758-6770 or email [email protected].