June 11, 2021
A publication by Gloucester's Department of Community Engagement and Public Information
Check it Out! Gloucester's Unemployment Rates Continue to Improve Post-COVID

The Gloucester County Economic Development Authority (EDA) is pleased to announce that the local unemployment rates continue to show positive improvement.

In April, the Virginia Employment Commission reported Gloucester’s unemployment rate at 3.3% with 619 residents unemployed. This was down from a high of 10.4% reported in April 2020 with 2,002 residents unemployed.

During the past year, Gloucester’s unemployment rates were consistently lower than figures reported for Virginia and Hampton Roads according to the Virginia Employment Commission.

What’s the buzz about the new hiveXpress?

Bay Transit's new and improved hiveXpress bus service begins Monday morning, June 14th, at 8 AM! With two buses running concurrently, the hiveXpress runs more frequently and is more convenient to use than ever before. To see the new hiveXpress schedule, visit here.
Library Hosts Storytime on the Grass

The Gloucester Main Library hosted "Story Time on the Grass" Wednesday. Participants enjoyed stories, songs and activities. Join in the fun again on Wednesday, June 23 at 9:30.
Gloucester Arts Festival Ongoing this Month

The Gloucester Arts Festival is a month long festival held in June every year showcasing a premier fine art show and exhibit, along with sculpture, music, murals, performances and more. This year it welcomes the return of the the Plein Air Show 2021.

For more information and a full slate of events, visit: https://gloucesterartsfestival.com/.
Explore Gloucester History Day Camp

The Gloucester Museum of History will be holding an Explore Gloucester History Day Camp from Monday, July 19 – Thursday, July 22. From the Virginia Indians and Pocahontas to the American Revolution and Civil War, students will experience the past through engaging activities, events, and historic demonstrations. Designed for rising 4th and 5th graders, this program will focus on Virginia’s history and social science SOLs and will be a fun, hands-on, and memorable week! History will be brought to life!

For more information please visit https://www.gloucesterva.info/149/Parks-Recreation-Tourism or contact Museums Coordinator Robert Kelly at [email protected] or 804-693-1234.
More Upcoming Parks, Recreation and Tourism Programs

BEAVERDAM PARK
Parks, Recreation & Tourism is offering night activities at Beaverdam Park. New this year, PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. One Friday Night a month we will be open late for evening/night activities. On June 11 we offer Night Fishing from 4:00 pm to Midnight for $5 /person, deadline is June 4. Night Biking from 7:15 to 9:30 pm for $3/person deadline is June 4. Night Fishing and Night Biking are held at the Main Entrance only. An Owl Walk on the Fary’s Mill Road park entrance trail will be held from 8:00-9:30 pm. The fee is $5/person and the deadline to register is June 4.

FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATION
Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring a Food Safety Certification class on Tuesdays and Thursdays July 13-22 from 2:00-5:00 pm at the Stewart Building. This class meet the Gloucester County Code requirements for food establishments. The full class is $175. For the test only on July 22, the fee is $65 without a book and $85 with the book. The deadline for all options id June 29.

BEAVERDAM PADDLES
Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring Night and Early Morning Paddles on the Beaverdam Reservoir. A sunset full moon paddle will set out at 8:00 pm on Friday June 25 and return at 10:30 pm. Another sunset paddle from 8:00-10:30 pm is scheduled for Friday July 9. For the early birds, we will meet at 7:00-9:30 am on Saturday, August 7. Each paddle is $15 with our rental equipment (kayak, paddle, pfd) or $5 if you bring your equipment. The deadline is 1 week prior to the paddle.
 
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.
Online Registration Open for Fairfield's Virtual Marathon

Need a reason to get outside? Join the Gloucester Virtual Preservation Marathon by running, walking, hiking, swimming, or being active in whatever way you choose, and logging your activity! Virtually "race" through Gloucester over the course of 26.2 miles in 30 days, and "visit" 11 historic sites that showcase the 3D-modeling efforts of Fairfield's own digital curator Ashley McCuistion! The historic sites exhibit various degrees of preservation, but have all been documented using drone photogrophy and photogrammetry. Check out the race map throughout the race and click on the pinpoints to learn more, see an image of each historic building, and access the link to the 3D model. 

Although you'll be virtually racing a Gloucester preservation route, in reality you'll get to set your own schedule, pace, activity, and location! Proceeds from the virtual race will fund the development and implementation of outdoor educational outreach programs at Fairfield Archaeology Park in 2022. Here's what to do:
• Sign up using the link below by submitting your name and email
• Complete any activity, anywhere!
• Log your activity beginning June 1 by replying to the daily email or entering the info in the race app
• Your place on the virtual history marathon route will be plotted instantly. You can track your progress on the map and see the pin drops, images, and info about historic sites you'll pass along the way throughout Gloucester.
• Share pictures of your own route or encouragements for other racers in the race message board

Online registration fee: $25 per person (Additional contributions appreciated. Don't want to be a racer yourself? Donate to back other racers or the whole race team!)


Or visit Fairfield Foundation on Facebook for the registration link and more info! Contact [email protected] with questions.
Tips and Tricks for Using Windows 10 Effectively
 
Rappahannock Community College’s Rappahannock Institute for Lifelong Learning (RILL) will offer several classes this summer with some held in person and others on Zoom.
 
Using Windows 10 More Effectively will answer your questions and give you more confidence using and navigating your computer. Martin Bailey will show you tips and tricks for maximizing efficiency and competency. Students must have a working knowledge of their computer and basic knowledge of Windows 10.
 
Martin Bailey holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from The College of William and Mary and Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Virginia Tech. He is retired from the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren and is an adjunct professor with RCC.
 
The class meets via Zoom on July 15, 22, and 29 from 1 pm to 3 pm. Advanced registration and payment of $35 is required.

For more information on RILL courses, or to register, visit www.rappahannock.edu/rill or contact Michele Inderrieden, [email protected]
Gloucester County is Currently Recruiting!

We have Exciting Opportunities available! Are you looking for a career opportunity? What about a part-time opportunity? We have BOTH! We want YOU to join our phenomenal team!

Gloucester County is recruiting for:
• Mosquito Control Technician - $13.20 Hourly
• Water Treatment Plant Operator or Trainee - (Salary dependent on qualifications)
Don’t forget to check out all of our opportunities and apply at https://www.gloucesterva.info/347/Job-Opportunities.
New Post on Money, Health and Other Things

Over the next two weeks, the Virginia Cooperative Extension will be replaying ten tips for managing your private well water supply, and be sure to check out information on our upcoming Well Water Clinic!

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