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June 5, 2026
A publication by Gloucester's Department of Community Engagement and Public Information
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Gloucester Treasurer Tara Thomas has announced that 1st Installment Tax Bills were mailed on Monday.
Tax bills are due June 30. For more information, visit https://gloucesterva.gov/treasurer.
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We saw some rain in town recently, but not enough to counteract the extremely dry season we've had.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has drought warnings in place for the entire commonwealth right now, including Gloucester. They say Virginia is experiencing its worst drought in 20 years.
The warning for our area is meant to keep people aware of climate conditions, and encourage voluntary water conservation.
Here's what you need to know:
- There are increased fire risks.
- Soil moisture conditions are much below normal statewide, and groundwater levels have declined.
- Agricultural impacts are widespread throughout Virginia (farmers may become eligible for Farm Service Agency emergency loans).
You can track drought conditions on the DEQ website: https://www.deq.virginia.gov/water/water-quantity/drought
Individual private well users (particularly those who rely on shallow wells) benefit most from conserving water early. Here are some tips to conserve water at your home:
- Identify and fix (or report) leaks!
- Sweep driveways, sidewalks and steps rather than hosing them off.
- Wash the car with water from a bucket, rather than a running hose.
- Showers use less water than baths, as long as you keep them brief!
- Make sure your dishwasher is fully loaded before each use.
- Turn the tap off while shaving or brushing your teeth.
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Tuesday evening, the Gloucester Board of Supervisors formally recognized Keith Barrack (left) and Nathan Brown (right) as the Utilities Advisory Committee’s longest-serving members, having served since 2015 and 2000, respectively. They are pictured with Board Chairman Ashley Chriscoe, who presented them with Resolutions of Appreciation.
The Board of Supervisors voted in April to disband the Utilities Advisory Committee in favor of conducting regular utilities reviews with the director during Board meetings.
Thank you both for your years of service to the community!
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The Tenth Edition of the Gloucester Arts Festival kicks off on June 5, 2026!
Join us all month long and visit the Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester to view the Plein Air Invitational Art!
From the Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester to the premier Plein Air Invitational of the Middle Peninsula, this month-long cultural event is bigger and better than ever.
Our 2026 events kick off June 5th with Brews, Brine, & Wine at Machicomoco State Park followed by a full day of fun on Main Street on Saturday, June 6th with Paint Main and the Symphony Under the Stars!
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OPEN THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH!
The Woodville Rosenwald School is open to the public on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. All visitors are welcome to enjoy the restored classroom (1923-1939), historical exhibits and unique artifacts found on the Woodville School property. The Woodville School is located at 4310 George Washington Memorial Highway, Hayes, VA 3072.
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Concerts on the Green Summer Series is back! Join us for free live music in the historic Court Circle on Main Street on select dates this summer. Come out and enjoy great solo artists, bands, and local favorites while taking in a beautiful evening in the Court Circle. We’re kicking off the 2026 season on May 14th from 5:30–7:30 PM—don’t miss it!
Line up:
May 14th Clan McCool Band - Pirate theme!
June 11th- Mike Reed Music
July 16th- Toby & Larry
August 13th - Van Hutchins
| | Blue Bird Houses will be available for sale during the Shred Event noted above! | | |
Date for Wonders of the Water Announced!
Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 25, 2026. This event is scheduled for 9 AM - Noon (check-in begins at 8:45) for children ages 5 - 10 and is being sponsored by the Guinea Heritage Association.
This year's stations include: Crabbing, Crabs, Coast Guard activities, Clams (*new event this year), Tonging for oysters, Fish and Fish prints.
Registration opens July 1 and is limited to 35 children.
Registration will take place online or by stopping by Buck’s Store Museum
on Saturdays between 10 AM - 2 PM.
Questions? Email: guineaheritage@gmail.com
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Virginia Master Naturalist Training Coming this Fall
The Middle Peninsula Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists is now accepting
applications for the next basic training class.
Virginia Master Naturalists are volunteer educators, citizen scientists, and stewards
helping Virginia conserve and manage natural resources and public lands. This course prepares trainees to become part of this statewide corps of volunteers.
Our Basic Training Class starts September 13, and consists of Zoom classes held on Wednesday evenings, and several in-person Saturday field days held in various locations in the region.
For applications and additional information, including a detailed FAQ describing the program, please visit our website at midpenvmn.com. The chapter can also be reached by email at info@midpenvmn.com and we can be found on Facebook at MIDPENVMN.
The Virginia Master Naturalist program is committed to reducing financial barriers to participation. While the standard fee for our training course is $175, a variable pricing
structure is in place to reduce any financial constraints for potential trainees.
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Paddle Into Adventure at Canoe Jam 2026!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 13, 2026, and join us at beautiful Beaverdam Park for one of Gloucester's favorite outdoor traditions—Canoe Jam 2026! Whether you're a competitive paddler or just looking for a fun day on the water, there's something for everyone.
Choose your challenge:
Long Course (4 miles)
Short Course (2 miles)
Fun Paddle for all skill levels
Canoe and kayak divisions for solo and team racers, with categories for men, women, youth, and mixed teams. Awards for the top finishers and door prizes for participants!
Best of all, proceeds benefit Beaverdam Park, helping support one of Gloucester County's premier outdoor destinations.
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Cast a Line & Learn the Basics!
Ready to reel in a new skill? Join us at Machicomoco State Park for a hands-on Freshwater Fishing Workshop led by park staff! Young anglers will learn fishing basics, proper bait selection, safety tips, local fishing regulations, and more in a fun outdoor setting. Whether you're new to fishing or looking to sharpen your skills, this workshop is the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors.
Registration is required
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Get Ready to Reel in the BIG ONE! Ages 5-15
Join us for the Kid’s Summer Fishing Tournament at Beaverdam Park, Sunday June 14, and enjoy a fun-filled day on the water competing for prizes, making memories, and showing off your fishing skills! Whether you're a seasoned young angler or casting a line for the first time, this tournament is the perfect way to kick off summer outdoors.
Check out some of the awesome prizes up for grabs!
For more details and to secure your spot on the lake today, visit https://gloucesterva.gov/parks-recreation-tourism/programs/kids-summer-fishing-tournament
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A big thank you to the Garden Club of Gloucester and Mathews for their generous donation of two beautiful benches and two trees at the Farys Mill Entrance of Beaverdam Park!
These wonderful additions provide visitors with a peaceful place to relax, take in the scenery, and enjoy stunning views of the lake. The benches and trees not only enhance the beauty of the park but will be enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come.
We are grateful for community partners whose dedication helps make our parks even more welcoming and beautiful.
Next time you're visiting Beaverdam Park, be sure to stop by the Farys Mill Entrance and check them out!
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Looking for a creative outdoor adventure this summer?
Join us for Drawn to Nature Summer Camp, where young artists can explore the natural world through drawing, observation, and hands-on activities.
Campers will build artistic skills while discovering the beauty of nature in a fun and inspiring environment.
Registration is now open. Space is limited.
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Hands-On Learning in Action at Gloucester High School
On Tuesday, May 26, Gloucester High School students put their skills to the test during a simulated Mass Casualty Event designed to provide real-world emergency response experience.
In the scenario, GHS Nursing and EMT students responded to a simulated crash involving a school bus that had collided with the Carpentry classroom. Carpentry and Introduction to Health Careers students played the role of victims, creating a realistic environment that challenged responders to assess injuries, prioritize care, communicate effectively, and work together under pressure.
The exercise gave students an invaluable opportunity to experience the intensity of a large-scale emergency while practicing one of the most important skills in healthcare and emergency services: remaining calm and focused when lives are on the line.
This event also highlights the continued growth and success of Gloucester High School’s Health Sciences program. Through hands-on learning experiences like this, students gain the knowledge, technical skills, and confidence needed to pursue careers in healthcare, emergency medical services, and other professions that make a meaningful difference in our community every day.
We are proud of our students for their professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to serving others. The future of healthcare is bright, and it is being shaped right here at Gloucester High School.
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Attendance matters, and our students at Petsworth Elementary continue to prove it.
During the 4th quarter, 254 students achieved perfect or near perfect attendance. That is an outstanding accomplishment and a reflection of students showing up, families supporting them, and staff creating a school where students want to be every day.
A special thank you to BC United for donating scooters to our schools. Students love being recognized for doing their best, and incentives like these help celebrate the positive habits that lead to success in the classroom and beyond.
Thank you to Principal Mygas and the entire Petsworth team for keeping attendance a priority and creating a culture where every day counts.
Congratulations to our students. We are proud of you!
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Welding and Fabrication Talent!
Congratulations to Gloucester High School student Hayden Simmons, a member of the Virginia State Champion Welding Fabrication Team. Hayden and his teammates earned 1st Place in the state and will compete at the national championships in Atlanta next week.
The skilled trades continue to offer outstanding opportunities with strong pay, advanced training, and rewarding careers. If more students and families knew what is available in fields like welding, fabrication, electrical work, HVAC, and manufacturing, even more young people might consider these pathways.
Good luck to Hayden as he represents Gloucester and Virginia on the national stage!!!
| | Gloucester County is hiring & NOW is the time to apply! Don’t you agree? | |
Gloucester, Virginia 23061
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