March 10, 2023

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

Joseph Doster, Senior Utility Maintenance Technician, saw the amount of time and money that was being spent in conducting maintenance on fire hydrants in the County and developed a tool to make the process simpler.

The new tool, which fetches pieces of broken materials from the bottom of hydrants being serviced, has proven to save County taxpayers approximately $30,000 in staff time and materials since it was implemented just over a year ago.

Read more by clicking here.

Last year was a good year for economic development in Gloucester County. The state of Gloucester’s economy looks to remain strong into 2023, according to a recent report Gloucester County Economic Development Director Sherry Spring provided to the County’s Board of Supervisors.

In fiscal year 2023 to date, Gloucester has seen 21 new commercial businesses and 86 home-based businesses open their doors.

Check some of them out by clicking here.

The 2023 Daffodil Festival Print Unveiling!

Saturday, March 18th | 2PM-4PM | Arts On Main

Join us as we announce the winner for this year's festival print. Meet the artist and purchase your very own signed print.

AND...

Historical Scavenger Hunt Scheduled for March 21-April 13

Looking for something fun to do? How about an option for a staycation over Spring Break? 

GCPS is proud to partner with the Pocahontas Project, the Gloucester Collaboration, and the Fairfield Foundation to offer the Historic Gloucester Scavenger Hunt from March 21-April 13. 

Hunters will visit 18 different historic locations around Gloucester County, with each location having a specific piece of information to share on their completed Scavenger Hunt Google Form. Every hunter who submits a completed form by the end of the day on April 13th will be entered into a random prize drawing with prizes donated by Gloucester County businesses and organizations. Students will get an additional award from their school too!

What a great way to connect to the history that is right in your own backyard! Follow the QR code in the image to start your hunt on March 21.

Vendors Being Sought for new Farmer's Market in Gloucester

Opening day is just 70 days away! Join in bringing the Farmers Market back to Gloucester. There is a fantastic line-up of fresh produce, delicious baked goods, and fun artisan crafts.

Mark your calendars beginning May 13 (and the second Saturday every month through September).

For more information, e-mail [email protected] or visit glocofarmersmarket.com.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Degree Announced at RCC

Rappahannock Community College (RCC) will offer an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography with a specialization in echocardiography beginning this fall. The two-year degree program will train individuals as qualified cardiac sonographers and prepare them to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography leading to credentials as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS).

Harsha Sharma, DMS program head, is offering two in-person informational sessions at the Warsaw and Glenns campuses lecture hall. The first will be on March 27 from 5 pm to 6:30 pm and another on April 18 from 1 pm to 2:30 pm. If you can’t attend in person, please email [email protected].

During the information session, Ms. Sharma will outline the admission prerequisites, program overview and requirements, and possible career tracks upon completion of the degree, as well as answer any questions prospective students may have. Some prerequisites can be obtained during RCC’s summer session that begins May 22.

“Our region has a lack of qualified, certified cardiac sonographers resulting in long wait times or travel times for those in need of echocardiograms,” said Ellen Koehler, Interim Dean of Health Sciences at RCC. “Collaborating with VCU Health makes sense for RCC and healthcare providers in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.”

The program curriculum is pending approval from the State Council on Higher Education (SCHEV) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the accreditation body for Rappahannock Community College.

For more information on this program, contact RCC at (804)333-6730 or email [email protected].

Save the Date for Math on Main!

Bring the family and stroll historic Gloucester Main Street while solving math problems and visiting your favorite local businesses. This is an engaging community event that highlights how math is used in our community. Each participating student will receive a map of locations to visit. School staff will be present at key locations to answer questions and provide support. Mark your calendars now! We are "counting" on seeing you there!

Replayed Post on Money, Health and Other Things

For those needing some motivation to continue their health/wellness New Years Resolutions or just looking to be healthier in 2023, the Virginia Cooperative Extension will revisit some of its past posts on nutrition, health, and exercise. This week, they’ll conclude our discussion on Osteoporosis and Calcium! To tune in, click here.

LIBRARY NEWS

PARKS & RECREATION NEWS

Join The Easter Fun! Bring your furry friends, a costume, and a basket....

Saturday, April 8th 2023 | 12PM-3PM | Beaverdam Park

Hunt for treat-filled eggs together at Beaverdam Park. Followed by a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny. There will also be a quick training session lead by CPDT-KA trainer Amy Willoughby with an opportunity for a dog trick and costume contest after!

Dogs must be at least 12 weeks and vaccinated.



Dogs must remain on leash with an adult guardian.

To register: https://secure.rec1.com/VA/gloucester-county-va/catalog and select Easter Weekend Activities.

Over 90 guests attended last weekend's book discussion featuring Civil Rights icon Ben Jealous. The event was sponsored by the Friends of the Museum, the Gloucester Historical Society, and the Fairfield Foundation.

Parks, Recreation and Tourism Events for the week of March 13, 2023

PUPPY TRAINING (breeds less than 40 pounds)

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring Puppy Training, for breeds less than 40 pounds, on Wednesdays, March 22 thru April 26, from 5:00-6:00 pm at the Whitcomb Lodge. Puppies should be less than 9 months old and fully vaccinated. The fee is $169 and the deadline is March 16.

THE FULL HIKE

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring a Full Hike on Saturday, March 25 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 fee is $5 and the deadline to register is March 18.

ADVENTURE CAMP AT BEAVERDAM

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring Adventure Camp at Beaverdam for ages 9-12 on April 3-6 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Hiking, kayaking, crafts, games and more. Dress to get dirty and for the weather with sturdy shoes (no slide on or open toes). The fee is $45 and the deadline is March 27.

SPRING GYMNASTICS REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring Gymnastics for ages 3 to 18 on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from April 18 thru May 25, at Botetourt or Abingdon. Please visit our registration page for the full 12 class schedule.

BINGO

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring Bingo for ages 55 and over on Wednesday, March 22 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 March 19.

FREE FLOW YOGA

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring Free Flow Yoga on Tuesdays in April from 5:30-6:45 pm at the Whitcomb Lodge. The fee is $32 for the whole month or $9 per day and the deadline is March 28.

3^RD ANNUAL DOG EASTER EGG HUNT & CONTESTS

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring the 3^rd Annual Dog Easter Egg Hunt & Contests on Saturday, April 8 from 12:00-3:00 pm at Beaverdam Park. Treats, eggs, photo opp, training session, and a trick or costume contest. Dogs must be at least 12 weeks old and vaccinated. Dogs must remain on leash with an adult guardian. Fee is $12 for one dog or $20 for two and the deadline is April 2 or when full.

ZUMBA

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring Zumba on Mondays and Wednesdays in April (10-26) from 6:45-7:45 pm at Abingdon. The fee is $48 for the full month or $9 per day for individual days. The deadline to register is April 6.

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