Monday, February 13, 2023

Public Works Achieves Re-Accreditation Status

The Newport News Public Works Department has recently received full accreditation by the American Public Works Association (APWA) for voluntarily complying with the recommended practices outlined in the Public Works Management Practices Manual. This is the fifth time the Public Works Department has been re-accredited since its initial accreditation in 2002.

APWA’s accreditation process involves a thorough internal review of an agency, followed by an onsite or virtual accreditation visit where a team of reviewers examines documentation, processes, and procedures. The purpose of accreditation is to promote excellence in the operation and management of a public works agency, its programs, and its employees. Accreditation is designed to assist the agency in the continuous improvement of operations and management while providing an objective evaluation. 

For more information on the Public Works Department, visit https://nnva.gov/Public-Works.

Public Library Expands Partnership with

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

As a Community Partner, the Newport News Public Library is excited to announce that all Newport News children ages 0 – 5 are eligible to participate in the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. As the world’s preeminent early childhood book-gifting program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails high quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age 5 in partnership with The DeGood Foundation. Over the course of enrollment, a personal library of as many as 60 books is created, helping form the foundation of a child’s early reading experience. The goal is to establish the educational foundation for children to ensure their success in Kindergarten and the remainder of their K-12 education.

Registration is required. Paper applications are available at all Newport News Public Library branches and may be submitted at the library branches or mailed to: The DeGood Foundation, 11817 Canon Blvd Suite 402, Newport News, VA 23606. Families can also enroll their children online at www.degoodfoundation.org or www.imaginationlibrary.com.

For more information, call 757-926-1350 or visit any Newport News Library.

Sheriff’s Office Expands Project Lifesaver Program 

The Newport News Sheriff’s Office is expanding its Project Lifesaver Program thanks to a $6,000 grant from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Project Lifesaver is designed specifically to monitor children and adults who may wander from safety due to Alzheimer’s, Autism, Down syndrome, or traumatic brain injury. Each client wears a wrist or ankle transmitter that emits an individualized radio frequency signal that helps trained deputies quickly locate the person, should they go missing. There are approximately 70 adults and children in Newport News currently enrolled in the NNSO’s program, which has a 100-percent success rate.

The true value of Project Lifesaver lies in the peace of mind and sense of security it gives families. This donation from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America allows the Sheriff’s Office to support more families at no cost. The grant will pay for new transmitters, batteries, and wristbands to serve families who meet Project Lifesaver qualifications.

Newport News families can get information about Project Lifesaver on the Newport News Sheriff’s Office website or by calling 757-926-8585.  Those with questions about caring for a loved one with a dementia-related illness or accessing support services can call the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Helpline at 866-232-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.