November 23, 2022

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

From left, Isaac O'Shields (birthday boy), is shown with Amelia Charest, Tobias O’Shields, Hugh O’Shields, Xavier Charest, Mariam Charest and Preston Charest as they work to clean up Main Street. 

Local Child Chooses Community

Clean-up Instead of Traditional Birthday Party


While most eight-year-olds ask for a party with friends for their birthday, Gloucester resident Isaac O’Shields had a different idea this year. He asked his parents if he could do a community cleanup project. His mom, Christine, took to Facebook to see how she could make this happen. She was quickly connected with Gloucester’s Clean Community Coordinator, who was able to give her supplies and an idea of where to do their cleanup.


On Veteran’s Day, the O’Shields and their group of friends took to Main Street, which needed some tidying up after the Halloween festivities. The group consisted of seven children and four adults, who spent an hour and a half cleaning up the street. They ended up with two large bags full of trash.


“The kids had a great time,” Christine said. “They kept asking when they could do it again.”


“I was overjoyed when I heard that Isaac chose to help the community for his special day,” said Sherry Kosakowski, Gloucester’s Clean Community Coordinator. “It’s wonderful to see children understanding the need for projects like this. You will be surprised how much fun kids can have when you give them a grabber and a bucket! One cleanup can make a huge impact. Thank you, Isaac and friends!”


Those interested in having their own cleanup can contact Clean Community at 804-693-5370 or email cleancommunity@gloucesterva.info

GCSO Accepting Donations for Toys for Tots Program


The Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office is once again participating in the Toys For Tots Program. This program collects and distributes toys for less fortunate children during the Christmas season.


For the convenience of the public, there is a donation box located in the lobby of the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office. The box will be available for donations until December 10, 2022. If you decide to donate a toy, they ask that the toy be new, in original packaging, and unwrapped.


If you feel that your children or another family could benefit from the program, please click here to register.


Important Information for those Coming to Watch the Parade on December 3!


Please arrive early and get your parking space along Main Street or in the huge Parking Lots behind County Office Buildings One and Two (6467 Main Street) - use Justice Drive entrance. Carriage Court is also open for parking. There is a public lot on Martin Street.


IMPORTANT!

Main Street Center Parking Lot will be used for Parade Line Up and is not available for public parking. Those wishing to visit Main Street Center Businesses should be aware of increased traffic on parade day.


Botetourt Elementary parking lots are not available they are used for parade break-down. If you have someone in the parade, County Office Building parking lots are convenient to the end of the parade.


Public Input Being Sought on Potential Zoning Ordinance Changes That Would Remove Some Burdensome Regulations

                                                    

County staff, in partnership with the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors, have completed a comprehensive rewrite of Articles 1-9 of the County’s Zoning Ordinance. Articles 1-9 include regulations for all the zoning districts, permitted uses, supplemental regulations for those uses, and general development standards related to other items such as screening and buffering, common open space, etc. 

 

After a four-year long in-depth review, staff is excited to present the draft to citizens in the form of public open houses to occur in November. Open houses are planned for the northern, central, and southern sections of the County. The purpose of these meetings is to help citizens understand the zoning changes so that they can express their concerns or appreciation for the changes to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors when they hold formal public hearings on the changes. Meetings will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the following dates and locations:

 

THERE IS ONE OPEN HOUSE LEFT TO VOICE YOUR CONCERNS!



November 29 at Rappahannock Community College’s Glenns Lecture Hall


To learn more, click here.

Gloucester Visitor Center Participating in Shop Small Saturday


This Saturday, Nov. 26, our gift shop located within the Visitor Center will be open and participating in Shop Small Saturday!


We are excited to offer Gloucester inspired gifts, items from local businesses and artists, past Daffodil Festival merchandise (50% off) and more!


***Please remember access to the gift shop is through the historic courthouse entrance. All other entrances to the circle are currently closed.

LIBRARY NEWS

PARKS & RECREATION NEWS

Holiday Photos in The Park


Join us at Beaverdam Park for a Holiday Photo Op! Wear the ugly sweaters, the holiday finery or “our favorite” park attire! We will email photos for you to use as Christmas Cards, presents and for scrapbooks. Goody bags too!


Register for a 10 minute appointment between Noon and 1:30pm on Saturday, December 10. Amphitheater. $10/ family, deadline December 3.


Head to gloucesterva.info/civicrec to grab your time slot!

Replayed Post on Money, Health, and Other Things!


Looking to cut back on spending and save some more money ahead of the holidays? Over the next few weeks, the Virginia Cooperative Extension will revisit past posts on reducing spending. This week, they’ll discuss periodic expenses! To learn more, click here.

For more information, to apply, and review full job descriptions, please visit https://www.gloucesterva.info/347/Job-Opportunities
Town Crier | 804-693-5730 | Contact Us |
6382 Main Street
Gloucester, Virginia 23061
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