FAN Mail Volume 40 | October 20, 2023

October is National Domestic Violence

 Awareness Month, a time dedicated to remembering victims whose lives ended too soon as the result of domestic violence, offering safety and support for those currently in abusive relationships and celebrating survivors who are now free from their abusers. 

* According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. https://ncadv.org/STATISTICS 

* Children are negatively impacted by witnessing abuse in the home. Children may become abusers themselves or fall into DV/IPV relationships because it has been normalized for them.

* Victims stay with their abusers for many reasons – such as fear that the abuser will hurt or kill them, will hurt or kill the children, will hurt or kill pets, or will take the children away from them. Other reasons they stay include finances, religious beliefs, and low self-esteem due to the abuse.

* Abuse of a partner is NOT normal and is not OK. No one has the right to hit, choke, push, kick, slap, or spit on anyone.

 If you are experiencing violence in your intimate relationship, or you know someone who is, please reach out to the Fluvanna Victim/Witness Assistance Program (434)591-1985, or the Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE) (434)-293-8509.

HVAC Apprentice

Fluvanna County is seeking a full-time HVAC Apprentice to assist will assist the HVAC/R Specialist in the installation, operation, maintenance, modification, service, and repair of HVAC/R systems. The HVAC/R Apprentice will also assist the HVAC/R Specialist with inspections and tests of both high/low-pressure heating systems to locate and diagnose faults and malfunctions and assist with required repairs through the replacement of inoperative parts or adjustment of thermostatic controls and blowers. The HVAC /R Apprentice will also comply with federal regulations governing environmental protection, hazardous waste disposal, and the use of refrigerants, chemical substances, and materials.

This position is classified as Essential Personnel and may be called upon to work during weather closures and emergencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The HVAC/R Apprentice assists the HVAC/R Specialist with maintenance and repairs to building mechanical systems. (These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Assists with HVAC/R installation, troubleshooting, repairs, and preventative maintenance on air conditioning units, heating systems, ventilation units, and refrigeration equipment including heat pumps, compressors, electric motors, boilers, intake and exhaust fans, generators, chillers, blowers, fans, and computerized control systems.
• Assists with diagnosing electrical and mechanical faults for HVAC/R systems
• Assists with disassembling mechanical or electrical machinery, equipment, and systems to retrofit or replace all ancillary components as required. Assists with checking clearances, and voltages and performs ampere measuring as required before bringing any equipment/system back into service.
• Assists with monitoring inventory for mechanical and plumbing systems.
• Performs work professionally following OSHA and EPA regulations, equipment specifications, and established safety procedures.
• Demonstrates basic computer competency including email, web browser, and word processing.
• Assists with other building maintenance tasks as needed.
• Assists Public Works with snow and ice removal as required.

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2025 Reassessment

Pearson Mass Appraisal is beginning their reassessment work for 2025, and will be visiting each property in Fluvanna County. Appraisers will be visiting properties throughout the County from now until late 2024, and will be traveling in vehicles with "Fluvanna Reassessment" signs. For additional information, please call the Commissioner of the Revenue Office at (434) 591-1940.

The Fluvanna County Planning Commission will hold a Special Meeting on October 18, 2023 at 5:00pm in order to attend a Joint Work Session with the Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors.

The purpose of the Joint Work Session will be Solar Projects Informational Discussion.

“Just a Good Ol’ Fashion Trunk or Treat!”

The Semi-Scary Haunted Trail and Trunk or Treat is free and open to the public, starts at 6:30pm and ends at 8:30pm.

If you plan on handing out candy or treats from a trunk you must Register your Vehicle’s Trunk at https://fluvanna.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1844 or call (434) 589-2016 Monday thru Friday, 9am - 4pm.

Trunks must be registered by 12 Noon, Thursday, October 26th!

Enjoy the evening sky by observing and identifying celestial events in the park each month. Observations will occur each month at the start of the new moon phase for optimum sky lighting conditions. Meeting times will vary, due to changing sunset and new moon times. Bring your sky viewing equipment, if you have items like binoculars, and telescopes, to aid in celestial observations. If you want to use your cell phone as a star gazing aid, consider downloading the astronomical apps that are offered for no cost for Apple and Android cell phones. The Apple program is called "Sky Guide”, and the Android program is called "Sky View Lite".

Please register in advance for free: https://fluvanna.recdesk.com 

Star Gazing in the Park meets and parks in the front field of Pleasant Grove Park, adjacent to Rt. 53.

October 20: Please arrive no later than 6:00 pm. A guide will help you park in the designated parking area. Bring your sky viewing equipment to view the Orionids meteor shower. Viewing will end at 10:00 pm and all visitors must depart the park by 10:15pm. An alternate meeting date will be October 21 should the weather be unacceptable on the 20th.

November 17: Please arrive no later than 5:00 pm. A guide will help you park in the designated parking area. Bring your sky viewing equipment to view the Leonids meteor shower. Viewing will end at 10:00 pm and all visitors must depart the park by 10:15pm. An alternate meeting date will be November 18 should the weather be unacceptable on the 17th.

December 8: Please arrive no later than 5:00 pm. A guide will help you park in the designated parking area. Bring your sky viewing equipment to view the Ursids meteor shower. Viewing will end at 10:00 pm and all visitors must depart the park by 10:15pm. An alternate meeting date will be December 9 should the weather be unacceptable on the 8.

During star gazing events, amateur astronomers may be available to discuss and help identify interesting celestial activities.

Children MUST be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

Rivanna Master Naturalists

Bring the family and enjoy a Virginia Master Naturalist-led Monthly Hike on the first Saturday of each month at 10 AM. Please register in advance: Eric Armentrout at 434-842-3150 or email at earmentrout@fluvannacounty.org or online at Programs (recdesk.com)

The Fluvanna County Interagency Council is comprised of over 25 local and regional human service organizations.

Mission:

• A network of human service agencies and organizations committed to improving resources and services to meet the needs of the Fluvanna community.

Vision:

• A community that partners to improve the quality of lives.

Values:

• Every person has something to contribute to the community.
• All people have dignity and worth and deserve respect
• Community Collaboration through effective communication

The Fluvanna-Louisa Housing Foundation has been expanding capacity and needs volunteers with skill sets. Do you have an interest in helping neighbors and have skills that would benefit the community? The Foundation is seeking to expand its volunteer base and fill the following four positions critical to accomplishing our goals and mission. 

• Volunteer Coordinator
• Volunteer Administrator
• Volunteer Fundraising Assistance
• Volunteer Access Ramp Coordinator

If you are interested in any of the listed positions, please respond to KHyland@louisa.org. 

SARA is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 Ten Men Cohort! 

What is Ten Men? A cohort of ten compassionate and committed male-identifying folks who want to use their time and influence to make their community safer from gender-based violence. 

Do you have a desire to prevent abuse and violence in your community? Do you know someone who is an influential member of your community and passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces? We encourage you to apply or nominate someone! For more information about the application process and how you can nominate someone, visit the Ten Men page on our website.

Applications close Wednesday, November 1st. Here are quick links to the application and nomination form:

Ten Men Application

Ten Men Nominations

Celebrate Arts and Culture in Fluvanna

October is National Arts & Humanities Month, a time to celebrate arts and culture, and Fluvanna offers many fantastic opportunities to experience the beauty and culture around us. In addition to attending events at the Carysbrook Performing Arts Center, you can enjoy the work of talented artists at an exhibit by the Fluvanna Art Association or on the Studio Art Tour, where you can purchase a one-of-a-kind piece. You can take a dance class or try your hand at creating art at one of our local businesses like Studio Chassé or Sweet Art Emporium. Area students can participate in various programs offered by our youth arts partner, Empowered Players. Learn more about our local history and culture from the Fluvanna Historical Society or enjoy one of Fluvanna County Public Library's many offerings.

Fluvanna's new tourism website, Find Fluvanna, offers information about upcoming community arts and cultural events. Tickets for the 2023-2024 Carysbrook Performing Arts Center season can be found HERE. We've planned an exceptional array of programs showcasing visual art, film, historical and cultural offerings, jazz, soul, Affrolachian and classical music, improv, and musical theater. We hope to see you at CPAC!