April 26, 2024

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

Gloucester County Sheriff's Office deputies will be at both Gloucester Walmart and Kroger on Saturday from 10 AM - 2 PM to receive over-the-counter and/or prescription drugs (expired/unwanted) from the community.

A deputy will collect the medication from the public, which will later be turned over to the area DEA Office for destruction. This is an annual event in which GCSO partners with the DEA’s “Drug Take Back Initiative” to help prevent improper disposal of medications at home. This initiative is the safest way to dispose of unwanted medication. We encourage you to bring your expired or unwanted medications to this event so that we may dispose of it appropriately.

Renovations to Gloucester County Library-Virginia's Main Library are on track to be completed by May 30. Until that time, library staff members appreciate the patience of patrons as many of the library’s services have been interrupted during the final stages of renovations.

During the time of the remaining renovations, public computer access will be limited as well as access to magazines and to book stacks.

“We are keeping in contact with the contractor on a daily basis to ensure this project is completed on time and all of our services resume for our patrons as soon as possible,” said Diane Rebertus, Director of Library Services. “We sincerely appreciate everyone’s patience during this time and cannot wait to be able to showcase our improved facility to the public very soon.”



The Point Branch of the library remains open providing full services, and the library is always available online by visiting www.gloucesterva.gov/library.

April 21-27, 2024 is Volunteer Appreciation Week!

From Parks & Recreation to Emergency Management to Animal Control and our schools, Gloucester County is full of volunteers that selflessly dedicate countless hours each month to the betterment of the community.

To all of our volunteers, thank you for serving alongside us!

This FREE one day event for girls 6th - 12th grade is to empower and uplift young girls by fostering self-esteem, confidence, and positive self-image. Space is limited! Registration link:

https://bcunitedoutreach.org/events/i-am-enough

Questions: Contact Pam Garner (804) 651-4736 or Vanessa Keller (757) 503-3250 

Join VIMS for Marine Science Day 2024!

VIMS is thrilled to be hosting its 22nd annual #MarineScienceDay open house event on Saturday, June 1, 2024. For one day a year only, nearly every corner of the campus is open to the public to speak to our scientists and students while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the important research and advisory services VIMS provides to the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond!

Located in Gloucester Point, this fun-filled family-friendly event features exhibits, children's activities, seining in the York River, tours, seafood cooking demonstrations, mini-lectures, and more.

This event is completely free, open to the public, and takes place rain or shine! All exhibits and timed activities are included with entry. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site throughout the event.

GCPS CORNER

Attention, GCPS families! As we gear up for summer break, we want to ensure that all children in our community have access to nutritious meals. Your input is crucial in helping us gauge the interest in our summer meal program.

Before April 30^th, please submit one entry per household. Your responses will help us determine if there is enough interest to proceed with providing summer meals for children in our area.

If there is sufficient interest, we'll follow up with enrollment details to ensure that families who need it most can benefit from this essential support.

Thank you for your participation and for helping us support our community's children with healthy meals during the summer months!

LIBRARY NEWS

On May 11, at 11 a.m., Earthquest is coming to do a Birds of Prey program at Ark Park. The back two fields have been reserved

so the birds can fly with out danger from overhead wires.

There is no registration and it is open to all. Just bring a chair.

Have questions about Microsoft Word,

email, or your smartphone?

Register for 30 minutes of individual tech help!

PR&T NEWS

Save The Date & Register Today for Sunset Yoga for Play All Day VA! The VRPS: Virginia Recreation & Park Society is encouraging us to get outside and play all day on the longest day of the year! We are excited to offer FREE sunset yoga over looking Beaverdam Lake from 7:30-8:30PM!

Racers are getting ready! Thank you to all that have signed up & reserved your spot already for the 1st ever Beaverdam Triathlon!

This 3-part race will consist of running 2.5 miles on the hiking trail, biking 6.1 miles on the multi-use trail, and then hitting the lake for a 1.9 mile paddle to the finish line!

To save your spot on the starting line please visit the link below!

Other Parks, Recreation and Tourism Activities

ADULT CO-REC SOFTBALL SUMMER LEAGUE

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring a Summer Co-rec Softball league for ages 15 and older at Ark Park. Teams field 5 men and 5 women. Games are scheduled from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm every Sunday from June 2 through august 4. Team fee is $650 and the deadline to register is May 5.

KIDS CRAFT MARKET

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring a Kids Craft Market on Saturday, May 18 from 9:00 am-1:00 pm in the Court Circle. Youth ages 18 and under rent a booth to sell their crafts/art. The fee for each 10x10 space is $25 and the deadline to register is May 1. If space is still available after May 1, there will be a $10 late fee.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring a Women’s Basketball League for ages 18 and older. Play from 5:00 to 7:30 pm every Thursday from June 6 through August 1 at the Ark Park Basketball Court. The fee is $15 per person and the deadline to register is May 26.

BEAVERDAM THURSDAY THOUGHTS

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring talks in the amphitheater at Beaverdam Park on the 2^nd Thursday of the month. The May talk, May 9^th from 6:30-7:30 pm, is about Bees and Pollinators. Gloucester is an official Bee City, join us to find out more about our local efforts to help protect Bees and Pollinators. The program is free but registration is required, deadline May 2.

HOMESCHOOL PARK ADVENTURES

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring Homeschool Park Adventures for local homeschool families on the 2nd Wednesdays of the month at Beaverdam Park from 10:00 am to noon. Meet on May 8. The fee is $10 per child and the deadline to register is May 1.

BEST YEARS TRIP HENRICUS

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring a Best Years Trip to to Henricus on Wednesday, May 15 from 8:45 am -3:30 pm. We will tour Henricus and stop on the way home for lunch, on your own. The fee is $45 and the deadline is May 8.

BELLY DANCE

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring Belly Dance for ages 16 and older on Mondays at the Stewart Building from 7:00-8:00 pm, June 3 through July 29. Beginners class to learn basics or a great place to brush up on your techniques. Fee is $65 and the deadline to register is May 27.

SPECIALTY INSTRUCTORS

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is seeking individuals that are interested in teaching classes for youth or adults. Dance, gymnastics, yoga, exercise, crafts, arts, games, knitting, carving, and just about anything else you are interested in sharing. Visit the county’s webpage and look for job opportunities, all applications must be online.

For more information on these and other activities call PRT at 804-693-2355, email prt@gloucesterva.info or stop by our office 6382 Main Street. For online registration visit https://gloucesterva.info/civicrec

For more information, to apply, and review full job descriptions, please visit https://www.gloucesterva.gov/347/Job-Opportunities