FAN Mail Volume 46 | December 1, 2023

The Treasurer’s Office is open tomorrow, Saturday December 2^nd, from 8:00 AM to 12 Noon for collection of taxes; and on Tuesday, December 5^th (deadline ) until 7:00 PM

Small Business Development and Tourism Specialist

The County of Fluvanna is recruiting for the position of Small Business Development and Tourism Specialist.

This position is a full-time non-exempt position the primary focus of this position is the development and implementation of a proactive small business/entrepreneurship program and tourism initiative in support of the County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Small Business/Entrepreneurship:

Small businesses, including start-up companies and entrepreneurs, have always been a strong market for the County. Moving forward, this industry sector will continue to be a primary focus given the current market. This sector is expected to continue to grow for the foreseeable future.

• Serves as the County’s primary resource and contact for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Works with County staff and outside stakeholders to review existing programming and develop and implement a small business and entrepreneur development strategy focused on growing entrepreneurial activity in Fluvanna.
• Develops programs and resources designed to assist local small businesses.
• Serves as the County’s primary resource in conveying all information to the local business community.
• Conducts ongoing business visitations and maintains strong working relationships with the local business and development communities.
• Remains current on all federal, state and local regulations and opportunities impacting small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Tourism/Events:

Given the County’s central location, the number and variety of local events, historic and natural resources, tourism is an important focus for the County.  

• Focuses on bringing visitors, specifically “day-trippers,” to Fluvanna County.
• Connects County visitors with local businesses.
• Works with other County departments and outside agencies to develop additional opportunities to maximize the benefits of locally hosted events.
• Assists in the planning, development and marketing of both County and privately developed events.
• Assists in the creation of tourism-related advertising and marketing initiatives; develops and disseminates information through multiple media venues.  
• Maintains tourism portion of the County website and social media platforms.
• Communicates and regularly presents to regional leadership, hospitality-industry partners, residents, and media regarding tourism initiatives, performance data, news, and other relevant information. 
• Works closely with the Virginia Tourism Corporation on opportunities to highlight the County as a tourism destination.

General: 

• Assists in the development and implementation of all marketing campaigns including marketing materials, newsletters, business profiles and e-newsletters.
• Supports the Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee (EDTAC) and provides other administrative duties, as requested.
• Attends meetings and other boards and commissions meetings, as requested.
• Represents the department at partner organization events and activities, as requested.
• Responds to telephone, e-mail and in-person inquiries.
• Collaborates with County staff on issues affecting business and visitor development.

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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.

Join Fluvanna County Parks and Rec on December 14th through December 17th for the Community of Lights Celebration!

Drive through light show at Pleasant Grove Park.

FCPR is looking for businesses, organizations, groups, clubs, scout troops, churches, families or anyone who would like to set up a family friendly holiday light display.

You may display a sign or banner promoting your business or organization etc.

Space will be approximately 15' x 15'. FCPR will be supply the electricity. This Event is FREE!

Deadline to Register, Noon December 8, 2023: https://fluvanna.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1845

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.

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

Drop-off boxes will be at the following locations:

Administration Building

Library

Department of Social Services Building

SARA is hosting a winter support group for adult women and nonbinary individuals from December 5th to January 30th at our office! We intend for this group to be a space where survivors can provide peer-to-peer support for each other, build connections, strengthen confidence to assert boundaries, and discuss their healing journey. We will begin screening calls from November 13th-17th which must be completed before attending. Fill out this form if you're

interested in joining or learning more: https://apricot.socialsolutions.com/document/edit/id/new/form_id/490

Winter weather will be here soon...

We are starting our Emergency Bag Food Collection for 2023. We deliver 4 days of shelf stable meals to clients so they have food in case we are closed for inclement weather. Please share this information with friends, churches, or other community organizations who might be interested in sponsoring Emergency Food Bags.

EMERGENCY FOOD BAGS

Fluvanna Meals on Wheels asks the community to fill and donate Emergency Food Bags so that we may deliver these bags before the winter storms hit. These “E-Bags” contain 4 full meals, which our clients are to use in the event that we are unable to deliver their lunchtime meals due to inclement weather. For a list of item to donate, visit our web site at mealsonwheelsfluvanna.org.

IMPORTANT DATES AND CONTACT INFORMATION:

Emergency Food Bag Drop off

Meals on Wheels Office - 105 Crofton Plaza, Suite 8

Oct 20th through Dec 15th, 2023

Monday – Friday (8am-1pm) – also by appointment (please call numbers below)

* Please notify the office staff or leave a note with your name and the number of bags dropped off

Points of Contact Office: 589-1685 

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. 

The People's Choice Art Shows invites you to vote for your favorite local art pieces now through November 20th. Then join the Fluvanna Art Association for a free public awards reception on November 25th at 12:30PM. The art show and reception are held at the Fluvanna County Public Library.