April 29, 2022

Garden Week Slideshow with Yorktown in Bloom; Safety Town Back In-Person; Popular Plant Sale Returns

Yorktown Blossoms for Historic Garden Week
This spring, the flowers and trees in and around the historic area have definitely been showing off for our residents and visitors.  The Historic Garden Week event in Yorktown was Wednesday (4/27) and ticket-holders enjoyed visiting homes and gardens and admiring the landscaping and blooms. For the first time, a mid-week Garden Market was held at the waterfront where shoppers could pick up fresh produce, baked goods, and original art!  Public Affairs’ photographer Jenn Conlee captured the event in pictures that can be viewed as a slideshow on the County’s website.

Safety Town is Back “In-Person” this Summer
York County announces the return of “in-person” Safety Town!  This award-winning program teaches pre-kindergartners various lessons such as playground, traffic, and personal safety; household poisons; stop-drop-and-roll; and more. Registration for this fun and exciting program begins May 2 for York County residents and May 9 for non-County residents. Safety Town is open to children entering kindergarten in the fall. Space is limited, so early sign-up is recommended.  Visit the website to view dates and locations as well as to register.

Special Events in Yorktown Next Weekend are a Treat for the Senses
Next Saturday (5/7), the Blues, Brews, and BBQ Festival returns! Tickets are available online for this special occasion where visitors may sample more than 30 craft beers, enjoy amazing BBQ, and listen to some of the best Blues musicians in the region. Admission also gets ticketholders into the wine garden with limited tastings and more great music.  Return the next day (5/8 – Mother’s Day!) for Art at the River Juried Art Show.  From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., artists chosen for the show will display their one-of-a-kind works.  Everything from glass to copper, watercolors to photography (and more) will be there for your viewing and purchasing pleasure. This event is free and open to the public.  More information is available on the Visit Yorktown website.

Real Estate Tax Relief Guidelines Revised
Effective for tax year 2022, the Board of Supervisors has revised the qualifications for the Real Estate Tax Relief for the Elderly or Disabled program. Household gross income guidelines have increased by 10 percent with financial worth/assets amounts also up 10 percent (increasing the max amount from $200,000 to $220,000). Previously unqualified applicants have been granted a one-time filing extension from April 30 to May 15 (if the dates fall on a weekend or holiday, the deadline becomes the next business day). Staff of the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office will be reviewing previously denied applicants to determine if they meet these updated qualifications for relief. If so, applicants will be contacted by the County.  If you have any questions, please call the office at (757) 890-3382.  Additional information is available online.

Got a Green Thumb? Register for Master Gardener Training!
Applications are being accepted now through July 9 for the Master Gardener training program.  This virtual course is August 17 to November 9. Master Gardeners teach classes, answer horticultural inquiries, present programs, and diagnose plant diseases.  They also hold a popular spring Plant Sale at the Learning Garden, 301 Goodwin Neck Road, on the first Saturday of May.  This year’s sale is from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 7.  Master Gardener applications, more information about training, and Plant Sale details are available on the York/Poquoson Cooperative Extension website.

Election Update from the Voter Registrar
There are no primaries being held this June.  Virginia law states that if only one person files for a primary, then the event is cancelled and that person automatically becomes the nominee.  Such is the case this year and all primaries that had been called in York County have been cancelled.  For information on registering to vote, visit the Voter Registration website.
 
BugFest is Back at a New Location
York County Mosquito Control, Public Library, and Parks & Recreation invite you to the 3^rd Annual BugFest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, at Grafton Middle School (405 Grafton Drive).  Insect displays, local experts with bug facts, Bug Talks, crafts, activities, and more are featured at this special “all about bugs” event!  BugFest is free to everyone. Adding to the fun, Sweet Frog is bringing its dessert truck for visitors to purchase a sweet treat. Details are available on the County’s website.

Additional Notes for the Week…Tomorrow (4/30) is a busy day in York County:  Market Days is held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a great opportunity to shop for items for your dinner table or pick up original art as a gift for Mother’s Day next Sunday; the Drug Take Back and Shredding Event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 105 Service Drive. Dispose of prescription meds safely by turning them in! Plus, bring up to five boxes of paperwork for free shredding; And, get rid of up to five tires at our free Tire Recycling Event just down the street at 102 County Road from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.     Stop by York Hall on Sunday (5/1) at 3 p.m. for a free public lecture by local author and historian Nancy Shepperd on “Lost Attractions: The Parks and Places that Built the Tidewater.” This lecture is free and open to the public.  

A variety of York County jobs are available, including temporary summer positions. Visit the County’s website for openings, benefits, and more.

Citizen News Weekly is compiled and published by York County Public Affairs each Friday to share news and events with our citizens and neighbors. This weekly newsletter is placed on our website and delivered directly to your inbox. Questions? Contact Gail Whittaker, Public Information Officer: (757) 890-3310 or whittgl@yorkcounty.gov.