February 3, 2023

Celebrating Black History Month, Joining the Take 3 Steps Initiative, Getting Ready for Winter Markets

Celebrating Black History Month

Tune in all February to WYCG-TV (Cox 46, Verizon 38) featuring special programming airing daily about the extraordinary contributions African Americans have made. Meet the greats of sports and the arts including Jackie Robinson, Althea Gibson, Kobe Bryant and Maya Angelou. Watch the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. give his “I Have a Dream” speech and learn more about the March on Washington. Be inspired by the service of the Tuskegee Airmen, Black scientists, and innovators such as George Washington Carver. And, hear about local history and achievements through taped presentations from the Senior Center and Historical Committee, including Hidden Figures and other NASA trailblazers, as well as the Civil Rights activities that occurred nearby. WYCG-TV can also be viewed live-streamed from the County website.

You can also celebrate Black History Month at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with gallery exhibits that recount the experiences of Africans and African Americans in early America, from the first known Africans in Virginia in 1619 to the significant roles of African Americans in the Revolutionary War. Stop by the Museum at 3 p.m. tomorrow (2/4) for a Talking History Lecture by actor James Cameron, who portrays John Rollison, an 18th-century York County, Virginia resident and property-owning free man of color. Cameron will introduce Rollison's 21st-century descendant Helen Casey-Rutland. Together, they will explore what it’s like to come face-to-face with an ancestor through living-history character portrayal. Additional information is available online.

February is Also Heart Health Month--Take 3 Steps

The County’s Department of Fire and Life Safety encourages the community to participate in the “Take 3” initiative to help save lives in a cardiac emergency: dialing 911, performing chest compressions, and using an AED. During this month, the department is offering free Hands-Only CPR classes! View the registration form for days, times and the location that is most convenient for you.

Winter Markets Begin Next Weekend

We are one week away from the start of the markets! You’re going to LOVE this market next Saturday (2/11) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing. Dress for the weather and shop the great variety of vendors for the perfect Valentine’s Day items, including sweets for your sweetheart and great products for your family dinner table. Bring the kiddos for a crafty, holiday-themed activity. Click over to the Visit Yorktown website for more information.

Free Household Chemical Drop-off, Paper Shredding Begins Soon

Got gasoline, oil, and cleaners to dispose of, personal papers to shred, or old computers you want to recycle? York County’s first collection event of 2023 is scheduled for Saturday, March 11, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Public Works complex (105 Service Drive, just off Goodwin Neck Road). In York County, these events are also held May 13, July 8, September 9, and November 11. For a list of acceptable materials and other dates/locations, visit the Waste Management website.

VPPSA Household Chemical Collection / Computer Recycling / Shred Event

Applications Now Being Accepted for Youth Commission

Students who will be enrolled in grades 9-12 during the 2023-2024 school year in either a public, private, or home school, are encouraged to apply to serve on the York County Youth Commission next year! Application packages are due to the Parks & Recreation office no later than Friday, March 24. The Youth Commission serves as liaison between the Board of Supervisors and the young people of the County. Members participate in a variety of community service projects, make recommendations about the addition or expansion of programs, and present youth related needs, problems, issues, and suggestions. Applications are online. More information is available by calling 757-890-3500.

Additional Notes for the Week…A limited number of plots are still available at the Community Garden located at Charles Brown Park. Apply in person at the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office in Washington Square Shopping Center or call 757-890-4940.

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.