October 30, 2020

Bring Your Playful Pups to Saturday’s Paws at the River Market! Next week, Vintage Market Returns to the MAC

It’s going to be a PAWSITIVELY fabulous Halloween this Saturday, Oct. 31 as Yorktown Market Days celebrates its annual Paws at the River. More than 50 vendors and artists will line the Riverwalk with the market fun extending down to the green in front of Water Street Grille. That’s where you'll find several pet vendors and animal rescue organizations. The market runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with free pet pictures from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (If you are in line by noon, you will get your photo taken. All images will be uploaded to Visit Yorktown’s Facebook page on Nov. 2). The Halloween Pet Parade takes place at 1 p.m. and will make a short loop around the market (social distancing will apply and masks must be worn to participate in the parade). NEW this year - participating businesses will hand out goodies from 10 to 3. A trick-or-treat map will be posted at Visit Yorktown along with several signs displayed throughout town that day. A limited number of bags will be available at each location. Your child may also want to bring his or her own to the market. For visitors with dogs who are skittish around loud noises, please make note that the Fifes and Drums of York Town will march through the area at 10 a.m.

COMING UP NEXT WEEK: Market fun moves to the MAC (McReynolds Athletic Complex). If you enjoy shopping for restored old furniture; vintage clothing and jewelry; and one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces—you don’t want to miss York County's Vintage Market on November 7. You're invited to browse the McReynolds Athletic Complex from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to search for collectibles, antiques, art, accessories, and unique home décor! www.visityorktown.org

Deadline Approaches for District 4 Residents to Apply for Board Vacancy

Citizens interested in applying for appointment have until 5 p.m., Friday, November 6, to submit their paperwork. You must be registered to vote in District 4 in order to qualify for appointment. The application form and instructions are available online.

Visit the York County Public Libraries on Mondays beginning Nov. 2

The Tabb and Yorktown branches of the York County Public Library adds Mondays to its days of operation effective Monday, November 2. These branches will now be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Both libraries will be closed on Sunday. Welcome back, Mondays at the Libraries!

October 31 - Last Day to vote early, in person

Grafton School Complex Reopens as Polling Place for Election Day; Early In Person Voting Concludes Saturday, October 31

Grafton precinct voters will be casting their votes on Election Day at the Grafton School Complex on Grafton Drive. The polling place was temporarily closed due to a February 3 fire that occurred at the school. This location is back open for those registered voters to cast their ballots! For more information, please see today’s press release.

The last day for citizens to vote early in person at one of the Voter’s Registrar’s Office locations is tomorrow, October 31 at 5 p.m. The Registrar’s Offices are located in Washington Square Shopping Center and Victory Village Shopping Center. Offices are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit the Registrar’s Office website or call (757) 890-3440.

Time to Break Out Your Rakes and Clear Plastic Bags . . . Leaf Collection Begins November 16

York County has just announced the dates for this year’s leaf collection program – Monday, November 16 to Friday, January 29. Residents on public streets may put an unlimited number of clear bags of leaves to the roadside on Monday of their collection week. For this program, the County is divided into a northern zone and a southern zone with collections occurring on alternating weeks. For complete program details, visit the website or read this week’s press release.

Regional Industrial Facility Association Announces Solar Farm in York Co.

Just last week, the Eastern Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority (EVRIFA) approved the acquisition of 432-acres of land—former Commonwealth of Virginia property—and leased a portion of the property for development of a solar energy facility. Six of the 10 regional ENRIFA partners are funding the costs associated with this project and will share in the revenues that result from the construction of the solar facility and potential future development elsewhere on the property located on Penniman Road in York County. Complete details are available on the EVRIFA website.

Governor Northam Expands Rebuild VA Business Grant Program

The Rebuild VA grant program, designed to help small businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, is expanding its eligibility criteria and increasing the amount of grant money businesses may receive—from a maximum of $10,000 to a high of $100,000. Rebuild VA is now open to all types of Virginia small businesses that meet size and other eligibility requirements. Information on this and other grant programs is available on the York County Economic Development website.

Drug Take Back/Shred Event a HUGE Success

Last Saturday’s drop off was a tremendous hit with residents who waited in their cars to safely dispose of prescription medications and personal paperwork. The final tally is in with 11,200 pounds of papers shredded/recycled and 306 pounds of medications collected! Also, residents were invited to donate items for the food pantry and plastic bags for recycling: 844 pounds of non-perishable food items were donated and an estimated 40 pounds of plastic bags were collected. Visit the Waste Management website for more recycling news.

Don't Forget to Fall Back - Turn Your Clocks Back One Hour on November 1

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. If you wish to get the most recent news every week, please subscribe here. Questions? Contact Gail Whittaker, Public Information Officer: (757) 890-3310 (office); (757) 817-2665 (cell); or whittgl@yorkcounty.gov.