February 19, 2021

New State Vaccine Registration Site Opens
The State’s COVID-19 vaccine registration site opened Tuesday, February 16, following a weekend closure to implement the new program. The prior registration portal only allowed for the registration of certain age groups, but this new version is open for everyone to submit their information for notification of vaccine availability. Individuals will be contacted by phone or email to schedule their appointment when the vaccine is available for their designated group. The State also activated a call center for those with questions: (877) VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682) that is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

York County maintains the COVID-19 Connection on our website with the latest news. Read about vaccine delays due to winter weather conditions, see updated FAQs, and find helpful links. Our COVID-19 Helpline continues to assist residents with signing up for the vaccine on the State’s site, particularly for those without Internet access – (757) 890-5890.

Need a Reason to Visit Yorktown this Weekend?
Let us spell it out for you: L-O-V-E! The life-sized letters have been at the waterfront, on loan from the Virginia Tourism Corporation, as an extension of the Commonwealth’s iconic “Virginia is for Lovers” brand. The impressive artwork measures 16 feet in length and six feet in height. Due to the popularity with the public, the letters will remain on display through Monday, February 22. (They were originally scheduled to be taken down on February 19.) Located between Water Street Grille and the Freight Shed, the letters are open to the public for photo opportunities. The Tourism Development Office is requesting #visityorktown and #LOVEVA be used on Instagram and Facebook to help track the images on social media as well as the memorable captions that accompany them.

Parks and Recreation Offers Something for All Ages!
Children ages 6 to 10 are invited to our new Nature Craft Workshop program at New Quarter Park on March 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. Children will make their own bird feeders, sun-catchers, and more out of recycled and natural materials!  Only $10 per resident and $20 per non-County resident. Space is limited.  Register by February 27.
 
Families can enjoy Private Skating Sessions on Friday evenings until March 26. The $50 fee includes private rental, skates and song requests.  These one-hour sessions are available at
5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.  For more information, visit the Parks and Recreation website.
 
We are now registering for Adult Tennis and Adult Softball!  Registration and details are available online.
 
Registration ends March 1 for “A Matter of Balance – Managing Concerns about Falls” being held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays from March 4 through April 22 at the Senior Center of York (5314 George Washington Memorial Highway). Participants will learn to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.  This free program is cosponsored by Parks and Recreation and the Peninsula Agency on Aging.  Register online or by calling the Senior Center at (757) 890-3444.

Want to Learn about Home Food Preservation? Take this Online Course!
Fresh fruits and veggies in the winter – and anytime - are real treats!  And if they come from your very own efforts, they seem to taste better.  Virginia Cooperative Extension is offering a virtual Home Food Preservation program to teach you how to safely preserve your fresh foods for year-round enjoyment!  Canning, freezing, dehydrating, and fermentation are covered in this online course that you complete at your own pace. Course fee is $15 and the program is available to enrolled students until December 31. Visit the site for more information and to enroll.

Now is a Great Time to Consider a Career in Public Safety
York County is currently recruiting for several Public Safety positions including Deputy Sheriff, Firefighter, and 911 Dispatcher. York County is a great place to live and work and offers an excellent benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, retirement, and tuition reimbursement. With state-of-the-art technology and facilities, this is an opportunity to be part of a first class operation that is well respected by the community. Learn more about what York County offers and see all the job listings on our Human Resources website. 

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.