George Bains has had a legendary career with Gloucester County, stretching back to 1988. From helping build the reservoir we depend on for clean water, to forging a path as our first Director of IT, to instituting addresses in the more rural parts of our community, George has made a huge impact on day-to-day life in Gloucester.

He's served as the Interim County Administrator since April, and he's getting ready to pass the torch to Dr. C. Scott Davis in November.

We sat down to talk about the challenges and highlights of George's time here, and what he thinks could be next for the County.

The Gloucester County Sheriff's Office uses a network of eleven Flock cameras to help solve crimes. Recently, the Board of Supervisors asked Sheriff Darrell Warren to give a presentation on this technology, which you can watch here: https://youtu.be/Qt--23dEVl4?si=sVFdEXgKyU8e8VFa&t=1655

Community members attending the meeting still had some questions about the technology, so Sheriff Warren later sat down with Community Engagement & Public Information to talk about what Flock cameras are, how they work, and what the law says about them.

This month, Dr. Anthony Vladu, Gloucester County Public Schools Superintendent, joins us to discuss challenges, goals, and perspective on the upcoming school year.

Parents, teachers, students and community members won't want to miss this episode!

Can anyone come into town and set up a solar farm? What are the rules? And how about new businesses - does the local government get to decide if Gloucester gets a restaurant or a gas station?

In today's podcast, we talk to Anne Ducey-Ortiz, who's worked for our Planning & Zoning department for 26 years. Learn about what zoning is, how the laws constantly adapt, and how YOU can shape the future of Gloucester.

Reach out to Planning & Zoning:

gloucesterva.gov/planning-zoning

804-693-1224

zoningstaff@gloucesterva.info

This summer is a special time to be an American, and beyond that, a historic time to live in Gloucester County. Did you know that we're celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and the 375th anniversary of Gloucester's founding?

The folks on the Gloucester Parks, Recreation & Tourism team have been pouring their hearts into planning celebratory events. There are so many ways to learn about our history, and commemorate our journey, that we had to line them up for you in one place.

4-H Camp is a terrific opportunity for youth to learn citizenship, leadership, and life skills through hands-on experiences while making lasting friendships and enjoying a fun-filled week on the James River. Campers enjoy being part of a larger group and participating in campfires, recreation, and classes which may include archery, dance, canoe, kayak, swimming, arts and crafts, outdoor living skills, challenge course, marine science, air rifle, woodworking, and more!

Even beyond the traditional overnight camp at Jamestown, our 4-H staff has set up day camps for kids of all ages this summer, where they can explore everything from crafts to cooking to local farms.

For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/GloucesterVA4H or call 804-693-2602.

Did you know that Gloucester County Animal Control organizes low-cost rabies vaccine clinics for cats and dogs every month? How about spay/neuter services? Or their standalone animal shelter, full of adoptable dogs, back behind Tractor Supply?

This department is involved in every facet of animal welfare. They have the power to rescue pets from bad situations, and the hearts to connect them to good homes.

The next drive-through rabies vaccine clinic will be on May 2, from 1-3 p.m., and it's $10 cash to vaccinate a cat or a dog. If you miss that, or you'd like to get help with a low-cost spay/neuter, call 804-693-5290.

Learn more by going to gloucesterva.gov/animal-control or checking out their volunteer-run Facebook page.

Adoptable dogs: https://www.petfinder.com/search/dogs-for-adoption/us/va/gloucester/?shelterRescue=3b9fd8c5-a1b7-4e7c-b6eb-6732ac167c4f&includeOutOfTown=true

Later this month, thousands of people will visit Gloucester to attend the 40th Daffodil Festival. This milestone festival, scheduled for March 28-29, has some new additions, brings back some longtime favorites, and promises to offer something for everyone!

For Part 1 of this month's podcast, we sit down with Hunter LeClair, Gloucester's Tourism, Marketing & Special Events Manager, and Susan Ammons, the County's Tourism & Marketing Supervisor, to learn about what festival-goers have to look forward to! These two ladies, along with other County staff members, and countless volunteers, have worked many hours to ensure this year's event is a huge success!

To learn more about this year's festival, visit https://www.daffodilfestivalva.org/.