The Gloucester High School Marching Dukes are once again hosting their annual band competition. Each year hundreds of students, parents, and community members attend and they look forward to the local businesses continued support to make this event a successful fundraiser fot the young musicians and color guard. See flyer below for how to become a sponsor of this wonderful event.

Gloucester Parks, Recreation and Tourism Activities

CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY PARADE REGISTRATION

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring is now accepting registration for the 2023 Christmas and Holiday Parade to be held on Saturday, December 2 at 3:00 pm on Main Street.  The fees are: Businesses $20, Non-profits $10 and Gloucester County or School entries are free.  The deadline to register is Sunday, November 12th or when all spaces are filled.

FREE FLOW YOGA

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring Free Flow Yoga on Tuesdays in October from 5:30-6:45 pm at the Whitcomb Lodge.  The fee is $40 for the whole month or $9 per day and the deadline is Saturday, September 30th.

ZUMBA

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring Zumba on Mondays and Wednesdays in October from 6:45-7:45 pm at Abingdon.  The fee is $8 per day if you sign up for the whole month or $9 per day for individual days.  The deadline to register is Friday, September 29th.

HUG A TREE AND SURVIVE

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring is sponsoring Hug a Tree and Survive for ages 7-11 at the Whitcomb Lodge on Wednesday, October 18 from 5:00-6:00 pm.  Parents are welcome to attend with their children.  The program is Free, however registration is required by Wednesday, October 11th.

THE FULL HIKE

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring The Full Hike (9.5 miles) on Saturday, October 21 at 9:00 am at Beaverdam Park.  It’s a 9.5-mile hike so bring water and snacks.  Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.  The registration fee is $5 and the deadline to register is Saturday, October 14th.

MACK AND MABLE

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring a Best Years Trip to see the Williamsburg Players performance of Mack and Mable on Sunday, November 12 from 12:45-6:15 pm.  This play is set in the era of the silent film.  The fee is $50 and the deadline to register is Sunday, October 15th.

ADVANCED YOUTH BASKETBALL SKILLS CLINIC

Parks, Recreation & Tourism is sponsoring is sponsoring an Advanced Level Basketball drills and instruction clinic for ages 11-15, on Saturday, October 21 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, location tbd.  This clinic features ball handling, shooting. scoring moves, game IQ, defensive principles and overall strategy.  Participants should have a good basketball foundation prior to registration (middle school, jv, varsity basketball and club players).  The fee is $40 and the deadline to register is Tuesday, October 10th.

For more information on these and other activities call PRT at 804-693-2355, email prt@gloucesterva.info or stop by our office 6382 Main Street.  For online registration visit https://www.gloucesterva.info/civicrec

The final Farmer’s Market of the season will be held on Saturday, October 14^th from 9-1pm at Taber Park, 425 Bonner Street Urbanna

There will be lots of vendors featuring a variety of fresh produce, plants and flowers, seafood, homemade baked goods, handmade crafts and jewelry, nautical furnishings and décor, and various types of artwork.

Bring the entire family (including pets) and enjoy a day of shopping and stroll through the historic Town of Urbanna.
Check out the local shops, restaurants, museum and beautiful water views, all within easy walking distance of the market.

Support local farmers, artists and craftsmen!

The Disabled American Veterans Chapter 58, located in Gloucester VA, at 6265 Professional Drive, directly behind the radio station. Their Certified Claims Service Officers can assist ALL Veterans and their dependents with submitting claims to the Veterans Administration at no cost. No appointment necessary, you’ll need a DD214, hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 2pm and they can be reached at 804-695-1558.

For a ride to Richmond or Hampton for appointment, call Keith Davis at 757-728-3148 to make arrangements.

Do you have concerns regarding your preschooler's development? Gloucester County Public Schools conducts screenings for preschool children as part of their Child Find Activities throughout the school year. Parents/Guardians should consider having their children screened if they are experiencing difficulty walking, talking, playing, and meeting developmental milestones. If you are interested in having your child screened, please contact your child's zoned school. Any further questions please contact the Special Education Office at 804-693-7880 or 804-693-7944.

Bay Transit Express, a shared ride service, is introducing $1 rides in the newly expanded Bay Transit Express service zone. You will be able to start riding anywhere from Gloucester Point to the Gloucester Courthouse area.

You can book rides straight from your phone by downloading The Bay Transit Express App or call 804-693-6977, get picked up in minutes and commute or run errands without needing a car.

12 Things You May Not Know About Newport News Park 

In 1966, the City of Newport News created a watershed around Lee Hall Reservoir to protect the quality of its water. That watershed was developed into Newport News Park. Since then, it’s been a gem in our city, providing trails, shade, a huge variety of wildlife, and much more. So much more, that you probably don’t even know about all this amazing park has to offer. We’ve outlined the Top 12 things you need to know about Newport News Park that will get you planning your next trip there as soon as possible!

1. It’s HUGE

One of the largest municipal parks in the United States, Newport News Park is nine times larger than New York City’s Central Park! At 7,711 acres, Newport News Park is an oasis in the middle of a large metropolitan city. The park is so large that it has its very own campground! 

2. It’s a great place to camp

Campers and outdoor enthusiasts find Newport News Park’s campground the perfect retreat. Its 188 campsites are spaciously arranged throughout the park’s natural woodlands. Camp here and you’ll be surrounded by many of the comforts of home, including electricity, heated showers, a laundry room, a small store for food and supplies, and 24-hour security. And, needless to say, pets are welcome, too!

3. It has an aero-model flying field 

Did you know that Newport News Park has an aero-model flying field? What’s that, you may ask? It’s a place for model aviation enthusiasts to fly their radio-controlled aircraft. The busiest flying times are usually Saturday and Sunday afternoons, weather permitting. The field has a paved 400-foot runway and a spacious 30-acre flyover area, along with bleachers for visitors and spectators.

4. It has miles of trails

The park also offers more than 30 miles of trails through forest, field, and marshland – with many native species to observe in their natural habitat. As you can imagine, the park is home to an incredible variety of native wildlife – deer, fox, raccoon and beaver, to name a few – all found in a thriving setting filled with lush woodlands, flowering meadows, and shimmering lakes. 

5. It has a center to rehabilitate wildlife 

The park even has a state- and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitation program, located at the Discovery Center. The staff there provides care to hundreds of injured or orphaned animals annually, enabling the animals to return to their natural environments, healthy and self-sufficient. We like to think of the Discovery Center as a “temporary haven” for wildlife when they’re most in need. The center also has numerous educational exhibits on display, which are open to the public.

6. You can rent a bike for $3

If you enjoy cycling, bring your own bike or rent one from the campsite office to hit the park’s popular 5.3-mile hard-packed, flat-surface multi-use trail. Newport News Park shares a long stretch of border with the Colonial National Historical Park and several of the park's biking and hiking trails cross over into this historical area.

7. It has ties to the Civil War

Speaking of history, did you know that Newport News Park is the site of some of the best preserved Civil War fortifications, earthworks and redoubts in Virginia? During the American Civil War, the park was the site of Battle of Dam No. 1. In the days prior to the battle, Confederate forces constructed rifle pits and other earthworks from which they held off the Union Army.  Because of this, the park is a designated stop on the official Virginia Civil War Trails network.

8. It has numerous playgrounds and horseshoe pits

Families with small children will be happy to know that Newport News Park has FOUR playgrounds, including one specifically made for younger children (found in Picnic Area 2). With four certified courts for horseshoes, there’s no better place than Newport News Park to play horseshoes, too, especially if you want to keep your own lawn back home pristine! Just remember to bring your own horseshoes, as the park does not provide them.

9. It boasts archery, golf, and a Japanese Peace Garden!

Additionally, it has an archery range, two 18-hole golf courses, and an 18-hole championship disc golf course in the arboretum area. Floral gardens at the park include a Japanese Peace Garden with an authentic tea house!

10.  It’s a great place to go fishing

For water enthusiasts, fishing is permitted in two large freshwater lakes, along with canoe, paddleboat, and Jon boat rentals. And don’t worry about bringing your own paddles, oars, or personal flotation devices – they’re all included in the rental.

11.  There’s a team-building course 

Organized groups looking for a physical and a mental challenge are invited to make a reservation to take the park’s “Ropes & Initiatives Course.” It features a progression of more difficult tasks, similar to an obstacle course. It can be a powerful tool for enhancing group dynamics.  

12.   There are lots of FREE programs there

OK, now that we know what Newport News Park has to offer, let’s talk about the many FREE programs scheduled there on a regular basis! Who knew the park offered the following activities?  

1. Archery Safety Lessons – A park ranger presents this one-hour presentation to teach general archery safety tips and discuss the rules and regulations specific to Newport News Park. You’ll also learn more about the art of archery. Call 757-888-3333 for dates and to register.

 2. Bird Walks – Since 1965, the Hampton Roads Bird Club has monitored the park’s bird population on a regular basis. Join club members in the parking lot of Picnic Area 1 at 7 a.m. every first and third Sunday of the month for some early morning birding. Take a stroll through the park and see what interesting species of birds live here. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!

3. Friday Night Adventures – Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can bring your family to the Discovery Center at Newport News Park every Friday evening to learn about some of the amazing living creatures that make their homes in and around the park. Meet a park naturalist to discover facts about some of the park’s natural and historical features through nature walks, themed presentations, and hands-on activities. Topics range from beavers, snakes, and owls to bats, opossums, deer, raccoons, and other creatures inhabiting the park. 

4. Hayrides – Hop on a Saturday evening hayride to explore the park’s beautiful and diverse forest habitats. These family friendly adventures are led by park staff. Hayrides, which depart from the campsite office, are offered on select Saturday evenings between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Rides are free, but tickets are required and distributed at the Campsite Office on a first-come, first-served basis starting 30 minutes before each departure time.

5. Story and a Walk – Enjoy a fun nature story at the Discovery Center in Newport News Park and then take a short walk to discover what you can find around the park. Targeted toward preschool children and their caregivers, this program is held at 10 a.m. every second Wednesday of the month. 

6. Walking Club – This free walking program was created for adults over age 55 who want to get fit or stay fit. Walk through some of the parks most beautiful trails at 10 a.m. every Friday. Call 757-812-7905 to register.

Obviously, the only challenge you’ll have in visiting Newport News Park is selecting among all the fun programs and numerous things to do there! If you opt for one of the programmed activities, call first because a few of these activities are only offered during the summer months. For questions or additional information, call Newport News Park at 757-886-7912.

Riverside Hospice Agencies are looking for volunteers for the Tappahannock and Gloucester offices. They are in need of patient companion volunteers, bereavement and spiritual support volunteers. 8 hours of free training is required and broken up in to two 4 hour days. Criminal background check and Tuberculosis test(covered by Riverside) are also required.

Becoming a hospice volunteer is one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself and others.

For more information call Frannie Bernard @ 804-443-6130, 804-693-1111 or email to frances.bernard@rivhs.com.

Newport News Tourism adds Bike Trails to its Website

Cycling is a hobby that can be enjoyed year-round in Coastal Virginia! As such, Newport News Tourism is happy to announce that a new online resource is now available for cyclists to find a variety of bike trails in the city. The trails, which have been added to our website, are separated into three categories: Road biking, Recreational biking, and Mountain biking.

 The trails cover many miles of local terrain, with varying degrees of difficulty. From a leisurely 2-mile paved trail in Riverview Farm Park to the beginner/advanced/expert mountain bike trails in Harwood’s Mill, there is something for all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy!

A brief description of the six trails is provided, each elaborating on the scenic river views, wooded parks, historic homes, museums, lakefront areas, bridges, and urban streets you’re likely to encounter. 

Maps are available in two formats: Downloadable PDF files that can be printed and online/interactive maps accessible from the web.  The maps can be useful for planning your route in advance and include the following:

Road biking Route 1 – Local Favorite – 8 miles Route 1 – City Tour – 21 miles

Recreational biking Riverview Farm Park – 2 miles Newport News Park – 5.3 miles

Mountain biking Lake Maury Natural Area – 5 miles Harwood’s Mill – 5.9 miles

To make sure everyone takes the typical precautions when biking, we’ve also included a “Bike Safety” tab on the website, which includes basic bicycle rules of the road and cycling tips. For more information, click on “Bike Trails” from the home page of our website at www.newport-news.org.