Citizen News Weekly - August 15, 2025

tart Your Saturday at Yorktown Market Days
Pancakes, peaches, and paintings! It’s time for another Yorktown Market Days on Saturday, August 16. From 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., peruse the produce or pamper yourself with a bouquet of fresh cut flowers and a homemade soap purchase. Audio Portrait will perform beginning at 9 a.m., so be sure to stop by Riverwalk Landing for the perfect start to your day.

Experience the Thunder: Royal Artillery Live Cannon Firings at Yorktown
On Saturday, August 16, the Royal Artillery will invade the Yorktown Battlefield and show off their might with a series of live cannon firings behind the Colonial National Historical Park Visitor Center. Participants will be able to meet re-enactors and learn about the weapons used during the American Revolution. Demonstrations take place at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m.

REE Door Scope Viewers for Senior Citizens
The York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office is offering a FREE home safety program for York County and Poquoson senior citizens! Through this initiative, eligible seniors can receive and have installed a Door Scope Viewer—a wide-angle peephole designed to help residents safely see who is at their door without opening it. This program is part of our continued commitment to helping our older residents feel safe, secure, and supported in their homes. For more information or to sign up, please call 757- 890-3639.

Head Start Enrollment Open for 2025-2026 School Year
Eligible York County families with children between the ages of 3 and 5 may apply for admission to this child development program. Students receive educational services to help prepare them for kindergarten while their families are supported with services in health, nutrition, mental health, education, disabilities, and financial wellness. Head Start children receive free breakfast and lunch. Classes are September to May. Applications are available on the Head Start website.

Color Our World Summer Reading Challenge Shatters Records!
York County residents made this summer one for the books — literally! The “Color Our World” Summer Reading Challenge (June 26–August 9) drew one of the biggest participation rates in years, with 1,469 patrons registering — a 32.3% increase over last year. Together, readers logged 16,275 books, surpassing the original goal of 12,345 and topping last year’s total by nearly 50%.

The challenge wrapped up last weekend with a grand finale celebration attended by 553 people, featuring talent shows, crafts and projects, face painting, and a lively concert by the C. Shells.

"We are thrilled by the community’s enthusiasm and commitment to reading," said Kevin Smith, York County Public Library Director. "Surpassing our goal by such a wide margin shows how much residents value stories, knowledge, and coming together as a community." For more information on library happenings, visit the library webpage.

At a Glance: Summer Reading Stats

Registrations

Babies to Elementary: 810 (↑ 29%)
Teens (Age 10–17): 227 (↑ 46%)
Adults: 432 (↑ 32%)

Books Logged

Total: 16,275 (Goal: 12,345; Last year: 10,836)
Read at least 1 book:
1. Babies to Elementary: 534
2. Teens: 148
3. Adults: 286

Finale Attendance: 553

Water fun starts with water safety—especially around docks. Here’s how to be dock smart!

Additional Reminder Notes for the Week….The Commissioners & Cans Food and Fund Drive, an annual partnership between The Commissioners of the Revenue Association of Virginia and the Virginia Federation of Food banks is underway, now through August 31, 2025.

The next Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 19 at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room of York Hall (301 Main Street, Yorktown).

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 Public Affairs Manager, Kelli Tatum at 757-890-3315 or by email at kelli.tatum@yorkcounty.gov.