Citizen News Weekly

August 22, 2025

Back to School, Public Hearings, Reservations 
& a Big Congrats to Sharon

Hurricane Erin

Be Prepared for the Next Hurricane 
Although Hurricane Erin stayed offshore and impacts to York County were minimal, the storm was a good reminder of how quickly a hurricane can threaten our region. Even when they don’t make landfall, hurricanes can bring high surf, significant winds, heavy rains, and flooding.

Take this opportunity to prepare:

  • Know your risks. Find out if you live in an evacuation zone. Visit  www.knowyourzoneva.org.
  • Build a kit. Stock food, water, medications, flashlights, supplies for pets, etc. View the list of recommended items on the Fire and Life Safety website at www.readyyorkcountyva.com.
  • Make a plan. Decide where your family will go and how you’ll stay in touch.
  • Stay informed. Follow local alerts and trusted weather sources.

Don’t wait until the next storm is on our doorstep—get ready now.

Back to School Safety: Buses Hit the Road Monday
School is back in session on Monday, August 25, and that means school buses will once again be making frequent stops along County roads. Drivers are reminded to stop for flashing red bus lights when legally required, watch for children crossing streets, and slow down when yellow school zone lights are flashing. Expect increased traffic during drop-off and pick-up times as parents and teenage drivers head to and from school.

The School Division has posted a helpful Back to School guide on its website with calendars, schedules, school supply lists, important forms, a handy checklist, and other key updates to help families prepare for the year ahead. 

Back to School
Yorktown Market Days

Market Treasures Await: Yorktown Market Days August 23
 From seasonal produce and fresh seafood to intricate glassware and beautiful leather work, there is something for everyone at the Yorktown Market Days on Saturday, August 23! Stop by Riverwalk Landing from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. to shop from your favorite vendors and listen to the music of Lana Puckett and Kim Person. As a special bonus, The Fifes and Drums of York Town will perform at 10 a.m.!   

Ken Burns - We the People

Reserve Your Spot: Ken Burns Screening Comes to Yorktown
 We’re less than a month away from We the People:  A Yorktown Battlefield Event -- the exclusive sneak peek screening of Ken Burns’s new documentary The American Revolution! The fun begins at 3 p.m. at the Yorktown Battlefield with live music, food trucks, living history, family activities, and more at the Revolutionary Festival. At 7 p.m., the Old Guard will perform prior to the screening.  Space is limited, so be sure to arrive early and reserve your spot today! We’ll see you on the Battlefield for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! 

Sharon Owen

Sharon Owen Named 2024 Volunteer of the Year
At its August 19 meeting, the York County Board of Supervisors recognized Sharon Owen, longtime manager of the Gallery at York Hall, as the County’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year. Sharon has dedicated more than two decades to leading a team of over 25 volunteers, and in 2024 alone, she contributed an incredible 2,269 hours—nearly half of the Gallery’s total volunteer hours for the year. Since taking the helm 23 years ago, she has transformed the Gallery into a vibrant cultural hub, supporting local and regional artists through rotating exhibits and raising funds for community programs such as the Virginia Symphony’s Labor Day concert. Sharon also spearheads community traditions like Cookies with Santa, bringing joy to families each holiday season. The Gallery at York Hall, located at 301 Main Street in Historic Yorktown, is open April through December. For hours and details, visit www.visityorktown.org.  

Have Your Say: Transportation & Trail Public Hearings (Aug. 26–28)
The Department of Public Works Engineering invites residents to a series of public hearings to learn about upcoming transportation and trail projects, ask questions, and share feedback. All sessions are from 5 to 7 p.m. in the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office community meeting room (District 2 159 Goodwin Neck Road). residents are invited Tuesday, August 26, for updates on Trail 757 Segment 1, Trail 757 Segment 2, and Hampton Highway signal improvements. On Wednesday, August 27, District 3 residents can hear about the Seaford Road Elevation project and the York Connector Sidewalk. The final hearing is Thursday, August 28, focusing on plans for the Tabb High School Crosswalk. For more information, contact Engineering Manager Elizabeth Mertz-Guinn at 757-890-3785 or by email at Elizabeth.Mertz-Guinn@yorkcounty.gov.  

Senior Center of York Lancaster Trip

Explore Lancaster, PA - Fall Senior Trip Departs Oct. 21
Join the York County Senior Center for a 3-day, 2-night Lancaster getaway showcasing the beauty and traditions of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Highlights include a spectacular performance of NOAH, a guided tour of the Amish Countryside with visits to an Amish craft farm, a bake shop, Kitchen Kettle Village, a miniature horse farm, and more. The motorcoach departs at approximately 8 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21, from the McReynolds Athletic Complex (412 Sports Way, Yorktown); transportation and lodging are included. Travel insurance is encouraged.  Register here. 

Paint Night

Create & Unwind: Friends of the Library Paint Night (Adults 18+)
Join us at the Yorktown Library for an evening of creativity and relaxation at the Friends of the York County Library Paint Night—perfect for painters of all skill levels. Tickets are $40 and include all supplies plus an optional glass of wine for guests 21+ (ID required); additional wine will be available for purchase. All proceeds support the Friends in enhancing library programs and services. Registration is required and limited; registrants must be 18 or older. Registration closes Monday, September 8, 2025, at 5 p.m. After you register, you’ll receive a PayPal link to purchase your ticket.  

Additional Notes for the Week….RVs, boats, trailers, trucks, etc., parked at the McReynolds Athletic Complex (412 Sports Way) and Chisman Creek Park (1314 Wolf Trap Road) during this week’s inclement weather must be removed by 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 23.  

Cover the Cruiser for Special Olympics Virginia - Join the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office this Saturday, August 23, at Wawa (5824 George Washington Memorial Hwy) for our “Cover the Cruiser” fundraiser supporting Special Olympics Virginia!

Yorktown Wine and Oyster Festival

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. 

County of York 2025
Yorktown, VA

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