JCC Notebook: County's Progress Report Available, Parks and Rec Gets Award and More

By Desiree Parker Saturday, January 07, 2012

There is lots of news this week in the county, including therapy dog training, an award for the county parks and rec department, the availability of the county’s annual progress report and information on Christmas tree and leaf recycling.

The James City County 4-H Program will conduct a spring training class for youth and their dogs to become certified by Therapy Dog International.

The 4-H Furry Friends Therapy Dog Training will teach youth to help their dogs interact safely and positively with nursing home residents, hospital patients, young children, and other groups that might benefit from their visits. Community Youth ages 9 to 18 who have a dog with current DHLP and rabies vaccination that gets along with other people and dogs are invited to attend.

Youth must also be willing to commit at least 15 hours to complete training and conduct club visits.

Classes will be conducted on Tuesday evenings at the Toano Woman’s Club from January 17 through March 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. An information session will be held on Tuesday, January 10 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Toano Woman’s Club. There is a $90 fee for the course and after completion of service hours participants receive a $20 refund deposit.

For more information, or, to register, contact Jeremy Johnson, Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development at 564-2170 or via email atjejohns1@vt.edu.

Disabled citizens who need assistance or accommodation, please notify Jeremy Johnson, James City Office at 564-2170/TDD during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The TDD number is (800) 828-1120.

County Parks and Rec Department Wins Award

James City County’s Parks and Recreation was chosen as a Sports Events Magazine’s 2012 Readers’ Choice Award winner.

The magazine, designed for sports events planners, collects readers’ nominations all year and compiles a list of some of the most creative and professional convention and visitors bureaus, sports commissions and venues in the United States and Canada. According to the Sports Events website, just over 100 winners were selected.

“These award winners have proven they are willing to go above and beyond the normal service levels expected by providing both the physical attributes and commitment to hospitality and service that today’s discriminating sports event planners demand,” said the magazine’s editor Kristen McIntosh.

“It is an honor to announce their selection by sports event planners as some of the best in the United States.”

The winners were selected based on the results of an online system that collected more than 3,000 votes. James City County’s Parks and Recreation facilities were one of only three groups in Virginia to receive the award.

Progress Report Available

James City County’s 2011 Progress Report is now available exclusively online at www.jccEgov.com/progress.

The 2011 Progress Report reflects accomplishments made between July 2010 and June 2011 and highlights the initiatives that maintain and enhance quality of life, public safety, community needs, business development and financial stewardship.

As new County Administrator Robert C. Middaugh completed his first year, the County saw the preservation of shoreline at Jamestown Beach, an overall crime rate decrease, a funding commitment for Route 60 improvements, expansion of the Enterprise Zone and an upgraded bond rating from Standard and Poor’s to triple-A.

For those who need internet access, public computers are available at the Williamsburg Library on Scotland St. and the James City County Library on Croaker Rd.

For additional information, call 253-6864 or email pubinfo@james-city.va.us.

Christmas Tree and Leaf Recycling

Through Jan. 31, James City County residents can recycle Christmas trees free of charge at any County Convenience Center during normal operating hours.

The centers are located at 107 Tewning Rd., 1204 Jolly Pond Rd. and 185 Industrial Blvd. All decorations and tree stands must be removed prior to recycling.

James City County residents may drop off leaves free of charge until Jan. 15 at the Jolly Pond Convenience Center located at 1204 Jolly Pond Rd. daily between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Leaves will only be accepted in clear bags no larger than lawn or leaf-size (40 gallons or less). Leaves from commercial lawn service companies will be accepted by Convenience Center staff with a letter from the resident containing the resident’s name, address and telephone number.

At all other times, leaves may be self-hauled by using coupons available at the Treasurer’s Office, Satellite Office, county fire stations or online. One coupon per four lawn and leaf-sized bags is required. Brush and tree limbs are not included in the free collection and will require coupons.

Bagged leaves will be available, free of charge, for personal composting only.

For more information, contact Solid Waste at 565-0971 or email GenServ@james-city.va.us.