York Notebook: Food for Fines, Chef Demonstrations and Kayak Rentals

By Sam Thrift Monday, July 18, 2011

Save face at the York County libraries with the 'Food for Fines' amnesty program, learn how to put that farmers' market produce to tasty use by visiting a chef demonstration and explore a local waterway by launching a kayak. How to do all these things is in the York Community Notebook, so read on.

Supply the soup and your library fees will disappear
Avoiding the library because you just found that library book that was supposed to be returned months ago? The York County Public Library is letting patrons with overdue materials off the hook by sponsoring a Food for Fines amnesty program August 1 through August 14.

The program will allow anyone facing overdue fines at Tabb or Yorktown libraries to pay off the fee with non-perishable food items. One food item will pay one fine, regardless of the amount of the fine. Patrons may bring as many food items as they have overdue books, DVDs, cassettes or CDs. The Food for Fines program does not apply to charges for lost or damaged items.

For more information on these and other library events, click here or contact the Tabb Library at 890-5120 or the Yorktown Library at 890-5207.

Chef demonstrations and fresh produce in Yorktown
Yorktown Market Days is alive with activity this summer. Shoppers will be able to buy locally grown, fresh-picked produce and watch local chefs demonstrate dishes using items fresh from the market.

Demonstrations will be held on the following Saturdays through November, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.:

July 23 - featuring Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center
Aug. 6 - featuring Riverwalk Restaurant
Aug. 20 - featuring Williamsburg Landing
Aug. 27 - featuring Virginia Marine Products Board
Sept. 3 - featuring Mrs. Bryant’s Specialty Foods & Sauces
Nov. 12 - featuring Vintner’s Cellar Winery of Yorktown

The market hosts more than 35 local farmers, vendors and artists throughout the season. Confirmed vendors, entertainment and artists can be found by clicking here.

Try out a kayak with rentals at New Quarter Park
Kayaks will be available for rent at New Quarter Park for independent paddling on Queen’s Creek from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday through October.

Rentals include one-person kayaks, life jackets and paddles as well as assistance with launching and a map of Queens Creek. Fees for rental are $35 for a one-person kayak for two hours and $100 for a family of four or more for two hours. Kayaks are for use at New Quarter Park and on Queen’s Creek only. Reservations are not necessary; just show up and plan to have a fun day on the water.

The Saturday rental program is provided by York County through the Chesapeake Experience, with the goal of providing environmental education on the Chesapeake Bay. Experienced staff will be on hand to assist with kayaking tips and waterway information.

For more information about Chesapeake Experience rentals at New Quarter Park, as well as camps and trips, click here or call 757-890-0502.