Hello & Welcome

Welcome back to the February 2021 issue of "Be Here", Mathews County's first local government newsletter! We're striving to bring seamless communication directly to the public (that's you!) with monthly newsletters that will provide the latest news and updates about Mathews County local government.

You can expect this issue of "Be Here" to be outlined as followed:

County Department Updates
Boards & Commissions Updates
Constitutional Office Updates
Coming Soon
Upcoming Events
Stay in Touch

This month, we'll be focusing on COVID-19 vaccination efforts, Social Services programs, the Mathews Memorial Library, employment opportunities, broadband expansion, and many other topics.

Do you have suggestions about what you would like to see in future issues of this growing newsletter? Contact us here.

Make sure to stay involved and up to date on everything Mathews County by signing up for our email subscriptions.

Administration Building

The County Administration Building located at 50 Brickbat Road, is closed to the public while it is under renovation for improvements! County Administration, Planning, Zoning, and Wetlands, and the Technology Department are in the process of moving downstairs in order to improve accessibility for Mathews County residents and to allow social distancing between the public and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are excited to share the final product with you and will announce when the building will reopen to the public.

Are you looking to conduct business with the County? All Mathews County staff members are accessible by phone and email Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Check out our staff directory to connect with us.

We're Hiring!

The Mathews County Building Official's office is currently looking for qualified candidates to apply for two full-time positions:

Custodian
Maintenance Technician

Are you interested in applying? Head on over to the Mathews County Employment page for job descriptions and further application information.

Request for Mathews County Citizen Photos

Let's Feature Talent in Mathews

Do you have a love for photography? Have you taken picturesque photos of our beautiful county? Please reach out to our Building Official's office if interested in having your work displayed in the Administration building.

New Emergency Alert System

As of October 31, 2020, Mathews County has retired CodeRED and upgraded to Rave Mobile's "SMART911" Emergency Alerts System.

We recommend that all Mathews County citizens (including those previously enrolled in the CodeRED program with a cellphone and/or email) sign up as soon as possible in order to receive emergency warnings directly to your home phone, cell phone, and/or email. It’s easy and only takes a few minutes, stay safe in Mathews with our SMART911 system!

COVID-19 Communication Plans

Mathews County wants to bring the latest news on the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination efforts in the Three Rivers Health District directly to you!

The Middle Peninsula Mayors and Chairs Caucus met virtually on February 3, 2021 with Dr. Richard Williams to discuss how local governments can facilitate the COVID-19 vaccination effort. After a lengthy discussion, the consensus was that a public communication plan would allow us to provide reliable and targeted vaccination information to our citizens. The Mathews County Board of Supervisors voted at their regular meeting on February 23, 2021 to participate in this upcoming communication plan.

COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts

At this time, the Three Rivers Health District has transitioned into Phase 1B of the Virginia vaccination plan.

The new priority phases of the COVID-19 vaccination effort are:

• Phase 1A: Healthcare workers and long-term care facility residents.

• Phase 1B: Persons aged 65 years and older, persons aged 16–64 years with underlying medical conditions, and non–health care frontline essential workers such as law enforcement personnel, firefighters, educators, grocery store workers, transit and postal workers.

• Phase 1C: Essential workers not included in Phase 1B.

As a reminder, COVID-19 vaccine availability is determined at the federal and state government level. Do you have questions about COVID-19 or the vaccination process? Learn more at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

"WiFi To Go" is Now Available

The Mathews Memorial Library is pleased to announce that it has launched "WiFi To Go", a new service to provide high speed internet access for library patrons anytime, anywhere. "WiFi To Go" is a kit that library patrons age 18 or older can check out for up to 3 weeks with renewals possible.

The kits are available for immediate circulation as long as they are available or can be reserved for checkout. The kit includes a Verizon MiFi hotspot and external omnidirectional antenna along with a MiFi Quick Start Guide. Unlimited internet data service is provided by Verizon Wireless.

A WiFi hotspot is a device that you can use to connect a wireless-enabled laptop, smartphone, or tablet to the internet. The hotspot is portable and allows you to stay connected wherever you are, provided there is adequate cellular phone data coverage. To enhance coverage in dead zones, the hotspot can be connected to the external antenna included with the kit. Up to 5 devices may connect simultaneously.

Funding for this amazing new service was procured with assistance from the Mathews Broadband Advisory Board and Broadband Telecom Services, LLC through Governor Ralph Northam’s initiative “CARES Act Funding to Fast Track Broadband”. Total funding received for this project was $15,696.75. This funding enabled the Mathews Memorial Library to purchase 25 MiFi hotspots and external antennas and a service contract with Verizon for 1 year of unlimited broadband internet service.

Do you have questions about the new "WiFi To Go" program? Contact the Mathews Memorial Library here.

Mathews Memorial Library "WiFi To Go" Kit

Library patron, Mark Plotkin, is first in line to check out a "WiFi To Go" Kit. He is shown with Library Technical Services Assistant, Colanne Bunting.

2030 Comprehensive Plan

The year 2021 will bring us to another five (5) year update of our 2030 Comprehensive Plan. This update will be a year-long effort between Mathews County staff, the Planning Commission, and the public with multiple opportunities for citizen engagement. Are you interested in participating or have a question about the 2030 Comprehensive Plan? Please reach out to the Planning, Zoning, and Wetlands department here.

New Point Comfort Lighthouse Restoration

We're sure that you've heard the buzz about the restoration of our beautiful New Point Comfort Lighthouse, but here's the latest news...

Due to weather interruptions, physical progress on the lighthouse slowed down in January and February 2021. However, there has been excellent advancement on submittals from the contractor to the engineer and architect team. This includes a variety of shop drawings, work methodology proposals, and product proposals that the contractor submits for review, comment, and approval. Among the items cleared this month are: metal restoration, metal painting, masonry wall replacement, parge coats, mortar color, and exterior paint. As soon as it warms up, dutchman repairs can be made to the exterior sandstone where there has been significant erosion.

Milford Haven

Mathews County recently completed a PATONs installation at both Milford Haven and Davis Creek. The county experienced an issue with the green #7 buoy located at Milford Haven when it broke free from its anchor, however, it has since been replaced and reattached.

We Have a New Hire!

The Planning, Zoning, and Wetlands department recently hired Heather Thomas to fill the vacant position of Administrative Assistant. We're excited to welcome her to the Mathews County team!

Let's Check In

February has arrived, bringing thoughts of Valentine’s Day and hearts. And what is closer to one's heart than family?

If you have children and are experiencing problems affording childcare while you work, the Mathews County Social Services department would like to hear from you. The YMCA currently has childcare availability that can assist working families in Mathews. The Social Services department is available to take your application and questions for this program. Please know that if you do not qualify for state assistance, we may be able to assist you through supplemental grants.

Another issue close to many hearts are our children and grandchildren. During these uncertain times, finances have become an issue for some families. Our department can assist with funding for many of those unexpected or additional family expenses. We have a program that provides funding for home essentials, back to school clothing and supplies, as well as helping children attend summer camps or community sports to help them grow. If you have questions regarding these programs, please reach out to us here.

Transportation Assistance

The Social Services department values both health and safety. Do you require transportation assistance with getting to or from doctor appointments? Our department is proud to provide Mathews County citizens with up to three (3) Bay Transit ticket books OR three (3) gas cards over the course of a year in order to assist with getting citizens to medical appointments. Additionally, our department may also assist in providing funds for minor car repairs which may hinder one's ability to attend medical appointments. If this program would be helpful for you or someone you know, please contact the Social Services department here.

We hope this information has been helpful to you and those close to your heart. If you or someone you know may use this information, please share this with them and contact us at (804) 725-7192.

The Broadband Advisory Board
Invites You to "Connect Here"!

Have you heard? The Broadband Advisory Board has made significant strides in bringing broadband to Mathews County. Eight Smart Data poles located strategically throughout Mathews County and paid for by the Virginia's CARES Fund, are being built to help YOU get connected!

Access to the new Smart Data poles is simple and free to the public with no password required. Just follow these instructions:

Drive/walk up to within 600 feet of the Smart Data Pole
Go to your device's WiFi menu
Select the "Mathews C.A.R.E.S" network
You are now connected!

Each Smart Data pole is equipped with Cradle Point routers and solar lighting for safety and identification at night. Smart Data Pole users may expect download speeds of 25 mbps and upload speeds of 3 mbps and up.

Looking for a Smart Data pole near you? Check out the map of Mathews County below for specific locations to obtain free WiFi!

Connect with the Broadband Advisory Board

To stay up to date with the Broadband Advisory Board's progress on providing accessible, reliable, affordable, and universal high-speed broadband for Mathews County, please visit the Mathews County website or contact Chair Judy Rowe at (804) 815-8798 for further information.

Wetlands Board Member Vacancy

The Mathews County Wetlands Board is now accepting applications for a vacant position. Are you interested in applying for this Board and serving the Mathews County community? Be sure to review the procedures and history of the Wetlands Board here. If interested, please fill out an application for appointment to a local board or commission here.

For further information about the Wetlands Board, please contact Senior Planner, James Knighton, in the Planning, Zoning, and Wetlands department.

New Application Process for Concealed Handgun Permits

The process related to the submission of concealed carry permits has changed. Applicants will no longer take their application to the Sheriff's Office to begin the process, but instead, take them to the Clerk of the Circuit Court's office.

Concealed handgun permits are issued through the Circuit Court in the locality where the applicant resides, or if you are active-duty military, the locality where the applicant is domiciled. The applicant must be at least 21 years of age and provide proof that he or she is competent to carry a concealed weapon pursuant to Virginia Code Section 18.2-308(G). Permits are good for five years and should be renewed at least 45 days prior to expiration.

Are you looking to submit an application? Be sure to review the process here.

DMV Select Information

During these uncertain times, there have been a number of questions brought up about the Mathews County DMV Select office located in the Treasurer's office at 10644 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews, VA 23109.

As of September 28, 2020, the Mathews County Treasurer's office began implementing appointments for all vehicle and trailer title transactions, including substitute or replacement titles. Citizens may schedule an appointment here.

The Treasurer's/ DMV Select office is still allowing walk-ins for the following transactions: registration renewals, reissue of lost or stolen decals, reissue of plates, overload permits, handicap placard or handicap plates, driving transcript or compliance summary, address change, or surrendering plates. As a reminder, Driver's Licenses and/or IDs are not issued at this DMV Select location.

The Mathews County Treasurer's/ DMV Select office is open Monday to Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. For further information, click here.

Are You Interested in Becoming a Local Office Candidate?

Citizens interested in becoming a local candidate in the November 2021 election should review the Department of Elections website for up to date instructions, ballot access requirements, and deadlines.

Potential candidates are also welcome to pick up informational packets at the Voter Registrar's Office located at 10604 Buckley Hall Rd, Mathews, VA 23109. Office hours are from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Monday to Friday.

Department Spotlight!

Beginning in the March 2021 issue of "Be Here", we will be shining a spotlight on County Departments and Constitutional Offices each month, starting with the Voter Registrar's office, led by the General Registrar, Carla Faulkner. This "Be Here" spotlight will introduce departmental functions, staff, contact information, and general information to public. Do you have questions about the Voter Registrar's office? Contact us at (804) 725-7172 to have your question featured in the March 2021 issue.

Get to Know Us

Did you know that Mathews County works with wonderful citizens each month who assist us in all things from communications to meeting invocations? Coming soon in the March 2021 issue, we'll feature Gary Barker of the Ministerial Association who assists each year in scheduling talented Mathews County religious leaders to provide monthly meeting invocations. Do you have questions for Gary Barker or about how the Ministerial Association assists Mathews County? Contact us at (804) 725-7172 to have your question featured in the March 2021 issue.

Would you like to participate in upcoming Mathews County events? Check out our March 2021 meeting schedule below and be sure to subscribe to our calendar on the Mathews County website to receive notifications about future events.

Looking to Get Involved in Community Events?

Mathews County is a lively, event-filled community that offers exciting public events each year. From the downtown Farmer's Market, Bay School Community Arts, the Tour de Chesapeake, to the Mathews Market Days craft festival, you'll always find a spectacular event here in Mathews.

The Mathews County Visitor & Information Center (MCVIC) located at Sibley's General Store in downtown Mathews, is the gateway into all county touristic events. Pop on over to their website or stop by during their updated hours (TH-SAT 10 - 4PM) to catch up with the latest events!

Mathews County Visitor & Information Center

We Want to Hear From You!

Thank you for subscribing to "Be Here" and catching up with Mathews County this month! We would love to hear your suggestions for topics or features in future issues. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and our Mathews County website to share your thoughts.

See you next month and stay safe out there, Mathews!