Hello & Welcome Welcome back to the April 2021 issue of "Be Here"!
The weather is warming up here in Mathews County...and just in time for our annual events to begin! April brought about the start of Mathews' busiest season with happenings like the Mathews Farmers Market, Markets on Main, the Annual House and Garden Tour, Tompkins Cottage (which is being restored!), Gwynn's Island Museum, and Thomas James Store to name a few. Take a stroll down Main St. and pop by the Mathews County Visitors Center (MCVIC) to check out what Mathews County has to offer its citizens this spring! You don't miss out on major upcoming events like the Tour de Chesapeake on May 15th!
Mathews County local government had a busy month in April! In this issue of "Be Here", we'll be focusing on the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination efforts in the Three Rivers District, the Clerk of the Circuit Office with Angie Ingram, a citizen spotlight on Gazette-Journal Reporter, Sherry Hamilton, community events, employment opportunities, and many other topics.
You can expect this issue of "Be Here" to be outlined as follows: - County Department Updates
- Boards & Commissions Updates
- Constitutional Office Updates
- Community Updates
- Spotlight!
- Upcoming Events
- Stay in Touch
Thank you for taking the time to catch up with Mathews County this month with "Be Here". We hope you're able to take some time to enjoy the wonderful, natural beauty of Mathews, and of course, the exciting events it has to offer!
-Caroline Oxley
Communications Manager/Deputy Clerk to the Board of Supervisors
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.
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The County Administration Building Has Reopened! The County Administration Building renovations are complete! Our talented maintenance technicians in the Building Department worked tirelessly to bring improved accessibility for Mathews County residents and to allow for social distancing measures to be put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are thrilled to show off the final product to the public! Come on down during normal business hours (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM) Monday to Friday to see the improvements made.
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Let's Feature Talent in MathewsDo 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 newly restored County Administration building located at 50 Brickbat Road.
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New Hire Alert! The Building, Grounds, and Maintenance Department has recently hired a new Head of Janitorial Services, Ms. Andrea Griffith.
Welcome to the team, we are incredibly excited to have you on board!
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New RAVE Mobile Emergency Alert SystemAs 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!
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FEMA Vaccine Distribution UpdatesPress release by FEMA on 03/29/2021
In alignment with President Biden's plan to respond to COVID-19, FEMA will work with other federal agencies to coordinate with state, tribal, and territorial authorities and private sector partners and others to assist, augment and expedite vaccinations in the United States.
Key Messages
• As of March 26, FEMA has provided more than $4.47 billion to 42 states, Washington D.C., four tribes and five territories for expenses related to COVID-19 vaccination at 100% federal cost share. These funds cover critical supplies, staffing, training and transportation needs that support increased vaccination efforts.• FEMA’s Funeral Assistance has controls in place to mitigate fraudulent activity. FEMA will not contact anyone until they have called FEMA or have applied for assistance. Do not disclose information such as the name, birth date or social security number of any deceased family member to any unsolicited telephone calls or e-mails from anyone claiming to be a federal employee or from FEMA.
• If you doubt a FEMA representative is legitimate, hang up and report it to the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or the National Center for Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. Complaints also may be made by contacting local law enforcement agencies.
• FEMA is working to speed up vaccinations by supporting states as they open community vaccine centers across the country and working with its interagency partners continue to stand-up and provide support to additional sites daily. Each state determines its own vaccination priority groups and procedures. Community vaccination centers are led by states, but may be supported by the federal government, including FEMA.
• Working with state governments, FEMA will open additional federal community vaccination center pilot sites, which include both federal support and supplemental vaccine allocation:
• Federal community vaccination center pilot sites are scheduled to open in Boston, Massachusetts; Newark, New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia; and Yakima, Washington.
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Three Rivers Health District COVID-19 UpdatesPress release by Dr. Richard Williams on 04/26/2021
Pandemic Status: The US Is Improving• Case numbers across the United States are improving; the current case rate in the US is about 62,000/day 7 day rolling average. Fewer states are reporting increasing case rates.
• Virginia is improving as well, our new case rate is less than 1200/day 7 day average.
• Three Rivers is improving; our new case rate is averaging less than 15 cases/day, 7 day average.
• In Virginia, about 43% of us have received at least one dose of the vaccine. In Three Rivers, almost 50% of our population has received at least one dose. 76% of our Three Rivers residents aged 65+ have received at least one dose.
Vaccination Program Update Everyone Aged 16 and Older is Eligible for Vaccination in Virginia*• Virginia transitioned to phase 2 on April 18. For details of vaccination phases, please visit here.
• Vaccine demand has fallen dramatically; in Three Rivers, our administration capacity approached 5,000 vaccinations a week, and currently we are delivering less than 3,000 due to decreased demand.
• Vaccination appointments are available through many sources to anyone who is eligible and desires one. Pharmacies, free clinics, Federally Qualified Health Clinics, medical practices, health care systems, and the Three Rivers Health District continue to offer appointments and vaccinations.
• We have established EMS/Health Department collaborative vaccination clinics in Essex, Westmoreland, Gloucester, Lancaster, and King William counties. Jurisdictional vaccination data can be reviewed here.
• The Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership phase 2 is proceeding in Virginia. WalMart, Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS, Kroger, Main Street, Mathews, White Stone and Tappahannock pharmacies in or near Three Rivers are delivering vaccinations through the federal retail partnership.
*At this time, 16 and 17 year olds may only receive the Pfizer vaccine.
How to Sign Up for a Vaccination Appointment• Citizens who are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination in the Virginia Vaccination Plan should first contact their health care providers for initial consultations.
• Virginia Residents and workers can now sign up (pre-register) to get a COVID-19 vaccine through our new Statewide Vaccine Pre-registration System. Citizens can sign up online 24/7 through the new website at vaccinate.virginia.gov OR by phone 8AM-8PM, 7 days a week, by calling 1-877-VAX-IN-VA. • After residents pre-register they will be given a reference code and contacted when it’s their turn to schedule vaccination. Regular confirmation updates via email or text will also be sent to assure residents they are still on this list and will be contacted when it’s their turn. • Please remember, vaccine supply is limited and each individual’s turn for vaccination will be based on individual eligibility and prioritization category, per CDC guidelines.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.
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"WiFi To Go" is AvailableThe Mathews Memorial Library's "WiFi To Go" is still in full swing!
"WiFi To Go" is a new service that to provides high speed internet access to 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.
Do you have questions about the new "WiFi To Go" program? Contact the Mathews Memorial Library here.
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 Mathews Memorial Library "WiFi To Go" Kit
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New Hire Alert! The Planning, Zoning, & Wetlands Department, alongside the Building Official's office have recently hired
Mr. Adam Rogers to fill the vacant Combination Inspector position that will collaborate between both departments.
Welcome aboard,
Mr. Rogers!
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April is Child Abuse Awareness MonthThe Mathews Department of Social Services has planted pinwheels at the Court House Building to bring recognition to children who have been victims of abuse and/ or neglect by adult caretakers.
In the year 2020, there were 33,880 reports of child abuse or neglect in the state of Virginia. 1,294 were reports of substance-exposed infants, and 25 were Human Trafficking Assessments. There were a total of 126 investigations regarding Child Fatalities.
This month is a reminder to slow down and be patient with the children in our community. To be cognizant of our own behaviors towards others, and be vigilant in our pursuit to bring awareness of child abuse/ neglect throughout the County. If you observe something suspicious, do not hesitate to contact the 24-hour hotline, Virginia Child Protective Services Hotline at 1-800-552-7096 or the local Mathews Department of Social Services at 804-725-7192.
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New Hire Alert! The Technology Department for Mathews County has recently found a new
IT Coordinator in
Mr. Michael Lesniak!
Welcome aboard,
we're excited to have you! |
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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!
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Connect with the Broadband Advisory BoardTo 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.
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FY22 Tax Rate AdoptionThe Board of Supervisors voted at their Regular Meeting on April 27th, 2021 to adopt the proposed FY22 Tax Rates. The adopted tax rates do not include an increase.
The FY22 County Budget will be considered for adoption at the Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting on May 24th, 2021 at 6PM.
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Secondary Six Year Plan (VDOT) AdoptionThe Board of Supervisors voted at their Regular Meeting on April 27th, 2021 to adopt the Secondary Six Year Plan (VDOT) presented by VDOT's Residency Administrator, Ms. Joyce McGowan.
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New EDA Board MemberThe Mathews County Economic Development Authority (EDA) welcomes its newest Board member, Mr. Willie Love!
The Mathews County Board of Supervisors voted at their Regular Meeting on April 27, 2021 to accept Mr. Love's application and appoint him to the vacant position.
As you may know, Mr. Love has been a part of the Mathews County team for many years as the Emergency Services Coordinator!
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New Library Board Member The Mathews County Library Board of Trustees welcomes its newest member, Mr. Alexis Foster!
The Mathews County Board of Supervisors voted at their Regular Meeting on April 27, 2021 to accept Mr. Foster's application to the Board's vacant position.
We're happy to have you a part of the team, Mr. Foster!
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Scale Solar FacilitiesAt their April 21st, 2021 meeting, the Mathews County Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding a potential amendment to the Comprehensive Plan regarding utility scale solar facilities. Staff and the Commission had been researching this topic for much of the past year. Staff prepared two draft statements, one which was supportive of such facilities and one that was not. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Commission voted 4-1 to recommend that the non-supportive statement be included in the Comprehensive Plan. That statement reads as follows:
Mathews County faces numerous development constraints due to environmental factors, including poorly drained soils, floodplains, wetlands, and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act buffer areas. To minimize the impact on the environment, solar facilities should not be located in any of the aforementioned areas. Furthermore, the prevalence of these areas across the County means that developable land is in short supply. Given the large area requirements of utility-scale solar facilities, these facilities should not be located in Mathews County so that developable land is preserved for residential, commercial, or agricultural uses as identified elsewhere in this plan.
This recommendation will be presented to the Board of Supervisors in a subsequent public hearing for formal adoption into the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan is a guidance document; the language is not binding law or regulation. Ultimate regulatory authority for approving or denying any specific application for a solar facility rests with the Board of Supervisors.
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We're Hiring! The Clerk of the Circuit Court office is currently seeking applicants to fill its vacant full-time "General Office Clerk" position.
Are you interested in submitting an application? Click here for the full job description and further instructions.
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Mathews County Achieves Compliance with Virginia's Marcus Alert SystemThe Mathews County Sheriff's Office announced today, April 27th, 2021, that they are in compliance with Virginia’s Marcus Alert System, which established statewide mental health awareness response and community understanding services, through its use of Rave Mobile Safety’s Rave 911 Suite and Smart911.
The Marcus Alert System legislation mandates a set of protocols to initiate a behavioral health response to a behavioral health crisis, including for individuals experiencing that crisis secondary to mental illness, substance abuse, developmental disabilities, or any combination thereof. It requires that, by July 1, 2021, every locality in Virginia establishes a voluntary database to be made available to the 9-1-1 alert system and the Marcus Alert System to provide mental health information and emergency contact information for response to an emergency or crisis.
Mathews County is already in compliance thanks to its ongoing use of Rave 911 Suite and Smart911, a national service that allows individuals to provide 9-1-1 call takers and first responders with critical information through a Safety and Vulnerable Needs Profile. When residents sign up for Smart911, their Safety Profiles display on the 9-1-1 screen and allow 9-1-1 call takers to view key information, like addresses, mental health and medical information, photos, emergency contacts and more. Residents are in completely control of what information is included in their Safety Profile and can choose which information they want shared with 9-1-1.
With the Rave 911 Suite, 9-1-1 call centers also have access to capabilities like live video streaming, call notes, caller location and chat functionality—all of which help Mathews County first responders provide better informed response to residents.
“We have worked diligently over the last 6 years upgrading equipment bringing the most modern technology to the Mathews County 911 Center to provide the highest possible level of services to our citizens.” Said Sheriff L. Mark Barrick. “I was very pleased to discover we were already in compliance with the Marcus Alert requirements due to the fact we deployed the Smart 911 suite last year.”
Individuals are encouraged to create their Safety Profile with Smart911 today to have their information immediately available to 9-1-1 and to receive emergency notifications. Smart911 is private and secure, and information is only made available to the 9-1-1 system in the event of an emergency call. To create a Smart911 profile for yourself and your family, visit the Smart911 registration page at www.Smart911.com .
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DMV Select InformationDuring 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.
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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.
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Clean up Mathews! The Mathews Visitor Center (MCVIC) holds several annual Community Cleanups each year to keep our wonderful county beautiful. Residents are encouraged to sign up and participate in picking up trash along the roadways in Mathews.
The first Community Cleanup was held this April during Earth month, were you able to attend? Mark your calendars and register here because MCVIC is prepared to hold another cleanup on November 13th, 2021 at 8AM (Rain date: November 20th).
MCVIC has also launched a new tracking mapping tool for citizens and cleanup groups to log their on-going cleanup efforts in Mathews County! The goal of this map is so that citizens, Adopt-a-highway participants (AAH) and cleanup coordinators can track on-going cleanups in Mathews, and target areas that have not been focused on.
We hope that when residents can see the data visually, they will see that small individual efforts do collectively make a huge difference. Please help us make this a powerful platform for our community by submitting your cleanup to the survey to: visitmathews.com/cleanup
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Markets on Main!The Mathews Main Street Committee is now introducing "Markets on Main," a partner event to the Mathews Farmers Market and Bay School Artisan Markets.
Occurring on the third Saturday of the month between April and August, this event features vendor markets all around Main Street, along with live entertainment, and food truck options.
Head on down to Main St. at their next event on May 15th!
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Mathews Farmers MarketMathews Farmers Market is now back in business! Every Saturday between the months of April - October, the Mathews Farmers Market runs from 9AM - 1PM and offers amazing local options for citizens.
On the third Saturday of the month from April - August, catch the Farmers Market in tandem with the new "Markets on Main".
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Mathews Market Days 2021It looks like Mathews Market Days will be returning for the 2021 season!
Although the Market Days festival will undoubtedly look different than previous years due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, here are a few details for this year's event.
Mathews Market Days will be held on one day, Saturday, September 11th, 2021 from 9AM to 5PM. Road closures will begin Friday, September 10th and end on Sunday, September 12th at 12 NOON to allow proper time for set up and clean up.
Unfortunately, there will be no Saturday night dance, however, there will be a stage set up at the L. Wayne Hudgins Pavilion which will include music during the event.
In order to practice safe distancing, the 2021 Market Days event will not include a children's area.
Market Days WILL be holding the Annual 5k Run, sponsored this year by the Mathews Outdoor Club and the Annual Car Show WILL be held at Thomas Hunter Middle School.
The Mathews Market Days event will be following all VDH and CDC Guidelines as well as Governor Northam's executive orders in order to provide a safe experience. Hand sanitizer, masks, and safety signs will all be present.
We hope that you're as excited as us to return to this wonderful event!
Stay tuned for more information as it develops.
To stay up-to-date with Mathews Market Days, check out their website here.
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Household Chemical Collections and Computer RecyclingVPPSA has announced its 2021 schedule of events for their Household Chemical Collections and Computer Recycling. Mathews County's collection will be held on August 21, 2021 at Star Fields on 2905 Buckley Hall Road, Cobbs Creek, VA.
Check out the guidelines below and begin saving your items for this event!
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Mathews County TRIAD EventThe Virginia Department of Treasury and Mathews County TRIAD program are hosting an unclaimed property event for citizens on May 26, 2021 from 10AM - 4PM.
TRIAD is a cooperative effort of law enforcement agencies (police/fire/sheriffs), senior citizens, and senior organizations, focused on reducing crimes against our most vulnerable citizens: our seniors.
The goal of TRIAD is to reduce the fear of crime and victimization among seniors by increasing awareness of scams and frauds targeting senior communities, and educating seniors on local and state resources that are available in their community. The goal is accomplished through speaking engagements, community collaborations, targeted trainings for seniors and law enforcement providing a support mechanism to current local TRIAD groups. |
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 Angie Ingram, Clerk of the Circuit Court
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Spotlight on the Clerk of the Circuit Court! Clerk of the Circuit Court, Angie Ingram, talks about her position and the vital role her office plays in Mathews County with Caroline Oxley, Communications Manager, for Mathews.
Mrs. Ingram, what is your position with and how long have you been affiliated with Mathews County?"I am the Clerk of the Circuit Court and was appointed on January 2013. I was employed as a Deputy Clerk [back] in November 1998 and [I originally] moved to the County in February 1991."
What exactly does the Clerk of the Circuit Court do and what are the functions of your office?
"The Clerk's office is responsible for [the following:] recording land records and plats; probating wills; filing civil suits; issuing marriage licenses; filing divorce suits; adoptions petitions; processing notary public applications; assisting the Judge in Court; docketing judgments; safekeeping wills; recording military discharge paper[s]; processing Court Orders; issuing concealed handgun permits; issuing protective orders; retaining election materials; issuing summons for juries and heling the public with copies of documents."
You often work with other departments, correct?"That is correct. I work closely with every department in the complex.
The Sheriff’s Office provides security in the courtroom on Court days. The deputies work as bailiffs, arrange for transportation for defendants and escorts them in and out of the courtroom. The Sheriff’s Office acts as legal servers for processes and notices issued by the court. Their office also completes a criminal history background check on all the concealed handgun permit applications that come through the office.
The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office deliveries request for Capiases, Show Causes, indictments to the office for grand jury and request summons for witnesses in criminal cases.
Each month the Commissioner of Revenue’s Office receives copies of all deed transfers, wills, and plats. It is very important to maintain timely recording of transfers to ensure actual owners of property are assessed and taxed correctly.
The Treasurer’s Office receives copies of transfers of deeds of new owner’s information for the delivery of real estate taxes. I also provide the Treasurer’s Office with a list of names of jurors who serve on a jury. Once received, the Treasurer will disburse checks to all jurors who served."
Could you speak about your support staff and their valuable roles?
"I could not complete any of my duties without the assistance of my staff. With only two employees, I am fortunate enough to have their support helping with everyday duties. I enjoy the people I work beside. They are practically my family and I am proud [of them] and respect them both. I takes an entire staff to run an office."
What do you enjoy most about your role? "I love the work environment and helping the citizens of the County and meeting new faces each day. My job challenges me every day in different ways and I get to interact with a variety of individuals, which allows me to learn more [everyday]."
Mathews County would like to thank Mrs. Ingram for speaking with us today and for everything she and her valuable staff and department does for Mathews and its citizens.
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 Sherry Hamilton, Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal Reporter
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Spotlight on Sherry Hamilton!Sherry Hamilton of the Gloucester-Mathews Gazette Journal speaks about her position and relation to the County with Caroline Oxley, Communications Manager, for Mathews County.
Ms. Hamilton, what is your position with the Gazette and how long have you worked with the organization?
"I'm a reporter[,] I've been with the paper [Gloucester-Mathews Gazette Journal] for 24 years."
When did you begin covering Mathews County local government news?
"I actually began shortly after I was hired, in early 1997. Initially, I covered the Wetlands Board and the Mathews Memorial Library Board of Trustees, which was making plans for its first major renovation project in the bank building. I also stepped in occasionally when Charlie Koenig couldn't cover a Board of Supervisors meeting or Elsa Verbyla couldn't cover a Planning Commission meeting. The Planning Commission became my regular beat a few years later (it's now covered by Melany Slaughter), and the Board of Supervisors became my regular beat in 2010."
How is your long-standing relationship with Mathews County staff?
"I feel [that] we get along well. I respect government workers, who have a great deal of responsibility for sometimes little compensation. They also must bear the brunt of taxpayer dissatisfaction, which can sometimes be fierce and uncompromising. I believe that Mathews County employees are honest, reasonable people who work hard for the public good. For the most part, I feel that staff members respect my responsibility to deliver information to the public and are forthcoming with that information. That said, I think they also realize that I would objectively report on any malfeasance that might ever come to light."
You often attend Mathews County local government meetings and community events, can you speak about your favorite annual events in Mathews?
"That's so hard! Mathews is such a wellspring of talented people who are always searching for - and finding - ways to serve the community. I really can't choose just one or two, so I'm thinking chronologically.
'Garden Week' is always a wonderful start to spring, and I've enjoyed visiting and reporting on the historic homes and gardens that have been on the Garden Tour over the years. 'May Faire' finally brought a spring festival to Mathews [...] and the Mathews Historical Museum committee that oversees it has found so many ways to celebrate Mathews that it's different every year.
I'm not a cyclist myself, but I [...] love covering the 'Tour de Chesapeake'. The participants are always delighted with Mathews and [...] the special events [that] the tour schedules for them. The 'Gwynn's Island Festival' [...] has a down-home kind of feel, and the organizers have been willing to try new things over the years to try to make sure there's something everyone can enjoy.
The 'Mathews Fireworks Committee' goes out of its way every year to surpass itself, bringing a bigger bang to each fireworks show and welcoming people from more and more distant places with down-home country entertainment. Then, there's 'Market Days', which has been a Mathews tradition since I moved to the county 45 years ago. It's a tradition my children were raised with, so it feels like home, and it's always so much fun to see the [...] many activities, the array of entertainment, and the [...] vendor and food booths that mark the festival.
The 'Made in Mathews Open Studio Tour' is always a welcome event. The committee seems to [...] find new talent to include on the tour, which makes it different every year. Finally, there are the annual Christmas activities, from the [Mathews Memorial] library's 'Deck the Halls' to the tree lighting ceremony [...] the carol singing is always heartwarming.
I imagine I've left out something. Plus, somebody [in Mathews] is probably cooking up [a new event] [...] as I write."
What do you find most fulfilling about your position?
"I enjoy sharing people's stories with the broader community. There are so many interesting people in Mathews who have led such incredibly meaningful, productive lives, and I always find it inspiring to talk with them about their work [...] their hobbies or their service to others. People are fascinating, and my job allows me to share little bits of their lives."
Mathews County would like to take the time to thank Ms. Hamilton for speaking with us today, for all that she does for our community's communications and coverage of the wonderful events that Mathews offers its citizens every year.
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Would you like to participate in upcoming Mathews County events? Check out our May 2021 meeting schedule below and be sure to subscribe to our calendar on the Mathews County website to receive notifications about future events. |
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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.
Coming up is the 2021 Tour de Chesapeake on May 15th!
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! |
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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. |
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