Saturday, January 28, 2012

District 5 Report January 2012 by Tom Shepperd

Dear Neighbors,

 

The District 5 Report for January 2012 is designed to keep you informed of local and state government actions that impact our homes and communities.*  Crime Watch information is included as a supplement to your local Crime Watch Program.  York County residents are added to the report distribution list upon request.  Comments and questions are always welcome.  You can reach me at the phone numbers and email addresses listed below my name.  I greatly appreciate your help in disseminating the report to other residents of our communities.

 

Sincerely,

 

Tom Shepperd

District 5 Representative

York County Board of Supervisors

 

Home (757) 868-8591

Cell (757) 604-3079

tgshep@cox.net

shepperd@yorkcounty.gov

 

------District 5 Report November 2011*------

 

1.  Crime Watch Notices

 

Based on the weekly arrest and incident reports that I routinely receive from the County Sheriff’s Office, I am glad to once again report that the crime rate in our area is very low.  I believe this is due to vigilance and quick action by our residents and a rapid response by our Sheriff’s Office.   Major travel corridors through District 5 such as George Washington Memorial Highway, Hampton Highway, Victory Boulevard, and Big Bethel Road continue to see the bulk of criminal activity.  For example, it is not uncommon to see reports of shoplifting, reckless driving, driving under the influence, forgery by check, fraud, and hit and run in areas near the major corridors.  The Sheriff’s reports of incidences within residential areas indicate a low rate of domestic abuse, property damage, and possession of illegal or controlled substances.  Recently, there have been reports of indecent exposure or inappropriate touching while on school property but again, these incidences are not common.

 

Within the past couple of weeks, I’ve received several emails concerning the theft of gasoline from cars and boats parked along streets and in driveways.  We will have to keep an eye on this situation to see if there is a major trend developing.  I recommend that over the next couple of weeks residents make note of the gas gauge indicator for their cars parked outside a garage and report any suspected theft of gasoline to the Sheriff’s Office.  Note.  Gas tank intake restrictors makes it very difficult to nearly impossible to siphon gas.  Check to see if you car has an intake restrictor.  If it doesn’t, it’s probably time to buy a locking gas cap.

 

Here is an observation concerning unoccupied homes.  If you have a home near your residence that has been unoccupied for awhile, do yourself and your neighbors a favor and remove any accumulated newspapers and advertisements in and around the newspaper container.  Also, it would not hurt to contact the property owner or sales representative to report any significant deterioration to the property such as broken windows, overgrown lawns, falling gutters, etc.  You can also, with permission, park your car in the driveway to give the property the appearance that someone might be at home.  These actions are recommended because an abandoned houses is a prime target for vandalism, illegal drug use and vagrancy.  These types of crimes have a tendency to spawn other criminal activity in and around the property.

 

2.  York County Government and York County School Board Budgets

 

The 2013 budget process is now under way and I anticipate the budget challenges to be monumental.  I say this because of the significant revenue shortfall our County is now facing.  Budget actions taken by the Board this year in addressing the shortfalls may have far reaching consequences for our County’s future.  In essence, the culture of our County may be transformed by these budget decisions that will impact service such as public education, fire and life safety, law enforcement, parks and recreation, and our libraries.  Here is how the budget is shaping up so far.  Please keep in mind that my numbers are only approximation.  The County Administrator and School Superintendent have yet to submit their budgets.

 

First, by now you have received your real assessment.  On average, the decrease in real estate values is around 4.5 percent, which equates to about a $1 million reduction in revenue for the County based on the current tax rate.  Additionally, you know about the closing of the York Refinery and the Phillip Morris factory.  These two closings will result in a loss of around $2.2 million in tax revenue.  The total for real estate and plant closings equates to a loss of $3.2 million.  Now, add to this revenue loss, $800,000 for the unfunded mandate to the County by the state as a contribution the Virginia Retirement System, a $400,000 increase in employee health insurance, a $300,000 increase in employee group life insurance, a $100,000 increase to fund solid waste collection, a small but possible $400,000 increase in employee compensation and another $400,000 for miscellaneous operating expenses and you get a County budget shortfall that so far totals about $5.6 million.  But wait, there’s more.  Let’s not forget that our school system is facing a budget shortfall of $8.9 million.  The School Superintendent publically stated that the school system will eliminate through service cuts about $4.3 million of the shortfall and is asking the County to cover the remaining $4.6 million.  Add the School Board’s request of $4.6 million to the County’s estimated budget shortfall of $5.5 million and you get $10.2 million.  This $10.2 million is the estimated amount of tax revenue that must be added to the County’s current 2012 budget to maintain the same level of governmental service in 2013.

 

Again, the estimates above are preliminary but I suspect they are not far off the mark.  Yes, there is a significant budget challenge for the County.  The main budget question we now face is whether or not to keep the same level of local government service?  If the answer is yes and there are no additional funds received from the state, then we may be looking at a 10 cent or more increase in the tax rate.  If the answer is no, then public services will be reduced.  The local government service areas with the largest amount of discretionary funding are our schools, law enforcement, fire and life safety, parks and recreation, and libraries.  You may recall the public’s reaction to the Board of Supervisors decision to save $100,000 by reducing recycling collection to every other week.  It will be interesting to see the public reaction to service cuts when the Supervisors began addressing the $10.2 million tax revenue shortfall.

 

This is your County and the Board of Supervisors work for you.  Let the Supervisors hear your thoughts concerning the services you receive.  Should we maintain, cut or increases services?  Which ones?  If you wish to provide input to the entire Board of Supervisors, send an email to BOA@yorkcounty.gov.

 

3.  Devolution!! 

 

Ever hear of devolution?  Probably not.  How about unfunded mandates?  Maybe?  They are not the same but can have the same impact on local governments.  In an OP/Ed by the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) Executive Director Jim Campbell printed in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on Dec 11, he wrote:  For a number of years, the Virginia General Assembly has boasted its success of “ not raising your taxes.” But is this claim really true?  No, they haven’t recently raised your income tax.  And they haven’t increased the sales tax.  Nor the gasoline tax, which helps pay for your roads.  They actually reduced or eliminated some taxes, such as the estate tax.  But your local property taxes has probably gone up.  And while state lawmakers beat their chests and brag about reducing taxes, they are actually vicariously causing local property taxes to increase.  How?  Devolution. 

 

During the past decade, the state has devolved more and more services to local government and even at times shunned its constitutional responsibilities to deliver or pay for services to our citizens.  In order to balance the budget and not raise taxes, legislators have resorted to gimmicks such as underfunding the Virginia Retirement System, or reducing statutory payments for law enforcement departments, or merely shifting the funding of state-mandated programs to localities.  According to the Virginia Constitution, the General Assembly “shall provide a system of free public elementary and secondary education.”  Over the years, public schools have been supported by the state, with supplemental funding coming from local tax dollars.  Recently, however, the state has gradually reduced it proportionate share of funding for public education, thereby shifting more cost to local government. 

 

The OP/Ed article goes on to point out that recently the state has been severely challenged to balance its budget without raising taxes.  Without sufficient revenue to meet its expenses, the legislature simply reduced its contribution to a number of programs that are funded jointly from state and local sources such as libraries, social services and constitutional officers (Sheriff, Commissioner of the Revenue, Treasurer, Commonwealth Attorney, and Clerk of the Court).  Now the state wants to devolve the transportation system of secondary roads and bridges to the counties.

 

Mr. Campbell’s article underscores the devolution challenges faced by York County with its 2013 budget.  The state’s unfunded mandate for local governments to increase their contributions to the Virginia Retirement System adds an $800,000 bill to the County’s budget and a $4.5 million bill to the School Board’s budget.  Who do you thinks pays this $5.3 million mandated bill?  You do.  Another good example is highlighted in the January 27, 2012 edition of the Virginia Municipal League, titled “Update”.  The “Update” article points out that Virginia local governments budgeted $6.5 billion to operate public schools in FY10, which is $3.2 billion more than required by the state.  York County is one of the local governments.  Why?  Because public education is our community’s top priority and we will not accept inadequate funding of our schools.

 

Our York County Sheriff’s Department is another good example of devolution.  Today, York County residents fund over half the 112 law enforcement employees within the Sheriff’s Office.  Just think of it. The state’s formula for law enforcement would provide only around 60 law enforcement employees.  Why do we have more that 60?  Well, for one thing the Sheriff through use of the nationally developed formula says we need more and most importantly, the citizens of York County demand a much higher level of security than that provided by the state.

 

The devolution of transportation referred to in the OP/Ed piece, is reflected of our current Secondary Road program.  Ten years ago when I first took office, the County received about $2.5 million a year for secondary road improvements.  Today, we receive about $200,000 a year.  When was the last time you saw a neighborhood street being repaved?  If devolution of transportation continues, don’t be surprised to find York County owning all the roads in the County and your tax rate increasing by a minimum of 40 cents.

 

Mr. Campbell says it best,  “Enough is enough!” 

 

3.  Marquis Shopping Center

 

Recently, there has been some gross misinformation floating around concerning the Marquis Shopping Center, which is located in the upper end of the County near Water Country. The issue centers on the tie between the County and the bond refinancing used to help support the Marquis.  One of our regional papers got it so wrong in its editorial, it was embarrassing.  To put it bluntly, the bonds issued for the project are not debt of York County.  The bonds are debt of the Marquis Community Development Authority.  This authority was created by the County per the Code of the Virginia as a means to finance the public infrastructure necessary for the Marquis.  The authority was also designed to shield the County from the debt if the new taxes generated by the businesses in the Marquis are not sufficient to cover the bond debt.  There is no legal or moral obligation for the County to provide funds for the debt service over and above the new taxes generated by the businesses.  In fact, the Board of Supervisors took action that specifically prohibits the use of tax dollars, in excess of the new revenues generated by the Marquis, to cover the bonds.

 

There is also a misconception that if Marquis CDA defaults on the bonds, the County would be able to keep all the taxes from the development.  Again this is a misconception.  The County’s Bond Counsel McGuire Woods, LLP, has advised that in their opinion this would not be the case.  The County’s agreement to provide the new tax revenues generated by the project for debt service would remain after the default and until the bonds reach maturity in 2041.

 

Finally, there is a misconception that the County is providing services without receiving offsetting tax revenue from the Center.  Since the Marquis’ inception it was recognized that the County would incur additional expenses for services, such as law enforcement and fire protection.  Since the shopping center was opened the County has continued to collect and retain the taxes paid on the property before it was developed as well as a portion of the new taxes generated by the business.  This tax revenue is used to compensate the County for the additional expense incurred as a result of the Marquis’ opening.  Since 2008 the County has retained $1,531,154 from tax revenues generated by the shopping center.  Under the terms of the proposed bond refinancing the County will continue to receive a minimum of $300,000 in annual tax revenues, $150,000 in existing taxes and new taxes of $150,000 (inflated by 3% annually beginning in 2017).  The minimum total of $150,000 in new taxes exceeds any costs incurred by the County to provide services to the shopping center.

 

4.  Youth Commission

 

The York County Board of Supervisors is currently seeking students who are interested in representing youth interests and concerns by serving on the York County Youth Commission for the 2012-2013 school year.  Applicants must be York County residents currently enrolled in grades 8-11.  The Youth Commission’s primary purpose is to serve as a link between the Board of Supervisors and the County’s youth by representing youth-related needs and issues.  In addition, Commission members typically participate in rewarding community service projects, learn about county government, sponsor countywide high school social events, and build leadership skills through projects and various team-building activities.  A completed application form and a letter of recommendation must be received at the York County Parks and Recreation office by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7, 2012.  After reviewing the applications, the Board of Supervisors will appoint up to three teens from each of the county's five voting districts.  Application forms and complete program details are available for downloading from the York County Youth Commission’s website at www.ycyc.info.  Hard copy forms are also available at the Yorktown and Tabb Libraries, the Williamsburg and James City County Libraries, and at the York County Parks and Recreation office located at 100 County Drive (23692).

 

5Contact VDOT  - Report a road problem to VDOT, by either calling 1-800-367-7623 or filling out a work order online to www.virginiadot.orgOn the left side of the VDOT webpage you will see a small box with an orange banner labeled “Report Road Problems.” 

 

6.  Board of Supervisors Actions

 

a.  Approved Legislative Package.  Every year prior to the Virginia General Assembly (GA) session, the Supervisors meets with our County’s state representatives (Senators – Norment, Locke and Miller; Delegates Poggee, Helsel, Watson) to present a wish list of legislative proposals.  This year there are 15 items on the list:

 

            (1) State Budget – Request that GA recognize that local governments cannot absorb the entire burden of the state’s budget difficulties.  State needs to stop shifting program costs to the localities

            (2) Transportation – Provide a comprehensive statewide transportation program for highway expansion and maintenance.

            (3) General Real Property Tax Relief – Request the GA to authorize localities to offer real estate tax exemption on residential property with a “means test.”  The “means test” should be based on income and assets.

            (4) Seatbelts Requirements – Allow enforcement of adult seatbelt requirement as a primary offense.

            (5) State Support for Education – State needs to fully fund Standards of Quality (SOQ) and recognize that the SOQ alone does not recognize the actual education needs of Virginia localities.

            (6) Military – Support the continued presence in Virginia of military and other federal facilities.  The recent news of another possible BRAC makes this action imperative.

            (7) Tourism – Support Virginia’s tourism industry by increasing funding for the Virginia Tourism Corporation in support of advertising.  It is estimated that there is a $7 return to the area’s economy for every $1 spent on tourism.

            (8) Juvenile Community Crime Control Act – GA needs to restore funding for a number of programs supporting the juvenile courts, detention, and counseling.  State funding for York County has been reduced from $1 million in FY 2002 to $262,000 in FY 2010.

            (9) Real Estate Tax Rates – Requested that the GA refrain from adopting bills which place restrictions on local government authority to establish real estate tax rates.  State mandates and the ongoing devolution of services require increased funding at the local level.  Real estate tax is local government’s primary source of revenue to pay for these services.

            (10) Transient Occupancy Taxes – Requested clarification on how the Transient Occupancy Taxes are assessed.

            (11) Equalization of Administrative Fees Chargeable for Industrial Revenue Bonds – This action will lower the fees that York County pays to fund its bonds.

            (12) Predatory Lending – Request that the GA cap interest on payday loans at 36%.  This includes all fees.

            (13) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) – Exempt from FOIA any records that disclosure the cellular telephones numbers, pagers, and similar devices provided to firefighters and emergency medical response personnel.

            (14) Fund state and Local Partnerships for Critical Services – Request full funding for mental health services, affordable housing, alternatives to juvenile detention, and the cost of offices of local constitutional offices.

            (15) Open Container Laws – Request that the Code of Virginia be amended to make it illegal to possess an opened container of an alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a motor vehicle while on a public highway.

 

b.  Adopted Ordinance No. 11-14R changes to the County’s Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance.  As reported in my last District 5 Report, proposed changes to the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance are received from the County staff, citizens, business, and even the Supervisors.  These changes are reviewed by the Board of Supervisor to determine their merit and then submitted to the Planning Commission for a more detailed review and vetting with the public.  The Planning Commission then submits it recommendations on each proposed change to the Board of Supervisors for final acceptance or rejection.  Several aspects of the proposed Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance are worth mentioning here.

 

            (1)  Chicken Keeping - While the Planning Commission recommended that a Special Use Permit be required for chicken keeping in R13 Districts, the Board of Supervisors felt that the $400 fee was way too much and approved chicken keeping as a by-right activity (no Special Use and no fee) within the Resource Conservation (RC),  Rural Residential (RR), Residential (R-20) and Residential (R13) Districts.  Property owners in these districts are permitted to have one hen per 2,500 square feet of lot space up to 16 hens.  If you live within a homeowners association, check your covenants and restrictions to determine if you are permitted to have poultry.  County code does not supersede homeowner covenants and restrictions.

 

            (2)  Inclusive Zoning - York County has an inclusive zoning policy for both residential and commercial districts.  This policy has been in effect since 1983 and its origins can be traced back to 1957.  Essentially, inclusive zoning means that an activity or use is not permitted in a district unless it is listed in the Zoning Ordinance.  The Board of Supervisors approved a modification to the wording in Zoning Ordinance to clarify the inclusive zoning policy.  Unfortunately, some residents have interpreted this wording to mean that such activities as throwing a ball, hitting golf balls, flying a kite, playing horseshoes, gardening, mowing the grass, etc are not permitted because they are not listed.  This interpretation is incorrect.  The zoning ordinance contains a caveat to the inclusive zoning policy, which basically says that, “Other uses and structures of a similar nature which are customarily associated with and incidental to residential uses…” are permitted.  Essentially, this means that you can do whatever you want to do on your property until is become an issue within the community, at which point the County’s zoning administrator will have to make a ruling on the activity.

 

c.  Adopted Resolution R-11-136 formally recognizing a sister city relationship between York County and Port Vendres, France – Port Vendres has a significant historical tie to York County as a result of America’s war of independence.  There have been several exchange visits over the years with residents of Port Vendres and forming the Sister City relationship with the community is fitting for international friendship.

 

d.  It is an honor once again to be elected by my fellow Supervisors to serve as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.  I look forward to representing all the citizens of York County and in working with my fellow Supervisors and the residents of our wonderful county to address the many challenges we will face over the coming year.  Ms. Sheila Noll was elected as Vice Chairman.  She has over 16 years of experience as a Supervisor in York County.

 

* Comments and opinions expressed in this report do not necessarily represent the position of other members of the York County Board of Supervisors.  If you wish to obtain comments from members of the Board of Supervisors, please visit the York County website at http://www.yorkcounty.gov.  Supervisor contact information is located on the website under the title "County Government."  Homeowner Associations are encouraged to use portions of this report in preparing their association newsletters.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

HRM e-Weekly: Norfolk Restaurant Week, Richmond Getaway, Pesto Bean Soup, Bourbon Chai Tea

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*Schlesinger's
*Shogun  *Shula's 347
*Stephanos Pizza & Subs


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Norfolk Restaurant Week
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Tis the season for dining out for less, so call some friends, make a reservation, and get ready to experience the most delicious dining deals of the year. It's Norfolk Restaurant Week now through Sunday, January 29, which means diners can get a three-course dinner for $20 or $30 at participating restaurants, and some locations are also offering a two-course lunch for $10. Take this opportunity to try a new restaurant you've been eyeing, and take advantage of some flavorful savings. Click here for a complete list of participating restaurants.       
Super Saturday Scooper Bowl This Weekend's
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Catch a fever this weekend--a football fever, that is--when you bring the whole family to the Children's Museum of Richmond this Saturday, January 28 for their Super Saturday Scooper Bowl.  Come wearing your favorite sports team jersey as you enjoy ice cream and fun handouts. Have your ice cream scooped by players from the Richmond Raiders, and get an autograph from the Lady Raiders. After the fever has subsided, relax at Linden Row Inn, a great American inn filled with fascinating history and delightful amenities. Click here to learn more about the Scooper Bowl, and click here to book your stay at Linden Inn.     
Pesto Bean Soup
This Week's Recipe
Since we've still got quite a bit of winter left, make the most of the shivery season by creating a comforting and quite tasteful Pesto Bean Soup. This rich and flavorful soup is simple to make and effortless to devour. Simply sauté garlic cloves and red pepper flakes, add cannellini beans, simmer and flavor with pesto and parmesan. Celery adds some savory substance along with chopped olives and roasted peppers that can be stirred in before serving. Click here for the complete recipe.     
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If tea is for two and two are for tea at your house this weekend, add a little extra flavor and warmth to your cup with this Bourbon Chai Tea recipe. The rich, spicy warmth of chai is perfect for a winter weekend, and it just got better with the addition of bourbon, blending notes of clove, vanilla and caramel perfectly with the chai. Click here for the completely exquisite recipe.

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Monday, January 23, 2012

[Peninsula-Patriots] Daily Press Article

Yesterday the Daily Press published the following article which identified three of what is identified as three of the larges producers of green house gas in the Tidewater area and noted that the EPA was closing them down. This is just the beginning. If the EPA has its way, watch your electric bills sore. Obama said himself that they would necessarily skyrocket, remember. We must do everything we can to stop this global warming fraud.

 By Cory Nealon
Three of the five biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Hampton Roads will soon be closed, according toU.S. Environmental Protection Agency data.
Released earlier this month on a searchable computerized map, the data identifies large, stationary sources of carbon dioxide, methane and other gases that a strong majority of climate scientists say is the main cause of global warming.
As of 2010, the most current data available, the top emitter in Hampton Roads was Chesapeake Energy Center, a coal plant located along Elizabeth River in Chesapeake. It spewed out nearly 3.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, the chief greenhouse gas.
The second biggest emitter was Yorktown Power Station, a power plant on the York River that burns mostly coal and some oil. It contributed slightly more than half the amount of gases that Chesapeake did.
Rounding out the top five are: Rock-Tenn Co., owner of West Pointpaper mill, the Yorktown oil refinery, and International Paper mill inIsle of Wight County.
Dominion Virginia Power, owner of the two power plants, announced in September it start closing Chesapeake and Yorktown in 2015. It plans to convert part of the Yorktown plant to natural gas, a fossil fuel that burns cleaner than coal.
Anticipating tougher pollution control standards on coal plants, Dominion has said it's more cost-effective to close the plants in lieu of renovating them.
Texas-basedWestern Refining Inc., which stopped refining oil in Yorktown in August 2010, announced last month it sold the 570-acre property to Plains All American. Also a Texan company, Plains All American officials said they will not reopen the refinery.
International Paper closed the Isle of Wight mill in 2010, but it has since announced it will spend $83 million to renovate part of the facility to produce fluff pulp, which is used to make diapers, feminine hygiene products and other goods.
At least two other companies have submitted letters of interest to International Paper about leasing space in the mill.
The EPA data doesn't include moving objects, such as motor vehicle traffic, which in most metropolitan areas contributes significant greenhouse gas emissions.
It also doesn't consider emissions from container ships — the EPA has set tougher standards for those ships it says will prevent thousands of premature deaths and millions of work days lost by 2030.
 


"If a nation expects to be ignorant and free.....it expects what never was and never will be"      Thomas Jefferson

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Friday, January 20, 2012

Senior Center Announces February Programs

 

Senior Center Announces February Programs
 
 
January 20, 2012
 
FOR RELEASE AT WILL
 
A variety of educational and entertaining programs are being offered at the Senior Center of York in February.
Participation is open to seniors age 55 or better and their spouses, regardless of age. The center is located in the Washington Square Shopping Center at 5314 George Washington Memorial Highway (Rt. 17), and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The center is closed all county holidays. 
 
Reservations are required for all sessions and are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. To register, stop by the center or call 898-3807. For more information, please visit www.yorkcounty.gov/communityservices.
 
Valentine Bingo, Friday, Feb. 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. You may call us at 898-3807 to see if space is available for this event. Try your hand at bingo with some great refreshments and prizes! The York County Youth Commission will assist with this event.  
 
Scrapbooking & Valentine Greeting Cards, Monday, Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. Join us as Cathy Fowler of Creative Memories shows how to make beautiful cards and assists you with your scrapbook. These cards and your personalized scrapbook create lasting memories and make wonderful gifts for your loved ones. Note: Please limit to four cards. For more information and to register, please call 898-3807 by Feb. 10. 
 
Monday Movie, Feb. 13 at 1 p.m. The York County Library and the Senior Center of York will present the 2002 romantic comedy "Maid in Manhattan." (PG13) Directed by Wayne Wang, and starring Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes, this film is about a hotel maid and a high profile politician who fall in love. Popcorn and beverage served.
    
Culture Day, Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 1 p.m. "Influential Women." Robert Watson, Assistant Professor of History at Hampton University, will discuss the commonalities and challenges of women in the 1800s and how African-American and Caucasian women worked together to seek equality. Often denied the right to speak publicly, Maria Stewart was the first African-American woman to deliver a public speech to both men and women. Professor Watson will explore this idea, and the role played by Stewart's acquaintance, Lucretia Mott, who was an American Quaker, abolitionist, and social reformer. Other notable women including Ida B. Wells, Mary Bethune, and Fannie Lou Hamer will also be mentioned. Refreshments will be served. Please sign up at the front desk for this program.
 
Tai Chi Classes Beginning Feb. 16. We are currently accepting registrations for Tai Chi with instructor Bill Hansell. Come enjoy this ancient Chinese art form which helps improve balance, breathing, concentration and mediation techniques. The next 10-week session will be held on Thursdays from Feb. 16 through April 19. Classes meet from 10 to 11 a.m. The cost is $45. For more information and to register please call 898-3807.
 
February Birthday Bash, Friday, Feb. 24 at 1 p.m. Performer Ernest White will entertain us with country, pop, rock, and your favorites such as Elvis and Doris Day. Cake and ice cream will be provided by Humana. Remember you do not have to be celebrating a birthday to attend this event. Please register at the front desk.
 
AARP Driver Safety Program, Feb. 27 & Feb. 28. This program is designed for drivers age 50 or better, and will take place on Monday, Feb. 27 from 12:30 – 4:45 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. The cost for this two-day program is now $12 for members of AARP and $14 for non-members.Fees should be paid by check and made out to AARP. Class registration may be made in person at the Senior Center, by phone, or by mail. Note: AARP membership, which cannot be processed the day of a class, is not required for class registration. There is no "behind the wheel" driving performed in this program. Drivers age 55 or better must attend both classes to receive the state mandated three-year automobile insurance reduction. Many insurance companies are giving insurance reductions to drivers age 50+ with the same attendance requirements. Those less than age 55 should check with their insurance company to see if they are entitled to the three-year insurance reduction. Class enrollment is limited to 25.
 
Health Day, "Stroke Awareness," Wednesday, Feb. 29 at 12:45 p.m. When you have a stroke every second counts. Anyone can have a stroke no matter your age, race or gender. But, the chances of having a stroke increase if a person has certain risk factors, or criteria that can cause a stroke. Sandra Karam, Stroke Coordinator with Sentara Careplex will discuss risks factors, prevention, recognizing the symptoms and what to do if you suspect someone is having a stroke. To register, call the Senior Center of York at 898-3807 by Feb. 27.
  
Computer General Use. The computers are available for general use Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. unless the lab is reserved for programmed activities. Currently, classes are held on Tuesdays in the lab. To use the computers you must sign in at the Senior Center front desk.
 
February Trip with Historic Triangle Center in Williamsburg. Visit the Maymont Flower Show in Richmond on Friday, Feb. 10. The van will depart from the Senior Center of York at 8:45 a.m. and will return at approximately 4:30 p.m. Lunch will be on your own. For more details on registration, space and fees, please call the Senior Center at 898-3807 or drop by the front desk.
 
Emergency Closings and Delayed Openings. In the event of inclement weather, be sure to check with the Senior Center of York Hotline at 890-3516 for the latest information on possible closing or delayed opening of the center.
 
NOTE:  The Senior Center of York will be CLOSED Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, in observance of President's Day.   
 
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