Policy on the #NNK

“ Museums for All helps families with SNAP/EBT get free or low-cost admission to participating museums, usually between $0 and $5. It’s a great way to enjoy spring break, explore something new, and make family memories on a budget!” One thousand six hundred museums participate across the US. Two museums on the NNK participate: Menokin in Warsaw and Stratford Hall Historic Preserve in Stratford. Museums for All lists and shows in a map the participating museums. To take advantage of Museums for All, families show their EBT card and ID and these documents allow up to four people to pay no more than $5 for admission. Families may use Museums for All as many times as they like. This Institute of Museum and Library Services program provides support to museums every step of the way. There are toolkits, evaluation, and FAQs. M4A reports 45,248 museum attendees in 2025 in Virginia. Of those, 3% attended using the Museums for All program. The total economic benefit for M4A visit...

2026 Virginia Farmers Market Food Safety Summit takes place online April 28-30 . Registration is free. The annual Virginia Farmers Market Association event is packed. Topics include produce safety, market food safety, weights and measures, pet food, fire safety, and all things alcohol (as in booze). The organization recommends everyone attend April 28 and 30 with those interested in CBD/hemp, pet food, dairy, and meat and poultry also attending April 29.

Fairfields Volunteer Fire Department in Reedville and Burgess is one of two VFDs in the county. The other is Callao Volunteer Fire Department in Callao. Fairfields recently shared their 2025 stats on Facebook ; they are also shown below. The 2025 data becomes a little more interesting when compared to performance data since 2023. As is shown in the table Fairfields Volunteer Fire Department Types of Calls 2023, 2024, and 2025, call response increased 26% from 2023 to 2025. Differences worth mentioning are the increase of 100% between 2023 and 2025 for field and brushfire responses, a 120% increase in mutual aid responses, and a nearly 300% increase in lift assists. Be cautious with these numbers, though: The numbers are low so large increases are pretty easy to come by. In the future, would love to see other data reported. Things like the number of volunteer hours for responding to calls for service, the number of trainings, hours dedicated to training, and manp...

Microsoft Publisher Microsoft has announced it will stop supporting Publisher in October 2026. They write, In October 2026, Microsoft Publisher will reach its end of life. After that time, it will no longer be included in Microsoft 365 and existing on-premises suites will no longer be supported. Microsoft 365 subscribers will no longer be able to open or edit Publisher files in Publisher. Until then, support for Publisher will continue and users can expect the same experience as today. Canva is an option for flyers, social media posts, and signs. Free webinars How Web Visitors Digest Complex Information , April 27, 11a : Decades of research show that people approach complex information online completely differently than in print. Online readers scan rather than read, prioritize concise information, and navigate content in non-linear ways. This webinar will walk through the best practices shown through research, along with what it means for your own communications staff,...

If you are new to the NNK or have been a part-timer and recently moved here permanently, you probably should know about loud, house-shaking booms and other loud noises. They come from Dahlgren in King George County, Fort AP Hill in Caroline County, or from the naval station Pax River in St. Mary’s County, MD. Dahlgren Officially Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division , Dahlgren tests munitions at the Potomac River Test Range and at the Explosive Experimental Area at the Pumpkin Neck, across Machodoc Creek to the south of Dahlgren. The installation originally established itself as the major testing area for naval guns and ammunition. Today, it continues to provide the military with the development and integration of warfare systems for the warfighter, warfighting and the future fleet. NSWCDD conducts advance research in all systems-related areas and pursues scientific disciplines including physics, mathematics, directed energy and digital engineering, modeling...

Menhaden The Monday, April 13 webinar Menhaden Policy Review: 2026 General Assembly will recap how the Virginia General Assembly addressed menhaden issues during the 2026 session. Learn more and register . Resilience The Monday, April 27 webinar A Resilient Commonwealth: Exploring Virginia’s Statewide Priorities will feature speakers Adrienne Kotula, Deputy Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, and Jay Ford, Virginia Policy Manager at Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The “speakers will share insights from both state leadership and on-the-ground policy work, highlighting strategies that support resilient infrastructure, protect vital ecosystems, and advance coordinated resilience efforts statewide.” Learn more and register . Ticks Old Dominion University (ODU) has a tick team (!), the ODU Tick Team Research Lab . The ODU Tick Research Team is a collaboration between four different labs at Old Dominion University. We study host-vector-pathogen systems from a broad ...

Friends of Westmoreland State Park wins the prize for information accessibility: They’ve put all the information in the flyer in a comment. This formatting allows those who use screen readers and other assistive devices to easily get the details. In addition, repeating the event information in this way makes it easy for users to share bits of info with others without having to retype it. Thank you, Friends of Westmoreland State Park. And to make it easy for blog readers, here’s the text: 📣 Text description of April event schedule image for screen reader users in comments 📣 April Event schedule for Westmoreland State Park. Every Friday: Campfire Kickoff. 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Location: Campground A. Every Saturday and Sunday: Snake-y Salutationsss. 1:00 to 1:30 PM. Location: Visitor Center. Saturday, April 4th: Rock Painting. 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Location: Discovery Center. Sunday, April 5th: Scavenger Hunt. All Day. Location: Visitor Center. Saturday, April 11th: ...

Messaging effectively 3 Ways to Test if Your Nonprofit’s Message Is Breaking Through is an essential read for all businesses. The ways: Recognition: Are the people you serve visible in your work? Traceability: Can people follow the money from gift to result? Defensibility: Is your explanation comprehensible to people who don’t agree with you? Native plants Native Plants for Southeast Virginia including Hampton Roads Region (PDF) has been updated! According to Wetlands Watch , “The 72-page, full-color guide features native plant profiles, curated plant lists for specific growing conditions, and a regional list of local sites that highlight native plants and plant communities. It is available as a free digital download.” The southeast guide includes Gloucester County. (Yes, some blog readers live on the MP.) Get info about Northern Neck natives from Northern Neck Native Plant Society and Department of Conservation and Recreation (plus...

On February 13, Gov. Spanberger announced more than $4.9 million in federal American Rescue Plan funding for grants to build resilience in Virginia’s food system. Businesses and organizations applied in FY 2024. The grants were awarded in two categories, infrastructure and equipment, for “middle-of-the-food-supply-chain.” Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) explains , “Funds will support expanded capacity for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products, including specialty crops, dairy, grains for human consumption, aquaculture, and other food products, excluding meat and poultry.” Two Northern Neck businesses, Healthy Harvest Food Bank and Purcell’s Seafood , applied for infrastructure grants. Neither were awarded a grant. VDACS did not explain the reasons for not awarding the grants to either NNK business or for any other grant apps, for that matter...

Promoting tourism on FB The private FB group Northern Neck Tourism Industry exists to help “Northern Neck tourism businesses and organizations seeking to network, share information, ideas or resources to strengthen the Northern Neck tourism industry.” It is moderated by Lisa Hull, Northern Neck Tourism Commission staffer. Most often, posts are promotional. An important too frequently missed opportunity is collaboration and partnership. Free Fishing Days—Try it, You’ll Be Hooked! is an example. A collaboration might pair fishing with box lunches or dinners (for kids, adults, or families), boating and fishing, or reading and fishing. Partnering organizations together have a wider reach on social, traditional advertising, and word of mouth. Separate from the group but still operated by the Northern Neck Planning District Commission , the Northern Neck National Heritage Area Facebook page promotes the NNK, “a scenic, historic peninsula between the Potomac and Rappahannock Riv...

George Washington Regional Commission is offering the free regional environment technical training Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (CBPA) 101 Thursday, April 2 at 1:30 pm. People may participate IRL or via Zoom. From the invitation: According to DEQ’s website, “The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (Bay Act) was enacted by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 as a critical element of Virginia’s nonpoint pollution source management program. The purpose of the Bay Act program is to protect and improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay by requiring the implementation of effective land use management practices.” Daniel will be providing a 101 course about the Bay Act. This training will help attendees understand the need, regulations, and the benefits of the Bay Act. This is a great overview for elected officials, new hires, or anyone else looking for a better understanding or refreshment of the CBPA program. Meeting Location These meetings are held at the GWRC Office, 406 Prin...

The new White Stone Street Market is a thoughtfully curated open-air market in the heart of White Stone, Virginia. Join us every third Saturday to wander a vibrant mix of vendors along our charming town. Stroll, shop, snack, and linger while discovering handmade goods, fresh local produce, and delicious bites—all with an easygoing coastal breeze in the air. Come spend the day, meet the makers, and enjoy the simple magic of community by the water. The organization is seeking vendors for the markets scheduled for Saturdays May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15, September 19, and October 17.

The Northern Neck is rife with beautiful land and waterscapes and sharing that with others has many upsides, including a paying gig! The upcoming Virginia Certified Ecotour Guide Course 2026 sponsored by the Northern Neck Planning District Commission provides the skills necessary for nature lovers wanting to share their passion with others in a responsible way. The largely online course covers the basics of ecotourism, essential interpretive skills, marketing and tourism, and more over seven weeks remotely and one day in person on the Eastern Shore. The cost per person is $161.90. Learn more and register . Virginia Water Trails provides context for ecotourism and this course in particular: “Tourism is a major driver in Virginia’s economy and ecotourism is especially important in rural coastal Virginia as it connects people to the very natural resources we strive striving to protect, instilling a strong will to take care of these life-sustaining resources.”

Northumberland County Democratic Committee and Lancaster County, Virginia Democrats invite you to the biggest candidate event in the region Saturday, March 14, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm , Northumberland County Community Center (679 Browns Store Rd, Heathsville). Meet and hear from the candidates, connect with other voters, ask questions and get answers, and get fired up for the mid-terms. Twelve candidates have confirmed their attendance at this free, open to the public, and everyone is invited event ( learn more ): US Senate candidates Lorita Daniels Mark Moran Virginia 1st candidates Elizabeth Beggs Salaam Bhattin Tim Cywinski Jason Knapp Ericka Kopp Lewis Littlepage Mel Tull Virginia 8th candidates Don Beyer Daniel Gray Mo Seifeldein What to expect at the event The event will be busy. In addition to introducing themselves an...

Well, BOS chair Brann’s “not at the meeting” didn’t last long. According to the Northumberland County Board of Supervisors March 12 regular meeting agenda , reps from Dominion Energy and Northern Neck Electric Cooperative will present on high electric bills at the meeting. Residents and others will be able to comment on the topic during the public comment period at the end of the meeting. I stand by my suggestions, having dealt with similarly frustrating and opaque issues in my career as a policy and budget wonk and advocate. If you think a comprehensive meeting is required, contact your supervisor; contact information is on the county website . Suggestions email to supes Long and Brann Good afternoon. I wanted to touch base regarding Mr. Long’s request that Dominion and NNEC appear at the next meeting of the Board of Supervisors. I know that people have questions about their bills during the recent cold snap and agree that a public meeting would be beneficial. ...

Community college students pursuing a healthcare degree or workforce credential this fall are encouraged to apply for a $2,500 Claude Moore Opportunities Scholarship. Those living in Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland counties (referred to online as GO Virginia Region 6) should apply online here . What counts as healthcare degree and workforce credential : Nursing, allied health, EMS, medical assisting, dental, health informatics, and other healthcare pathways. Claude Moore Opportunities (CMO) works with Rappahannock Community College on workforce development to close the gap between “addressing critical shortages in behavioral health and emergency services” and “strengthening the healthcare workforce.” In fact, CMO says about their partnership with RCC, Rappahannock Community College serves Northern Neck and Peninsula regions, offering health programs with licensing and dual enrollment opportunities. Its Emergency Medical Technician program at the B...

Westmoreland County government needs to fill two vacancies on the Industrial Development Authority (IDA). According to the county , “The IDA plays an important role in supporting economic development and business growth within the County. Interested individuals are encouraged to review the position description and application materials available on the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) page.” Learn more, apply, get involved, and make a difference .

At the February 12 (regular) meeting of the Northumberland County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Jim Long told County Administrator Luttrell Tadlock that he would like representatives from Dominion Energy and Northern Neck Electric Cooperative to attend the next meeting and explain why so many electric bills were so much higher than bills in 2025. Long reported that a number of citizens called him to complain. There was no discussion amongst the supes nor was a decision made to add this to the March 12 agenda. (Listen to Mr. Long’s two comments, first and second ). On February 15, I emailed Jim Long and James Brann, BOS chair, suggesting a more productive approach would be to hold a community meeting on a weekend and not as part of the regular supes meeting. The email is in the next section. On February 25, someone posted anonymously (why?!!!) on Facebook an invitation from Supervisor Jim Long to discuss electric rates and bills at the Thursday, March 12 regular meeting ...

The open air burn ban started February 15 and is in effect through April 30 : Outdoor fires are prohibited between midnight and 4:00 pm. The law applies to open air burns closer than 300 feet to woods or dry grass. Such fires, only allowed between 4:00 pm and midnight, must be attended at all times. The Virginia Department of Forestry ’s article Before You Burn provides additional information about the burn ban including what items cannot be burned, precautions, and alternatives to burning. 4 PM Burning Law is also a good resource. The press release announcing the annual ban (PDF) explains the ban: “With approximately 700 wildfires in Virginia each year, the majority occur in spring,” said Chief of Fire and Emergency Response John Miller. “Warmer weather, dry and windy conditions, and abundant fuel – such as dead leaves and vegetation killed off by snow – increase the chance for wildfires and make them harder to extinguish. In addition to the statewide 4 p.m. burning law, ...

Community resources (Crowdsourced) Outreach on the NNK If you are a business, community organization, or local government , you are likely always looking to share information, expand your reach, educate more people, get more business, and expand your base of services. If you are an individual, community organization, business, or elected/appointed official , you may be looking for information: Community events, small and local businesses, local news and information, community wants and needs, and more. (Crowdsourced) Outreach on the NNK can help sharers and seekers. This online resource is free to use no matter where you are on the Northern Neck, no matter the type of organization you are. The spreadsheet contains information on the following outreach and engagement sources, outlets, and places: Social media, media, POAs, worship, organizations, electeds/appointeds, and physical locations. Start with the “Welcome & Instructions” sheet found at the far left at the bottom...

If you missed the news, Northumberland County Sheriff’s Office released their 2025 annual report (PDF) last week. You will find the number of calls for service and breakdown by type, information about programs the office operates, and arrest types and data for CYs 2024 and 2025. We learned, for example, that NCSO dispatches calls for marine rescues. Smith Point Sea Rescue does the work on a volunteer basis. The pie chart to the right shows that a teensy part of the calls for service were handled by SPSR. The teensy part is the dark teal at the top of the pie between fire and law enforcement reponses. SPSR accounted for 34 of 11,556 responses.

Tech Image to Text is a powerful tool that can help us mere mortals take content in various formats including PNG, PDF, and HEIC and render it useful. It can provide text by OCR as well as formatted data. And it’s free. A reminder that Convert Case is bookmark worthy, especially if you use text from PDFs, images, and the like. This free online tool offers sentence case, lower case, upper case, capitalized case, and much more. In the more category are the Morse Code translator (both ways) and upside down text generator. This and that Volunteering Isn’t Dying, But the Old Way of Doing It Is is a good read on the state of voluntarism. The post Foam Ban in Virginia on NNK Green explains where we are with the food-related styrofoam ban: Virginia’s expanded polystyrene (commonly known as Styrofoam) for food containers is being implemented in two phases. Following the July 1, 2025, ban for chains with 20+ locations, the final phase takes effect on July 1, 2026, applyi...

On January 22, the county issued an emergency declaration in response to the “potential for snow and icy conditions, a condition of extreme peril of life and property.” The declaration was affirmed at the February 12 Board of Supervisors meeting. The text of the Declaration Of A Local Emergency Due To Winter Storm follows. WHEREAS , the Board of Supervisors of Northumberland County does hereby find that: (1) Due to the conditions of a Winter Storm, and; (2) Due to the potential for snow and icy conditions, a condition of extreme peril of life and property necessitates the proclamation of the existence of an emergency; NOW, THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY PROCLAIMED , that an emergency is hereby declared at 3:30 p.m. on January 22, 2026, and exists throughout Northumberland County, and IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED ; that during the existence of said emergency the powers, functions, and duties of the Director of Emergency Services, and the emergency organizations of Northum...