Hello & Welcome

Welcome back to the March 2021 issue of "Be Here"!

It looks like spring has sprung here in Mathews County, just glance outside your window or take a walk downtown and see the flowers blooming along the Court Green and among the local shops on Main Street. Outside activities have picked back up with skilled kayakers voyaging back into the water (despite the frigid temperatures!) while the annual Tour de Chesapeake is only a month away! Events and services like the Mathews Farmers Market, Tompkins Cottage, Thomas James Store, and Markets on Main! will be opening back up for the season starting in April. With everything Mathews County will offer its citizens this spring, we hope that everyone can take advantage of this wonderful weather and enjoy the county's natural beauty.

Business is running as usual (as normal as we can during COVID-19!) for both the Mathews County departments and Constitutional offices, however, we do have several exciting updates for you this month. In this issue of "Be Here", we'll be focusing on COVID-19 vaccination efforts in the Three Rivers District, Mrs. Carla Faulkner of the Voter Registrar's Office, citizen spotlight on Reverend Gary Barker, the New Point Comfort Lighthouse restoration, Women's History Month, and many other topics.

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

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. Stay safe out there, Mathews, and enjoy this beautiful weather!

-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.

Administration Building to Reopen

The County Administration Building renovations are close to completion! We would like to thank our talented maintenance technicians in the Building Department who have 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. The County Administration Building will reopen to the public on April 13th, 2021 at 8:30 AM. We are incredibly excited to share the final product with you!

Are you looking to conduct business with the County before April 13th? 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.

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 newly restored Administration building located at 50 Brickbat Road.

New RAVE Mobile 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!

FEMA Vaccine Distribution Updates

Press release by FEMA on 03/24/2021

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 18, FEMA has provided more than $4.39 billion to 40 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 and its federal partners have reached President Biden’s goal of administering 100 million vaccinations. This milestone was met 42 days ahead of the 100-day goal.

• FEMA is committed to the equitable distribution of vaccines. Using data from CDC’s social vulnerability index and population data from the Census, they work with state partners to locate community vaccination centers where they will be able to do the most good for the most vulnerable populations and ensure everyone who wants a vaccine gets one.

• FEMA is working to speed up vaccinations by supporting states as they open community vaccination centers across the country, and working with its interagency partners to 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.

• Find out where, when and how to get a vaccine in your community. Get more information from your local health department and a list of places where adults can get a vaccine. Visit FEMA.gov for information on FEMA’s vaccination support efforts.

Three Rivers Health District COVID-19 Updates

Press release by Dr. Richard Williams on 03/15/2021

New Case Numbers Continue to Drop

• Case numbers across the states have dropped dramatically over the past month with the new case count in the U.S. at about 68,000/day on a 7 day rolling average. Almost all states are reporting stable trends while both hospitalization and death rates have fallen.

• Virginia's case counts have also improved with a rate at about 1700/day on a 7 day average. Virginia's hospitalization rates have dropped to 50% in comparison to mid-January with less than 1500/day.

• The Three Rivers Health District case rates have dropped to about 30 new cases/day on a 7 day average.

• This continued drop in COVID-19 cases may be due to better adherence to protective measures and some population immunity effect. Over 100,000,000 have now had the disease, counting asymptomatic cases, and the percentage of vaccinated people is steadily rising. In Virginia, about 15% of citizens have received at least one dose of the available vaccines.

• The Three Rivers Health district will continue to watch closely for the effects of the new, more contagious variants, there is a possibility these may pose a problem on several fronts.

Vaccination Program Update

• All health districts are currently in Phase 1C of the Virginia vaccination schedule. The Three Rivers Health District policy is to divide available doses approximately equally between age qualified individuals and essential frontline workers (this group includes people age 16-64 qualified by underlying health conditions).

• There is still a severe national vaccine shortage, but it is slowly improving. At present, this shortage is our main limiting factor. This is expected to continue to improve over the next several weeks and months as the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines enhance their manufacturing throughput and the Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines come on line.

Despite these limitations, Three Rivers Health District jurisdictions compare very favorably with surrounding counties in vaccine doses delivered per 100,000 population.

For further details regarding Virginia's vaccination phases, please click here.

How to Sign Up for a Vaccination Appointment

• Citizens who are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination in the Virginia Vaccination Phases 1A, 1B, or 1C 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.

To read the press release in full, click here.

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

New Point Comfort Lighthouse

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...

While physical progress slowed down in January and February due to unfavorable weather, the construction crew at New Point Comfort Lighthouse were able to take advantage of the wonderful weather we experienced this March. Some tasks like the interior and exterior mortar repointing, abatement (paint removal), exterior joint grinding, and the stainless steel ladder leading up to the lantern room (ready for installation) are very nearly complete. Additional items acted on this month are: the replacement windows, the replacement steel plate for the lantern room, and the Mica schist slabs for the gallery deck.

Want to learn more about the New Point Comfort Lighthouse restoration process? Click here and be sure to check out a few progress photos below!

Western Face of Structure; Exterior Joint Grinding and Paint Removal Nearly Complete
Photo credit: Thomas Jenkins, Director of Planning and Zoning

Exterior Joint Grinding Complete (Upper Half) and Exterior Repointing (Lower Half)
Photo Credit: Thomas Jenkins, Director of Planning and Zoning

West End Machine of Richmond, VA,
Hard at Work to Restore New Point Comfort Lighthouse's Precious Metals
Photo Credit: First Class Contracting

We Have a New Hire!

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

Medicaid COVID-19

Public Health Emergency Information

Virginia residents, individuals, and families may apply for Medicaid during the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) authorized between February 15, 2021 and August 15, 2021. This SEP allows consumers to access healthcare insurance through the marketplace and use the HealthCare.gov platform.

Total Medicaid enrollment grew from 1.53 million to 1.76 million during the state of emergency, an increase of 228,528 members including 72,286 children within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

With the advent of the COVID-19 Pandemic Health Emergency (PHE), Virginia residents eligible for Medicaid/FAMIS will not face closure or reduction in coverage. This ensures that eligible residents will maintain coverage to face any health issues during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Coverage only terminates for recipients for the following reasons: request for termination, permanent loss of Virginia residency, and/or death.

Other actions taken during the PHE include: Zero co-pays for any Medicaid and FAMIS covered services, the encouraging use of telehealth, outreach to high-risk and older residents to review critical needs, 90-day supply of many routine prescriptions, no pre-approvals needed and automatic approval extensions for many critical medical services.

As a reminder, Medicaid also covers all COVID-19 testing and treatment for eligible members.

Interested residents may apply for Medicaid via: www.commonhelp.virginia.gov, calling 1-855-242-8282, or submitting a paper application with the Mathews County department of Social Services. For further information, please contact 804-725-7192.

Citizens may also apply for low-cost health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace at www.healthcare.gov.

If you do not qualify for full benefits through Medicaid or FAMIS, or you cannot afford Marketplace coverage, there are still options available for Mathews residents. Contact the Gloucester/Mathews Care Clinic at 804-210-1368 or the PICH Clinic at 804-725-9191.

Additional Benefit Program News

The State Board of Social Services adopted a resolution that recognized all Benefit Programs Specialists across the Commonwealth of Virginia for a job well done. As part of this recognition, February 2021 was designated as Benefit Programs Specialist Appreciation Month.

The resolution was signed by State Board Chair, Ms. Lou Ali and contained the following information:

As part of our commitment to serving households across the state we have:
· Provided warmth to 103,517 families
· Fed 759,082 vulnerable people
· Helped 37,236 families stay together
· Extended healthcare coverage to 1,772,363 individuals and
· Project to serve thousands of Virginians with employment resources.

We help to sustain families and assist them in becoming stronger and healthier. We are “People Helping People”.

We're Hiring!

Mathews County is currently seeking qualified individuals to apply for the position of I.T. Coordinator. Do you have relevant experience and technological savvy skills? Head on over to our employment page for a full job description and application information.

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!

Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) Grant awarded to Mathews County!

On March 18, the Virginia Governor’s office announced that Mathews County would be awarded two VATI grants to assist with the county's goal of providing broadband access to local citizens!

Mathews, along with Caroline, Lancaster, and Middlesex counties, partnered with Atlantic Broadband to construct a regional fiber to the home network. The project will provide broadband access to 1,249 serviceable units, including 142 businesses. The Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) awarded the counties a grant totaling more than $4.2 million to complete this buildout of broadband service.

Additionally, Gloucester and Mathews counties partnered with Open Broadband to construct a fixed wireless network that will provide broadband access to 313 serviceable units, including 19 businesses in the two counties. This grant totals nearly $350,000.

We are excited to announce that these two grants will bring broadband access to almost 600 households in Mathews! This brings us one step closer to the Broadband Advisory Board's goal to provide broadband access to every household in Mathews County.

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.

FY21-22 Budget Public Hearing

The Board of Supervisors will be holding a Public Hearing on April 12th at 6 PM for the FY21-22 Budget Adoption in the Harry M. Ward Auditorium (MHS). Would you like to submit a written comment for the public hearing? Click here to submit a form no later than April 12th at 9 AM.

Conditional Use Permit Request Public Hearing

On April 20, 2021 at 7 PM at the Harry M. Ward Auditorium (MHS), the Planning Commission will reopen the Public Hearing for Mark Motley’s Conditional Use Permit Request for a private-use helipad on his property at Cherry Point. Interested citizens who did not make a comment at the November Public Hearing may speak at this opportunity. The Board of Supervisors will hold a separate Public Hearing at their Regular Meeting on April 27th.

Would you like to submit a written comment for the Public Hearing? Click here to submit a form.

New Wetlands Zoning Board Member

The Mathews County Wetlands Zoning Board welcomes its newest member, Mr. Nicholas Koch!

The Mathews County Board of Supervisors voted at their regular meeting on March 23, 2021 to accept Mr. Koch's application to the Board's vacant position.

We're happy to have you a part of the team, Mr. Koch!

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.

Virginia Peninsula's Public Service Authority (VPPSA) Mixed Paper Program

Due to a recent decrease in citizen activity of the VPPSA Mixed Paper Program and subsequent reduction in volume of materials as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, VPPSA will be reducing the frequency of their collection to once per month.

The April 2021 collection and all collections going forward will occur during the first week of each month. Your current service day (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) will remain the same.

Do you have questions about this program or VPPSA? Contact their field office via email at dispatch@vppsa.org.

Household Chemical Collections and Computer Recycling

VPPSA 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!

Director of Elections, Carla Faulkner

Spotlight on the Voter Registrar's Office!

Director of Elections, Carla Faulkner, talks about her position and the vital role her office plays in Mathews County with Caroline Oxley, Communications Manager, for Mathews County.

Mrs. Faulkner, what is your position with Mathews County?

"I have been a Director of Elections for 7 years [with Mathews County]. […] My goal is to run fair and honest elections in Mathews County while being transparent to the citizens and provide a secure, confidential environment while doing so."

What is a Director of Elections?

"The Director of Elections is a Virginia Constitutional Officer who serves as the manager of the Elections Office and is appointed by the local Electoral Board."

What are some of the functions of your role and office?

"[We] provide all registration transaction services required by the Constitution and the Code of Virginia; [we] accept, verify, and certify candidate petitions and certifications of candidate qualifications and maintain files of [their] required forms."

"[Our office also sends,] receives and certifies absentee ballot applications; conducts in-person absentee voting; maintains the security of voting equipment; trains officers or election [workers]; and prepares all training and election materials."

What kind of preparation are you required to accomplish during election years?

"[We are] responsible [for] programming voting equipment; assisting the preparation, maintenance, logic, and accuracy testing of all voting equipment; preparing (and conducting maintenance on) electronic pollbooks for use on Election Day; distributing of election results to the Department of Elections, news media, and the general public; [and] assisting the Electoral Board with the canvassing of election results. [Additionally, we keep] extended hours during absentee voting to offer voters convenience."

What do you enjoy most about your role?

"I love being able to give citizens their opportunity to cast their ballot. Voters are so happy to see their ballot being cast and feel [that] their civic duty was accomplished. […] People often ask 'what do you do [with] the other 364 days of the year[?]' and a simple answer is 'doing 364 days of work to ensure that one day goes well'. The success of every election depends on this office's preparation and precise records."

Mathews County would like to thank Mrs. Faulkner for speaking with us today and for everything she and her department does for Mathews and its citizens.

Each month, this "Be Here" spotlight will introduce various County Departments and Constitutional Offices to highlight their function, staff, contact information, and general information to the public. In the upcoming April 2021 issue, we'll be focusing on the Clerk of the Circuit Court office, managed by Mrs. Angela Ingram. Do you have questions about the Clerk of the Circuit Court office? Contact us at (804) 725-7172 to have your question featured in the April 2021 issue.

Reverend Gary Barker
of Kingston Parish and the Mathews Ministerial Association

Spotlight on Reverend Gary Barker!

Reverend Gary Barker of Kingston Parish talks about his position in the Ministerial Association, Kingston Parish, and the County with Caroline Oxley, Communications Manager, for Mathews County.

Rev. Barker, what is your position with the Ministerial Association in Mathews County?

"I serve as the administrative head of the Ministerial Association in Mathews [County. I] seek […] to gather all the active clergy in our county for mutual support [and for] a number of community events [that] we lead such as our [Mathews] High School Baccalaureate, and some shared ministry to those in need among us all in the county."

How long have you been a part of Kingston Parish?

"On March 15th, [2021,] I celebrated being at Kingston Episcopal Parish (and in Mathews) for 8 years. I have been [actively] serving churches in Virginia all my ministry, which now spans about thirty-one years. And while I have lived in Virginia for most of my adult life, I am definitely a "come here" since I grew up in the mountains outside [of] Los Angeles, [California]."

When did you begin working with Mathews County to help schedule meeting invocations?

"I can't recall exactly when [I offered the first invocation with the County], but I do recall that it was not too long after arriving in town! Someone from [Kingston Parish] had to show me where the [Historic] old courthouse was! Now, for about 5 years, I have been coordinating the different churches to offer invocations for County meetings."

How many religious organizations do you work with in Mathews?

"There are a few churches in the County who, for various reasons, aren't able or do [not] choose to be active members of the [Mathews] Ministerial Association, but I seek to reach out to all our churches and other religious groups in the County. Our email list includes about thirty Pastors and lay leaders. There are usually about twelve churches in our county that are active in what we do, including the invocations for the County Boards, but we would love to welcome more."

What do you find most fulfilling in your role with the Mathews Ministerial Association and with Kingston Episcopal Parish?

"While I, of course, love the Episcopal tradition in which I serve God, I also love the variety of experience I know [and learn] from the other Pastors in the [Mathews] Ministerial Association. I love that we gather to support one another, the schools, the needy, and the larger community with our prayers and actions. Kingston itself is also alive with people of all backgrounds (born here and come here [alike]; retired people who had major positions in our armed forces or in Washington, [D.C.] and Richmond, and young families, teachers, and all the rest). It's a fun and loving community with many different creative and traditional experiences of the holy, but we come together in all our diversity committed to worshipping God and offering the love of God in substantial outreach to the community."

Mathews County would like to take the time to thank Reverend Barker for speaking with us today, for all that he does for our County Board meeting invocations, and of course, for everything he contributes to our community.

Did you know that Mathews County works with wonderful citizens each year who assist us in all things from communications to meeting invocations? Coming soon in the April 2021 issue, we'll feature Ms. Sherry Hamilton of the Gloucester-Mathews Gazette Journal who helps provide seamless County communications to the public. Do you have questions for Ms. Sherry Hamilton or her role with the County? Contact us at (804) 725-7172 to have your question featured in the April 2021 issue.

Celebrating Women Trailblazers in Mathews County

The Mathews NAACP chapter has been saluting Mathews County women trailblazers throughout March for Women's History Month and we would also like to extend our thanks to these inspiring women. Please note that this is not comprehensive list and that the County would like to honor and thank all female public servants of Mathews.

Former Mathews County Board of Supervisor, the late Ms. Helen "Edwina Casey"

Mathews Memorial Library Director, Mrs. Bette Dillehay

Investigator, Mathews County Sheriff's Department, Ms. April Edwards

Clerk of the Circuit Court, Mrs. Angela Ingram

Current Board of Supervisors Vice-Chair, Ms. Melissa Mason

Chair of the Broadband Advisory Board, Mrs. Judy Rowe

Would you like to participate in upcoming Mathews County events? Check out our April 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!

Coming up on April 17, 2021 is the annual Gloucester/Mathews House and Garden Tour!

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.