COMMUNITY Connection Bedford County
COMMUNITY
Connection
SUMMER EDITION 2024
Bedford County Community Connection highlights the latest news from Bedford County, Virginia’s government departments. It is published quarterly online (January, April, July, October).
CONTACT
PHONE
540-586-7601
publicinfo@bedfordcountyva.gov
ADDRESS
122 East Main Street Bedford, VA 24523
WEBSITE
www.bedfordcountyva.gov
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook:
BedfordCountyVAGovernment
Instagram: @bedfordcountyvirginia
LinkedIn: Bedford County, Virginia
X: @BedfordCountyVA
YouTube: @CountyofBedford
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
DISTRICT 1
Mickey Johnson
DISTRICT 2
Edgar Tuck (Chair)
DISTRICT 3
Charla Bansley
DISTRICT 4
John Sharp
DISTRICT 5
Tommy Scott
DISTRICT 6
Bob Davis
DISTRICT 7
Tammy Parker (Vice Chair)
Learn more: www.bedfordcountyva.gov/BOS
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shelley Basinger, Ashlee Glen, Woody Watts
ON THE COVER
Julia DiMartino, athlete on LU Disc Golf team, plays at Bedford County's Independence Park.
Photo by Ashlee Glen
The latest update on repairs that will make the historic Bedford County Courthouse clock ring on time again.
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The Disc Golf Capital of Virginia
As the region prepares for the disc golf world championships, we take a closer look at how the sport has become a part of Bedford County's identity.
PAGE 6
Next-Level 911 Technology
For the first time since 1996, Bedford County dispatchers are using a new, and improved, computer system.
PAGE 9
Bottled in Bedford
This is the best time of year to enjoy the nine stops on Bedford County's premier craft beverage trail.
PAGE 11
Meetings & Important Dates
JULY
4 – Independence Day Holiday: County Administrative offices are closed. The Waste Management Facility and gated waste collection centers are also closed.
22 – Board of Supervisors: 7 p.m. at County Administration building. Worksession at 5 p.m.
AUGUST
1 – Economic Development Authority: 5:30 p.m. at County Administration Building.
6 – Planning Commission: 6 p.m. at County Administration building.
12 – Board of Supervisors
7 p.m. at County Administration Building. Worksession at 5 p.m.
12 – First Day of School for Bedford County Public Schools: Drivers should be on the lookout for school buses and students at bus stops in the morning and afternoon.
26 – Board of Supervisors: 7 p.m. at County Administration Building. Worksession at 5 p.m.
SEPTEMBER
2 – Labor Day Holiday: County Administrative offices closed. Gated waste collection centers are also closed.
3 – Planning Commission: 6 p.m. at County Administration Building.
6 – Economic Development Authority: 5:30 p.m. at County Administration building.
SHELTER PET PRESS
MEET MONTY!
9 – Board of Supervisors: 7 p.m. at County Administration building. Worksession at 5 p.m.
20 – First Day of Absentee
Voting for November 2024 Presidential Election: In-person, early voting will take place at the Bedford County Gym (1059 Turning Point Rd., Bedford). Learn more on page 4.
23 – Board of Supervisors: 7 p.m. at County Administration building. Worksession at 5 p.m.
Monty is an older coonhound (10+ years) who is ready to come relax at your house. Shelter staff say he does well with other dogs.
If you are interested in meeting Monty or scheduling a meet-and-greet with your current dogs, contact the Bedford County Animal Shelter at 540586-7690. You can also email Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter at fobcasfriends@gmail.com.
The Bedford County Animal Shelter is located at 1307 Falling Creek Road and is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 1-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
PET
Bedford County Waste Management is now accepting donations of dog/cat food, kitty litter, and pet treats at any of our 12 gated waste collection sites. You can take your donations to the attendant station anytime during normal business hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
Despite incredible marketing efforts by the shelter’s adoption nonprofit, Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter, the shelter is often full of pets, which quickly depletes resources.
Purina brand pet food is preferred. Please do not donate wet pet food, toys, blankets, or any other pet-related items.
You can find a full list of our gated waste collection sites on our website: www.bedfordcountyva.gov/waste.
FYI: County News, Announcements & Reminders
Beginning July 1, 2024, unregistered farm use panel trucks, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles must display a DMV-issued permanent farm use placard. Previously, an unofficial farm use tag, not issued by DMV, was sufficient. Learn more on the DMV’s website.
The Bedford County Economic Development Authority has established a $30,000 childcare facilities incentive fund program for childcare providers in Bedford County outside of the Town of Bedford. Learn more at www.bedfordeconomicdevelopment.com.
Starting on Aug. 5, the Stewartsville branch of the Bedford Public Library System is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a week of special activities for the whole family. Visit the library calendar to learn more.
Hurricane season is underway through Nov. 30. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association predicts an above-average season. Learn more about how to prepare for a natural disaster on our website: www.bedfordcountyva.gov/ plan.
The New London Cannery opens for the season on July 2. The Cannery is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. No product will be accepted after 10 a.m. WATCH: Parks Manager Brian Martin explains how the cannery works in this video message.
Remember to subscribe to Bedford County email notices, and you will be the first to know about news updates, closures, important dates, and more. Visit www.bedfordcountyva.gov/subscribe and select which categories you want to hear about under News, Calendar, and Jobs.
Applications for cooling assistance will be accepted through August 15, 2024. There are eligibility requirements that prioritize seniors, children, and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply on page 12.
The first day of early, in-person voting for the November Presidential Election is Friday, Sept. 20. Voters will cast ballots at the Bedford County Gym (1059 Turning Point Rd., Bedford). Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more about voting in Bedford County at www.bedfordcountyva.gov/vote.
BROADBAND CORNER
In 2022, Bedford County received approximately $25 million in state funding from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development through its Telecommunications Initiative. Funding is dedicated to bringing fiber broadband to unserved or underserved residents in Bedford County. With additional funding commitments by the Board of Supervisors and private internet service providers (ISPs), more than 13,000 homes and businesses will gain access to broadband internet services.
Below is an update on each of Bedford County’s four, state-funded projects. ( WATCH: In this short video, our County Engineer explains each project area on a color-coded map.)
4,000 addresses connected | 1,500 addresses pending | Completion: Spring 2025
Message from the Treasurer
William Perrow reflects on first six months in office
Bedford County Treasurer William Perrow was elected to his position in Nov. 2023 and officially stepped into the role in January.
He is working on improving operations in several areas. Below, Perrow shares his thoughts with citizens as he reaches the six-month mark as Treasurer.
“Reflecting on the first six months in office, it has been a privilege to cultivate connections and fortify alliances in my commitment to serving citizens.
Upon assuming office, I identified opportunities to enhance the customer experience. Among my initial endeavors was the overhaul of the phone system, aimed at reducing prompts and expediting access when contacting the Treasurer’s Office.
In recent months, I have collaborated closely with other Bedford County departments to meticulously outline cash flows and fortify our investment strategies. Presently, we are realizing an average return of 5% on our investments, thereby generating supplementary revenue to sustain County operations. I am committed to this proactive investment approach to optimize the utilization of taxpayer funds.
You may have observed in May and June the heightened publicity regarding the real estate tax due date, including signage at Bedford County waste collection centers and social media posts. I am dedicated to employing various communication channels to ensure that you are well-informed.
Your feedback and suggestions are
Clocktower repairs
Repair work continues in the Bedford County Courthouse clock tower to make the system operational once again. The timekeeping mechanism (pictured above) has been failing for more than four years. It dates back to the 1930s. Due to the age of the system, Bedford County staff had a difficult time finding someone who knew how to make the repairs. However, in early 2023, staff were able to locate a contractor with this type of experience who had just moved to the area from California.
Repairs started in late 2023 and continued in early June, when it was determined the timekeeping motor needed to be shipped back to the vendor for assessment. We are awaiting word from the vendor about the issue, but are hopeful that the clock will be operational as soon as possible.
invaluable in my endeavor to better serve you. Please feel free to connect with me via email: wmperrow@bedfordcountyva. gov.”
New Fire/EMS grads
Congratulations to the 12 students who completed the Bedford County Fire & Rescue EMT class in May! Top photo, front row, left to right: Derek Hart, Gavin Sorrell, Ben Schanz, Caleb Clark, Marie Lee, Deanna Mason—Back row, left to right: Jodi McChesney (Instructor), Steven Long, Ben Madison, Wes Daniels, Zach Turner, Brian Fullen, Brian Dooley, J.T. Lawhorn (Instructor)
Twelve students also completed Fire & Rescue’s Fire 1 course in May! Bottom photo, left to right: Chase Ripley, Jodi McChesney (Training Captain), Addison Lacey, Addison Jennings, Justin Cox, Ty Calhoun, Jeff Furrow, Doug Aune III, Dakota Hall, Doug South, Sean Sullivan, Theresa Boyes
Thank you to Moneta Volunteer Squad for hosting and supporting the EMT class and also providing support for the Fire 1 class!
Dedication to Disc Golf
With a world championship around the corner, Bedford County's continued committment to the sport is paying off
By Shelley Basinger
In the early 2000s, as the sport of disc golf exploded in popularity across the U.S., Kenny Palmer had what seemed at the time like a long-shot vision—turn Bedford County into the “Disc Golf Capital of Virginia.”
“Kenny is the one who coined that phrase,” said Parks Manager Brian Martin. “He saw the availability of unused land in our parks. He was into disc golf at the time and started making it happen.”
From there, Bedford County started a slow climb towards that unofficial title.
5 COURSES, 5 YEARS
Palmer, a former Bedford County Parks & Recreation employee who passed away in January 2024, lead the charge to create Bedford County’s first disc golf course at Falling Creek Park. It opened in 2008 with 18 holes.
From there, Palmer and others on the Parks & Recreation staff opened a course at Moneta Park in 2017 (with financial help from the Smith Mountain Lake Rotary Club). Within two years, in
2019, they opened an 18-hole course at Montvale Park.
In late 2019, Bedford County purchased Independence Park from the Town of Bedford. In 2020, staff unveiled a new 18-hole disc course on the property.
The pinnacle in course development came in April 2021 with the opening of the New London Tech Disc Golf Course within the New London Business and Technology Center, which is owned by the Bedford County Economic Development Authority.
The professional-level course was designed by Paul McBeth, former Bedford County resident and international disc golf champion. It includes signature Paul McBeth baskets at every hole.
“The course at New London really brought Bedford County to a new level in the sport,” said Parks & Recreation Director Chris Higgins.
According to statistics on UDISC, the most commonly used app for disc golfers, the New London Tech Disc Golf Course is ranked 32nd in the world.
Martin believes a large part of that esteem is due to regular maintenance—
keeping tee pads and baskets functional and paths clear.
“What helps us in Bedford County is the amount of people playing all year long. If there is a tree down on a hole, by the end of the day I know about it,” said Martin. “Our courses see a lot of traffic.”
WORD GOT OUT
Statistics from UDISC show there were 1,256 total rounds played on Bedford County’s six disc golf courses in May 2024.
“And these are only rounds that were recorded on UDISC,” said Director of Tourism Nicole Johnson. “Disc golf has become an important tourism asset for us. People travel to Bedford County for disc golf.”
This year, the Tourism department unveiled a nine-hole course on the grounds of the Bedford Area Welcome Center.
Palmer was also instrumental in the development of this short course, including a recommendation to have red, white, and blue baskets as a nod to the National D-Day Memorial located just up the hill.
During a Dec. 2023 visit to the Wel-
come Center, Lowe Bibby, of Charlotte, N.C., told staff that he recommends Bedford County as one of the top places to play in Virginia. He has been an avid disc golfer since the 1970s and has played at 200 courses across Virginia.
“Hosting this event will bring disc golfers like Bibby to our region for years to come because athletes will want to play a “Worlds” course,” said Johnson.
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
In late 2021, the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) approached Bedford County about playing the 2024 PDGA world championships at the New London course. Bedford County pulled the City of Lynchburg into the conversation, as the championships required a host “city” and a certain number of hotel accommodations. In December 2022, Ledgestone Group—the organizer of the PDGA world championships—made the announcement official.
Disc golf athletes from all over the world will play at Bedford County’s New London course as well as at a new course created at Ivy Hill Golf Club in Forest.
Preparation for the event has ramped up in the past few months as Martin and his team have been focusing on improvements at the New London property.
“Since the first of the year we have rebuilt all of the bridges to include a new
spectator path between holes. We have rebuilt all of the tee pads and trimmed trees,” said Martin. He added that they are moving 20 sets of bleachers to the property for spectators to use as seating at various holes.
STAYING THE COURSE
As of right now, Bedford County doesn’t have any more land for new disc golf courses. But Parks & Recreation staff plans to stay busy maintaining and re-inventing current courses. They are known to think outside of the box when sourcing materials, such as using discarded turf from another locality’s school for tee pads.
“One of the best things we can do is make the courses we do have even better,” said Martin.
Higgins believes the world championships in August are only the beginning for Bedford County’s disc golf reputation.
“The PDGA worlds will put us on a national short list of locations for disc golf competitions,” he said. “After decades of investment in the infrastructure of disc golf in Bedford County, we are seeing everyone’s vision, hard work, and investment pay off.”
Learn more about disc golf options in Bedford County at www.bedfordcountyva.gov/discgolf.
Above: Rebuilt tee pad at New London Tech course. Pitch & Putt course at Bedford Area Welcome Center
Below: Billboard featuring Kenny Palmer. Bottom Left: Boy throws from tee pad at Independence Park. Bottom Right: Putting on the advanced course at Falling Creek Park
JOIN OUR TEAM! Stuart Saunders EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER
Bedford County offers a variety of exciting and rewarding careers in local government that have a direct impact on our community. With 21 different departments, we offer careers ranging from entry level to technical and professional. Our employees also have excellent benefits, VRS retirement, and a chance to participate in a variety of wellness and engagement activities.
Learn more about two of our featured jobs from Bedford County Department of Fire & Rescue below.
View all open positions on our website: www.bedfordcountyva.gov/jobs.
EMT
Provides basic life support and care to citizens. Does related EMS and emergency services work as required.
FIREFIGHTER/EMT
Performs difficult protective services work regarding emergency medical services and fire suppression. Does related EMS, FIre, and emergency services work as required.
Title: Recreation Manager
Hired: May 2014
Nominated By: Parks & Recreation Director Chris Higgins, who says Stuart should be commended for the countless recreational programs and camps he has led in his 10+ years with Bedford County.
Tell us a little bit about your career path up leading up to your current position.
I began my Parks & Recreation career in 2009 working for Campbell County Parks & Recreation, and then moved over to Lynchburg Parks & Recreation. I came home to Bedford in 2014 as Program Coordinator for Bedford County Parks & Recreation. I was recently promoted to Recreation Manager.
What do you do in your role as Recreation Manager?
I oversee all of our recreational activities in the department including athletics, youth/senior programming, and special events .
What do you enjoy the most about working in the Parks & Recreation department?
Having grown up here, I have made many life-long relationships in the community, and I love having that connection to the citizens we serve. I love talking with citizens at activities and events.
What’s your favorite Parks & Recreation event or activity to organize each year?
The Bedford Youth Fishing & Outdoor Experience that we put on each June. It’s my favorite because it takes the most planning and work to pull it off but when the day of the event arrives, and you see all the hard work pay off and the kids smiling and having a good time, it makes it all worth it.
What are the biggest challenges in your job?
I think the biggest challenge is finding volunteers for the events and activities that we coordinate. To successfully put on an event takes many hours of work. We rely on a
great group of volunteers to assist us at events, and we are always looking for more helpful folks.
What types of new events, activities or initiatives are you working on behind the scenes?
One thing I am particularly excited about is the First Friday’s Concert Series we are trying to plan for this fall. We would love to showcase different genres of music at each event.
How do you stay busy outside of work?
I love spending time with my wife and two daughters. Whether it’s coaching my girls' soccer teams on Saturday mornings or going camping during the summer, I love making memories with my family.
Employee of the Quarter is selected by the County Administrator, Deputy County Administrator, and Assistant County Administrator through nominations from Bedford County staff.
911 team makes monumental technology transition
Bedford County’s 911 Communications team has successfully made it to the other side of a technological transition that hasn’t happened in almost three decades.
In January 2022, Bedford County signed a contract with Motorola to move onto a new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
“CAD means the computer keeps track of all the police, fire and rescue units that are available. And when we receive a 911 call, the CAD system keeps track of that information as well throughout the entire response,” said Emergency Communications Director Christine Giglio.
Since early 2022, there has been an incredible amount of behind-thescenes planning, organizing, and strategizing because they had the opportunity—and the challenge—of building this new CAD system from the ground up.
“We met with Bedford Police, Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, and Bedford County Fire & Rescue and ultimately asked them... what do you want the software to do, as opposed to what we are doing now?” said Giglio.
One of the biggest improvements with the new CAD system is it recommends responding units based on
where they are and what they can provide to a specific emergency. On the old system, dispatchers had a list of units but had to decide by hand which unit went where.
Another improvement is new addresses are updated more efficiently. Before, new addresses had to be entered into the system one-by-one. Now, Bedford County GIS can instantly sync address updates with the CAD system.
Bedford County Emergency Communications had used their prior CAD system since 1996.
“There has been a learning curve for
BUSINESS BY THE NUMBERS
30
Students who participated in Bedford County Public School's Career & Technical Education Signing Day on May 7.
The students were either signing on to local full-time employment or entering college in their CTE field of study.
6.5%
Increase in average annual wages per worker in Bedford County in the last quarter of 2024.
This increase is compared to the preceding four quarters.
*Source: JobsEQ Report
sure. Our old system was what everyone was used to,” Giglio said.
They are asking for the public’s patience as they continue to transition— which includes an understanding of why they may ask a lot of information about your address if you call.
“We have to validate all addresses in this system and tell the computer exactly where you are,” said Giglio. “It’s a lot of work, but this is a good thing. This is what a high-tech system requires and by using it the right way, we can get help to you when you need it much faster.”
$71.4M
Direct travel expenditures by visitors to Bedford County in 2022. This is the highest amount spent on record!
*Source: Virginia Tourism Corporation and Tourism Economics.
4 Farmers markets that are open for the season in Bedford County. There are thriving markets in the Town of Bedford, Forest, Moneta, and Montvale. Learn more: bedfordeconomicdevelopment. com.
More than 200 Bedford County seniors enjoy 43rd annual Elderfest event
When asked how many Elderfest events she has attended in Bedford County through the years, 86-year-old Gail St. Clair says it’s hard to keep track.
“A lot! Ten, 15, or even 20 I have been to. [Elderfest] honors the ‘mature people’,” she laughed, adding that she always enjoys the entertainment, food, and wide variety of senior-focused vendors.
Elderfest is a longtime tradition in Bedford County. The first event was held in 1980 as a small gathering with a few vendors. Now, the activities span two days.
This year’s festivities were held Thursday, May 2, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Friday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Bedford Moose Lodge.
“Elderfest provides an opportunity for senior citizens to come together, socialize and learn from different community vendors about different resources that are available in Bedford County to our senior citizen population,” said Stuart Saunders, recreation manager for Bedford County Parks & Recreation.
The event is held in May in conjunction with Older Americans Month, an initiative by the Administration for Community Living. This year’s Older Americans Month theme was “Powered by Connection,” a focus on the mental, physical, and emotional health benefits of social connection.
“Often times our senior population can become isolated, and these events
offer the social interaction that most seniors in the community crave,” said Saunders.
St. Clair agrees that the social connection at Elderfest—and other Parks & Recreation activities for seniors such as weekly bingo—is what improves her overall wellbeing.
“You laugh, and laughter is the best medicine,” said St. Clair. “We get together and we talk and we tell silly stories and laugh at one another. It makes you feel so much better.”
Saunders added: “These events have opened my eyes, particularly after the pandemic, to how important these events are to engage with our seniors and find out what resources or programs they would like to see. I enjoy seeing the smiles on their faces as they see old friends or meet new ones through Parks & Recreation programs.”
Learn more about senior programs at parks.bedfordcountyva.gov.
Tis' the season to explore the Bottled in Bedford Craft Beverage Trail
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to Smith Mountain Lake, the Bottled in Bedford Craft Beverage Trail links together Bedford County’s wine, craft beer, cider and mead businesses.
The trail includes the following nine locations:
• Apocalypse Ale Works
• Beale’s Brewery
• Burnbrae Vineyards
• Fables & Feathers Winery
• Graham Ordinary Meadery
• Hickory Hill Vineyards
• Peaks of Otter Winery
• Ramulose Ridge Vineyards
• Seven Doors Winery
The trail replaces the long-standing Bedford Wine Trail and is managed by the Bedford County Tourism Department, Destination Bedford. The trail was introduced in August 2023 with the goal of bringing awareness to the local craft beverage and agritourism industry.
The warm summer months are the pinnacle of the season for craft beverage establisments with more events and outdoor activities for customers to enjoy.
For example, some Bottled in Bedford locations have live music, food trucks, corn hole, and special themed events.
"But if a low-key experience is what you want, these locations are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenery," said Director of Tourism Nicole Johnson.
Almost every stop offers special limited releases. A recent example is the
D-Fender IPA produced by Apocalypse Ale Works to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. It is only available by visiting their taproom in Forest.
Speaking on the opportunity to be a part of the Bottled in Bedford Craft Beverage Trail, John Graham, owner of Graham Ordinary Meadery, said: “Each place has a story to tell, and I hope you will not only enjoy the product, but also enjoy learning about the people and history behind the product."
By visiting the various locations and
posting on social media using #BottledinBedford, you have a chance to be randomly selected to receive a souvenir t-shirt, cooler bag, or pint glass.
For more information about the trail, including a video and map, go to www. BottledinBedford.com. Also follow the Facebook page @BottledinBedford.
Top photo: Aerial view of Fables & Feathers Winery. Bottom left: Peaks of Otter wine. Bottom right: D-Fender IPA at Apocalypse Ale Works
Community Events
JULY
3 – "Before the Works" with DJ Showtime
5 to 10 p.m., Liberty Lake Park Food trucks, music, bounce houses, and more. $10/adults over 18.
12 – Family Movie Night Dusk, Falling Creek Park
Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy “Trolls Band Together.” Free.
20 – Bedford County Sheriff’s Office 30th Annual Golf Tournament
8 a.m. and 2 p.m., Ivy Hill Golf Club
Proceeds benefit BCSO School Resource Officer and DARE programs. Register: rclayton@bedfordsheriff. org or 540-586-7718.
26 – Canning Workshop
9 a.m. to 12 p.m., New London Cannery $25 per person. Space is limited. To register, visit parks.bedfordcountyva. gov/new-london-cannery.
27 – Family Fishing & Adventures
8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Independence Park Free. Fish two stocked ponds, hike
on trails, have a picnic, play disc golf, and enjoy fellowship together.
AUGUST
3 – The Hairy Roubaix
8 a.m., Peaks Retreat & Adventure Center
100% of proceeds from this ride and run event will go to Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter. Learn more on Facebook.
21-25 – 2024 PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships
Tee times start at 8 a.m., New London Tech Disc Golf Course & Ivy Hill Golf Club
For event information, including the course schedule and tickets, visit www.pdga.com/2024proworlds.
23-25 – Bedford County Fair
6 p.m., Falling Creek Rd. near Sheriff's Office Free. All parking offsite with shuttles. Rides, farm animals, contests, concerts. Follow Bedford County Fair on Facebook for updates.
30-31 – SedaliaFest Labor Day
Weekend Show: Sedalia Remembers Jimmy Buffett
Family-friendly event with live music, kids activities and more. Free for kids 12 and under. Learn more: www. sedaliacenter.org/sedaliafest.
SEPTEMBER
14 – The Blue Ridge Bee Festival
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Falling Creek Park Free community event aimed to promote all things bees in the Blue Ridge. Workshops & demos, guest speakers, honey tasting, and more.
16 – 4-H Fall Day Camp
Email maribethm@vt.edu for more information.
21 – Centerfest
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Downtown Bedford Vendors, food trucks, live music, children's activities. Free.
28 – Next Generation Youth Farmers Market
8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Bedford Farmers Market
Organized by Bedford County 4-H. Features teen entrepreneurs and producers.
RESOURCE LINK: SUMMER HEAT CONCERNS
According to an Associated Press analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, there were 2,300 heat-related deaths in the U.S. last year.
The Bedford County Department of Social Services has a couple of important reminders for residents as we move into July, which is typically the hottest month of the year.
Concern for the Elderly
When temperatures climb above 80 degrees, older adults need to be proactive and take precautions to avoid ailments that are associated with excessive heat, such as heat stroke.
Residents should check on elderly family members and neighbors during the hot summer months. If you are concerned about the safety of an elderly person due to heat, call Adult Protective Services at 540586-7750 ext. 2276.
Cooling Assistance
Applications for cooling assistance are accepted June 15 through August 15. Cooling assistance provides for the purchase or repair of cooling equipment and/or payment for electricity to operate cooling equipment. To be eligible, a household must contain at least one vulnerable individual who is age 60 or over, is living with a disability, or is under age 6.
Other eligibility criteria for assistance includes:
• Must be resident of the locality in which application is made.
• Must have a heating or cooling expense responsibility.
• Must meet income requirements. Assistance is based on the availability of funds. Apply online: commonhelp.virginia.gov/access/ or by calling 855-635-4370.
