Around the Point - May 2024

Welcome to the May 2024 edition of Around the Point, the Town of West Point’s official newsletter. There’s a lot of excitement in the air this month as we kick off Town and Chamber events, open our new location of the West Point Branch Library, and celebrate West Point High School’s Class of 2024!

Here’s what’s happening around the Point:

• Congratulations to our fire chief, Spencer Cheatham, on his appointment to the U.S. Fire Administration’s Recruitment and Retention Working Group. Statement: https://www.iafc.org/blogs/blog/iafc/2024/01/02/statement-from-iafc-president-chief-john-s.-butler.
• Thank you to those who have submitted your cross connection surveys. These surveys are required by the health department and help us ensure our residents have safe drinking water. Learn more and submit yours at west-point.va.us/crossconnection.
• Fowl ordinance grandfather applications are due by Friday, May 31, 2024. Visit west-point.va.us/applications and download the document under Online Services. Copies are also available at Town Hall (802 Main Street).
• The FY 2024-2025 Town of West Point Budget was adopted at our regular Town Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 30^th. Visit west-point.va.us/treasurer to view the budget.
• To support the increasing costs of refuse collection, new solid waste collection rates were adopted by Town Council on Tuesday, April 23^rd and will go into effect July 1, 2024. Residential trash pickup will be $15 per month and commercial trash pickup will be $18.50 per month.
• Planning to build, renovate, or demolish a structure on your property? Check out our FAQs, resources, and permit applications at west-point.va.us/buildingdepartment. Most projects require a permit. And, make sure you follow along as we share more about Building Safety Month on our website and social channels: Building Safety Month 2024 - Introduction.
• We’re fast approaching our 16^th Annual Chesty Puller Memorial Twin Bridge 10K. Scroll through the 10K’s Facebook page and check out this year’s medal and coin designs, and don’t forget to show our sponsors some appreciation. Volunteers are needed to help make the event a success: https://chestypuller.enmotive.com/events/volunteer/2024-chesty-puller-memorial-twin-bridge-10k. Volunteers receive medals, swag, a hot meal, cold drink, and a lot of gratitude!
• The King William County Farmers Market kicks off Friday, May 3^rd at 5pm at King William High School. Learn more on the market’s Facebook page.
• The new location of the West Point Branch Library will open Saturday, May 4^th at 10am at 433 12^th Street. Thank you to everyone involved in the planning, design, and relocation of our library!
• The Chamber of Commerce’s first Jammin’ On the Point of 2024 is Friday, May 3^rd – make plans to be at West Point Town Park from 6pm to 9pm and enjoy a night with Double Down RVA.
• Our first Food Trucks by the River is Friday, May 17^th and will feature the WPHS Jazz Band, Gauthier Vineyard, Keith’s Ice Cream Truck, Small Town Burger, Carmen’s Jamaican Authentic Cuisine, and The Grateful Grill RVA. Join us from 5pm to 8pm at The Pavilion at Riverwalk Park.
• The West Point Farmers Market opens Saturday, May 18^th at 8am at The Pavilion at Riverwalk Park. Learn more at west-point.va.us/farmersmarket.
• West Point Town Hall & DMV will be closed on Monday, May 27^th in observance of Memorial Day. A ceremony hosted by our local VFW will take place at 11am at VFW Memorial Park, located near Sunny Slope Cemetery. See details on the VFW’s Facebook page.
• WPHS spring sports are finishing up – come out and support our Pointers! See team schedules at https://www.tidewaterdistrictva.org/public/genie/309/school/5/.
• A reminder that our self-service kayak rental kiosk at West Point Creek is ready for you to enjoy. Learn more about paddling our waterways here, and be sure to follow all safety guidelines before you launch.

Finally, congratulations to the West Point High School Class of 2024! We are proud of each of you and wish you all the best as you step into your next chapter.

Sincerely,
Jack Lawson
Mayor, Town of West Point

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Photo credit: Earl Heidelberg