This section was last updated on:  05/18/06

Menchville House in Newport News needs volunteer receptionists, handymen and nurses.

Senior Employment & Training Program (STEP). Older adults interested in finding employment in the greater Williamsburg area may learn more about this program by attending one of two free informational sessions to be held at the Historic Triangle Senior Center, 5301 Longhill Road, Williamsburg. The first is June 1 at 12:30p.m. The second is June 5 at 11:00a.m. STEP is a combined effort of the Williamsburg Virginia Workforce Center (VA Employment Commission) and the Senior Center. For more information, contact Dan Phillips at 253-4738 or e-mail Daniel.Phillips@vec.virginia.gov.

New Sheriff’s Citizen Academy. Citizens of York County and Poquoson aged 21 and older are encouraged to enroll in this new citizen training. Each 11 week Academy session will meet Monday evenings for 3 hours. The curriculum includes criminal investigations, criminal law, tactical operations, jail operations, hostage negotiations, 911 communications, firearms/weapons use, hiring and training procedures, family violence, narcotics enforcement and other topics. Presenters will be law enforcement professionals and guest speakers. Each student will ride with a Sheriff’s Deputy for 4 hours. This is a free training experience. The next session is April 10 – June 19. Interested persons can call the Crime Prevention Unit at 890-3639 or 890-3642.for information. Applications can be obtained by written request faxed to 890-3649 or mailed to York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Crime Prevention Unit, P.O. Box 99, Yorktown, VA 23690. Applications also may be downloaded from the internet at www.yorkcounty.gov/sheriff

The Peninsula Medical Reserve Corps Needs You! Trained medical personnel and persons to support their efforts are needed in times of emergency omn the Virginia Peninsula. Whether the emergency is related to weather, disease, terrorism, nuclear disaster or some other cause, medical services are needed. The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) needs a registry of persons to contact for help. 

Volunteer positions needed include: Physician, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, RN & LPN, Nurses Aide, Pharmacist, Dentist, Social Worker, Clerical Worker, Veterinarian & Vet tech, Mental Health Counselor, Radio Communicator, Interpreter, Information Technology Support, Greeter and Runner. The MRC serves all Peninsula jurisdictions and needs help in all areas. Gloucester, Matthews and other regional counties are served also. Training on emergency skills will be provided by the MRC for persons interested. For more information, contact Jennifer Freeland, MRC Coordinator at 757-594-8045 or Jennifer.freeland@vdh.virginia.gov. If you are already an RSVP volunteer, let us know at 595-9037 if you register with the MRC.

Recycle Used Cell Phones. Transitions Family Violence Services can recycle used call phones of all types, including bag phones, and make money to support its wonderful programs for women and children. Used cell phones can be dropped off Wednesdays 9am – 4pm at 240 Chapel Street in Hampton. Other arrangements can be made by calling Julia at Transitions 728-0025. Phones for Transitions also may be dropped off at our office in the Mariner Building, 12388 Warwick Blvd., Suite 201, Newport News 9am – 4pm Monday – Friday except Holidays. Please us at 595-9037 before coming by. Tell your friends about this opportunity.

Help Your Neighborhood.  Help your community by helping your neighborhood to combat crime, natural disasters and other emergencies. Your knowledge and participation can help yourself, your family and your neighbors. Learn practical ways to help through free programs like: