Is your chimney safe? – Broken or cracked chimneys damaged in the recent earthquake can cause a fire or let heat, smoke and toxic gasses such as carbon monoxide into your home.

Shiny areas on metal chimney pipes, crumbling mortar and cracks at joints where the chimney connects to the firebox are signs that there may be a problem. When in doubt, consult a licensed engineer or contractor. Call your insurance or mortgage company for recommendations.

Additional information on what to look for is available online.

Civil War 150 Legacy Project – On Oct. 22, archivists from the Library of Virginia will be at the James City County Library, 7770 Croaker Rd., to scan privately-held materials to be included on the Library of Virginia and the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission websites.

Items suitable for the Project include letters, diaries, photographs, hand-drawn sketches and more.

Scanning will be done by appointment only. Contact Jason Purse at 757-253-6689 or by email. For more information, visit the website.

Know before you go – For over 85 percent of County voters, the recent redistricting resulted in changes in polling places, election districts and representation on the Board of Supervisors and the Virginia State Senate and House of Delegates. The Voter Registrar encourages all County voters to verify their registration information on the State Board of Elections' website or by calling the Voter Registrar’s Office at 757-253-6868 well in advance of the Nov. 8 election.

For more information including directions to polling places and sample ballots, visit the Voter Registrar’s website.

Dust off the rake – Between Nov. 7 and 20, County residents may drop off leaves for free at the Jolly Pond Convenience Center, 1204 Jolly Pond Rd., daily from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Leaves will only be accepted in clear bags 40 gallons or less. Leaves from commercial lawn service companies will be accepted with a letter from the resident containing the resident’s name, address and telephone number.

The County’s only round of curbside leaf collection begins Dec. 1. A second free drop off period will be available Jan. 3 through 15. Details can be found online or in an upcoming issue of e-FYI.

What do you do with unused medication?– The County Police Department is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m.-2 pm. at the James City/Williamsburg Community Center, 5301 Longhill Rd.and at Fire Station 2, 8429 Pocahontas Trail.

Disposing of unused and unwanted medications helps eliminate the opportunity for prescription drug abuse. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. For more information, visit the DEA’s website.

Before or after you drop off your medication – Help prevent identify theft by shredding your old documents. Join the Police at a Shred-A-Thon, Saturday, Oct.29 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Towne Bank, 5216 Monticello Ave. Citizens can shred a grocery-sized bag of documents at no charge, $5 for each additional bag.

Proceeds will benefit the 1st Annual “Shop with a Cop” program, assisting underprivileged children and families in James City County. Fight identity theft while helping a child have a happy holiday this year.

Register for free classes – The Office of Housing and Community Development is offering two workshops in October for anyone interested in buying a home or working on their finances:

• First Time Homebuyers – Oct. 25 and 27, 6-9 p.m., Parks and Recreation Administration Building, 5300 Palmer Ln., Suite 1A
• How to Make Your Money Go Further – Oct. 25, 10-11:30 a.m., James City/Williamsburg Community Center, 5301 Longhill Rd., Room B

Space is limited and registration is required. Call 757-259-5340 to reserve a space.

Get ready! Trick or treat hours in James City County are set for
Monday, October 31 from 6-8 p.m. for children 12 and under.

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