Every year, as autumn settles over Newport News, neighborhoods transform into a patchwork of gold, amber, and deep red. It’s a beautiful season — and also one of the busiest for the City’s Public Works Street Maintenance Division. When the leaves begin to fall, an extraordinary citywide operation starts behind the scenes: loose-leaf collection.
This annual service is more than a convenience. It’s a coordinated effort that protects storm drains, keeps roads safe, and preserves the natural beauty of our communities. Here’s how the process works — and how residents can help keep it running smoothly.
A Citywide Rhythm
Newport News is divided into three major leaf-collection areas. Each one has a scheduled start date during the fall and winter months, allowing crews to work efficiently through thousands of households.
Area 2 begins in early December <- Village Green is in Area 2
Area 3 follows just before the New Year
Area 1 starts in late January
A final citywide sweep takes place in February
The schedule is carefully planned to ensure that every neighborhood receives one full collection round before the season ends.
How the Crews Work
Once a zone opens, teams move methodically through each street using specialized vacuum trucks designed to scoop up large piles of loose leaves. The trucks work best when piles are neatly placed and free of debris — that’s why resident preparation is crucial to the system.
Crews rely on clear curbs and good visibility. Leaves must be raked to the edge of the roadway, not to the street or drainage ditch. When leaves block gutters or storm drains, water backs up. It can cause localized flooding — especially during the winter rain season. Keeping the piles out of the street helps keep everyone safer.
Why Preparation Matters
To keep everything running smoothly, residents are asked to have their leaves at the curb line by 7 a.m. on the first day their area’s collection begins. Because crews make one pass through each neighborhood, timing is everything.
A Few Small Steps From Residents Go a Long Way:
Keep leaves close to the road, but not in the street or ditch
Remove sticks, branches, and other debris — mixed piles cannot be collected
Avoid covering water meters and utility boxes
Wait until the week before your collection date to rake leaves out to the curb to prevent drifting
These simple actions help crews work faster, reduce equipment damage, and maintain proper drainage throughout the season.
Options for Bagged Leaves
For those who prefer to bag their leaves, another option is available year-round during regular bulk pickup. Leaves must be placed in clear plastic bags and limited to 30 per collection. This service helps households that accumulate leaves earlier or later than the loose-leaf schedule.
A Shared Effort, A Cleaner City
Loose-leaf collection is one of Newport News’ most anticipated seasonal services, and it works best when the community comes together. Residents prepare their yards; Public Works handles the heavy lifting. The result: cleaner streets, healthier storm drains, and neighborhoods that look their best heading into winter.
This fall, as the leaves begin to drop, a little preparation at home helps keep the entire city moving. And with a few simple steps, we can all do our part to protect the place we call home.
For more information, go to nnva.gov/857/Seasonal-Leaf-Collection or call our 311 team at 757-933-2311.
Newport News Leaf Collection Video
Customer Notice: Service Disconnections for Non-Payment to Resume
/in Crier, Newport News News /by VGCA Crier EditorDuring the recent federal furloughs, Newport News Waterworks (NNWW) temporarily paused service disconnections to support customers who were unexpectedly impacted. With the federal government now fully reopened, NNWW will resume service disconnections for non-payment, beginning Monday, Dec. 1. This will include water service disconnections for both NNWW and Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD).
If customers have a past-due balance, they are encouraged to make a payment or contact the NNWW as soon as possible to discuss their options. They can review the NNWW’s website for available financial assistance options.
NNWW has partnered with PromisePay to offer easy, flexible payment plans. Please visit their website or call PromisePay at 757-703-4005 to sign up.
Customers can make payments using any of the following methods:
NNWW thanks its customers for their cooperation.
The Big Fall Clean-Up 2025: How Newport News Keeps Leaves Moving and Streets Flowing
/in Crier, Newport News News /by VGCA Crier EditorEvery year, as autumn settles over Newport News, neighborhoods transform into a patchwork of gold, amber, and deep red. It’s a beautiful season — and also one of the busiest for the City’s Public Works Street Maintenance Division. When the leaves begin to fall, an extraordinary citywide operation starts behind the scenes: loose-leaf collection.
This annual service is more than a convenience. It’s a coordinated effort that protects storm drains, keeps roads safe, and preserves the natural beauty of our communities. Here’s how the process works — and how residents can help keep it running smoothly.
A Citywide Rhythm
Newport News is divided into three major leaf-collection areas. Each one has a scheduled start date during the fall and winter months, allowing crews to work efficiently through thousands of households.
Area 2 begins in early December <- Village Green is in Area 2
Area 3 follows just before the New Year
Area 1 starts in late January
A final citywide sweep takes place in February
The schedule is carefully planned to ensure that every neighborhood receives one full collection round before the season ends.
How the Crews Work
Once a zone opens, teams move methodically through each street using specialized vacuum trucks designed to scoop up large piles of loose leaves. The trucks work best when piles are neatly placed and free of debris — that’s why resident preparation is crucial to the system.
Crews rely on clear curbs and good visibility. Leaves must be raked to the edge of the roadway, not to the street or drainage ditch. When leaves block gutters or storm drains, water backs up. It can cause localized flooding — especially during the winter rain season. Keeping the piles out of the street helps keep everyone safer.
Why Preparation Matters
To keep everything running smoothly, residents are asked to have their leaves at the curb line by 7 a.m. on the first day their area’s collection begins. Because crews make one pass through each neighborhood, timing is everything.
A Few Small Steps From Residents Go a Long Way:
Keep leaves close to the road, but not in the street or ditch
Remove sticks, branches, and other debris — mixed piles cannot be collected
Avoid covering water meters and utility boxes
Wait until the week before your collection date to rake leaves out to the curb to prevent drifting
These simple actions help crews work faster, reduce equipment damage, and maintain proper drainage throughout the season.
Options for Bagged Leaves
For those who prefer to bag their leaves, another option is available year-round during regular bulk pickup. Leaves must be placed in clear plastic bags and limited to 30 per collection. This service helps households that accumulate leaves earlier or later than the loose-leaf schedule.
A Shared Effort, A Cleaner City
Loose-leaf collection is one of Newport News’ most anticipated seasonal services, and it works best when the community comes together. Residents prepare their yards; Public Works handles the heavy lifting. The result: cleaner streets, healthier storm drains, and neighborhoods that look their best heading into winter.
This fall, as the leaves begin to drop, a little preparation at home helps keep the entire city moving. And with a few simple steps, we can all do our part to protect the place we call home.
For more information, go to nnva.gov/857/Seasonal-Leaf-Collection or call our 311 team at 757-933-2311.
Newport News Leaf Collection Video
2025 Thanksgiving Closures
/in Crier, Newport News News /by VGCA Crier EditorThanksgiving Closures
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, several city offices and services will be closed or operating on adjusted schedules. Here’s what you need to know:
City Offices: City offices will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 26, Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28.
Libraries: All Newport News libraries will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 26, Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Recreation Centers: All recreation centers will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28.
Garbage, Recycling, and Bulk Waste Collections:
Recovery Operations Center: Closed from Wednesday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Nov. 30.
Adoption Center and Reunite Lobby: The Adoption Center will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27, and will reopen on Friday, Nov. 28, at 12 p.m.
The Reunite lobby will have a limited operational schedule on Thursday, Nov. 27, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for animal reclaim.
VG Swim Team Run/Walk Event
/in Crier, Swim Team /by VGCA Crier EditorT-Shirt Design Contest for VG Swim Team Fundraiser
/in Swim Team /by VGCA Crier EditorVGCA: Presents with the Grinch
/in Crier /by VGCA Events CoordinatorThe Christmas season is here Village Green Community Association! We welcome you to join us for our annual Christmas Presents with the Grinch.
Please join us Saturday morning December 6th at Eleven, we will meet at the club house for light snacks and presents. The Grinch will arrive soon after everyone is ready and will pass out gifts to the kids. Please parents, grandparents and caregivers have your presents turned in by December 4th WITH your child’s name on it and fully wrapped! Keep the gift to one gift per kid AND under $30 as it is just about the fun. Ready gifts can be drop off to the porch of 657 VGP. (Please do not ring doorbell). After gifts everyone is welcome to socialize outside at the playground for some fun! You are more than welcome to join us after the swim team fundraiser happening right before this event. It’s going to be a great day in the Green for the VGCA and swim team support. For more information on the swim team fundraiser before the Grinch, keep an eye out of the Facebook page or contact Sara Winant. Thank you and we cannot wait for our VGCA members to come see the Grinch! Please comment below to RSVP.
Volunteers for the pool covering
/in Pool News, Village Green, Volunteers /by VGCA Crier EditorLooking for volunteers to come out and help cover the pool. Many hands makes for light work. Typically takes 10-20 minutes.
Scheduled for 20 October @ 1800 so be there early because you know Donnie will be.
VGCA Board Nominees and Upcoming Elections for 2026 (corrections)
/in Village Green /by VGCA Crier EditorVolunteers needed for 2026 positions; All existing officers and special committee heads have agreed to stay on for the coming year. All VGCA members are welcome to attend. This will be a business meeting as well so you will get to see the board in action and you are welcome to ask questions.
all VGCA members interested in running for a position are encouraged to submit their name to the nominating committee or show up at the general membership/election meeting on 23 Oct to be included in the list of candidates up for vote.Please indicate on this Facebook event if will be attending so we may have an idea of who is attending.
The Village Green Community Association, a 501c7 not-for-profit organization, is posting its nominees for the annual nominations for its Board of Directors. The slate of 7 to 11 Board of Directors are elected annually to fulfill a variety of offices and roles. The Board oversees the operation, management, and enhancement of the nearly 7.5 acres of community property, including a community pool, a clubhouse, playgrounds, park space, basketball court, pickleball court, and other amenities, serving over 300 households. These improvements, along with all of the community events, are accomplished through the work of volunteers from the around “The Green” who dedicate their time and talents to enhancing our community. Voluntary membership dues, volunteer labor, community donations, fundraisers, and service discounts are just some of the ways the Board finds the resources that are required to ensure these neighborhood amenities remain and that they meet the interests and needs of our neighborhood.
Annually, the current Board of Directors appoints a Nominating Committee to bring forward a list of nominees to serve on the Board of Directors. The list of nominations for the 2025-2026 VGCA Board of Directors below. These nominations will be considered by the VGCA general membership at the upcoming Annual Membership meeting on Oct 23 from 7-8pm at the Village Green clubhouse.
Any members wishing to serve on the board that are not listed may be nominated from the floor at the upcoming Annual Meeting.In addition, several other volunteer roles are needed to support the neighborhood that are not elected positions to the Board. Some of these positions and roles include Marquee Coordinator, Crier Editor, Website Manager, Hospitality Coordinator, Grounds Crews, Clubhouse/Pool Rental Coordinator, Pool Prep support, Swim Meet support, Block Captains…. These roles typically serve on the various Committees that are established by the board to help coordinate the work within the neighborhood. If you have questions on how to volunteer or what other opportunities there are to get involved, please let the Board know today.
NOMINATIONS FOR VGCA 2025-2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers (Total of 4):
Committee Chairs/Leads or Other Duly Elected Members (Total of 7):
Alycia Sawyer,Peter FryeVGCA Board Nominees and Upcoming Elections for 2026
/in Village Green /by VGCA Crier EditorThe Village Green Community Association, a 501c7 not-for-profit organization, is posting its nominees for the annual nominations for its Board of Directors. The slate of 7 to 11 Board of Directors are elected annually to fulfill a variety of offices and roles. The Board oversees the operation, management, and enhancement of the nearly 7.5 acres of community property, including a community pool, a clubhouse, playgrounds, park space, basketball court, pickleball court, and other amenities, serving over 300 households. These improvements, along with all of the community events, are accomplished through the work of volunteers from the around “The Green” who dedicate their time and talents to enhancing our community. Voluntary membership dues, volunteer labor, community donations, fundraisers, and service discounts are just some of the ways the Board finds the resources that are required to ensure these neighborhood amenities remain and that they meet the interests and needs of our neighborhood.
Annually, the current Board of Directors appoints a Nominating Committee to bring forward a list of nominees to serve on the Board of Directors. The list of nominations for the 2025-2026 VGCA Board of Directors below. These nominations will be considered by the VGCA general membership at the upcoming Annual Membership meeting on Oct 23 from 7-8pm at the Village Green clubhouse. Any members wishing to serve on the board that are not listed may be nominated from the floor at the upcoming Annual Meeting.
In addition, several other volunteer roles are needed to support the neighborhood that are not elected positions to the Board. Some of these positions and roles include Marquee Coordinator, Crier Editor, Website Manager, Hospitality Coordinator, Grounds Crews, Clubhouse/Pool Rental Coordinator, Pool Prep support, Swim Meet support, Block Captains…. These roles typically serve on the various Committees that are established by the board to help coordinate the work within the neighborhood. If you have questions on how to volunteer or what other opportunities there are to get involved, please let the Board know today.
NOMINATIONS FOR VGCA 2025-2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers (Total of 4):
Committee Chairs/Leads or Other Duly Elected Members (Total of 7):
Alycia Sawyer,Peter FryeStreet Sweeping on Thursday 10/16
/in Newport News News /by VGCA Crier EditorStreet sweeping plays a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness of our local waterways by removing accumulated debris and pollutants, such as sand, salt, metals, petroleum products, and bacteria, before they enter the storm drains. This season, the city is deploying ten mechanical street sweepers at regularly scheduled times to clear debris from city-maintained roads. In 2023 alone, 20,085 miles of curbs were swept and 6,558 dump truck loads of debris were removed from city streets.
Please be mindful of the bright signs posted on major streets leading into neighborhoods, indicating temporary parking restrictions for street sweeping.
On street sweeping days, ensure that vehicles, trailers, basketball goals, and other bulk items are off the streets by 9 a.m.; parking may resume after 3 p.m.
For a detailed street sweeping schedule and more information about the program, please visit the Public Works Website or call 757-933-2311.