Author: operations@endocollab.com

Susan Tarley, an attorney from Williamsburg, is set to become the president-elect of the Virginia State Bar this month.
She will serve as the 88th president starting in one year, becoming the first attorney from Williamsburg to hold the position.
Tarley aims to improve access to legal services across Virginia, particularly in underserved areas.
The Virginia State Bar regulates the legal profession, protects the public, and works to improve access to legal services.

Rev. Lisa Green wrote a Daily Press opinion column discussing the Pentecost holiday and Biblical values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Green argues these values are under attack, referencing national issues like potential renaming of ships honoring figures like Harvey Milk and John Lewis. The column highlights local efforts through the HART initiative “Stand Up for Yourself and Others!” Scheduled events include a Stand Up table at the Juneteenth Freedom Fest in Freedom Park on June 14. The Williamsburg Regional Library hosts a Stand Up book story hour on June 24 from 2 to 3 p.m. A multifaith dialogue focusing on religious values inspiring immigrant and LGBTQ+ neighbors is June 29 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at St. Martin’s. Email standup4everyone@gmail.com provides more information on these local events.

William & Mary biology professor Dan Cristol states severe insect population declines, or the “insect apocalypse,” are the primary cause of well-documented bird population losses. Scientists link insect declines mainly to climate change altering temperature and rainfall patterns over recent decades. Birds, especially songbirds, depend heavily on insects for food, and insect-eating species have shown the steepest declines.

LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORTS SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Local law enforcement agencies participated in the annual Special Olympics Torch Run.
The James City County Police Department and York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office were among those involved.
The “Flame of Hope” run raises funds and awareness for Special Olympics Virginia athletes.
Law enforcement agencies carry the torch throughout the commonwealth for this event.
The York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office team ran three miles.
James City County Police ran 14 miles over three hours.
They handed off the torch at the New Kent County line.
The torch continues towards Richmond to officially open the Special Olympics competition.
Participating officers see the run as a symbol of unity, inclusion, and support for athletes.

Source:

Photo Gallery: Local Law Enforcement Agencies Participate in Special Olympics Torch Run

WJCC Schools began early talks this week with consulting firm MGT regarding potential redistricting of elementary schools, prompted by the anticipated opening of two new pre-kindergarten centers in 2027 which will affect space utilization. Community feedback is planned, with recommendations expected by October 2026.

The Peninsula Regional Emergency Communications Center announced on Thursday that 911 callers in the Peninsula region can now share real-time video and photos. The technology covers York and James City counties and the cities of Poquoson and Williamsburg. The center states the goal is to improve communication with first responders, provide a clearer picture of emergencies, and potentially save lives. PRECC also utilizes AI technology for transcribing, translating, flagging keywords, and advanced mapping of 911 calls.

A pharmacy program at Riverside Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester has launched an initiative to reduce readmissions for COPD patients. The program provides bedside education on medication use, healthy habits, and addresses barriers like cost and transportation, showing promising early results with nearly half of initial patients avoiding readmission for five months. Patient Leatrice Croswell is highlighted as benefiting from the program which helped him access a low-cost inhaler and learn proper usage. Other local resources like the Better Breathers Club are also available for COPD patients.

Naval Weapons Station Yorktown leaders and Dominion Energy signed an agreement on June 6, 2025, to explore building energy resiliency projects at the station. Potential options include solar farms, turbine energy, and small modular nuclear reactors. The initiative aims to ensure reliable power for the station and region amid increasing demand. A site characterization study will take 6-12 months to determine the best project type. York County is also studying potential zoning ordinances for small nuclear reactors.

Colorful Stitches Fine Yarn, owned by Bonnie J. Burton, opened at 409 W. Duke of Gloucester St. in Merchants Square, Williamsburg, in April, with a grand opening set for June 10 at 11 a.m. The shop specializes in natural and rare fibers for knitters and crocheters and plans to host community events, including a World Wide Knit in Public Day event on June 14 at 2 p.m. and a workshop on June 20-21.

Shorty’s Diner opened a new location at 6500 George Washington Memorial Highway in York County at the end of April after renovations, adding to its existing York County and Richmond locations. Owner Tony Short stated they expanded to the new spot due to the welcoming community response.

Regal Cinema at 4911 Courthouse St. in New Town is reportedly set to begin a multimillion renovation project. Upgrades to the theater are planned following a May 13 announcement of a $33.5 million refinancing of New Town Shops on Main, where Regal recently extended its lease through July 2036.

An activist-led town hall in Williamsburg discussed renaming James Blair Middle School Thursday. The Village Initiative hosted the forum at the Stryker Center to educate the community about James Blair’s history as an enslaver. The conversation continued despite the Williamsburg-James City County School Board recently tabling renaming discussions. Speakers highlighted Blair’s ties to slavery and the historical context of the school’s naming. School board member Andrea Donnor noted tabling the vote allows for continued public education on the topic. A separate effort is underway to rename Magruder Elementary School in York County.