Author: operations@endocollab.com

VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY RECOGNIZES GROVE CHRISTIAN OUTREACH CENTER

Grove Christian Outreach Center was recognized by the Virginia General Assembly for 20 years of service.
Senate Resolution No. 241, sponsored by Sen. Danny Diggs, commended the organization.
GCOC grew from a small trailer operation to a 6,000-square-foot facility offering comprehensive services.
Services include food pantry, community lunches, holiday assistance, school supplies, transportation, and education.
In 2024, GCOC served 878 households through its food pantry and impacted over 40,700 individuals total.
The center recently opened The Gathering Place, Williamsburg’s first free grocery market.
Executive Director Katie Patrick stated the recognition affirms GCOC as a beacon of hope.
Senator Diggs praised their incredible growth and real difference made in the community.
A copy of the resolution was presented to the organization.

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Grove Christian Outreach Center Recognized by Virginia General Assembly

FORT EUSTIS LOSES MAJOR ARMY HEADQUARTERS

The headquarters for the Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) is leaving Fort Eustis.
This move is part of a large Army reorganization plan.
TRADOC will merge with Army Futures Command in Austin, Texas.
The combined entity will form the new Army Transformation and Training Command.
The goal is to consolidate similar functions and streamline operations.
The Army has not yet announced the timeline for the move.
The number of personnel affected at Fort Eustis is also not specified.
TRADOC has been headquartered at Fort Eustis since 2011.
The reorganization is expected to impact multiple bases nationwide.

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Fort Eustis is Set to Lose a Major Command as Part of an Army Shakeup

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SUMMIT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY SENIORS HONOR WWII LOCALS IN EUROPE

Summit Christian Academy seniors recently toured Europe, focusing on World War II history.
They specifically followed the footsteps of two local York County brothers, Clyde and Earl Fox, who died in WWII.
The Fox brothers are buried at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.
As part of their trip, the seniors visited the brothers’ gravesites, held a ceremony, and left flowers and notes.
These notes became the first items in the brothers’ permanent files at the cemetery.
The trip connected the students’ history studies to real-world sites and personal stories.
Many students found visiting the Fox graves to be the most impactful part of the tour.

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Summit Christian Academy Seniors Tour Europe to Follow in Locals’ WWII Footsteps

MEMORIAL DAY TRAVEL EXPECTED TO SET RECORD

AAA forecasts 45.1 million Americans will travel domestically for Memorial Day.

This is a 1.4 million increase from last year, setting a new holiday record.

Driving remains the top choice with 39.4 million expected travelers, benefiting from cheaper gas prices.

Air travel is projected for 3.61 million passengers, exceeding pre-pandemic levels despite slightly higher domestic fares.

Another 2.08 million will use trains, buses, or cruises, an increase from last year and pre-pandemic numbers.

Expect heaviest traffic congestion during afternoon hours, especially in major metropolitan areas.

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AAA: 45.1 Million Americans Expected to Travel Domestically for Memorial Day

YORK COUNTY WINS AWARD FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY MARKETING

York County Economic & Tourism Development won the 2025 VIRGO Award.
The award was in the Best Digital and/or Social Media Initiative category from VADMO.
They were recognized for their digital marketing campaign for Yorktown’s Independence Day Celebration.
The campaign utilized dynamic digital strategies including real-time content and live streams.
It successfully increased engagement and excitement before and during the event.
The campaign resulted in significant growth in social media metrics and website traffic for the Fourth of July landing page.
Success was measured by engagement, impressions, website views, and other factors.
Award submissions were judged on quality, economic efficiency, and overall impact.

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York County Economic & Tourism Development Wins 2025 VIRGO Award

Mike Dallas of Williamsburg wrote that immigrants are crucial to the U.S. economy, innovation, and population growth, cautioning against negative consequences of declining immigration. Cynthia Favret from James City County expressed in a letter that U.S. democracy is in crisis from an authoritarian figure disregarding the law and Constitution, urging citizens to act to preserve it. A letter by Thayer Cory of James City County discussed the responsibilities of the wealthy and argued that current policies harming vulnerable people through spending cuts reflect a moral failure and lack of concern for others.

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

The Peninsula Chinese American Association showcased Chinese culture at the Hampton Mosaic Festival with performances and activities.
York County Public Library is participating in the Big Library Read, offering “Uncommon Measure” for free on Libby from May 15-29.
York County Tax Bills have been mailed and payments are due by June 25.
Habitat for Humanity is holding two “Drink Beer, Do Good” fundraising nights with Coastal Fermentory on May 27-28 to support a house build.
Companies can register to participate in the Civic 50 Hampton Roads assessment by July 15 to benchmark corporate social responsibility.
Tickets are now on sale for the Colonial Downs expanded 41-day summer racing season running from July 9 through Sept. 13.
Food Lion recognized over 380 long-term associates for their service, including two from the greater Williamsburg area.
The Virginia Association of Counties Board of Directors held their annual spring meeting in James City County on April 25-26.
Chesapeake Financial Shares reported a net loss for Q1 2025 but declared a $0.16 quarterly dividend, continuing a 32-year increase streak.
Norfolk Airport Authority announced Melinda Montgomery as its new Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, starting in early June.

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News Briefs for May 18

WILLIAMSBURG LIVE 2025 FULL LINEUP REVEALED

The Virginia Arts Festival announced the complete lineup for Williamsburg Live 2025.
The festival will feature The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA, The Band Perry, and The Beach Boys.
It takes place June 20-22 on The Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.
The ABBA tribute band headlines on Friday, June 20.
Grammy winners The Band Perry perform on Saturday, June 21.
The Beach Boys close out the weekend on Sunday, June 22.
Tickets go on sale Thursday, March 20.
Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or in person.

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ICYMI: Full Lineup Announced for Williamsburg Live

Williamsburg’s Triangle Block, a Black business and residential district thriving from the 1930s to the 1970s, is receiving historical recognition.
Located downtown, the area was a self-sufficient community with businesses including a restaurant, grocery, blacksmith, and a hospital led by Dr. James B. Blayton.
The district originated in the late 1800s partly due to segregation restricting Black residents elsewhere in the city.
From the 1950s through the 1970s, urban renewal programs, spurred by reports on “substandard housing,” targeted and displaced the community.
Redevelopment led to the removal of residents and businesses, making way for new buildings like the Williamsburg Regional Library.
This displacement aligns with patterns where urban renewal across the South disrupted Black neighborhoods.
Jacqueline Bridgeforth-Williams is producing a documentary, “Displaced from the Birthplace of America,” featuring descendant stories, planned for release in 2026.
The City of Williamsburg is undertaking initiatives including a Truth and Reconciliation Committee, an African American Heritage Trail beginning construction in Summer 2025, and a scholarship for descendants to honor the district’s legacy.
Former councilman Robert “Bobby” Braxton recalled growing up nearby and frequenting Triangle Block businesses, highlighting its community importance.
Today, First Baptist Church and a historical marker are among the few remaining physical reminders of the original district.