Author: operations@endocollab.com

SECOND LADY LAUNCHES READING CHALLENGE AT MILITARY CAMP

Second Lady Usha Vance visited the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center last week.
She launched her summer reading challenge at the Operation Purple Camp for military children.
Operation Purple Camp is a free program providing fun, skill-building, peer support, and mental health resources for military kids.
Vance read to younger campers and talked with older campers during arts and crafts.
This visit was her first official public appearance to launch the summer reading initiative.
The challenge encourages K-8 kids to read 12 books from June 1 to Sept 5.
Participants who complete the challenge receive a personalized certificate and small prize.

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Second Lady Usha Vance Visits Jamestown 4-H Military Kids Camp to Launch Summer Reading Initiative

WARA PARTNERS WITH CHESAPEAKE BANK FOR GIFT CERTIFICATE SALES

The Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association (WARA) partnered with Chesapeake Bank.

Chesapeake Bank will serve as an official sales location for WARA gift certificates.

Gift certificates can be used at various locally owned restaurants in the Williamsburg area.

Starting this month, they can be purchased at three Chesapeake Bank branches: Lightfoot, Lafayette, and Five Forks.

The partnership aims to provide greater convenience and community access to support local businesses.

WARA gift certificates are available in $10 and $25 denominations.

The WARA website (wara757.com) provides a list of participating restaurants and more information.

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WARA Partners with Chesapeake Bank as an Official Sales Location for Gift Certificates

James City County Parks & Recreation and the Historic Rivers Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists unveiled a new interactive sign at the entrance to the Greensprings Interpretive Trail on June 18, 2025. Funded partly by a donation from the Williamsburg Community Foundation, the sign provides information on geological features, habitats, and wildlife to enhance accessibility and visitor education. Features include a booklet, a species comparison wheel, and a QR code for an audio version, improving the experience for all trail users.

PENINSULA HOUSING MARKET HITS RECORD MEDIAN PRICE

The median selling price of homes on the Peninsula reached a record high of $350,000 in May.

This record was set despite a slight decrease in the total number of homes sold compared to last year.

Active residential listings totaled 1,409, the most seen in nearly five years.

Increased inventory means buyers have significantly more selection than in recent years.

The Month’s Supply of Inventory (MSI) reached 2.51, the highest in many years, but still favors sellers over a balanced market.

Median days on market increased slightly year-over-year to 19 days.

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Peninsula Sets Record High Median Selling Price in May

The JCC Recreation Center pool in James City County closed June 16 for a $2.4 million, five-month renovation project. The nearly 40-year-old pool is being resurfaced, and major upgrades are underway. Renovations include a new ADA-accessible entrance, a safer deck surface, improved drainage, enhanced air flow and lighting, poolside showers, and increased space for aquatics staff. The project is scheduled for completion in late November. The closure impacts local swimmers and community swim teams, who are using alternative facilities. James City County is providing options for swimmers, including access to other pools and the ability to pause passes or request refunds. The renovation was timed for summer when outdoor county pools are open.

A new Filipino takeout restaurant, Pika-Filipino Cravings, owned by Cesar and Neryn Reyes, is anticipated to open in July at 5242 Olde Towne Road, offering comfort food, all-day breakfast, and baked goods. Riverside Patriots Colony at Williamsburg broke ground on June 18 for a new 43,500-square-foot skilled nursing and long-term care facility with 52 private rooms, expected to open in late 2026. Escapology, the world’s largest escape room franchise, has leased space at 5114 and 5116 Main St. in New Town and plans to open soon with seven private escape rooms. Sly Clyde Poolside café and taproom is now open daily at 201 Georgetown Crescent. Eleva Coffee Lounge at 111 S. Boundary St. is launching a live podcast-style book program featuring local authors, with the first event on June 27. Panda Express is hiring for its upcoming summer opening at 6632 Mooretown Road. Big Lots at 6610 Mooretown Road is anticipated to reopen this month under new owner Variety Wholesalers. Two Maids of Williamsburg leased 1,400 square feet of industrial space at Yorktown Commerce Center in York County.

Second Lady Usha Vance visited the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center in James City County on Monday, June 23. The visit was part of her 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, promoting reading for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Vance met with over 100 military children attending an Operation Purple camp. She read a book aloud and answered questions from the campers about her role, presidents, and the White House. The Summer Reading Challenge encourages participants to read 12 books by September 5. Campers shared their positive reactions to meeting the Second Lady.

Members of the Historic Triangle Recreational Facilities Authority approved a $36.1 million budget for fiscal year 2026. The budget is for the Greater Williamsburg Sports and Event Center. The approval occurred unanimously on Wednesday at the Stryker Center. The budget includes $30.5 million for remaining construction and $1.8 million for operating costs. The regional sports center is a joint effort by Williamsburg, James City County, York County, Colonial Williamsburg, and Visit Williamsburg. Local governments will contribute operating funds. Total operating expenditures for FY2026 are estimated at $1.8 million, anticipating $1.2 million in operating income. The authority is hiring an executive director and sales staff; Ben Hardouin is the general manager. KemperSports manages the facility on the Colonial Williamsburg campus. Construction began last year, with an expected opening in summer 2026. The facility has already booked events for 2026, 2027, and 2028.

COPPER FOX DISTILLERY CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

Copper Fox Distillery is celebrating its 20th anniversary this weekend.
The celebration is part of the Williamsburg Whiskey and Wine Weekend.
The distillery was founded in Sperryville in 2005 by Rick Wasmund.
Wasmund was inspired by smoky smells after interning in Scotland.
A second location opened in Williamsburg in 2016 to attract tourism.
Both Copper Fox locations feature rare malting floors.
The distillery has created whiskey for special projects like ship christenings.
Copper Fox whiskey is available in Virginia ABC stores.
Weekend events include food trucks, live music, and free tours.
Tours provide a behind-the-scenes look and end with tastings.
The company aims to deeply engage with the local Williamsburg community.

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Copper Fox Distillery Celebrates 20th Anniversary this Weekend

Yorktown runner Bethany Spector won two Peninsula Track Club races in June, performing well in hot conditions. Spector had the fastest women’s time at the June 17 Trailzilla 4 Miler in Hampton. She achieved a rare overall win among men and women and set a course record at the June 21 Timberneck 5K in Hayes, a race benefiting the Fairfield Foundation. These were Spector’s final local races before moving to Germany with her family.