Author: operations@endocollab.com

William & Mary held its commencement ceremony on Friday, May 16, in Williamsburg.
The Class of 2025 included the largest undergraduate class in the school’s history.
An estimated 1,660 undergraduates and 746 graduate students completed their degrees.
Commencement speakers included President Katherine Rowe, M. Sanjayan, and student Momen Zahid.
Speakers acknowledged the unique challenges the class faced starting college during the pandemic.

The Rev. Kali Cawthon-Freels, a pastoral resident at Williamsburg Baptist Church, authored a column discussing finding hope in difficult times by comparing the musical “Hadestown” and the biblical book of Jeremiah. She argues that both stories illustrate repeating cycles of tragedy but also a commitment to continue (“sing it anyway”) despite knowing the outcome. Cawthon-Freels highlights the concept of “feral hope,” distinct from fragile optimism, which she argues can thrive in despair and is seen in Jeremiah’s persistence despite setbacks, offering a vision of how the world could be.

GAS PRICES BEGIN SEASONAL RISE

National gas prices are starting their expected seasonal increase, though later than usual.

The rise is attributed to increasing crude oil prices and growing demand as summer approaches.

Despite the recent increase, current national prices are about 40 cents lower than this time last year.

High demand is expected for Memorial Day weekend travel.

Recent data shows a rise in gasoline demand and a decrease in domestic supply.

Local Virginia prices are slightly up, while Hampton Roads prices decreased recently but are still lower than last year.

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AAA: Later than Usual, National Gas Prices Begin Seasonal Climb

Busch Gardens Williamsburg debuted its new coaster, The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge, on its 50th anniversary, May 16, offering members early access before the public opening on May 23.

Williamsburg area native and Bruton High School graduate Zena Cardman has been announced as commander of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station. Cardman, 37, will embark on her first space flight with a crew of four from three nations in July for an approximate eight-month assignment. The mission will involve scientific research and technology demonstrations, including Cardman conducting experiments on human physiology in space. Cardman was a backup for a previous mission and has spent years training since being selected as an astronaut candidate in 2017. Her former high school biology teacher at Bruton High School recalls her early ambition to become an astrobiologist.

BIG BAD WOLF COASTER RETURNS TO BUSCH GARDENS WILLIAMSBURG

Busch Gardens Williamsburg has begun previews for its new roller coaster, The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge.
Construction started in summer 2024, and the name was chosen based on fan feedback to honor the original ride.
It is North America’s longest inverted family coaster, featuring speeds up to 40 mph on 2,500 feet of track.
The coaster has height requirements of 42 inches with an accompanying adult and 48 inches to ride alone.
Park members are offered exclusive ride previews from May 16-18.
American Coaster Enthusiasts and media previewed the ride, with enthusiasts calling it a great homage to the original.
The ride utilizes the former Draken Fyre station and maintenance building in a previously closed area of the park.
Park officials believe the coaster will be a signature attraction balancing family thrills and enthusiast appeal.
A Grand Opening Ceremony for The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge is scheduled for May 23.

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Big Bad Wolf is Back: Busch Gardens Williamsburg Offers a First Look at New Coaster

James City County Board of Supervisors approved a rezoning Tuesday allowing redevelopment of the Fort Magruder Hotel into a mixed-use community. The plan converts 303 guestrooms into 126 apartments, with 40 percent designated as affordable housing, and the conference center into 32,000 square feet of commercial space. Supervisors also encouraged the developer to seek a protective easement for the Civil War Redoubt 3 on the property.

DRUMMER’S CALL CELEBRATES MILITARY MUSIC AT COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

Drummer’s Call takes place May 16-17 at Colonial Williamsburg.
The event celebrates the tradition of military music from various historical periods.
It features the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums and seven visiting fife and drum units.
All performances are free and open to the public.
An evening concert is scheduled for May 16 at 7:30 p.m.
A Grand March and Review will occur on May 17 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
The event concludes with the Williamsburg Military Tattoo torch-lit march on May 17 at 8:30 p.m.
Visitors should check the Colonial Williamsburg website for rain updates.

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Drummers Call Returns to Colonial Williamsburg this Weekend

COLONIAL AESTHETICS & WELLNESS EXPANDS

Colonial Aesthetics & Wellness celebrated its expansion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The business moved to a larger location on Jamestown Road in Williamsburg.
Their new space doubles the size of their previous location.
Owners Brittany Ptachick and Catherine White combine general medicine with aesthetics and wellness.
The practice received commendations for its growth.
The expansion reflects their commitment to serving the community with personalized care.

Source:

Colonial Aesthetics & Wellness Celebrates Move and Expansion

VIRGINIA STATE PARKS CELEBRATE KIDS TO PARKS DAY

Virginia State Parks is hosting special kid-friendly programs for National Kids to Parks Day on Saturday, May 17.
This annual event, sponsored by National Parks Trust, is in its 15th year and falls on the third Saturday of May.
The day aims to connect children and families with public lands, promote education, and encourage healthy activity.
State parks across Virginia will offer various activities like kayaking, hiking, fishing, and crafting.
Specific events vary by park and focus on the park’s natural and cultural aspects.
Examples include a Kids to Parks Day Fair at James River State Park, Nature Journaling at Natural Tunnel, Fishing with Friends at Shenandoah River, a Nature Expo at Smith Mountain Lake, Fossil Quest at Westmoreland, and Youth Archery at Widewater.
A full list of events can be found on the Virginia State Parks website.

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Virginia State Parks Offers Special Events for National Kids to Parks Day Saturday