Author: operations@endocollab.com

WILLIAMSBURG NATIVE MAX COOPER RETURNS TO LIONSBRIDGE FC

Williamsburg native Max Cooper, 17, is preparing for his second season with Lionsbridge FC.

He is set to graduate from Jamestown High School in June and will play college soccer at William & Mary.

Cooper played youth soccer locally before joining Lionsbridge in 2024.

He scored in his debut friendly match, which he described as an “unbelievable” adrenaline rush playing in front of a large crowd.

Cooper became a fan favorite last season, experiencing signing autographs for the first time.

He values the experience of playing alongside and learning from older, higher-level players on the team.

Cooper feels the speed and competitiveness of Lionsbridge is excellent preparation for college soccer.

He advises aspiring players to keep having fun, work hard, stay humble, and always strive to improve.

Lionsbridge recently played their first match and have their home opener scheduled.

Source:

Williamsburg Native Gearing Up for Second Season with Lionsbridge FC

COLEMAN BRIDGE TOLL REMOVAL PLANNED

Governor Youngkin’s budget includes removing the toll on the Coleman Bridge.
The toll removal is scheduled to take effect by January 1, 2026.
Currently, tolls vary by vehicle axle count, paid when entering Gloucester from York.
Gloucester County officials are grateful for the financial relief for commuters.
The county is also concerned about potential rapid growth from the toll removal.
Residents are encouraged to participate in updating the county’s Comprehensive Plan to manage growth.
Volunteer opportunities are available for the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee.

Source:

Coleman Bridge Toll Removal Included in Youngkin Budget

DELAYED HISTORY GUIDES HAMPER VIRGINIA TEACHERS

Virginia teachers are struggling to implement new history standards due to delayed state instructional guides.
The Virginia Department of Education began releasing guides weekly in April but the full set is still unavailable.
The delay makes effective lesson planning and preparation for state assessments difficult for educators.
Unlike previous standards, the new ones lack a curriculum framework and rely heavily on these delayed guides.
Teachers anticipate needing unplanned time to incorporate the complex guides once released.
The delay adds significant pressure, especially for elementary teachers balancing multiple curriculum changes.
A teachers’ consortium is developing supplementary resources to support educators during this transition.
The former education superintendent resigned amid pressure concerning the guide’s release.
The state expects to release the final instructional guides within the next two weeks.

Source:

Virginia Teachers Struggle to Keep Up as History Guide Rollout Lags

James City County business consultant John Curran announced a write-in campaign for Virginia Lieutenant Governor on Monday.
He previously sought the Republican nomination but failed to qualify for the ballot, alleging signature theft.
Curran said he is reentering the race as a write-in to offer voters an alternative option.
He cited controversy surrounding current Republican nominee John Reid.
Curran acknowledged that write-in campaigns are difficult and expensive.
He believes he has stronger policy positions and is more electable than Reid.
The campaign for Republican nominee John Reid responded to Curran’s announcement by saying “Who?”.

LOCAL COLLEGES HOST GRADUATION EVENTS THIS WEEK

Area colleges and universities in the Historic Triangle are holding commencement ceremonies this week.
Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) holds its ceremony Thursday, May 15 at 2 p.m. at the Hampton Coliseum.
Christopher Newport University (CNU) has a Candlelight Ceremony Thursday, May 15 at 8:30 p.m. on the Great Lawn.
CNU Graduation Ceremonies are Saturday, May 17 starting at 8 a.m. on the Great Lawn, including a Grad Walk.
CNU’s ceremony will be livestreamed online.
William & Mary (W&M) hosts a Candlelight Ceremony for seniors Thursday, May 15 from 9:30 p.m. at the Wren Yard.
W&M Graduation Commencement is Friday, May 16 at Zable Stadium, starting with the academic procession at 6:00 p.m.
Tickets are required for the W&M Commencement ceremony.
W&M’s commencement will also be livestreamed.
W&M Department Ceremonies are held throughout Saturday, May 17.

Source:

Local Colleges Celebrate Graduates This Week

MEN’S GROUP HOME SEEKS PERMIT AMID COMPLIANCE ISSUES

A men’s group home, Evolution House, is seeking a Special Use Permit from James City County.
The home operated for three years exceeding the allowed occupancy without the required permit.
This resulted in a county violation notice and a fine.
Neighbors voiced strong opposition, citing the illegal operation and alleged trespassing.
The Planning Commission focused on the permit conditions, not past enforcement issues.
The commission added conditions requiring county access for unannounced occupancy checks and verification of fencing.
The applicant agreed to the proposed conditions.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved the application with the new conditions.
The application will now be considered by the JCC Board of Supervisors.

Source:

Men’s Group Home Asks JCC for Special Use Permit Amid Compliance Concerns

CHRISTY KING ADVOCATES FOR SEAT BELT SAFETY AFTER SON’S DEATH

Christy King started the Christopher King Foundation after her son Christopher died in a car accident because he wasn’t wearing a seat belt.

She worked to change Virginia’s seat belt laws, noting the state had low usage rates.

A new Virginia law taking effect July 1 will require all adult passengers in every seat to wear a seat belt, expanding on the previous front-seat-only requirement.

King emphasizes the message “Every seat. Every age. Every time.”

She is involved in educational programs like Junior Speed Busters to promote safe driving practices in schools.

The 5th Annual Cars for Chris event is being held on May 17 to raise awareness, kicking off the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer.

King is thankful for the bipartisan and community support that helped pass the new seat belt law.

Her mission is to save lives by encouraging seat belt usage.

Source:

ICYMI: ‘A Mom on a Mission’ — Christy King Reflects on Seat Belt Safety Milestones

EILEEN BYRNE: LOCAL MUSICIAN PROFILE

The article profiles local musician and performer Eileen Byrne as part of the “Tunes in Town” series.
She grew up listening to her parents’ ’70s and ’80s music like Billy Joel and Motown.
Byrne began piano in 2nd grade and flute in 4th grade, continuing with piccolo in college marching band.
She maintained her music skills even outside formal bands.
Combining music and dance, she transitioned into musical theater.
Byrne overcame audition anxiety with vocal training, coached by Melissa Cartwright.
Cartwright featured Byrne in a female empowerment cabaret.
Byrne is set to play the role of Fastrada in the upcoming production of *Pippin* at Williamsburg Players.
She is enthusiastic about taking on the villainous Fastrada role.
*Pippin* will run from May 30 through June 15.

Source:

Tunes in Town: Eileen Byrne

YORKTOWN ROAD CLOSURES FOR REPAVING

VDOT is scheduling short-term full road closures in Yorktown.
This is part of planned repaving work.
Alexander Hamilton Boulevard will be closed daytime in both directions between Route 17 and Ballard Street.
This closure starts as early as May 12, from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
A signed detour will direct traffic.
A portion of Cornwallis Road will also close between Lafayette Road and Ballard Street.
The Cornwallis Road closure starts as early as May 12 at 5 a.m. through May 13 at 7 p.m.
Work is weather dependent and subject to change.
Access will be maintained for local businesses and residents.

Source:

Road Closures Scheduled For Repaving Work in Yorktown

PUBLIC MEETINGS FOR NEW WILLIAMSBURG LIBRARY

Public input meetings are scheduled for the proposed new Williamsburg Library.
The project team is seeking community feedback on the library’s vision and design.
Meetings will be held on May 15 and May 20 at the Williamsburg Fire Station.
The current library building is over 50 years old and needs replacement.
The proposed location is near the existing downtown library site.
Open-house sessions will feature design renderings and information.
Feedback can also be submitted via an online survey available May 15-30.
The goal is to create a new library that serves future generations.

Source:

Project Team to Hold Public Input Meetings for Proposed Williamsburg Library