Author: operations@endocollab.com

James “Jim” Horn, president of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation, will retire this August after 10 years leading the nonprofit.
Horn, 72, cited age and wanting to enjoy his personal life as reasons for stepping down, noting the foundation is in good shape.
During his tenure, Horn developed collections, conservation, and archaeology programs, expanded education, and brought new exhibits to the site.
Key achievements included the excavation of early leaders’ graves, the discovery of a silver reliquary box, and finding the footprint of the 1617 church.
Horn’s leadership was credited with significant archaeological discoveries and improving visitor experience and the historic church.
A major challenge for the successor will be protecting the site from rising sea levels and flooding, a $40 million effort that recently received $8 million from the state.
Horn plans to remain involved as chief historian for genetics research on the 1607 burial ground and write more books.

A James City County resident argued President Trump committed an act of war and urged Rep Rob Wittman to impeach him.
A James City County resident raised questions about helping homeless people and discussed factors like support systems, resources, and locations like Richmond Road.
A James City County resident shared experiences delivering summer meals to 300 children living in local motels, highlighting difficult living conditions and lack of activities.

W&M ALUM MIXOLOGIST RETURNS FOR WILLIAMSBURG WEEKEND

William & Mary alum and professional mixologist Greg Benson is back in Williamsburg.
He will teach cocktail-making classes at this weekend’s Williamsburg Whiskey and Wine Weekend (June 27-29).
The classes will be held at The Study at Amber Ox.
Saturday’s class focuses on classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Mint Julep.
Sunday’s class covers modern cocktails including the Black Manhattan and Paper Plane.
Each class is $50 and requires advance ticket purchase.
Benson shares stories and history about the cocktails he teaches.
He chose mixology over brewing for its immediacy and creative possibilities.
Benson notes positive changes in Williamsburg’s modern bar and restaurant scene since he graduated.
He also co-hosts The Speakeasy podcast about the drink industry.

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W&M Alum, Mixologist Returns to the Region for Williamsburg Whiskey and Wine Weekend

VIRGINIA GAME FISH TAGGING PROGRAM HONORS DEDICATION

The Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program held an event on June 6 to celebrate its long-serving volunteers and staff.
The ceremony highlighted over 30 years of data and service contributed by anglers since 1995.
Volunteers were recognized for significant service durations, including over 30, 20, and 15 years.
Top volunteers who tagged over 10,000 fish were specifically honored for their extensive contributions.
Long-serving VGFTP staff members were also recognized for their dedication across various roles.

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Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program Recognizes Volunteers, Staff

NEWS BRIEFS FOR JUNE 25

Water Country USA is launching a new after-dark event called AquaGlow on Fridays and Saturdays starting June 27.

The Williamsburg Hornets are holding a free football and cheerleading conditioning clinic on July 1 for ages 5-12 at WISC.

The Abram Frink Jr. Community Center gym will be closed July 3-10 for floor maintenance; pass holders can use the James City County Recreation Center.

Sewer maintenance is scheduled on Messick and Ridge Roads in Poquoson from June 24 through July 2, potentially impacting traffic.

The Library of Virginia’s mobile programming van will attend the Picnic in the Park in Poquoson on June 27.

York County residents are reminded that tax bills are due on June 25.

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News Briefs for June 25

A dump truck crashed into an overpass on I-64 westbound near the Toano exit in James City County Tuesday afternoon.
State police said the crash happened about 2:15 p.m. after the truck’s bed dislodged, hitting the overpass and raising the truck.
All westbound lanes were closed, causing traffic to be detoured off Exit 227 onto Old Stage Road.
The truck driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

Williamsburg is hosting a Wine and Whiskey Weekend from Friday through Sunday across the city. The event highlights local restaurants and businesses with various activities. Events include tastings, live music, cocktail classes, trivia, film screenings, and shopping specials at multiple venues. Some activities require tickets or reservations, while others are free. A commemorative glass can be earned by checking in at participating locations. A full schedule is available online.

Mitchell Reiss, former president of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, was recently appointed chairman of the British Imperial War Museums Foundation. The foundation supports five museum sites across Britain dedicated to understanding modern warfare and wartime experiences. Reiss will help guide the museums in presenting complex history and preserving legacies. His background was seen as valuable for the role.

RIVERSIDE PATRIOTS COLONY STARTS NEW FACILITY CONSTRUCTION

Riverside Patriots Colony held a groundbreaking ceremony on June 18.
Construction began on a new 52-bed skilled nursing and long-term care facility.
The 43,500-square-foot facility is scheduled to open in late 2026.
It will replace the current nursing care center on the Williamsburg campus.
The new facility features two distinct wings with 52 private rooms.
An outdoor rehabilitation courtyard is also part of the project.
The design aims to meet evolving resident needs prioritizing privacy and support.
Riverside sees this as an investment in high-quality future senior care.

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Riverside Breaks Ground on New Facility at Patriots Colony

Williamsburg area opens cooling centers at James City County Recreation Center and Williamsburg Regional Library.
The centers are available to residents and visitors during open hours this week.
This action is in response to an extreme heat warning from the National Weather Service through Wednesday night.
The Virginia Department of Health provided tips to avoid heat-related illnesses during the heat wave.