Author: operations@endocollab.com

Williamsburg resident Miles Lambert recommends specific wines and food pairings, available at local stores including Trader Joe’s and World Market, to help residents select options that do not tax the senses during pollen season.

The city, Colonial Williamsburg, and William & Mary invite residents to a free Community Appreciation Day this Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the Community Building lawn at 401 N. Boundary St. The event includes live music by Corduroy Street, free sno-balls, ice cream, games, crafts, and a community art project. Participants can create paper flower ornaments for a hanging garden display in May at the Stryker Center, 412 N. Boundary St.

A faith column reflects on Pope Francis’s ministry of compassion, love, and inclusivity toward the poor, immigrants, refugees, and LGBTQ people.
Key moments recalled include his first blessing as pope and a COVID-19 era blessing in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Francis is noted for his focus on care for creation and openness to those different from himself.
HART is hosting a Stand Up for Yourself and Others multifaith dialogue event on Sunday, May 4 at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.
The event will feature Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Quaker panelists discussing values for supporting others in the community.
Activities include small group discussions, storytelling, music, meditation, and planning next steps for community action.
The event promotes acceptance and solidarity, following a previous initiative bringing related children’s books to local libraries.
The author suggests honoring Pope Francis by seeing the world with compassion and love and acting on it.

College sports are entering a new era with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Student-athletes can now profit from their brand and receive payments. The NCAA allowed NIL deals in 2021. New Virginia laws passed in 2024 permit direct payments from universities. VCU plans to pay athletes starting in 2025-2026 with a $5 million allocation. The House v. NCAA settlement may allow schools to pay up to $20 million annually. ODU player Kris Trinidad uses NIL to build his brand. Experts like Brendan Dwyer at VCU see the model shifting toward professionalism. VCU coach Phil Martelli Jr. navigates the impact on recruiting and suggests multi-year contracts. Former UVA coach Tony Bennett retired citing NIL and the transfer portal as factors. Some worry the focus on money affects community connection, according to VCU student commentator Ben Rekosh. ESPN analyst Jay Bilas notes NIL helps some players stay in college. VSU running back Rayquan Smith was known as “King of NIL” for numerous deals. The new landscape opens doors for less traditional programs to recruit top players, VCU student Thai Wilson noted. Kris Trinidad warns younger athletes about potential exploitation by agents. Virginia law restricts NIL compensation from certain sources like alcohol and gambling. Athletes gain power but face risks.

Adelia Thompson of the Peninsula Community Foundation and Rob Shuford of Old Point National Bank discussed the 12th annual Give Local 757 on 92.3 FM The Tide. The event, the region’s largest day of charitable giving, returns May 6. Donations are currently open online. The 2024 event raised more than $1.82 million in 24 hours for Hampton Roads nonprofits.

Virginia Department of Transportation contractors will begin repaving work in Historic Yorktown’s downtown area as early as April 28, continuing through late spring. The project includes milling and paving streets like Water Street, Ballard Street, and others between Colonial Parkway and the Coast Guard Station. Motorists should anticipate daytime lane closures with flagging from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. and intermittent detours. VDOT aims to minimize disruptions while maintaining access for local businesses and residences; the schedule is subject to weather.

Williamsburg’s Langdon Richardson is thriving one year after receiving a double transplant of a kidney and liver necessitated by a genetic disorder. He received the organs from two former teachers and is now attending school full-time and playing sports. To help others, his family is hosting a blood and donor drive on May 5 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets.

Colonial National Historical Park, BikeWalk Williamsburg, and Williamsburg Area Bicyclists will host the Pedal the Parkway event on Saturday, May 3. A seven-mile section of the Colonial Parkway between Highway 199/Kingsport and Route 359 at Jamestown will be closed to vehicles from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is invited to walk, run, or bike on the closed section from 7 a.m. to noon. Parking is available at the Jamestown Visitor Center and Jamestown Settlement. A visitor entrance pass is required for persons age 16 and older to access the park resources.

The national average price for a gallon of gas is slightly higher than a week ago and five cents higher than a month ago, according to AAA. Increased demand due to nicer weather is pushing national prices up slightly. The national average remains well below last year’s price because crude oil prices are lower. Data shows gasoline demand increased last week, while supply decreased and production rose. The average gas price in Virginia is $3.00, four cents lower than a week ago but six cents higher than a month ago. In Hampton Roads, prices decreased five cents to $2.97 per gallon, which is the same as a month ago and 56 cents lower than a year ago.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed retail marijuana legalization for the second year, making the future of the market dependent on the upcoming gubernatorial election. Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears opposes retail sales, while Democratic former Rep. Abigail Spanberger supports a regulated market. Supporters of the bill estimate it could generate millions in tax revenue for the state. The state’s current medical marijuana market faces challenges with limited access in some areas and high prices compared to neighboring states. Youngkin cited concerns about the illicit market and public health risks as reasons for his veto.