Author: operations@endocollab.com

Williamsburg-James City County Schools will give $750-$1000 retention bonuses to returning instruction and support staff who signed contracts by June 13 for the 2025-26 school year, approved by the school board Tuesday for payment on June 30.

Hampton Roads is forecast to experience prolonged heat with heat indices reaching triple digits through June. The National Weather Service in Wakefield predicts heat indices exceeding 105 degrees, possibly reaching 110 by Tuesday, in areas including Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Suffolk, and Williamsburg after a slight lull this weekend. Scattered severe storms with wind are also possible Thursday evening.

WILLIAMSBURG NATIVE UMPIRES WITH SAVANNAH BANANAS

Williamsburg resident Noah Katz is umpiring for the Savannah Bananas thanks to his successful YouTube channel.

His channel, “The Umpire Channel,” educates aspiring umpires and has over 370,000 subscribers.

This weekend, he is umpiring the Bananas series in Richmond, which is a special “bucket list” moment for him near his hometown.

Katz travels weekly, umpiring with the Bananas at major stadiums and filming content with sports officials.

He recently won $3,750 in a business pitch competition, which will fund new equipment for his channel.

Katz, a rising senior in college, plans to make The Umpire Channel his full-time career after graduating in 2026.

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Williamsburg Native Umpiring with Savannah Bananas in Richmond This Weekend

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO WILLIAMSBURG LIVE

Williamsburg Live summer concert series is this weekend at the Colonial Williamsburg Art Museum.
Shuttle services are available from the Visitors Center via Oleta and CW buses.
Parking at the Visitors Center costs $10.
Outside food and drinks are prohibited, but one sealed water bottle per person is allowed.
Food trucks will be on-site for purchasing food and drinks.
Alcohol purchase requires an age-verified wristband with valid ID.
Children under 13 must be with a parent/guardian and need a ticket; no babies in arms are permitted.
Smoking is only allowed in designated areas.
Lawn seating is first-come, first-served; blankets and low chairs are permitted.
All guests and bags are subject to search upon entry.
The event is rain or shine but may delay for severe storms.
Weather updates will be posted on the Virginia Arts Festival website and social media.
In case of evacuation, patrons must leave the grounds and seek safe shelter.
Prohibited items include glass, outside food, drugs, large umbrellas, and weapons.

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Know Before You Go: Williamsburg Live

SPRING BLOOM ADVENTURE RACE BOOSTS WILLIAMSBURG ECONOMY AND NONPROFITS

The recent Spring Bloom Adventure Race generated over $660,000 in economic impact for the Williamsburg area.
The event also raised over $5,000 which was donated to local nonprofit organizations.
Visit Williamsburg stated the race highlighted the growing importance of sports tourism in the Historic Triangle.
Over 400 participants competed in the 69-mile race, with many traveling from out of state.
Participants praised the challenging course and the efficient coordination by staff and volunteers.
Donations from the race benefited the Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association and Girl Scout Troop 90088.
Visit Williamsburg believes events like this show the region can host competitive and community-driven experiences.
The upcoming Williamsburg Sports and Events Center in 2026 is anticipated to further attract sports tourism.

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Visit Williamsburg: Spring Bloom Adventure Race Makes Positive Economic Impact, Aids Local Nonprofits

Toano Middle School’s choir will perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City this Saturday as part of the 2025 In Harmony Concert Performance.

Many US presidents used tobacco throughout history, preferring cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and cigarettes. Tobacco was culturally significant in America, originating from Native Americans and later becoming a key cash crop and source of tax revenue. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson cultivated tobacco but were not regular users. John Adams smoked and chewed tobacco, reportedly leaving stubs on the White House floor. James Madison smoked cigars, and his wife Dolley used snuff openly. Andrew Jackson used cigars, chew, and a pipe, placing spittoons in the White House. Seven presidents are noted as non-users: Lincoln, Wilson, Truman, Carter, G.H.W. Bush, Trump, and Biden. Ulysses S. Grant was a heavy cigar smoker, reportedly 20 daily, and died from related cancer. William McKinley smoked cigars but only mouthed them around his wife. Theodore Roosevelt smoked cigars but banned his daughter from smoking inside. Warren Harding was the first known cigarette smoker among presidents, also using cigars. Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, and Lyndon Johnson were noted tobacco users, with FDR, Eisenhower, and LBJ having strong cigarette habits. Richard Nixon was the last to offer cigars after dinners, and Bill Clinton was the last to smoke openly. First Lady Hillary Clinton ended the White House tobacco tradition by removing ashtrays and banning smoking in the residence.

Poquoson students brought home top honors from the World Odyssey of the Mind competition in May.
The Poquoson High School team won the world championship.
The Poquoson Elementary School team placed third and the middle school team earned fourth place.
The competition encourages creative problem-solving and teamwork.
Coach Norman Remchuk coached all three successful Poquoson teams.

Former Delegate Jay Jones won the Virginia Democratic primary for Attorney General on Tuesday. Jones received 51% of the vote, defeating Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor, who had 49%. Jay Jones will now face incumbent Republican Jason Miyares in the November general election.

NEW SOCIAL CLUB CONNECTS WILLIAMSBURG YOUNG ADULTS

Sidnie Baker started the club after moving to the area and seeking connection.

Common Threads Social Club is for Williamsburg residents in their 20s and early 30s.

The goal is to help people build community and create meaningful friendships.

Baker noted positive early feedback with people saying the club was needed.

The first meetup is scheduled for June 29 at Column 15 coffee shop.

Future events are planned, including picnics, game nights, and themed nights.

The founder’s main goal is for people to make lasting connections and find community.

More details on events can be found on the club’s Instagram account.

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Finding Their Common Thread: New Social Club Connects Williamsburg 20- and 30-Somethings