Category: Local

Thousands of Hampton Roads residents are expected to join national “No Kings” protests across the region Saturday. Demonstrations are planned in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Protesters object to Trump administration policies, including a military parade, cuts to veterans affairs and social services, and perceived authoritarianism. Organizers anticipate large crowds at the peaceful events, which are planned to coincide with Flag Day and the Army’s anniversary. Sign-making sessions were held earlier in the week in preparation for the weekend rallies and marches. Local organizers are coordinating with police and implementing safety measures for participants.

JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT JUNETEENTH EVENTS

Jamestown Settlement will host a “Prelude to Juneteenth” event on June 15.
They will also offer free admission on the federal holiday, June 19.
The June 15 Prelude explores freedom and African American contributions to river life.
A documentary “Reclaiming the River” by Horace Scruggs will be shown, requiring advance registration.
An optional guided paddle on the waterways with Scruggs is available after the film for a fee.
On June 19, both Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown offer free admission.
Jamestown Settlement exhibits feature 17th-century African and African American experiences in Virginia.

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Celebrate Prelude to Juneteenth at Jamestown Settlement on June 15

NATIONAL CIVICS BEE VIRGINIA STATE FINALS

Neil Handa from Henley Middle School won the 2025 National Civics Bee Virginia State Finals.
The event was hosted by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation on June 7.
Handa will advance to the national competition in Washington, D.C. in November.
Yousef Kiani placed second and Arianna McBride placed third.
The National Civics Bee is a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation initiative promoting civic engagement among middle schoolers.
Students competed via essays on community issues, quiz rounds, and presentations.
The Virginia finals are part of the state’s VA250 education initiatives celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Fourteen finalists from regional chamber competitions participated.
The event featured judges including Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera.
Information is available for students interested in applying for the 2026 competition.

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Colonial Williamsburg, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Announce Winner of National Civics Bee Virginia State Finals

WILLIAMSBURG AREA NEWS BRIEFS

The Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center (WCAC) honored winners at its annual Members’ Show opening, which is open through July 25.
WCAC also awarded $2,000 in scholarships to three local high school students pursuing art in college.
Bruton Baroque will perform “Les Concerts Royaux: A Tour of France” featuring a guest bassoonist on June 14 at Bruton Parish Episcopal Church.
The York County VPPSA Compost Facility was closed on Thursday, June 12, but reopened on Friday, June 13.
Virginia SUN Bucks, a $120 per-child grocery benefit for eligible school-age children, will be issued starting in July.
Colonial Downs Racetrack is hiring for seasonal positions for its summer racing season running July 9 to Sept. 13.

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News Briefs for June 12

James City County Supervisors approved a special use permit for a new government center at 5231 Longhill Road by a 4-1 vote Tuesday night despite community opposition. The proposed center is estimated to cost $189.5 million with a $49.58 million library addition, though final costs are expected to be less. Community members opposed the project due to cost concerns and a desire for a public vote. Board Chair Jim Icenhour noted the permit approval is only for land use and funding will be decided later. Community input sessions for the library are scheduled for July 7 and July 9 at the Recreation Center, and Supervisors Null and Hipple are holding a town hall June 30 at the Croaker Road Library. County Administrator Scott Stevens explained state law limits referendums to financing bonds, not project support. Supervisor Null voted against the permit, referencing public desire for a vote, while other supervisors discussed the need to address future county needs. A final funding decision is expected in the fall. Supervisors also unanimously approved transferring $8 million in state funds to Preservation Virginia for the Historic Jamestowne Flooding Mitigation project.

JAMES CITY COUNTY PARKS & REC HOSTS LONGEST DAY OF PLAY

James City County Parks and Rec is hosting Project: FiveFortySeven, The Longest Day of Play on June 20.
The event celebrates the summer solstice with free access to activities and facilities from sunrise to sunset.
Started by JCC in 2018, the program inspired the statewide Play All Day VA initiative.
Over 50 other Virginia agencies are joining the celebration with free offerings.
The event aims to make play accessible and encourage trying new activities or parks.
Free amenities include paddlecraft and bike rentals, pool access, and recreation center entry.
A special event is The Firetruck Duck Drop, requiring preregistration.
The day promotes outdoor activity, community, and well-being through the power of play.
A complete schedule is available on the JCC website.

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From Sunrise to Sunset: James City County Parks & Rec Says ‘Play All Day!’

DONATION SUPPORTS JAMESTOWN MEMORIAL GARDEN

Green Spring Garden Club donated funds to the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation.

The donation supports the care and maintenance of the Ellen B. Kelso Memorial Garden.

Located in front of the historic Yeardley House, the garden features 17th-century plants and herbs.

The Herb Society of America recently revitalized the garden with native and European plants.

The garden offers visitors a place to learn about plants and relax.

It is named in honor of Ellen B. Kelso, known as Jamestown’s “First Lady” for caring for staff.

The garden club chose to honor Ellen’s memory for her community support and friendship.

Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation is grateful for the club’s support.

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Green Spring Garden Club Donates Funds to Care for Ellen B. Kelso Memorial Garden

Williamsburg Area Meals on Wheels’ Summer Meals for Kids program faces significant challenges this season due to rising costs and decreased donations. The program, which provides meals to children lacking food when school is out, plans to feed 300 or more children this summer, a notable increase. Bruton Parish church stepped up and raised $23,200 for the program, providing over a third of its $65,000 operating budget. Despite the church’s contribution, more financial support is needed to meet the increased demand. The program relies on donations and volunteers as it does not qualify for federal funding due to meal delivery methods.

Proclaiming Grace Outreach is building a new food pantry in New Kent County for residents in need in New Kent and upper James City County.
The $1 million project broke ground in May and aims to open in November, replacing a small school trailer used since 2009.
The nonprofit still needs to raise $500,000 for the new building.
The pantry provides food and essentials, focusing on individuals not eligible for other assistance programs.
Proclaiming Grace Outreach also runs a thrift store, offers repairs, awards scholarships, and hosts its annual Jenna Bash Festival fundraiser on August 2.

A Williamsburg woman experiencing homelessness, Pamela Ellis, wrote a commentary responding to a previous letter, detailing her daily struggles including finding safe shelter and facing ordinances against sitting or camping in public, and appealed to the community for help and involvement in finding solutions like a summer shelter and safe overnight spaces.