Category: Local

NEW WILLIAMSBURG FOOD DONATION PROGRAM

PORCH Communities, a grassroots food donation program, has launched its first Virginia chapter in Williamsburg.

The program coordinates monthly neighborhood food drives where residents leave donations on their porches for volunteers to collect.

Volunteers organize and distribute the collected food to local food pantries serving the Greater Williamsburg area.

Current pantry partners include FISH Inc., Williamsburg House of Mercy, Grove Christian Outreach Center, and the WJCC Community Action Agency.

Neighborhood coordinators manage collections, which require minimal time commitment.

The program has collected significant amounts of food, with over 15,000 pounds donated in 2024 and matching that amount by the end of May 2025.

The effort is vital due to increasing demand at food pantries caused by rising living costs and decreasing government support.

Anyone can start a PORCH program in their neighborhood by emailing the chapter leader.

Source:

New Food Pantry Donation Program in Williamsburg Makes it Easy to Give Back

YORK COUNTY JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL DETAILS

York County will host its fourth annual family-friendly Juneteenth celebration.

The free, alcohol-free event is Saturday, June 14 at the McReynolds Athletic Complex Soccer Fields.

Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. and honor African American culture and heritage.

Activities include live music by SLAPNATION, guest speakers, food trucks, vendors, and children’s entertainment.

Radio personality Doc Christian will be the event MC.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Source:

York County to Celebrate Juneteenth with Family-Friendly Festival

CIAO MEATBALL COOK-OFF EXCEEDS FUNDRAISING GOAL

The Colonial Italian American Organization (CIAO) hosted a successful meatball cook-off.
The event was held on May 31 at Frothy Moon Brewhouse in Williamsburg.
Its purpose was to raise funds for scholarships for students in the Hampton Roads area.
CIAO exceeded its fundraising goal for these scholarships.
Approximately 120 people attended, surpassing the goal of 100.
An estimated $2,400 was raised for the scholarship fund.
Tony Tutino won first place in the cook-off.
Due to its popularity, CIAO hopes to make the event an annual tradition.
The event was spearheaded by Jackie Findlay and Anne Lamar.

Source:

CIAO Social Club’s Meatball Contest Exceeds Fundraising Goal

WILLIAMSBURG REALTORS CELEBRATES PLATINUM JUBILEE

Williamsburg REALTORS commemorated its 70th anniversary.
The celebration was held on Friday, May 30, at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.
Established in 1956, the organization aimed to unite local real estate professionals with integrity and advocacy.
Over decades, it has grown, championing housing fairness, inclusivity, and shaping policy.
Williamsburg REALTORS considers itself the “Voice for Real Estate in America’s Historic Triangle.”
The Platinum Jubilee event was curated by the Community Engagement Committee.
The organization thanked its current leadership and sponsors.

Source:

Williamsburg REALTORS Commemorates 70 Years with Platinum Jubilee Celebration

NWS YORKTOWN AND DOMINION ENERGY EXPLORE NEW POWER SOURCES

Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and Dominion Energy Virginia signed a Memorandum of Agreement.
The agreement explores reliable and resilient energy sources for the base.
Potential sources include natural gas, solar, energy storage, and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
The goal is to ensure energy resilience for national security and base operations.
The base is a critical logistics and munitions hub for the East Coast Navy.
Dominion Energy emphasized collaboration with military installations and the community.
Exploring SMRs is seen as a favorable option for advanced nuclear power.
The agreement follows similar collaborations at other Virginia military installations.

Source:

Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Dominion Energy Virginia Sign Agreement to Explore New Power Sources Including a Small Modular Reactor

James City County resident Richard Broadwell is displaying 55 World War II Time magazine covers featuring hand-drawn portraits.
The covers are on display at Turn the Page Bookshop in the Williamsburg Premium Outlets.
The exhibit features portraits by artists Boris Artzybasheff, Ernest Hamlin Baker, and Boris Chaliapin from Broadwell’s 225-cover collection.
Broadwell hopes the display will interest the community and attract visitors to the bookstore.
The individual magazines are not for sale.

Susan Tarley, an attorney from Williamsburg, is set to become the president-elect of the Virginia State Bar this month.
She will serve as the 88th president starting in one year, becoming the first attorney from Williamsburg to hold the position.
Tarley aims to improve access to legal services across Virginia, particularly in underserved areas.
The Virginia State Bar regulates the legal profession, protects the public, and works to improve access to legal services.

Rev. Lisa Green wrote a Daily Press opinion column discussing the Pentecost holiday and Biblical values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Green argues these values are under attack, referencing national issues like potential renaming of ships honoring figures like Harvey Milk and John Lewis. The column highlights local efforts through the HART initiative “Stand Up for Yourself and Others!” Scheduled events include a Stand Up table at the Juneteenth Freedom Fest in Freedom Park on June 14. The Williamsburg Regional Library hosts a Stand Up book story hour on June 24 from 2 to 3 p.m. A multifaith dialogue focusing on religious values inspiring immigrant and LGBTQ+ neighbors is June 29 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at St. Martin’s. Email standup4everyone@gmail.com provides more information on these local events.

William & Mary biology professor Dan Cristol states severe insect population declines, or the “insect apocalypse,” are the primary cause of well-documented bird population losses. Scientists link insect declines mainly to climate change altering temperature and rainfall patterns over recent decades. Birds, especially songbirds, depend heavily on insects for food, and insect-eating species have shown the steepest declines.

WJCC Schools began early talks this week with consulting firm MGT regarding potential redistricting of elementary schools, prompted by the anticipated opening of two new pre-kindergarten centers in 2027 which will affect space utilization. Community feedback is planned, with recommendations expected by October 2026.