Category: Local

WILLIAMSBURG BOTANICAL GARDEN LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

Web Development Technology Partners developed a new website for the Williamsburg Botanical Garden.
The garden’s board president requested the redesign project.
The update included website construction, email assistance, online payments, and forms.
A highlight is a new digital and printable year-round map of the garden.
The website aims to improve user navigation and understanding of garden offerings.
It also seeks to ease the workload for garden volunteers.
WDTP enjoyed working on this local community project.

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New Website Launched for Williamsburg Botanical Garden

GROVE TROTTER 5K/10K RUN REGISTRATION OPEN

Registration is now open for the 5th Annual Grove Trotter 5K/10K Bridge Run.
Hosted by Grove Christian Outreach Center, the event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11.
The paved route starts at Chickahominy Riverfront Park and crosses the Chickahominy River Bridge.
Proceeds fund essential services for local families in need, like food and financial aid.
The race is a Colonial Road Runners Grand Prix event, welcoming all levels.
The 10K begins at 9 am and the 5K at 9:10 am.
Registration fees increase after August 30 and again on race day.
All participants get a medal and t-shirt; register by Oct. 3 for guaranteed shirt size.
Entry fees are non-refundable, and the event is rain or shine.

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Registration Open for 5th Annual Grove Trotter 5K/10K Bridge Run

Anne-Evan Kale Williams is the guest writer for this week’s “Kale on Books” column.
She is filling in for her father, Wilford Kale, who is on vacation.
Williams recommends three historical fiction novels.
Her selections are “The Personal Librarian,” “The Alice Network,” and “A Curious Beginning.”
The books are set in New York City, Europe during WWI and WWII, and 1887 London.
Williams, headmaster of Wasatch Academy in Utah, focuses on fiction, unlike her father’s usual nonfiction picks.

Bike rentals are available from several businesses throughout the Williamsburg area.
Options include James City County Marina, Williamsburg on Wheels, Spoke Art Provisions Co., E-Bike Alley, and Patriot Tours and Provisions.
These businesses offer various types of bikes for rent, such as standard, electric, tandem, and children’s models.
Rentals provide convenient access to popular trails like the Virginia Capital Trail and the Colonial Parkway.
Renting a bike allows visitors to explore historic sites in Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown.
Some businesses also offer guided bike or Segway tours of local areas.
Rental periods range from hourly to daily or longer, with some locations offering year-round availability.
Customers should check individual business websites for current rates, hours, and offerings before planning a visit.

Rosewell Ruin in Gloucester County is marking its 300th anniversary with two upcoming events.
A dedication ceremony for a new Remembrance Structure honoring enslaved persons will be held at Rosewell on Sunday at 3 p.m.
The structure was built using 18th-century techniques and will be used for educational purposes.
On June 8 at 2 p.m., a historical drama about John Page and the start of the American Revolution will be performed on the grounds.
The Rosewell site will be open free to the public from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on June 8, with exhibits and activities before the drama.
These events are organized by the Fairfield Foundation as part of preservation and education efforts at the historic site.

BIG BAD WOLF COASTER OPENS AT BUSCH GARDENS

The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge officially opened to the public at Busch Gardens Williamsburg on May 23.
The opening event featured a ribbon cutting and a ceremonial first ride by Wolf Scouts.
Busch Gardens President Kevin Lembke noted enthusiastic preview reactions and the nostalgia of the coaster’s return.
This new coaster is the 11th at the park.
It was manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, designers of other park coasters like Alpengeist and Apollo’s Chariot.

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Photo Gallery: The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge Officially Opens

VETERAN RIDES FOR MS RESEARCH AND AWARENESS

Army veteran Randall Pope arrived in Williamsburg on his mission to raise money for MS research.
He is riding 250 miles in his power chair from Christopher Newport University to the Pentagon.
The endeavor aims to raise awareness for MS and fund power wheelchairs for those in need.
This ride marks the 30th anniversary of his MS diagnosis.
Pope wants to inspire others with MS or injuries to stay active and live life fully.
His route includes historic college campuses like William & Mary, where he arrived on May 28.
The ride is expected to reach the Pentagon next week.
He is fundraising and sharing updates via his Rolling with Randall Facebook page.

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Virginia Man Arrives in Williamsburg on Mission to Raise Money for MS Research

FBI NORFOLK CITIZEN ACADEMY

The FBI Norfolk Field Office held an eight-week Citizen Academy.
The program offered citizens a behind-the-scenes look at FBI operations and mission.
Participants learned from various FBI departments including violent crimes and counterterrorism.
Hands-on activities included lab work, crime scene processing, and range day with FBI weapons.
The academy aims to foster trust and strengthen community relationships with the FBI.
Graduates received certificates and can join the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association.
They are also invited for a full-day tour of the FBI training headquarters at Quantico.
The next Citizen Academy is planned for 2026.

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Citizen Academy Offers Rare Glimpse Inside FBI Norfolk

TABB HIGH SENIOR EARNS PRESTIGIOUS JEFFERSON SCHOLARSHIP

Tabb High School senior Malini Dharni has been awarded the prestigious Jefferson Scholarship to UVA.
This is one of the nation’s most highly selective merit scholarships, with only 36 recipients this year.
Scholars are chosen for their exceptional promise in leadership, scholarship, and citizenship.
Dharni is Tabb High’s Salutatorian and attends the Governor’s School for Science and Technology.
She has actively pursued biotechnology through research, mentorship, and science fairs.
She founded the Operation Smile Club and is a leader in Model UN and the Medical Club.
The scholarship covers the full cost of attending UVA for four years and provides enrichment programs.

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Tabb High Senior Awarded Prestigious Jefferson Scholarship to UVA

Williamsburg will host the Virginia Team Poetry Slam Championship at the Kimball Theatre this Friday at 7:30 p.m., featuring six state teams competing for the title and fundraising for their trip to the Southern Fried Poetry Slam.