Category: Local

EMPOWERING MILITARY SPOUSES SYMPOSIUM IN WILLIAMSBURG

William & Mary hosts the Empowering Military Spouse Symposium on June 13.
This full-day event supports military spouses at every stage, the first of its kind in Williamsburg.
The symposium features a keynote, career panel, and breakout sessions on topics like resume writing, finance, and wellness.
Attendees receive free professional headshots, complimentary childcare for the first 50 registered, and access a VA Resource Fair.
The event connects military spouses with resources from W&M and organizations across the Hampton Roads region.
Sponsors include the PenFed Foundation and William & Mary’s Office of Military & Veteran Affairs.

Source:
https://wydaily.com/latest/local/2025/05/25/june-13-event-in-williamburg-puts-military-spouses-in-the-spotlight/

A local faith column suggests taking walks outdoors as a way to experience worship and spirituality, encouraging observation of creation and interaction with neighbors as ways to connect spiritually outside traditional buildings as warmer weather arrives.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg marked its 50th anniversary in May, celebrating its history since opening in 1975 and announcing new attractions. Park president Kevin Lembke highlighted the park’s growth and changes over five decades at a celebration on May 16. The park, originally owned by Anheuser-Busch and now by United Parks & Resorts Inc, has added numerous rides, attractions, and events. As part of the anniversary, a new version of the Big Bad Wolf coaster, called Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge, opened to the public this month. Busch Gardens also announced a new stage show debuting next month and Coasters After Dark events beginning June 13. The park has received awards including being named the world’s Most Beautiful Theme Park multiple times.

Kingsmill Plantation in James City County was listed on Preservation Virginia’s 2025 Most Endangered Historic Places list on May 15. The listing is due to a proposed 28-home subdivision by Escalante Golf near the 18th-century historic site. The development plans include building on areas potentially containing significant archaeological findings, including possible enslaved dwellings and burial sites. An archaeologist warned against disturbing known and unknown archaeological areas on the site. Escalante Golf stated they will donate the central historic portion, including the manor house foundation and dependencies, and provide funding for preservation. Residents and a newly formed Kingsmill Heritage Society expressed concerns about the development’s impact on the site and community space, citing lack of communication. Escalante Golf maintains they are following county regulations and have completed archaeological surveys. Preservation Virginia added the site to raise awareness about the threat to irreplaceable history.

Presidential physicians have evolved from private practitioners to military staff, balancing care and public transparency. Early doctors treated George Washington and William Henry Harrison, who died in office. Military physicians assumed responsibility after Abraham Lincoln’s death. Poor medical practices contributed to President James Garfield’s death. The White House medical office was established by Presley Rixey and enhanced by Joel Boone for routine care. The modern White House Medical Unit provides comprehensive care. Physicians have historically concealed presidential health issues, including those of Chester A. Arthur, Grover Cleveland, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy. The 25th Amendment added the responsibility of assessing presidential incapacity. Recent health revelations highlight the ongoing challenges of presidential medical care and transparency.

James City County resident W. R. van Elburg discussed society’s pervasive focus on money, shared personal financial experiences, and argued that integrity holds more value than wealth in a recent opinion column.

Williamsburg residents and various local organizations placed over 600 flags at Cedar Grove Cemetery on Thursday to honor fallen service members ahead of Memorial Day.

WILLIAMSBURG AREA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

The Williamsburg Area Genealogical Society (WAGS) was founded in 2019 by Debbie Misiag.
The group started small and grew significantly to over 50 members, expanding from homes to the library.
WAGS meets monthly from September to May at the Williamsburg Regional Library.
Meetings include expert speakers and member-shared research tips on various topics.
Annual membership is $30 and is open to anyone interested in genealogy.
The society became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2024.
WAGS aims to help people researching ancestors in the Williamsburg area by potentially assisting with record inquiries.
They are planning a one-day genealogical conference in Williamsburg for September 20th.

Source:

Tracing Roots in the Historic Triangle: Inside the Williamsburg Area Genealogical Society

CSX ANNOUNCES RAILROAD CROSSING CLOSURES IN WILLIAMSBURG AREA

CSX Transportation announced upcoming railroad crossing closures in the Williamsburg area starting around June 9.
The Peach Street railroad crossing will be the first to close for repairs.
The Peach Street closure is expected to last three to five days.
Crossings providing the only access for residents will be prioritized for 12-hour completion.
Closures are necessary for installing new rail.
Work will also impact travel in nearby Lanexa.
Work dates are subject to change due to weather and other conditions.
Motorists should expect delays and plan accordingly.
Detour signs will be posted during the closures.
CSX has provided a Google Map showing marked closures and expected timeframes.

Source:

CSX Railroad Crossing Closures Set for Early June as Repairs Begin

The Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation lost a $300,000 National Endowment for the Humanities grant intended to help protect Historic Jamestowne from rising sea levels. The grant was canceled by the Trump administration as part of efforts to end federal funding for climate change programs. Foundation officials stated they will seek other funds to continue projects like hydrological surveys needed to preserve the endangered historic site.