Category: Local

The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra held its 40th season finale performance recently in Williamsburg.
The performance featured world-renowned Native American flutist R. Carlos Nakai and the Leah Glenn Dance Theatre.
The event celebrated diversity through music and dance.
Coming to the Table-Historic Triangle and the Virginia Racial Healing Institute will host the fourth annual Journey to Racial Healing Ceremony on June 21.
The ceremony will take place at the Stryker Center in Williamsburg.
Charles Holman III will share his family’s history at the event.
The ceremony aims to promote healing from racial injustices and build community.

J. Blaine Blayton Elementary School’s fifth-grade Engineering Club team won a top honor at the World KidWind Challenge held May 18-21 in Phoenix, Arizona. The team from the Williamsburg-James City County school was named one of three elementary world championship teams in the wind power competition. The students qualified through state and regional events, designing and presenting wind turbines and competing in challenges.

Three families excelled at the 10th annual Virginia Regional Ballet 5K race held May 17 in the First Colony neighborhood, helping with organization and securing top finishes. The race serves as an annual fundraiser for the ballet’s Nutcracker performance. Scott Ickes of Williamsburg won the men’s race in 17:04, followed by Jack Strumke of Toano in 18:49. Emily Honeycutt of Newport News was the top woman finisher in 18:56, with Isabella Strumke of Toano second in 19:53 and Tricia Murphy of Williamsburg third in 20:41. Race conditions were warm and humid, impacting times despite the flat course. Three new age group records were set: Connie Glueck (women 60-64, 23:25), Steve Chantry (men 70-74, 21:39), and Ken Mitchell (men 80+, 28:08). Robert Whitaker had the top age-graded performance. Jack Strumke and Emily Honeycutt currently lead the Colonial Road Runners Grand Prix standings for men and women, respectively, after seven races.

A William & Mary couple, Samuel Roach and Maegen Herring, got engaged last week on the school’s Crim Dell Bridge, known for its lore about lifelong lovers, the day before their graduation on May 16.

WILLIAMSBURG BOAT CLUB APPOINTS NEW ROWING DIRECTOR

Sharon Kriz has been announced as the new Director of Rowing for the Williamsburg Boat Club.
Kriz is a former decorated rower who competed nationally and internationally, including with the USA U23 National Team and at the World Championships.
She has coached rowing since 2000, previously leading Saugatuck and Maritime Rowing Clubs.
Kriz has consistently qualified athletes for the USRowing Youth National Championships since 2007.
She prefers coaching junior rowers to help them develop as athletes.
Kriz sought a community-focused club like Williamsburg Boat Club where she could lead the entire program.
Her goals include elevating the club, increasing membership, and focusing on the process of training and racing.
The club will host a free National Learn to Row Day on June 7-8, requiring pre-registration.

Source:

Williamsburg Boat Club Announces New Director of Rowing

HIGH TIDE HARBOR DEBUTS AT WATER COUNTRY USA

Water Country USA opened for the summer season.

The park’s new High Tide Harbor attraction officially opened on May 23 at 1:30 p.m.

High Tide Harbor is a multi-level interactive water play area designed for families.

It features over 100 interactive water elements and multiple slides.

The attraction has no height requirement for visitors.

It is located near other park areas with seating and rental cabanas available.

Source:

High Tide Harbor Officially Opens at Water Country

Older adults should have at least five essential legal documents according to Savvy Senior advice. These documents help protect seniors and their families by making wishes clear and minimizing conflict regarding health care and estates. A durable power of attorney lets someone manage financial affairs if the senior is incapacitated. An advance directive, including a living will and health care power of attorney, states end-of-life medical wishes and names a decision-maker. A will details how property is distributed after death and names an executor. A HIPAA release allows health care providers to discuss medical information with designated people. Seniors can use do-it-yourself options for simple estates or hire an attorney for complex situations to create these documents, including optional living trusts. Resources are available to find legal help, including low-cost options.

NEW LITERACY PROGRAM LAUNCHED BY WILLIAMSBURG REGIONAL LIBRARY

Williamsburg Regional Library has launched a new literacy-focused pilot program.
Called Mondays @ Frink, it is a weekly event held at the Abram Frink Jr. Community Center.
The program aims to promote reading, learning, and community engagement across generations.
It offers activities for families like games and storytimes.
Special events and a literacy CAFE are available for senior citizens.
The library seeks to bring its resources into spaces that are part of everyday life.
The program was made possible through community support and facility partnership.
Mondays @ Frink is free and open to everyone.

Source:

Williamsburg Regional Library Launches New Literacy-Focused Pilot Program 

NEWS BRIEFS MAY 23

Highland resumed archaeological digs at the site of James Monroe’s original home, visible weekdays until July 3. UMFS is hosting virtual information sessions in May to recruit foster parents, especially for older youth. Chick-fil-A Coastal VA’s 18th annual charity race on May 24 will support the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. Del. Chad Green and others will host a safe driving roundtable on May 27 to discuss reducing road incidents. York County is holding a public meeting on May 28 regarding the proposed Yorktown Freight Shed Pavilion. James City County is seeking applicants for appointment to the Virginia Peninsula Community College Board. Gloucester County will hold a public meeting on May 28 to discuss data centers and a potential Technology Overlay District. VDOT is requesting feedback via online surveys until May 30 on five Hampton Roads transportation planning studies.

Source:

News Briefs for May 23

COLONIAL ITALIAN AMERICAN ORGANIZATION MEATBALL COOK-OFF EVENT

The Colonial Italian American Organization, CIAO, is hosting a meatball cook-off.
The event will take place at Frothy Moon on May 31 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Ten chefs will compete for a people’s choice award at the cook-off.
Money raised from the event will go towards scholarships for local students.
The organization aims to grow its scholarship fund from $4,000 to $10,000.
CIAO was established in 1988 and is open to anyone interested in Italian culture.
Tickets for the cook-off are $20 each.
More information and registration details are available on the CIAO website.

Source:

Colonial Italian American Organization to Host Meatball Cook-off