Category: Local

Yorktown runner Bethany Spector won two Peninsula Track Club races in June, performing well in hot conditions. Spector had the fastest women’s time at the June 17 Trailzilla 4 Miler in Hampton. She achieved a rare overall win among men and women and set a course record at the June 21 Timberneck 5K in Hayes, a race benefiting the Fairfield Foundation. These were Spector’s final local races before moving to Germany with her family.

The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation is hosting a summer challenge inviting people to run, walk, or bike the 51.7-mile trail between Jamestown and Richmond. Participants can set goals of 51.7, 103.4, or 517 miles, completable in segments. Registration is $27 until June 30 and $42 thereafter, with proceeds supporting trail maintenance. Registered participants are invited to an end-of-summer party on September 13.

CASSIE DONEGAN TO APPEAR IN NEWSIES IN WILLIAMSBURG

Professional actress Cassie Donegan, a Centerstage Academy alumna, will make a special appearance in their production of “Newsies” this weekend.
The performances are part of an alumni cast collaboration at the James-York Playhouse.
The initiative aims to provide current students with the opportunity to perform alongside industry professionals.
Other Centerstage alumni will also be participating in the show.
Performances are scheduled for June 27 at 7 p.m., June 28 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and June 29 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under and should be purchased online in advance.

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Cassie Donegan to Make Special Apperance in ‘Newsies’ This Weekend in Williamsburg

NATIONWIDE QUILT PROJECT CELEBRATES AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY

Visit Williamsburg launched The Great American Birthday Quilt Project.
It celebrates the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.
This nationwide effort invites participants to “stitch their story” into a monumental quilt.
The quilt aims to reflect America’s past, present, and future.
People can join workshops, submit quilt squares from home, or donate materials.
The project is led by Steve Prince in partnership with Visit Williamsburg.
No sewing skills are required; both sewn and glued squares are accepted.
Submissions are open until November 30.
The completed quilt will be assembled and debut in Spring 2026.
It will be displayed at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center and historic sites nationally.

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Visit Williamsburg Unveils The Great American Birthday Quilt Project

CAP TRAIL SUMMER CHALLENGE BEGINS

The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation is hosting a Summer Challenge.
The event encourages activity on the 51.7-mile trail until September 8th.
Participants can run, bike, walk, or skate to meet distance goals.
Goals include 51.7, 103.4, or 517 miles on the trail.
Completing the challenge requires passing every mile marker.
Bonus miles can be added on or off the trail.
The challenge aims to connect people with health, nature, and community.
An end-of-summer party for registrants is scheduled for September 13th.
Registration is $27 until June 30th, then increases to $32.
All proceeds support the Foundation’s mission.

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The Cap Trail Summer Challenge is On

The Arc of Greater Williamsburg is seeking to raise $1 million within the next four weeks to purchase a building at 438 McLaws Circle in James City County to consolidate programs and expand services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Experts warn a rare tick-borne illness called babesiosis is spreading into Virginia.
Cases, though fewer than Lyme disease, are rising, with a spike of seven reported in Virginia in 2023.
Hotspots include Northern Virginia, Southwest Virginia, and the Eastern Shore, and infected ticks were found in Chesapeake and Portsmouth.
Babesiosis is caused by a parasite and can cause flu-like symptoms, posing risks to vulnerable populations, although many infected people have few symptoms.
Changes in land use favoring deer may contribute to the tick’s spread southward.
Experts urge medical professionals and the public to be aware of babesiosis as it is relatively new to the state.
Prevention through tick checks, repellents, and protective clothing is advised for outdoor activities.
One tick bite can result in co-infection with illnesses like Lyme and babesiosis.
The Department of Defense is involved in combatting tick-borne illnesses in the region due to the impact on military readiness.

Williamsburg resident Miles Lambert offered suggestions for summer wines available locally. Recommendations include Cambalala Sauvignon Blanc 2024 from South Africa (Aldi, $5.99), Les Portes de Bordeaux Rosé 2024 from France (Trader Joe’s, $7.49), Raza Vinho Verde Rosé 2023 from Portugal (The Cheese Shop, $11.99), and Raimund Prüm Essence Riesling 2023 from Germany (Food Lion, $17). The column provides tasting notes and food pairing ideas for transitioning to hotter weather.

James “Jim” Horn, president of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation, will retire this August after 10 years leading the nonprofit.
Horn, 72, cited age and wanting to enjoy his personal life as reasons for stepping down, noting the foundation is in good shape.
During his tenure, Horn developed collections, conservation, and archaeology programs, expanded education, and brought new exhibits to the site.
Key achievements included the excavation of early leaders’ graves, the discovery of a silver reliquary box, and finding the footprint of the 1617 church.
Horn’s leadership was credited with significant archaeological discoveries and improving visitor experience and the historic church.
A major challenge for the successor will be protecting the site from rising sea levels and flooding, a $40 million effort that recently received $8 million from the state.
Horn plans to remain involved as chief historian for genetics research on the 1607 burial ground and write more books.

A James City County resident argued President Trump committed an act of war and urged Rep Rob Wittman to impeach him.
A James City County resident raised questions about helping homeless people and discussed factors like support systems, resources, and locations like Richmond Road.
A James City County resident shared experiences delivering summer meals to 300 children living in local motels, highlighting difficult living conditions and lack of activities.