Category: Local

Regionally acclaimed vocalist and actress Desirée Roots will perform Sunday at 7:30 p.m. in the William & Mary Music Center’s Concert Hall as part of the Arts Quarter Series, a free public event.
The popular New Town Tunes series returns every Wednesday from May 7 through June 11, featuring various bands like The Fuzz Band, Slapnation, and Nashville Nights Band performing 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Sullivan Square behind Legacy Hall; the free public series includes food trucks and breweries.
The Music in Midtown outdoor concert series begins May 8 and continues every second Thursday through Aug. 14, featuring groups such as Revelation, Good Shot Judy, and Barry Manilow’s Wardrobe performing 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Midtown Row; this free series allows attendees to bring chairs and picnics or order from local eateries.
William & Mary Presents! will feature the Mark Morris Dance Group performing “Pepperland” on May 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Glenn Close Theatre, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper” album with an original score by Ethan Iverson.
An Arts Festival showing featuring bassist Edgar Meyer, fiddler/violinist Tessa Lark, and cellist/composer Joshua Roman will take place May 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the William & Mary Arts Center Concert Hall; tickets are available online or at the box office.
The Williamsburg Women’s Chorus will present “Our Voice: Music of Our Time” on May 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, featuring works by composers like Bob Chilcott, Daniel Brinsmead, and Libby Larsen; suggested donations are $15 for adults and $10 for students.

A 9-year-old Williamsburg resident, Quinn Eppright, and her family have started a new nonprofit, Spark Community Empowerment, to assist students in need within WJCC Schools. The initiative was inspired after Quinn saw a classmate bullied for not having clean clothes due to lack of laundry access. The organization plans to raise funds for a school laundry token program and collect clothing donations. Their first fundraiser, a bingo night at the Williamsburg Indoor Sports Complex, is scheduled for May 16 starting at 5:30 PM. An ongoing clothing drive is also collecting new and gently used items until May 16 at drop-off locations including WISC, Williamsburg Orthodontics, and The Kensington School.

The Peninsula Community Foundation announced the 12th annual Give Local 757 event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6 in Hampton Roads. This 24-hour online fundraising event allows residents to support local nonprofits. Over 231 nonprofits have signed up, and more than 500 individuals are participating as fundraising champions with a collective goal of $475,000. Last year, the event raised over $1.82 million. The public can donate online at givelocal757.org on May 6 to help these organizations deliver essential services. Old Point National Bank is the presenting partner and will host community celebrations at its branches. Various ways to maximize impact include becoming a fundraising champion, donating online, seeking matching opportunities, and participating in Old Point National Bank’s activities.

The Williamsburg Kiwanis Club’s KIDS program sends underserved children to Busch Gardens for a day trip.
The Williamsburg Kiwanis Foundation has raised nearly $1 million for youth agencies, with Busch Gardens donating park passes.
Gifts for the KIDS program can be mailed to the Williamsburg Community Foundation or donated online at WilliamsburgCommunityFoundation.org.
G. Gary Ripple of the Williamsburg Kiwanis Foundation highlights the program’s goal to provide a positive experience for local at-risk youth.

A commentary argues James City County’s budget process lacks transparency and public input. The author criticizes the Board of Supervisors for approving property tax increases, including a 21% hike over two years (2024-25). It is stated the board misrepresented how the tax rate increase occurred despite state law adjusting rates after reassessments. The commentary claims these increases disproportionately harm vulnerable residents like seniors and the working poor. The author advocates for a participatory budgeting model where county staff presents clear spending options and associated tax rates to residents.

In-person early voting for the June Democratic Primary races begins Friday, May 2, in the Historic Triangle, featuring candidates for statewide lieutenant governor and attorney general; key dates include the May 27 voter registration deadline and the June 17 primary Election Day.

Flood insurance costs are dramatically rising for Virginia residents and businesses. This increase is driven by FEMA’s new Risk Rating 2.0 system, implemented fully by April 2023. Critics contend the system has significantly increased policyholder premiums and does not sufficiently reward flood mitigation. The average annual flood insurance cost in Virginia is estimated to rise by 45 percent. Only three percent of Virginia homeowners currently hold flood insurance. Flood risk is also increasing across the state, with over 28 percent of homes potentially facing risk in the next 30 years, particularly in areas like Virginia Beach. Southwest Virginia recently experienced significant flooding damage from Hurricane Helene. A lawsuit challenging FEMA’s rating system, joined by Virginia’s Attorney General, was dismissed in November 2023. Local communities can participate in FEMA’s Community Rating System by implementing flood protection policies to potentially lower insurance costs. A 20 million dollar federal grant for a flood resilience project in Hampton is reportedly at risk of cancellation.

Constance Connie Marie Butler, 58, of Williamsburg, passed away at her home on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Born March 11, 1967, she was the daughter of Horace Jones Sr. and the late Rosemary J. Allen. She was married to Tyrone Butler, had two daughters, worked at 7-11 and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and was active in her church. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, father, and siblings.

Shirley Louise White, 88, of Newport News passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025. She was a devoted mother and friend who worked for the Navy and later The Hidenwood Retirement Community. A Graveside Service is scheduled for Friday, May 2, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park.

MSGT Raymond L. Fletcher, USAF, Retired, 79, of Hampton passed away at home on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. He was a Peninsula resident for 46 years, served 20 years in the USAF with two tours in Vietnam, and was a Mason, member of the Hampton Elks No. 366, Shriners, American Legion Post 1596, and VFW Post 3529. He is survived by his wife Willa, son James, daughter Brenda, grandchildren, and family. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Newport News Elks Club 315. Donations may be made to the Peninsula SPCA or the American Lung Association.