Category: Local

W&M ALUM MIXOLOGIST RETURNS FOR WILLIAMSBURG WEEKEND

William & Mary alum and professional mixologist Greg Benson is back in Williamsburg.
He will teach cocktail-making classes at this weekend’s Williamsburg Whiskey and Wine Weekend (June 27-29).
The classes will be held at The Study at Amber Ox.
Saturday’s class focuses on classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Mint Julep.
Sunday’s class covers modern cocktails including the Black Manhattan and Paper Plane.
Each class is $50 and requires advance ticket purchase.
Benson shares stories and history about the cocktails he teaches.
He chose mixology over brewing for its immediacy and creative possibilities.
Benson notes positive changes in Williamsburg’s modern bar and restaurant scene since he graduated.
He also co-hosts The Speakeasy podcast about the drink industry.

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W&M Alum, Mixologist Returns to the Region for Williamsburg Whiskey and Wine Weekend

VIRGINIA GAME FISH TAGGING PROGRAM HONORS DEDICATION

The Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program held an event on June 6 to celebrate its long-serving volunteers and staff.
The ceremony highlighted over 30 years of data and service contributed by anglers since 1995.
Volunteers were recognized for significant service durations, including over 30, 20, and 15 years.
Top volunteers who tagged over 10,000 fish were specifically honored for their extensive contributions.
Long-serving VGFTP staff members were also recognized for their dedication across various roles.

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Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program Recognizes Volunteers, Staff

NEWS BRIEFS FOR JUNE 25

Water Country USA is launching a new after-dark event called AquaGlow on Fridays and Saturdays starting June 27.

The Williamsburg Hornets are holding a free football and cheerleading conditioning clinic on July 1 for ages 5-12 at WISC.

The Abram Frink Jr. Community Center gym will be closed July 3-10 for floor maintenance; pass holders can use the James City County Recreation Center.

Sewer maintenance is scheduled on Messick and Ridge Roads in Poquoson from June 24 through July 2, potentially impacting traffic.

The Library of Virginia’s mobile programming van will attend the Picnic in the Park in Poquoson on June 27.

York County residents are reminded that tax bills are due on June 25.

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News Briefs for June 25

Mitchell Reiss, former president of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, was recently appointed chairman of the British Imperial War Museums Foundation. The foundation supports five museum sites across Britain dedicated to understanding modern warfare and wartime experiences. Reiss will help guide the museums in presenting complex history and preserving legacies. His background was seen as valuable for the role.

RIVERSIDE PATRIOTS COLONY STARTS NEW FACILITY CONSTRUCTION

Riverside Patriots Colony held a groundbreaking ceremony on June 18.
Construction began on a new 52-bed skilled nursing and long-term care facility.
The 43,500-square-foot facility is scheduled to open in late 2026.
It will replace the current nursing care center on the Williamsburg campus.
The new facility features two distinct wings with 52 private rooms.
An outdoor rehabilitation courtyard is also part of the project.
The design aims to meet evolving resident needs prioritizing privacy and support.
Riverside sees this as an investment in high-quality future senior care.

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Riverside Breaks Ground on New Facility at Patriots Colony

Williamsburg area opens cooling centers at James City County Recreation Center and Williamsburg Regional Library.
The centers are available to residents and visitors during open hours this week.
This action is in response to an extreme heat warning from the National Weather Service through Wednesday night.
The Virginia Department of Health provided tips to avoid heat-related illnesses during the heat wave.

YORK-POQUOSON SHERIFF’S OFFICE GAINS NEW K-9

The York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office welcomed new K-9 Grit to its team.

Grit is a 15-month-old German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix.

He is a dual-purpose dog trained in narcotics detection and apprehension tactics.

His handler is Brett Schultz, whose previous K-9 partner Saber passed away.

Grit is described as athletic, agile, and desensitized to distractions.

He recently earned his first official apprehension on May 21.

Grit is undergoing daily training with handler Schultz.

He is expected to serve for eight to ten years before retiring.

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York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office Welcomes Newest K-9 Grit

Williamsburg’s Aromas World coffee shop is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The downtown business, owned by Michelle and Steve Sieling since 2018, offers coffee, baked goods, and meals and is recognized for its community atmosphere. Serving William & Mary students, locals, and tourists, the shop endured challenges including a 2020 fire and ceiling collapse. Aromas has expanded with Captain’s Den in Newport News (2021) and Aromas 1781 Cafe in Yorktown (2023). An all-day anniversary celebration is planned for Wednesday.

WILLIAMSBURG LIVE MUSIC EVENT SUMMARY

Williamsburg Live, the culmination of the Virginia Arts Festival season, took place recently.
The event was held on the lawn of The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.
The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA performed on June 20, featuring hits and original ABBA bassist Mike Watson.
Celeste Kellogg, a local artist, opened for The Band Perry on June 21, performing her songs and teasing a future album.
The Band Perry, consisting of Kimberley and Reid Perry, delivered an energetic performance.
Original Beach Boy Mike Love and his band played iconic hits on June 22.
Concert-goers enjoyed the shows despite warm weather.
Williamsburg Live is set to return in June 2026.

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Photo Gallery: Williamsburg Live Rocks the Lawn of The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg

WILLIAMSBURG LIVE CONCLUDES WITH THE BEACH BOYS

The final night of the annual Williamsburg Live concert series is tonight in Colonial Williamsburg.
Iconic American band The Beach Boys are performing to close out the festival.
The group previously played at the event in 2024 and requested to return this year.
Virginia Arts Festival Executive Director Rob Cross wanted them back for their broad appeal across generations.
Tonight’s show will feature the band’s hits, surfboard decor, and merchandise.
Festival leadership hopes to expand Williamsburg Live in the future, potentially adding another night.
Planning for the 2026 Williamsburg Live is already underway.

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Williamsburg Live Closes Out Tonight with The Beach Boys