Category: Local

EXTREME HEAT SAFETY TIPS

An extreme heatwave with high humidity and temperatures over 100 degrees is expected in the Historic Triangle this week.
The article distinguishes between heat exhaustion and the more severe heat stroke, listing symptoms and immediate actions for each.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include dizziness and heavy sweating, requiring cooling down and hydration.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency with symptoms like confusion and loss of consciousness, requiring immediate 911 contact.
Precautions for being outdoors include limiting exposure during peak heat, seeking shade, wearing light clothing, and using sunscreen.
Home preparation tips involve keeping lights off, staying on lower floors if no AC is available, utilizing cooling centers, and closing blinds during the day.
Using fans and taking cold showers or baths are also recommended home cooling methods.
Staying well-hydrated is crucial, emphasizing drinking plenty of water and replacing lost electrolytes while avoiding alcohol and caffeine.

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As Temperatures Rise, Ensure Extreme Heat Safety with These Tips

A faith column reflects on summer solstice as a symbol of light and growth, connecting the outer season to inner spiritual development. Drawing on Joyce Rupp’s ideas, the author discusses “interior summer” as a time of ripening and vitality, nurtured through reflection, relationships, and prayer. The author shares a personal story about caring for her mother one summer, where a simple affirmation fostered significant inner growth. The piece emphasizes that while inner growth is often quiet and hard to measure, it is a vital part of life, like growth in nature. The author plans to focus on personal inner growth this summer.

THE BAND PERRY REUNION CONCERT AT WILLIAMSBURG LIVE

The Band Perry performs a reunion show at Williamsburg Live tonight.

The country music siblings took a hiatus in late 2022 after years of touring.

They reunited for a hometown benefit concert following Hurricane Helene.

Williamsburg holds special meaning for the band, as their parents honeymooned there.

The concert coincides with the 15th anniversary of their first project.

Their setlist will include hits, deep cuts, and new songs.

Local artist Celeste Kellogg will open the show.

Tickets are available through the Virginia Arts Festival website.

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Williamsburg Live Continues Tonight with The Band Perry’s Reunion

Visit Williamsburg launched The Great American Birthday Quilt project nationwide to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. The project invites people to submit quilt panels by November 30. The completed quilt will be displayed at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center after a spring 2026 exhibition at historic sites.

Camp Kesem at William & Mary provides a free overnight camp from August 11-16 for children aged 6-18 whose caregivers have cancer. The camp, run by college student volunteers like Vera Cullen, offers healing and joy through activities and community support for children navigating their parent’s cancer journey. Registration for the Lowesville camp, which includes bus service from Williamsburg, is open online until the session begins.

Getting Social Security Disability Insurance is challenging, with around two-thirds of applicants denied. Eligibility requires a severe physical or mental impairment preventing work for at least a year. Earning more than $1,620 monthly ($2,700 if blind) in 2025 disqualifies applicants unless they are blind. Skills, education, and work history are considered; denial occurs if the applicant can perform a less demanding job. The SSA Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool can help determine eligibility. To apply, gather personal, financial, and medical information and apply online at SSA.gov/disability, by phone at 800-772-1213, or at a local office. The initial process takes six to eight months, unless it’s a fast-tracked Compassionate Allowance case. If denied, applicants can appeal, and about half of appealed cases are eventually awarded benefits, though appeals add significant time (eight to 10 months for reconsideration, 15 months for a hearing). Hiring a representative is an option, costing 25% of past-due benefits up to $9,200 if they win the case. Representatives can be helpful, especially for complex disabilities, and can be found through NOSCCR, NADR, or LSC for low-income assistance.

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION HIGHLIGHTS

Colonial Williamsburg celebrated Juneteenth with significant events.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the recreation of the African Baptist Meeting House.
This meeting house was the original location of the First Baptist Church, an early African American congregation.
The project aims to restore dignity and honor the legacy of the Black community.
A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the opening of the restored Bray School.
The Bray School was one of North America’s oldest known schools for enslaved and free Black children.
The historic Bray School building was moved and fully restored at Colonial Williamsburg.

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Ground Breaking, Ribbon Cutting Highlight Colonial Williamsburg’s Juneteenth Celebration

WILLIAMSBURG WATER AND SEWER BILLING CHANGES

The City of Williamsburg is changing water and sewer billing.
Billing will switch from quarterly to monthly starting in August.
A transition bill will be sent in July.
Bills will be due 21 days after the bill date.
AutoPay will be drafted monthly on the 20th.
The water rate is increasing in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
New water rates are $6.89/1,000 gallons for city residents and $8.27/1,000 gallons outside the city.
The new rate will be on August bills.
HRSD sewer charges will be billed separately by HRSD monthly starting in August.
The city utility bill will only contain water charges.

Source:
https://wydaily.com/latest/government/2025/06/21/city-of-williamburg-to-implement-changes-to-water-and-sewer-billing/

BUSCH GARDENS WILLIAMSBURG ANNOUNCES MILITARY APPRECIATION WEEK

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is holding a Military Appreciation Week from June 30 to July 6.
The event features patriotic decorations, military bands, concerts, shopping, and fireworks.
Fireworks displays will occur nightly from July 3 through July 5 at 9:15 p.m.
Selected concerts are included with park admission on July 4 and 5.
US military active-duty members and veterans receive free park admission.
Veterans can get free one-day admission for themselves and up to three dependents.
Active-duty military get free one-day admission for themselves and up to six guests/dependents during this event.
Service members receive an additional 10% discount on dining and shopping.
More details and registration are available on the Busch Gardens website.

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Busch Gardens Williamsburg to Honor US Armed Forces with Military Appreciation Week

James City County citizen scientist Van Ruckman observed a distant asteroid and its moon from a local soccer field in January, a significant discovery that confirmed the asteroid’s binary nature and excited the astronomical community.