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Virginia House District 71 candidate Jessica Anderson wrote that Virginia’s off-year election is critical for the state’s economy and future. She stated federal funds for Virginia broadband in Southside/Southwest and sea level rise at Jamestown were halted or canceled. She criticized Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares for inaction compared to other states’ attorneys general. She noted the US House passed a budget potentially impacting federal programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP. She urged residents to vote in state elections this November.

James City County resident Suzanne Tingley wrote praising the Peace Corps based on her past service in Paraguay. She described her experience and the program’s benefits. She expressed concern that the current national administration is targeting various federal programs, suggesting the Peace Corps could be next.

NEWS BRIEFS

Soundscapes is hosting a benefit concert on June 1 to support student musicians facing funding cuts.

The Abram Frink Jr. Community Center will close for maintenance from June 16-27.

The Williamsburg Farmers Market received Gold Certification status for the second consecutive year.

James City County will offer a free seminar on June 13 about upcoming stormwater management regulatory changes.

Grants totaling $4 million are available from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services for programs to prevent veteran suicide and opioid abuse.

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce announced two new team members, Carter T. Whitelow and Sarah Muse.

Chesapeake Bank hired Keith E. Gillespie as Commercial Loan Officer for the Peninsula market.

Source:

News Briefs for May 28

WILLIAM & MARY ONLINE PROGRAM HIGHLY RANKED

William & Mary’s Online Master’s in School Counseling program is ranked No. 2 in the country by CounselingPsychology.org for 2025.

The CACREP-accredited program emphasizes social justice and diversity.

Its curriculum prepares students for licensure by covering academic planning, career exploration, and emotional support.

The program uniquely requires two on-campus residencies in addition to online coursework.

Required practicum and internship experiences provide hands-on learning.

The program features small class sizes and flexible scheduling.

Students can complete the program in as little as three years.

Rankings are based on curriculum strength, faculty credentials, flexibility, value, and licensure preparation.

Source:
https://wydaily.com/latest/education/2025/05/28/william-mary-online-masters-program-recognized-among-nations-best-for-2025/

The Villa La Pausa on the French Riviera, formerly owned by Emery and Wendy Reves, was purchased by the Coco Chanel Foundation for nearly $50 million and is now coming alive again.
Wendy Reves originally planned for 40 percent of her assets to support international student education at the Reves Center at William & Mary.
Litigation is ongoing in a French court regarding undistributed assets intended for the Reves Center following a later will signing.
The Reveses’ legacy includes a significant art collection donated to the Dallas Museum of Art and the Reves Center for International Studies at William & Mary.
The Reves Center is highlighted as a lasting legacy supporting international studies at William & Mary.

J. BLAINE BLAYTON ELEMENTARY WINS WORLD KIDWIND CHAMPIONSHIP

The J. Blaine Blayton Elementary Engineering Team won the World KidWind Challenge championship.
The competition took place in Phoenix, Arizona from May 18-21.
The challenge involved building and presenting a wind turbine design, along with quizzes and instant challenges.
The team qualified for the world event by placing second in the Virginia state competition.
Competing as The Honey Whirlers, they faced teams from across the US and internationally.
They were named one of three World Championship teams.
School staff praised the students’ hard work and the valuable STEM skills they learned.

Source:

J. Blaine Blayton Elementary Engineering Club Wins World KidWind Competition

LITERACY FOR LIFE LOSES FEDERAL FUNDING

Local nonprofit Literacy for Life is concerned about losing federal grant funding.
This funding provides 20% ($240,000) of their annual budget.
Literacy for Life offers adult literacy services like reading, writing, math, and English.
They serve about 1,100 people across the peninsula, many of whom are English language learners.
Federal funding primarily supported English language learners and built staff capacity.
Losing the funds will reduce their capacity and the number of people they can serve.
These skills are vital for learners to secure living wage jobs and benefit the community.
The current federal budget proposes entirely cutting adult education funding.

Source:

Local Nonprofit Literacy for Life Faces Future Without Federal Grant Funding

YORK-POQUOSON SHERIFF HOSTS SAFE DRIVING EVENT

The York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office is hosting a kickoff event on May 27th.
It launches the national “100 Safest Days of Summer” initiative.
The initiative aims to make the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day safe on roadways.
This time is historically known as the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers.
A legislative roundtable will discuss actions to reduce driving injuries and fatalities.
The event brings together lawmakers, law enforcement, and community groups.
Free online resources are available at 100safestdaysofsummer.org.
Community members are encouraged to attend to learn how to get involved.

Source:

York-Poquson Sheriff’s Office to Hold Safe Driving Legislative Roundtable to Welcome ‘100 Safest Days of Summer’

HONORING VETERANS WITH FLAGS AT CEDAR GROVE

Community groups and residents placed American flags on veteran gravestones at Cedar Grove Cemetery.
This was done ahead of Memorial Day.
Over 600 veterans from the Civil War to Afghanistan are buried at the cemetery.
Over 50 groups and community members participated this year.
The tradition instills a sense of pride and respect for veteran sacrifices.
The Williamsburg Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was among the participating groups.
The effort ensures each veteran grave is marked with an American flag for Memorial Day.

Source:

Photo Gallery: Community Groups Gather to Place Flags on Veteran Graves at Cedar Grove Cemetery

WILLIAMSBURG COMMUNITY FOUNDATION HIRES NEW DIRECTOR

Scott Andrews-Weckerly is joining the Williamsburg Community Foundation as Director of Community Investment.
This is an expanded role overseeing grantmaking, scholarships, and strategic plan initiatives.
Andrews-Weckerly previously worked at the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond focusing on housing, homelessness, and workforce development.
He is a licensed master social worker with over a decade of experience in direct service and program administration.
His arrival coincides with Program Officer Ginny Gasink leaving to pursue social work after serving since 2016.

Source:

Williamsburg Community Foundation Welcomes New Director of Community Investment

HOUSING PARTNERSHIPS INC. CELEBRATES 40 YEARS

Housing Partnerships Inc. is marking 40 years of serving low-income residents in the Historic Triangle.

Since 1985, HPI has provided home repairs, accessibility ramps, and emergency services.

They have specific programs like Rapid Wheelchair Response and Aging in Place.

The organization will celebrate with its 3rd Annual Food Truck Festival and Concert on June 15.

HPI emphasizes the importance of volunteers, donors, and partners in their success.

They plan to continue addressing the increasing housing needs in the region.

Source:

Housing Partnerships Inc. Marks 40 Years of Serving the Historic Triangle