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Ninety-two people representing 46 countries became United States citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown on Thursday. The event, hosted by local historical and government organizations, celebrated the new citizens who expressed hopes for better opportunities and ambition in the U.S. The ceremony included speakers and concluded with a ceremonial canon firing.

James City County hosted a “Housing for All: A Community Conversation” event on April 30 at the Recreation Center. The event addressed the local affordable housing crisis and showcased James City County’s housing assistance programs. It featured presentations, networking, and information tables from organizations aiding vulnerable residents. Speakers emphasized the benefits of stable housing and shared testimonials from program beneficiaries. James City County provides programs like housing choice vouchers, rehabilitation, and homeownership assistance. The lack of affordable housing affects residents and local businesses.

Runners participated in the Virginia 24 Hour Run ultramarathon at Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton on April 26-27. The event served as a benefit for the American Cancer Society, with participants running to honor cancer victims and survivors while completing competitive distances and fostering community ties.

Migratory birds cross numerous national borders, requiring international cooperation for their conservation. Political lines are insignificant to species like warblers traveling between tropical areas and North America. Conserving these species and addressing cross-border environmental issues necessitates collaboration. Effective plans for birds like the declining prothonotary warbler involve multiple countries and interagency work. Conservation efforts are compromised when countries reduce cooperation with allies. Protecting migratory birds relies on collaborative international action, often supported by government funding and nonprofit efforts. Weakening agreements such as the century-old Migratory Bird Treaty Act undermines shared bird population protection among signatory nations like the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Allowing harm to birds without penalty can diminish cooperation from other countries. Bird conservation is complex due to their mobility and depends on maintaining international alliances.

RIVERWALK LANDING CELEBRATES TWO DECADES

Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025.
The waterfront area features shopping, dining, and recreation on the York River.
Before its development, the Yorktown waterfront in the late 1980s was marked by disrepair and environmental issues.
York County initiated a plan to revitalize the five-acre area into a public gathering place.
Construction began in 2004, costing $24 million, and included retail space, amenities, and shoreline protection.
The historic Freight Shed was also relocated during the development.
Riverwalk Landing officially opened in May 2005 with a three-day grand celebration.
It has grown over the years with expanded programming, events, and business collaborations.
Several original businesses, like Ben & Jerry’s and Viccellio’s Goldsmith, are still operating there.
Later additions include statues of Revolutionary War heroes.
An extensive celebration for the 20th anniversary is planned from May 22 to May 26.
Events include concerts, Market Days, magic shows, and a customer appreciation party.
More information is available on visityorktown.org.

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Riverwalk Landing Celebrates 20th Anniversary

WATER COUNTRY USA 2025 SEASON DETAILS

Water Country USA opens for its 2025 season on May 10.
A new attraction called High Tide Harbor debuts this season.
High Tide Harbor is a multi-level family water play structure with over 100 interactive features and slides.
The park will operate weekends only in early May before beginning full weekly operations on May 23.
The 2025 season is scheduled to end on September 21.

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Water Country USA Opens Saturday for 2025 Season

LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS ROUNDUP

William & Mary is hosting the Theoretical Archaeology Group’s 2025 Plenary Session this weekend, with a free public keynote lecture Friday at 5:30 p.m.

JetBlue has launched new seasonal daily flights between Boston and both Wilmington (ILM) and Norfolk (ORF) airports.

Williamsburg Regional Library’s KidLit Festival on Saturday, May 10, will celebrate children’s graphic novels with various activities and author appearances.

The City of Poquoson will hold a public hearing on May 12 to gather citizen input on appointments to two positions on the Poquoson School Board.

A VPPSA Household Chemical/Computer Recycling and Paper Shredding collection event is scheduled for Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon in York County.

The Community Leadership Service program, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the Greater Williamsburg area, is seeking applicants until May 30.

The York County Chamber of Commerce is warning members about a scam email asking them if they want to buy the member list, advising them not to respond.

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News Briefs for May 9

Williamsburg City Council approved a $103.33 million budget Thursday. The budget addresses slowing revenue and infrastructure needs by increasing water, meals, lodgings, and admissions taxes. The real estate tax rate of 62 cents per $100 remains unchanged. The approved budget is down from the original $112.3 million proposal, cutting $22.8 million in capital projects and freezing some city positions. The 30 percent water rate increase is effective July 1, while the meals, lodgings, and new admissions taxes take effect in January. The budget includes $12.7 million for joint school system operating funds and $1.4 million in capital funds. Community members, including restaurant owners, voiced concerns about the tax increases.

Williamsburg-James City County School Board members on Tuesday halted talks on renaming James Blair Middle School, despite exploring the change due to the founder being an enslaver, after a public survey indicated majority opposition to the renaming.

A Codi Alert was issued Wednesday for 15-year-old Aubrey Michelle Lymon, last seen near the Belmont at York apartment complex in York County. A Codi Alert indicates a credible threat to the missing child.