Wednesday, March 19, 2025

News Briefs for Feb. 27

Peninsula Chinese New Year Celebration Brings Community Together

The Peninsula Chinese American Association (PCAA) hosted a Chinese New Year Celebration at Denbigh High School Feb. 8, welcoming over 200 guests for an afternoon of cultural festivities.

The event, marking the Year of the Snake, showcased the rich traditions of Chinese heritage through music, dance, and community gathering, the organization said.

Approximately 200 guests attended this event. Notable attendees included U.S. Representative Bobby Scott, Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones, Virginia House of Delegates members Shelly Simonds and Virgil Thornton, Virginia State Senator Danny Diggs, Newport News Chief of Police Steve Drew, Council Member Cleon Long, and Senior Assistant City Attorney Patrick Murphrey, as well as York County Board of Supervisors Chair Sheila Noll and Vice-Chair Douglas Holroyd.

The event was free and open to the public. The PCAA expressed gratitude for the community’s support and looks forward to continuing this annual tradition, bringing people together through shared cultural experiences.

Chesapeake Bank Sponsors VCU Women’s Basketball Game, Supports Richmond Public Schools’ Clear Backpack Initiative

From left to right (Chesapeake Bank staff unless noted otherwise), Kevin Hill; Matthew Suttmiller; Tanja Brown; Reggie Rossignol; Renesha Parks, Chief Wellness Officer, RPS; Kim Neal; Kyle Martin; Ralph Martinez; Shavonda Fernandez, Chair, Richmond City School Board; Kyle Hendricks; Sam Poole; Jenna Marshall (Chesapeake Bank)

Chesapeake Bank was the presenting sponsor for the VCU Women’s Basketball game and “Field Trip Day” Febr. 13 at the Siegel Center.

In addition to the present game sponsorship, Chesapeake Bank donated an additional $1,000 to Richmond Public Schools to support its ongoing clear backpack initiative. The donation followed its summer 2024 contribution, and according to the bank demonstrates its commitment to the well-being and education of the Richmond community’s youth.

Chesapeake Bank notes it remains dedicated to fostering strong community partnerships and supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference. For more information and to learn more about Chesapeake Bank and outreach opportunities, visit ches.bank/outreach.

Langley Federal Credit Union Announces the Retirement of CEO Tom Ryan

Tom Ryan

Langley Federal Credit Union announced that President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Ryan will retire at the end of 2025. Ryan has led Langley for the past 13 years.

Under Ryan’s leadership, Langley Federal Credit Union noted assets grew from $1.7 billion to over $5.4 billion, its membership base expanded to 390,000, and it saw the enhancement of member offerings, technological advancements, and an expansion of outreach programs. Ryan also earned him numerous accolades in the credit union industry and played a pivotal role in the creation of the Langley for Families Foundation.

Langley has engaged D. Hilton Associates Inc. to conduct a nationwide search for Ryan’s successor.

James City County Historical Commission Sponsors Student Essay Contest

(James City County)

The James City County Historical Commission is sponsoring an essay contest for Williamsburg-James City County high school students (grades 9-12). Students who reside in James City County or in the City of Williamsburg and attend a public or private school or are home-schooled are eligible to participate.

The essay should be 1,000-1,500 words (4-6 pages, double-spaced) on one of the following topics:

  1. The Railroad.
  2. African American Schools.
  3. Battle of Greensprings.

Learn more and submit entries here.

JCC BOS Chairman Jim Icenhour to host Townhall Meeting

Jim Icenhour

Residents are invited to attend a community discussion at 7 p.m. on Feb. 27 hosted by Jamestown District representative and Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Icenhour at the James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road.

Discussion topics will include the Williamsburg/James City County Schools contract, the proposed County Government Center, the FY2026 County budget, Strategic Plan Update and more. This informal discussion will include a Q&A session, and it is open to all County citizens.

Williamsburg Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution

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