Peninsula Chinese American Association Showcases Chinese Culture at 2025 Hampton Mosaic Festival
On April 26, the Peninsula Chinese American Association Showcases participated in the Hampton Mosaic Festival at Mill Point Park.
PCAA members performed traditional Dragon Dance, Tai Chi demonstrations, Chinese folk dance and a Chinese costume fashion show which highlighted the Chinese cultural heritage.
At the PCAA cultural exhibition booth, attendees engaged in hands-on activities such as learning to play the Chinese Yo Yo (Diabolo) and having their names written in Chinese characters on folding fans
Established over 40 years ago, PCAA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Chinese culture within the community and overseeing a Chinese language school on the Peninsula.
Big Library Read Returns to York County Public Library
York County Public Library announced its participation in Big Library Read, the world’s largest digital book club.
From May 15-29, library card holders can enjoy “Uncommon Measure: A Journey Through Music, Performance, and the Science of Time” by Natalie Hodges as an ebook and audiobook for free through the Libby app.
During this two-week program, readers around the globe can access the title without waitlists or holds and join the conversation online.
A special Big Library Read LIVE event will be held on May 30 at noon featuring Hodges. Hodges will be interviewed by Leah Miller, Director of Book Publishing at AARP, for a conversation that explores the profound connections between music, neuroscience, and the nature of time. Register here.
Readers can access “Uncommon Measure” on all major computers and devices through Libby or the library’s OverDrive website. U.S. readers can also “send to Kindle.” The title will automatically expire at the end of the lending period, with no late fees. Find more information about Big Library Read at BigLibraryRead.com.
York County Tax Bills Have Been Mailed
York County Tax Bills have been mailed and are due on June 25, York County announced.
Payments can be made ain a variety of ways:
- Pay online via the county website at yorkcounty.gov/treasurer
- Mail (postmarked by June 25)
- Drop off at the Treasurer’s Office at 120 Alexander Hamilton Blvd. from Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., or use the 24/7 drop box located outside of the building.
Those with questions can contact the office at 757-890-3420. Sign up here for email notifications when bills are mailed and important reminders from the Treasurer’s office. For more details on the mailing, how to track USPS mail, and paying online see the Treasurer website.
Two Nights of Pints & Purpose to Build a Habitat for Humanity House
Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg is teaming up with Coastal Fermentory to co-host “Drink Beer, Do Good” — a two-night fundraising party in support of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber’s Habitat House build.
The back-to-back nights of brews and giving includes 10% of all sales and all tips going directly toward building a home for a local family in need. Attendees will be able to enjoy food, purchase “Wheelbarrow of Summer Fun” raffle tickets and cheer on local “celebrity” bartenders. The Uptown location will also feature a Habitat ReStore DIY craft night for $25 per person, while supplies last.
The events are open to the public and take place from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 at Coastal Fermentory Uptown and Wednesday, May 28 at Coastal Fermentory Downtown.
This two-night fundraising party is the kickoff event for the Virginia Peninsula Chamber’s effort to sponsor a Habitat home through the support of its member businesses, a community-driven initiative to provide safe, affordable housing for a deserving family.
Participate in Civic 50 Hampton Roads
VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads, in partnership with Points of Light, announced the call for participation in the Civic 50 Hampton Roads, an initiative that recognizes and celebrates the 50 most community-minded companies in the Hampton Roads region.
By completing the Civic 50 assessment, companies can benchmark their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, gain valuable insights, and be recognized for their commitment to making a difference.
The deadline to complete the Civic 50 Hampton Roads assessment is July 15.
For more information about the Civic 50 Hampton Roads and to complete the assessment, visit volunteerhr.org/civic50hr
Tickets for Colonial Downs Summer Meet Now On Sale
Colonial Downs will host an expanded 41-day summer schedule that will feature live racing every Wednesday through Saturday from July 9 through Sept. 13, plus a special Labor Day card on Monday, Sept. 1.
Free general admission will be offered nearly every race day, with General Admission for four Premium Racing Events available at $5 and free admission for children five and under. Colonial Downs offers reserved Grandstand Seats and Grandstand Box Seats, as well as indoor seating and dining options at the Jockey Club and the 1609 Restaurant.
The 2025 Premium Racing Events that will require a ticket include:
- Friday, July 11 — Opening Friday will feature the return of the fan-favorite camel, ostrich, and zebra races, which will be held between thoroughbred racing.
- Saturday, Aug. 9 — The annual Colonial Downs Festival of Racing will feature the season’s biggest races and purses including the Grade 1 Arlington Million, Grade 2 Beverly D., and Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes.
- Saturday, Aug. 23 — Weiner Dog Racing returns to Colonial Downs as mighty little athletes race down the track on tiny legs. To register your dog, visit: rosiesgaming.com/wiener-dog-racing.
- Saturday, Sept. 6 — Old Dominion Day will feature live music from Virginia favorites The Deloreans as well as the Grade 3 $500,000 Old Dominion Derby and the $250,000 Old Dominion Oaks.
Post times Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 12:30 p.m., Fridays will feature twilight racing beginning at 4 p.m. and special early post times of noon are scheduled for both Festival of Racing (Aug. 9) and Old Dominion Day (Sept. 6). Steeplechase racing returns to Colonial Downs on designated Thursdays. Three races are planned with first post time of 10:45 a.m. The first flat race will start at 12:30 p.m.
For more information on ticketing, dining, and pricing, visit colonialdowns.com.
Food Lion Recognizes Long-term Associates for their Dedicated Service
Food Lion announced more than 380 associates celebrating 30-50 years of service this year, including two long-term associates from stores in the greater Williamsburg area.
On April 10, associates were honored during an annual event where the retailer shares appreciation and gratitude for those celebrating a service milestone, presenting associates with the Years of Service Award.
The following local associates were recognized for 35 years of service:
- Don Braden, Frozen Food Dairy Associate, Williamsburg
- Kathy Ford, Specialty Merchandise Associate, Williamsburg
VACo Board of Directors Meets in JCC for Annual Spring Meeting
The Virginia Association of Counties Board of Director’s Annual Spring meeting was held in James City County April 25-26.
Ruth Larson, Board of Supervisors Representative for the Berkeley District and President of the VACo Executive Committee, hosted the members from the counties of Accomack, Albemarle, Floyd, Isle of Wight, Prince William and Roanoke.
After their meeting, the group visited Historic Jamestown and the James City County Marina and enjoyed a ride on the Jamestown Discovery Boat Tour.
Chesapeake Financial Shares Reports First Quarter Financials and Declares Dividend
On behalf of Chesapeake Financial Shares Inc., parent company of both Chesapeake Bank and Chesapeake Wealth Management, Jeffrey M. Szyperski, Chairman of the Board and CEO, reported financial results for the first quarter of 2025, reporting a net loss of $4,450,120.
The reported earnings per share were $(0.942) fully diluted as compared to $0.583 for the first quarter of 2024. Total assets ended the quarter at $1,607,182,875, a 5.4% increase from year-end. Nonperforming assets were 0.472% as of March 31, compared to 0.328% at year-end.
At the April 18 Chesapeake Financial Shares Board of Directors meeting, the Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.16 per share effective June 1, payable on or before June 15. The company has increased its dividend for 32 consecutive years, it noted. The stock currently has a 3.33% dividend yield.
For more information about Chesapeake Financial Shares stock (CPKF), or to receive daily e-mail alerts of our stock price, see chesapeakefinancialshares.com. The company is followed by Zacks Investment Research, and a copy of their report can also be found on this site or at zacks.com.
Norfolk Airport Authority announces Melinda Montgomery as Vice President and COO
Melinda Montgomery has been selected as Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for the Norfolk Airport Authority, it recently announced.
She will oversee regulatory compliance and the efficient and effective running of certain day-to-day operations at Norfolk International Airport (ORF), which served nearly 5 million passengers in 2024 as the aviation gateway for Coastal Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.
Montgomery has held executive roles at New Jersey’s Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) for more than 25 years, including the past 13 years as airport manager. She will begin her new role at ORF in early June. Her duties will include oversight of its Operations, Field Maintenance and Security & Public Safety departments.
Montgomery will also lead the development and maintenance of operational documents such as the Airport Certification Manual, Airport Security Program, Wildlife Hazard Management Plan and Airport Emergency Plan, as well as ensuring compliance with the FAA’s CFR Part 139 and 49 CFR Part 1542 requirements.
