HMP Properties Announces the Grand Opening of Spark by Hilton Hotel in Williamsburg
HMP Properties recently announced the official opening of the Spark by Hilton Williamsburg Historic Area at 201 Bypass Road.
Located just minutes from Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, and William & Mary, Spark by Hilton Williamsburg features 118 guest rooms, complimentary breakfast, modern conveniences, and warm service designed to deliver Hilton’s signature quality at a more budget-friendly price.
Spark by Hilton is Hilton’s first premium economy brand, and the Williamsburg location is among the first to debut.
Reservations are now available at hilton.com/en/hotels/phfwgpe-spark-williamsburg-historic-area
James City County: Good Neighbor Grant Applications are Available
Previous winners include projects such as water conservation efforts, native and pollinator garden planting, and installation of erosion control measures, according to the county. For more information and project ideas, click here.
Complete the Good Neighbor Grant Application, available on the program website, to be considered. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 15 at 4 p.m. Grant award amounts are contingent upon the number of applications received and available funding, the county said..
Grants may be submitted electronically by emailing the completed application to SustainabilityCoordinator@
Serve on the Grove Neighborhood Advisory Committee
James City County Parks & Recreation is seeking members of the Grove Community interested in applying for the Neighborhood Advisory Committee.
The Committee aims to be a voice for the community, advocating for the needs and desires of all community members, including families, youth, adults, community organizations and individuals of various genders and ethnicities. If selected, members will serve a voluntary two-year term (with the option to reapply).
Committee Requirements and Details:
- Applicants must be in good community standing and be affiliated with the Grove neighborhood as a resident, organization, business, church or other stakeholder. Service on the committee is voluntary and unpaid.
- The Neighborhood Advisory Committee will convene in September 2025.
- Meetings will be held two to four times annually, with additional meetings possible as needed.
- Parks & Recreation staff will facilitate meetings.
Applications are being accepted until Aug. 15. For an application and a complete list of membership requirements and guidelines:
- Call: 757-259-5412
- Email:[email protected]
- Mail: JCC Parks & Recreation, Neighborhood Advisory Committee, 5340 Palmer Lane, Suite 1B, Williamsburg, VA 23188
- Or complete the application online: Neighborhood Advisory Committee Application.
WAVY-TV 10 Launches Operation School Supplies 2025
WAVY-TV 10 On Your Side launched its Operation School Supplies July 11 to help give students across Hampton Roads a strong start to the upcoming school year.
This year’s driveculminates in a live donation event on Friday, Aug. 1 at Patrick Henry Mall in Newport News and the Target at Pembroke Square in Virginia Beach. Viewers, businesses, and community partners are encouraged to drop off new school supplies and help make a difference for local students in need.
This year’s campaign is sponsored by Kellam Home Services, Chesapeake Bank, and Patrick Henry Mall. Harrison’s by Apple Moving returns as the official moving sponsor.
Monetary donations are being accepted online through Chesapeake Bank, with all funds benefiting Title I schools in the region. For live event information, online donation link, and drop-off sites visit WAVY.com/operation-school-supplies.
Solicitors in the City of Poquoson
The City of Poquoson is warning residents of an increase in number of people going door to door selling goods and services.
Solicitors are required to secure a permit from the Commissioner of Revenue, according to the city. Once the permit is obtained, they are permitted to go door to door, but the solicitor must have their permit on them while they are working.
Residents do not have to answer the door. If a solicitor knocks and you choose to answer, residents may ask if they have a permit. If they do not have a permit, residents can call the non-emergency number at 757-868-3501 to report the person to the Poquoson Police Department.
AARP Virginia Hosting Free Tours of the Virginia Air & Space Science Center
AARP Virginia is hosting free tours of the Virginia Air and Space Science Center in July as part of its Summer Wonders & Wanders series in Hampton Roads.
Remaining AARP tours will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on July 24 and 31. The tours are free and open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required. The tours are part of AARP’s lifelong learning series.
As the official visitor center for NASA Langley Research Center, the center offers a front-row seat to the history, innovation and future of aerospace technology. From the legendary Apollo 12 Command Module to hands-on exhibits that explore the marvels of the solar system, every corner of the center sparks imagination and discovery.
Guests may also enjoy an immersive viewing experience in the state-of-the-art IMAX theater, featuring The Blue Angels — which offers a glimpse into the precision and power of the Navy’s elite Flight Demonstration Squadron.
Participants can register online at the following links:
- July 24: https://events.aarp.org/
SWW0724 - July 31: https://events.aarp.org/
SWW0731
The center is located at 600 Settlers Landing Road in Hampton.
Peninsula Chinese American Association Hosts Annual Community BBQ
The Chinese American Association held its annual community BBQ on Saturday, June 7, at Newport News Park to celebrate the end of the school year. The event brought together approximately 215 attendees.
Distinguished guests included Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, Congressman Bobby Scott, Sen. Danny Diggs, Del. Shelly Simonds, Chairman of the York County Board of Supervisors Sheila Noll, Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones and Vice Mayor Curtis Bethany III.
During the event, scholarships and awards were presented to outstanding students and community members in recognition of academic excellence, special achievements and dedicated community services. Additionally, sixteen American Mathematics Competitions Awards — sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America — were presented to twelve local middle and high school students for their exceptional performance.
Williamsburg Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution
