Three Jolly Coachmen’s Coffee House Concert Results In Donations of $6,700 to Comfort Zone Camp
Comfort Zone Camp, a Richmond-based organization that empowers children throughout Virginia who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, primary caregiver, or significant person, received total donations of $6,700 as a result of the Three Jolly Coachmen’s Coffee House’s latest concert held July 11.
Since its inception in September 2022, the concert series has partnered with a local charity to provide support with a portion of ticket sales and 100 percent of all drink donations. In addition to a check from the Coffee House for $1,600, CZC received an additional $5,100 in donations from concertgoers who learned of CZC’s work and were inspired to donate. To date, the TJC Coffee House has donated a total of $23,000 to Williamsburg-area charities.
The TJC Coffee House launches a fourth season on Friday, Sept. 12, with a performance by the Three Jolly Coachmen. For tickets, send inquiry to [email protected].
James City County Harvest Festival Returns Sept. 20
James City County’s Harvest Festival is back with new branding. The annual fall tradition is slated for Saturday, Sept. 20, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
Festival highlights include free activities for the kids, including face painting, arts and crafts, family photo opportunities, inflatables, games, food trucks, and community and craft vendors. New this year is Laser Tag and free hayrides.
Back by popular demand is Scarecrow Stuffing on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last — $20 per scarecrow, including all supplies.
Bring lawn chairs for live music with local bluegrass band, Code Blue, from 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m.
There’s no admission fee. Parking is $10 per car, check or cash only. Some activities, food trucks and vendors require money. For more information, call 757-259-5353. The event is weather permitting, call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any schedule changes before heading out. To learn more about James City County Parks & Recreation, visit online.
African Landing Weekend Commemoration Events Aug. 22-23
The William Tucker 1624 Society announced its Annual African Landing Commemoration Weekend Events, marking 406 years of African/African American presence in America, will be held on Aug. 22-23 at Fort Monroe.
Saturday, Aug. 23, the program will begin at 9 a.m. at Continental Park at Fort Monroe and feature keynote speaker Sen. Mamie Locke and other invited guests and dignitaries. Project 1619 Inc. will host the second part of the African Landing Day program from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., followed by an optional tour that includes the Tucker Family Cemetery.
The Society is also hosting its annual “A Jazz Night Out” Scholarship Fundraiser on Friday, Aug. 22 from 6-9 p.m. at the Commanding General’s Residence at Fort Monroe. The event will feature live music, African dance and drumming, and will include complimentary light hors de’oeuvres. Actor and activist Djimon Hounsou, founder of The Djimon Hounsou Foundation and Run Richmond 16.19, will also be in attendance to promote this year’s event and meet and greet guests.
The William Tucker 1624 Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the education of the greater public about the first Africans to arrive in Virginia. For more information about the event, available sponsorships, or about the William Tucker 1624 Society, visit our website at www.WilliamTucker1624Society.org or call 804- 536-4702.
Virginia State Parks Offers Educational Field Trips for Students of all Ages
Virginia State Parks invites educators to move their classrooms to the outdoors this school year, allowing students to explore nature through a variety of hands-on educational programs.
With 43 parks across the commonwealth, Virginia’s state parks are uniquely positioned to bring science, history and environmental education to life in real-world settings. Park rangers guide students through interactive programs that complement the Virginia Standards of Learning. Field trip opportunities range from guided nature hikes and fossil hunts to reenactments of colonial life and conservation projects.
Homeschool families can also take advantage of customizable group programs, flexible scheduling and themed homeschool days held throughout the year.
Teachers, homeschool groups and educational coordinators are encouraged to visit virginiastateparks.gov/
Virginia War Memorial Seeks Entries For Veterans Day Student Essay Contest
The Virginia War Memorial in Richmond is seeking entries for its Virginia War Memorial 2025 Veterans Day Student Essay Contest.
The annual competition is open to all Virginia middle- and high school-age public, private, and homeschooled students. One winner will be selected from among all middle school entries — grades 6-8 — and one from high school entries — grades 9-12.
The essay topic for the 2025 competition is “A Virginian Who Served in The Military who Inspires Me.” A family member, member of the community, or any Virginian who served in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, anywhere in the world, from World War II to present day can be a subject.
New this year, the Military Order of the Purple Heart-Department of Virginia will award each of the two students who write the winning essay a prize of $500.00, and student winners will also be invited to come to Richmond and participate in the Commonwealth’s 69th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Essays should be 500-750 words in length and utilize interviews and primary sources whenever possible. Students may contact Sylvia Marshall, Virginia War Memorial Archivist at [email protected] for additional resources regarding Virginia military veterans. Entries will be judged on clarity of thought, adherence to the contest theme and guidelines, proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Detailed information regarding rules, guidelines and how to enter are available online.
All entries must be submitted through the Virginia War Memorial website by 11:59 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13. For additional information or questions, contact Elizabeth Oglesby, the Memorial’s Education Outreach & Programs Manager, at [email protected] or by calling 804-786-9700.
GuernseyTingle Welcomes New Director of Business Development
GuernseyTingle announced that Emmanuel Hales has joined the firm as the Director of Business Development.
