Wednesday, March 18, 2026

News Briefs for Oct. 16

The Phantom Haunts Williamsburg at the Open Door Concert Series

Dorothy Papadakos (Provided by the Open Door Concert Series)

Juilliard-trained organist and composer Dorothy Papadakos, internationally renowned as an organ improviser, will join the Open Door Concert Series Oct. 19 for a showing of the 1925 classic film, “Phantom of the Opera.”

The concert begins at 4 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. No tickets or reservations are required. As some concerts reach capacity, organizers encourage arriving early to ensure seating.

Learn more on the Facebook event page.

43rd Annual Poquoson Seafood Festival Set for Oct. 17-19

The Poquoson Seafood Festival takes place this weekend, Oct. 17-19.

According to the city, this year’s festival will feature 170 unique artisans and crafters, more than 20 food vendors, rides and activities for kids, and music for the duration of the festival. Headlining bands include Tidewater Drive Band, Good Shot Judy and The Deloreans.

Festival Hours are 4-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free, and parking is $10 cash. Visit poquosonseafoodfestival.com for all festival-related information, including where to park, what to eat, when bands are performing and which arts and crafts vendors will be exhibiting this year.

Verizon Offers Payment Relief for Virginia Federal Workers During Shutdown

As of Oct. 14, members of the U.S. Military, Coast Guard, first responders and other federal government employees affected by the shutdown and who require more time to pay their Verizon bill are invited to call the company and ask for payment deferral options.

“Verizon is dedicated to supporting our customers and the communities we serve. We understand the ongoing federal government shutdown may create financial difficulties for members of the U.S. Military, Coast Guard, federal employees and first responders,” said Dan Schulman, Verizon CEO.  “If federal employees need relief during the shutdown, they can reach out to us and we will keep them connected.”

Customers are invited to call 1-800-Verizon to ask for assistance and will need to provide verification of their federal or military employment.

Free Genealogy Event sponsored by the Tidewater Genealogical Society Nov. 15

The Tidewater Genealogical Society is hosting a free Genealogy Event Saturday, Nov. 15.

This presentation will guide participants through the process of sharing wisdom, story and values to people they cherish the most. In this session, participants will discover the fundamentals and benefits of writing a legacy letter, how to determine what to include in a letter, what to do after you’ve penning a letter and more.

There will also be tips and examples of various types of legacy letters, all to inspire participants to craft their own and leave an enduring gift for family, friends and generations to come.

The event takes place at the Tidewater Genealogical Society, Old Warwick County Courthouse in Newport News. Coffee and conversation take place from 10-10:30 a.m., followed by a business meeting from 10:30-11 a.m. and the presentation from 11 a.m. to noon.

James City County Police Department to Host Annual Halloween with Heroes Event

The James City County Police Department is inviting the community to its annual Halloween with Heroes event on Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Law Enforcement Center.

The public is invited to join the JCCPD for a safe and festive evening where children and families can connect with local law enforcement. Guests are encouraged to come in costume and enjoy candy, fun activities and public safety-themed experiences. Festivities begin with a sensory-friendly hour from 5-6 p.m., followed by the main event from 6-8 p.m.

For questions or additional information, contact the Community Services Unit at 757-253-1800.

James City County Marina Store Temporarily Closed Oct. 16-Nov. 2

The James City County Marina Store will be temporarily closed from Thursday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Nov. 2, to complete a floor resurfacing project, the county announced.

The paddlecraft launch area and boat ramp will remain open 24 hours/day. There is no cost to use the paddlecraft launch area; however, boat ramp users should deposit boat ramp fees in the self-pay honor box located at the top of the boat ramp.

Fuel sales and bike and paddlecraft rentals will be suspended until the Marina Store reopens, it added. Paddlecraft rentals will be available at Chickahominy Riverfront Park. For questions or more information on paddlecraft rentals, please call CRP at 757-258-5020 during the scheduled closure.

To learn more about the Marina, call 757-565-3699 or visit jamescitycountyva.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/James-City-County-Marina-58.

Share Your Thoughts on the James City County Draft Strategic Plan

James City County’s draft Strategic Plan has been published, and the county is asking residents to review the document and share feedback by taking the online survey.

Shaped by community feedback, the updated Strategic Plan will guide future investments, the provision of public services and facilities, and county work plans for coming years, it said. This planning initiative sets out priorities to be incorporated into future county budgets and Capital Improvement Plans, as well as new initiatives undertaken by county departments.

The survey will remain open until Oct. 20.

For more information about the Strategic Plan Update, visit jamescitycountyva.gov/strategicplan. 

Acreage Sells in Yorktown for Chick-fil-A Location

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Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer recently announced the sale of approximately 6.94 acres at 5600 George Washington Memorial Highway in Yorktown.

Chick-fil-A Inc. purchased the acreage from LIDL US Operations LLC for $2,100,000 and plans to develop a new restaurant location.

Alex T. Wotring and Dean Martin of Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer handled the sale negotiations on behalf of the seller, LIDL.

Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer also reported the following recent lease transactions in the area:

  • Home Technologies renewed its lease of 4,235 square feet of industrial space at 124 Production Drive in Yorktown. Clay Culbreth handled the lease negotiations on behalf of the landlord and tenant.
  • Edward Jones leased 1,990 square feet of retail space at 4801 Courthouse St. in Williamsburg Rob Wright handled the lease negotiations on behalf of the tenant.
  • New Life Community Ministries leased 1,135 square feet of space at Palace Plaza, 113 Palace Lane, in Williamsburg. Kenneth D. Penrose Jr. handled the lease negotiations on behalf of the landlord.

York County Tax Bills Have Been Mailed

York County announced tax bills have been mailed. E-bills are also available online.

The county encourages residents to sign up for email notifications when bills are mailed and important reminders from the Treasurer’s office.

More details on the mailing, how to track USPS mail, and pay bills online is available online.

Payment is due Dec. 5.

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