James City County LOVEworks Sign Ribbon Cutting Set for Nov. 15
A ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil Virginia’s newest LOVE sign will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 1:30 p.m. at Freedom Park.
Planning for the LOVEworks sign began in early 2022, including a public contest to encourage artwork submissions that incorporated the county’s history, character and/or lifestyle of James City County.
The sign was completed in partnership with The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), which is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. LOVEworks ties into VTC’s “Virginia is for Lovers” brand, and this latest LOVEwork is now among over 300 communities across the commonwealth with a life-sized LOVE sign.
To learn more about the LOVEworks program and view signs across the state of Virginia, visit virginia.org/LOVE. For more information about James City County Parks & Recreation, visit jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation.
WJCC Schools Coordinator of Special Education Services Recognized
Courtney H. Fuller, Ed.S., CCC-SLP, Williamsburg-James City County Schools coordinator of special education services, was named Virginia CEC Related Service Provider of the Year.
Honored for her leadership and outstanding dedication to special education students and practitioners, Fuller was recognized by the Virginia Council for Exceptional Children at their Nov. 2 conference.
Fuller was nominated by WJCC Schools colleagues and administration for her intentional support of the division’s new special education practitioners.
Recognizing special educators need extra support and dedicated resources to be successful, Fuller was involved in the creation and now facilitates a new professional learning program at the division called Responsive Induction for Special Education (RISE) professional development program, WJCC Schools said.
This program provides targeted and continuous support to special education teachers who are new to WJCC Schools. This series consists of five days during the school year where teachers work alongside the Department of Special Education with each session covering time-specific topics, goal-setting and planning, and individualized support for each teacher.
Chesapeake Financial Shares Announces Dividend
Chairman of the Board & CEO Jeffrey M. Szyperski of Chesapeake Financial Shares, Inc., parent company of both Chesapeake Bank and Chesapeake Wealth Management, announced at the Oct. 27 Chesapeake Financial Shares Board of Directors meeting, the board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.155 per share effective Dec. 1, payable on or before Dec. 15.
Currently, the stock has a 3.44% dividend yield. The company has had 30 consecutive years of dividend increases, it said.
For more information about Chesapeake Financial Shares stock (CPKF), or to receive daily e-mail alerts of the stock price, see chesapeakefinancialshares.com. To receive investor news updates, visit the Chesapeake Financial Shares page on Proactive Investors The company is followed by Zacks Investment Research.
James City County Rotary Club
Renovations at JCC Recreation Center Continue
The James City County Recreation Center will be closed Nov. 13-19 for scheduled annual maintenance.
While the Center is closed, Program registrations and facility reservations are still accepted by phone Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. or online, anytime: jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation
Closure improvement projects scheduled include floor refinishing of both racquetball courts, group fitness Studio One and the basketball courts, continued renovations of the catering kitchen and all three locker rooms, power washing of the pool deck, painting in several areas, ands weather permitting, painting the front entrance and power washing and concrete replacements of sidewalk sections.
The overall renovation project continues during the annual closure. Work includes demolition and restoration of the locker rooms, catering kitchen and floor work. The overall project, which began Sept. 18, is anticipated to be completed in 15 weeks. During the renovation period, a locker room will always be open.
Space is limited in the Family Locker Room, and the county encourages patrons to come dressed to work out and shower at home when possible during the five weeks your locker room is closed. Additional restrooms are available off the lobby and upstairs and additional lockers can be found in the gym lobby to help during this time.
Center passholders who prefer not to use the facility during renovations can request to freeze their pass during the renovations, or can request a refund of their balance of time on their membership. For more information or to consider the pass options, stop by the Front Desk or call 757-259-4200.
Watson Selected as Director of Social Services for James City County
Barbara Watson has been promoted to director of Social Services effective Dec. 16, according to James City County.
Watson has served in a leadership capacity since 2001, when she began working as director of Neighborhood Connections. Since 2006, she has served as the assistant director of Social Services.
Watson has a master’s degree in public administration from Strayer University and a bachelor’s degree in Governmental Administration from Christopher Newport University. She has served on numerous boards and committees for community organizations, lending her expertise on strategic planning and building collaborative relationships.
“We are very fortunate to have someone with her experience, reputation and commitment to this community ready to step into this role,” said County Administrator Scott Stevens. “Ms. Watson has been an integral part of the department’s past success and I look forward to working more closely with her to meet the needs of all our residents.”
VersAbility Resources Expanding Services in New Gloucester
GLOUCESTER — To better serve the communities of the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck, VersAbility Resources announced this week it is relocating its Day Support services to 6738 Main St. in Gloucester.
VersAbility Resources began operating the Lewis B. Puller Center in 2001 to provide long-term employment, training, and day support services for adults with disabilities.
Reneé Rose, COO at VersAbilty commented, “The service needs at this location have shifted over the years. We no longer provide onsite employment, partly because of the pandemic. What VersAbility continues to provide is day support services, with a strong focus on more robust community engagement activities.”
“We are excited that the new location will allow us to enhance and expand our services for people of all abilities and their families,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, President and CEO. “This significant investment in the future of services marks a new beginning for those we serve in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck communities.”
VersAbility is a leading provider of comprehensive services for people with disabilities of all ages. Headquartered in Hampton, the nonprofit provides early childhood, residential, day support, and diverse employment programs throughout Hampton Roads and beyond.
Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg
