BayPort Credit Union Giving Away $100,000 in Tuition Assistance
BayPort Credit Union is giving away $100,000 in tuition assistance to local high school seniors, college students, and working adults attending a college, university, trade, or vocational school. According to BayPort, its scholarships are unique because funds may be applied to not only colleges and universities, but trade and vocational schools.
BayPort’s 11 different scholarship types are open to member students of all ages. The submission deadline for all scholarships is the end of business on March 31, 2024. Visit bayportcu.org/foundation to apply online — click on the green button titled APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS to register and start the process.
Unleash Creativity at Yorktown Library’s MakerSpace
Yorktown Library invites cardholders to explore its MakerSpace, which provides users with machines, tools, and technology to explore, build, and create.
The MakerSpace offers two services: Maker Hours and Make It On Demand.
Maker Hours provide adult York County Public Library (YCPL) cardholders interested in DIY, making, and crafting a chance to explore some of the Yorktown Library Makerspace tools. o use the equipment, patrons must have a YCPL card in good standing, have taken the MakerSpace at Yorktown Library Required Training and machine-specific training modules available through the library’s Niche Academy training website, and have signed the Makerspace Use Agreement. Visit the events calendar to view the available days and times.
The Make It On Demand service provides YCPL cardholders with the opportunity to request that staff create objects on either the library’s MakerBot Replicator+ 3D Printer or the GlowForge laser cutter. Adult cardholders in good standing can submit up to two requests per month via an online form or a paper form available at the Yorktown Library Reference Desk. A fee for materials is associated with the service.
Contact the Yorktown Library Reference Department at 757-890-5207 for more information. Yorktown Library is located at 8500 George Washington Memorial Highway.
Little Creek Reservoir Park Boat Launch Reopens
The boat launch at Little Creek Reservoir Park has reopened, following rising water levels over the past several months, James City County announced. The water level is currently 52-feet, making it safe to resume launching kayaks, canoes and boats. The launching of all watercraft vessels is available via the Self-Pay Option. The Little Creek Reservoir Park store remains closed and the rental of kayaks, canoes or any watercraft vessel equipment is not available at this time.
Little Creek Reservoir is owned and operated by the City of Newport News as a major water storage facility for the peninsula. Recreational activities at the Park are managed by James City County. For more information, please call 757-259-5352 or email tyler.cobb@jamescitycountyva.gov. Find more on James City County park amenities and programming online, email parks.rec@jamescitycountyva.gov or call 757-259-4200.
Social Services to Close Early Feb. 6 for Staff Development, Reopen Feb. 7
The James City County Department of Social Services office will close on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 1:30 p.m. for staff development, the county announced. The office will reopen on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 8 a.m.
The agency drop box located in the parking lot of the James City County Human Services Center can be used to leave applications and other paperwork.
To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call the Child Abuse hotline 757-259-3201. To report suspected adult abuse, neglect or exploitation, call the Adult Abuse hotline 757-259-3115.
Voicemail messages left on the eligibility line — 757-259-3131 — will be returned on Feb. 7, the county said. Reports on changes and applications are also accepted on the CommonHelp website at commonhelp.virginia.gov.
JCC Proclaims February as ‘Williamsburg Community Foundation Month’
The James City Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation stating February as “Williamsburg Community Foundation Month.” The proclamation was made in honor of the Foundation’s 25th Anniversary on Feb.1 and recognizes the impact WCF has had on the community. Since its inception, WCF has provided more than $11.7 million in grants to support arts and culture, children and young adults, environment and conservation, health and community wellness, economic mobility, and senior services. More than 1,000 scholarships have been awarded to local high school seniors to help support furthering their education.
Literacy for Life Welcomes New Board Member
Literacy for Life recently welcomed Christopher Vazquez to its Board of Directors.
A native of Queens, New York, Vazquez has served the geriatric community for over a decade. Currently, he is the Regional Director of Admissions for Riverside Health System. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree from Bernard Baruch College in New York City, Christopher started his career at New York City Hall as a legislative clerk. He transitioned into the healthcare industry in 2009.
Vazquez moved to Williamsburg in 2014 and is an active member of the Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, and the Knights of Columbus. The Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce has awarded Christopher with both the “15 under 50” award (2020) and the “Ambassador of the Year” award (2021).
Individual Income Tax Filing Season is Underway
Virginia Tax announced that tax filing season in Virginia is now underway. Taxpayers are now able to file their individual income tax returns.
Virginia Tax takes refund fraud seriously and encourages you to do the same. Our automated system reviews returns for suspicious activity or possible fraud, then employees manually evaluate the returns selected for review. Filing early helps ensure the fastest possible refund if your return is selected for review.
Virginia Tax highlights some steps you can take to help make sure your return and refund aren’t delayed:
- Gather all W-2s, 1099s and other withholding information before filing your return;
- Include your Virginia driver’s license or Virginia identification card number on your return. Returns that don’t have that information won’t be rejected, but providing it helps us process the return more quickly;
- Be sure the spelling of your name(s), Social Security number(s) and all calculations are correct; and
- If you moved since you filed your last return, use your current address.
For secure, online self-service, create and log onto an online individual account, which allows filers to track returns or refunds. You can also check the status of your refund by using the Where’s My Refund application on the Virginia Tax website, or by calling 804-367-2486.
