HISTORIC TRIANGLE — Catch up on news and notes in brief from in and around the Historic Triangle.
Mike London speaks to James City County Rotary Club
James City County Rotary Club heard from Mike London, head coach of the William & Mary football team on Feb. 21.
London discussed his experiences as a player, assistant coach and head coach. The Hampton native played at Bethel High School, the University of Richmond and was signed as a free agent by the Dallas Cowboys. After working as a police officer and detective in Richmond, he “decided maybe coaching is a good thing to do.”
Coach London also briefly talked about how his family organized a foundation to help children with blood diseases and their families, to aid in groundbreaking research, fund and support the operational process, drives, and initiatives of local and national Bone Marrow Registries, to actively advocate for the dissemination and education of the importance of registering potential bone marrow donors. Equally important is the collection and storage of bone marrow or stem cells to be used in life-saving medical procedures.
When Coach London’s daughter, Ticynn, was four years old, she was diagnosed with Fanconi Anemia, a rare blood disorder that affects bone marrow and the ability to fight off infections. After extensive testing of family members, Coach London, with 10,000-to-one odds, was found to be a perfect match and donated his bone marrow to save the life of his daughter. Since then, the London family created 2Marrow’s Kids to help with awareness, education and facilitating resources for any person or family who may need a bone marrow donation.
Volunteer Park Cleanup at Kiptopeke State Park
Kiptopeke State Park will be hosting a Volunteer Park Cleanup on Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Participants will meet at the park office to be assigned their cleanup tasks.
Gloves and tools will be provided, but volunteers are asked to bring a water bottle and to be sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for working outdoors.
Call the park at 757-331-2267 or email william.ellson@dcr.virginia.
Food and Fun Ushers In the Year of the Dragon
The Peninsula Chinese American community celebrated the lunar Chinese New Year on Saturday, Feb. 17. This is the Year of the Dragon, the fifth of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals, which symbolizes wisdom, power, dignity, and good fortune.
Along with local dignitaries, more than 150 families celebrated the Chinese holiday with songs, dances, martial arts, a dragon parade, and Chinese musical instruments at Denbigh High School Auditorium. This was followed by a feast at Buffet City Restaurant with Chinese riddle guessing, raffle prizes, and Hong Bao (money in a red envelope for good fortune) for children.
These programs were sponsored by the Peninsula Chinese American Association, and presented by the Peninsula Chinese School students and the members of the Chinese community.
ODU Extends Admissions Deposit and Housing Deadlines for Incoming Monarchs
Old Dominion University will extend admissions deposit and housing deadlines for all first-year students to accommodate submission and processing delays to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it announced.
The admission deposit deadline has been extended until June 1. Students can pay admission deposits online.
Housing applications and assignment deadlines have also been extended. The new early action deadline is now May 28. Time-slot notifications for self-selection will be emailed by May 31 and the self-selection process will take place from Jun. 4–30, ODU said. Students may cancel housing reservations at no cost until June 15.
For questions about the admissions process and deadline, email admissions@odu.edu. For questions regarding housing, email housing@odu.edu.
Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg
Cliff Fleet was the Kiwanis of Williamsburg Club speaker on Feb. 7. Fleet was named The Colin G. and Nancy N. Campbell Distinguished Presidential Chair in January 2020.
Fleet is a corporate executive, teacher, community volunteer, board member and consultant. He is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Fleet spoke about CW’s past, present and future.
The Kiwanis Club meets Wednesdays for lunch at the Williamsburg Lodge and is always happy to receive guests.
Historical Commission Sponsors Student Essay Contest
The James City County Historical Commission is sponsoring an essay contest for high school students. The mission of the James City County Historical Commission is to further the efforts of the County to document, commemorate, preserve, protect, and promote the rich historical heritage of James City County.
The essay contest is open to Williamsburg-James City County high school students (grades 9-12). Students who reside in James City County or in the City of Williamsburg and attend a public or private school or are home-schooled are eligible to participate.
The essay should be 1,000-1,500 words (4-6 pages, double-spaced) on one of the following topics:
- The Railroad.
- African American Schools.
- Lady Frances Berkeley.
More information, rules and a submission form can be found online.
JBLE extends Mascot Design contest to local Hampton Roads schools
The 633d Air Base Wing has extended an invitation to schools in the Hampton Roads community elementary, middle and high schools in the Hampton Roads peninsula region to design the first Joint Base Langley–Eustis (JBLE) life-size mascot.
The winner of the mascot design contest will have their design made into a life-size mascot that will be featured at JBLE events. Col. Matthew Altman, JBLE installation commander, will present prizes to finalists in the elementary, middle, and high school categories with the grand prize winner being recognized during an on-base ceremony to be designated at a later date.
The deadline for submissions from local schools is Feb. 29. For more information on the JBLE Mascot Design contest rules, visit jble.af.mil/
