HISTORIC TRIANGLE — Catch up on news and notes in brief from in and around the Historic Triangle.
Jamestown Settlement Issues Call for Artists for Annual Black Artist Showcase
Jamestown Settlement is calling for artist submissions for its annual Black Artist Showcase, which will be on extended view throughout February 2024.
Once limited to one weekend, the monthlong Black Artist Showcase will complement museum gallery exhibits, films and education programs on African and African American history in early Virginia and culminates Feb. 24 with “After Angelo,” named for one of the first African women in Jamestown’s historical record. This annual event reflects on the legacy of African diaspora by celebrating modern African American life and culture through performance, community conversation and art created by professional Virginia-based artists, according to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation.
New and returning artists are invited to submit their work for consideration by Dec. 15, 2The theme for submissions is “the beauty of our lives.” Visit jyfmuseums.org/black-artist-
York County Tax Bills Due Dec. 5
York County reminds residents that tax bills are due on or before Dec. 5. York County has a new payment portal that is available 24/7 to help make payments quick and easy. The new system requires users to create an account. Those who have not done so are encouraged to visit the portal and register at yorkcounty.gov/
Consociate Media Names Amanda Shortt Partner
Consociate Media has named Amanda Shortt as its newest Partner. Shortt has been an Operations Director at the Gloucester-based media, marketing and management firm since August 2020.
“I am thrilled. I just love Consociate Media,” Shortt said. “It’s so important to me to be part of an organization with a team of people who are so talented and care deeply about what they do and who they do it for. It’s an organization that has heart, that’s deeply ingrained in the community and wants everyone in it to be successful.”
Shortt has a hand in overseeing Consociate Media’s expanding national client list that includes nonprofits, municipalities and small businesses. The company also has a philanthropic component in serving many of the businesses it supports, an element that appeals to Shortt, who is a passionate about giving back to her community.
Shortt graduated from Christopher Newport University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management. Prior to joining Consociate, she worked as Corporate Secretary and HR Manager at the Williamsburg Winery and was an Associate Partner with Virginia Ventures, LLC.
GuernseyTingle Celebrates 40th Anniversary
GuernseyTingle announced the celebration of its 40th anniversary with “GuernseyTingle Day” on Nov. 22.
Virginia War Memorial, Navy League to Host Commonwealth’s Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony in Richmond
The Virginia War Memorial and the Navy League of the United States, Richmond Council, will co-host the 82nd Commonwealth’s Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 7 outdoors in the Memorial’s Shrine of Memory — 20th Century. at 621 South Belvidere Street, Richmond VA 22330.
Chesapeake Wealth Management President Stepping Down
Chesapeake Wealth Management (CWM) recently announced that President John Sadler will be stepping down from his role by the end of 2023 and returning to practicing law. Sadler has been the face of Chesapeake Wealth Management for nearly 12 years
“John has brought such a high level of professionalism to CWM during his tenure,” said Jeff Szyperski, Chairman, CEO, and President of Chesapeake Bank and Chesapeake Financial Shares. “Excellent client service and responsiveness has always been his priority and he has made it a priority of the firm. We all wish him nothing but the best in the next leg of his professional life.”
Chesapeake Wealth Management will have Beth Swartz, current Investment Services Manager and Senior Vice President, serve as interim president. Swartz has been with CWM for 8 years and she has been employed in investment services for 37 years.
CWM said it is actively searching for a successor.
James City County Launches Email Notification Service for Public Meeting Documents
James City County announced the launch of a new email notification service that alerts subscribers when public meeting documents become available. According to the county, this service improves transparency and provides easy access to meeting agendas, minutes and other related documents.
To sign up, visit the Agendas and Minutes page on the county’s website and click the “subscribe” button. Users can choose all public meetings or only the ones that match their interests. For more information, contact Teresa Saeed, Deputy Clerk to the Board of Supervisors, at 757-253-6609 or teresa.saeed@jamescitycountyva.gov.
James City County Personal Property and Real Estate Taxes Due Dec. 5
James City County reminds residents that personal property and real estate tax bills have been mailed and are due Tuesday, Dec. 5. Those who have not received a tax bill are asked to call the Treasurer’s Office at 757-253-6705. Taxes are still due even if a bill was not received.
Bills can be paid online at jamescitycountyva.gov/epay, in person or in a drop box at:
- Treasurer’s Office (drop box located in front parking lot)
- Satellite Services Office
By mail through the County’s lockbox service:
- James City County, PO Box 844637, Boston, MA 02284-4637
If paying by debit or credit card, either in person, online, or by telephone, a 2.95% convenience fee will be applied at the time of payment. Payments online by e-Check (ACH) will not incur a fee.
For more information, call 757-253-6705 or visit the website.
NAMI Mid-Tidewater Offering Family-to-Family Education Program
The Mid-Tidewater affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness is once again offering the Family-to-Family Education Program. Established more than 20 years ago, Family-to-Family has helped more than 300,000 family members of people living with mental illness.
The free eight-session online course for family members is taught by other family members who have received intensive training for its presentation.
Class topics include:
- Current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders.
- Up-to-date information about medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherence.
- Current research related to the biology of brain disorders and evidence-based treatments to promote recovery.
- Gaining empathy by understanding the subjective, lived experience of a person with mental illness.
- Problem-solving, listening, and communication techniques.
- Acquiring strategies for handling mental health crises and relapse.
- Focusing on care for the caregiver: coping with worry, stress, and emotional overload.
- Information on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand mental health services.
The classes will be held online on Tuesdays starting Jan. 10 at 6 p.m. for eight weeks.
There is no charge for the program, but registration is required. To register or for more information, e-mail namimidtidewater@gmail.
Create a Safe Driving Jingle for the Holidays
Virginia teens are being encouraged to jingle their way to a safe holiday by creating a safe driving song or tune for a statewide competition and a chance to win cash prizes of up to $500.
City of Williamsburg Chosen as One of the Top Digital Cities in the US
The Center for Digital Government (CDG) announced the winners of its 2023 Digital Cities Survey, and the City of Williamsburg placed sixth in the United States of populations less than 75,000.
Now in its 23rd year, the annual survey is recognizing cities utilizing technology to strengthen cybersecurity; to enhance transparency, digital privacy rights, and digital equity; and to find innovative ways to support solutions for social challenges facing cities today.
This year, the city noted it was recognized for its emphasis on providing the best experience it can for its residents through the expansion of broadband service; the improvement of the cellular backbone used by the police, fire and emergency services; and the strengthening of the City’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare program by identifying and mapping the frequent 911 callers.
Read the full news release and more about the City of Williamsburg’s achievement on the Digital Communities website.
Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg
The Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg recently welcomed Bill Schermerhorn, creative director for Colonial Williamsburg’s (CW) signature events, as its regular lunch meeting speaker.
Schermerhorn, who has served in the role at CW for seven years, told members that he is always mindful of historical accuracy and educational value in planning events for visitors to Colonial Williamsburg, which remains one of America’s most popular tourist destinations.
The Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg meets every Wednesday at noon at the Williamsburg Lodge.
