Highland to Resume Archaeology on the Lost and Found Monroe Home
On May 21, 2025, Highland was set to resume archaeological excavation on the lost and found Monroe home. Excavations will be visible to visitors and will continue on weekdays through July 3, weather permitting.
Highland, the home of James Monroe, fifth president of the United States, is adjacent to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville. The property was acquired by William & Mary, Monroe’s alma mater, in 1974
In 2016 Highland announced the discovery of the Monroes’ main house. It was built in 1799, and the research news upended the longstanding history of the site by determining that the standing house is a guesthouse Monroe had built in 1818. Tickets may be purchased at highland.org/tickets.
UMFS Holds Virtual Info Sessions for Foster Care Awareness Month
May is National Foster Care Month, and UMFS, a child and family services nonprofit that is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year is using the observance to urge people to consider fostering and to enroll in an upcoming info session, where they can learn more about the process to become a foster parent.
Attending a virtual information session is the first step. The info sessions are led by UMFS staff and cover what to expect as a foster parent and what qualities make a strong match based on the population of children and teens UMFS serves, youth who are older and/or have a history of trauma, according to the organization.
Becoming a foster parent through UMFS takes roughly 3-6 months, and most of the training takes place online. For more information about becoming a foster parent or to register for a virtual information session, interested individuals can visit UMFS.org/foster.
Chick-fil-A Coastal VA Hosts 18th Annual Hunger-Fighting Race
Chick-fil-A Restaurants across Coastal Virginia are gearing up to host the 18th Annual 5K, 10K, and Running of the Cows Family Fun Run this Saturday, May 24, beginning at the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News to support the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank.
For every $1 raised, Chick-fil-A will donate the equivalent of three meals to the Foodbank, aiming to provide 20,000 meals for families in need across the region.
Race Day Details:
- Family Fun Run: 8:00 a.m.
- 10K Race: 8:30 a.m.
- 5K Race: 8:50 a.m.
More information about race registration, donations, and media contacts is available here.
Del. Chad Green to Hold Safe Driving Legislative Roundtable
Del. Chad Green, along with Tammy Gweedo, Sen. Danny Diggs, and Sheriff Ron Montgomery, will be hosting a safe driving legislative roundtable at the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, May 27, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
This conversation held with stakeholders from across the region will center around legislative and local actions that can be taken to reduce the amount of driving injuries, fatalities, and incidents on the roadways throughout Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth.
Public Information Meeting for Proposed Yorktown Freight Shed Pavilion
The York County Department of Public Works and the Department of Economic and Tourism Development will hold a public information meeting at the Yorktown Freight Shed located at 331 Water Street on Wednesday, May 28 between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. about the proposed Yorktown Freight Shed Pavilion.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the design, answer questions, and receive citizen comments. The proposed structure will replace the tent structure that is currently installed behind the Freight Shed. Visual renderings will be available, and the meeting is open to the public.
Those unable to attend the public meeting or wanting to obtain information may email comments to [email protected] by Wednesday, May 21 — reference “Freight Shed Pavilion” in the subject line.
James City County Seeks Applicants for Board on the Virginia Peninsula Community College Board
James City County is inviting county residents to apply for appointment to the Virginia Peninsula Community College Board as the representative for James City County.
The College Board helps guide the institution’s mission to provide broad and equitable access to higher education and workforce training. Board members serve four-year terms and are eligible for reappointment for a second term, and are expected to participate in regular meetings and serve as vital links between the college and the community it serves.
Interested James City County residents are encouraged to complete the online application. Additional information can be found online. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Public Information Meeting Scheduled to Discuss Data Centers and a Technology Overlay District in Gloucester County
Gloucester County is hosting an informational meeting May 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Rappahannock Community College’s Glenns Campus to learn more about data centers and the purpose/intent of establishing a Technology Overlay District in the county.
The County is considering the creation of a TOD in the Glenns area to attract and accommodate Data Centers. Because of their energy requirements, Data Centers must be located near high-voltage electrical transmission lines, which are only located in the Glenns area.
Several speakers are scheduled to give brief presentations at the May 28 meeting, and a question-and-answer period will be provided. The meeting is designed and intended to provide information and to gather input. All interested citizens, especially in the Glenns area, are invited to come and learn about the pros and cons of Data Centers and the potential TOD.
VDOT Seeking Input on Transportation Planning Studies in Hampton Roads
The Virginia Department of Transportation is seeking feedback on multiple transportation studies that assess potential road, bicycle, and pedestrian improvements in the Hampton Roads area.
Five separate studies are underway for specific locations in Virginia Beach, Hampton, Newport News, James City County and York County. The studies seek to develop potential recommendations to improve safety, operations, access, and bicyclist and pedestrian features in the targeted areas.
VDOT is inviting residents and travelers to learn more about each of the studies at vaprojectpipeline.
- Virginia Beach: Indian River Road between South Military Highway and Indian Lakes Boulevard
- Newport News: Bland Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue
- Hampton: Coliseum Drive and Mercury Boulevard
- James City County: Centerville Road between Longhill Road and Richmond Road (Route 60)
- York County: Mooretown Road (Route 603) and Lightfoot Road (Route 646) between East Rochambeau Drive and north of Richmond Road (Route 60)
Comments can also be sent to [email protected].
