An organization the advocates for children has a new leader, while another local nonprofit has three new board members. Girl Scouts enjoyed a dance program, Walsingham Academy students lent a hand at bingo and a bowling event raised more than $44,000 for children in need.
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Colonial CASA Welcomes New Executive Director
The Colonial CASA Board of Directors recently announced the appointment of Charlotte Klamer as its new executive director. Klamer has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and human services programs, as well as donor relations and fundraising.
Colonial CASA’s mission is to recruit, train and supervise volunteers who provide advocacy services to abused and neglected children in court and in the community to ensure their safe future.
Girl Scouts Dance Toward Healthy Lifestyle
Williamsburg-area Girl Scout Troop 1560 welcomed professional dancer Ricky Wallace to a hip hop dance session in late February. Wallace is an instructor at Virginia Regional Ballet Academy in Williamsburg.
The troop danced and learned about healthy choices and active lifestyles.
W&M Among Top Institutions in Nation for Student Affairs Work
The College of William & Mary has been ranked among the top 30 most promising places to work in student affairs, according to a study of national colleges and universities released Thursday.
The study was conducted by the Center for Inclusion, Diversity, and Academic Success at The Ohio State University and commissioned by a magazine focusing on higher education.
IDEAS, along with a five-member advisory board, used a web-based survey to study workplace diversity, staffing practices and work environment. They examined family friendliness, salary and benefits, and professional development opportunities at more than 100 institutions.
William & Mary is one of two institutions from the commonwealth represented in the survey. The other Virginia school was Sweet Briar College.
“We recognize that our division is strongest – and we are better role models for the students we serve – when all voices are honored and when colleagues are respected for the unique expertise, talents, and perspectives they bring to our work,” said vice president for student affairs Ginger Ambler in a news release.
Rotary Club of James City County Donates to the 2014 Water For People Campaign
On March 25, the 2014 Water For People Campaign received a generous $1,000 donation from the Rotary Club of James City County.
Water For People is an international nonprofit humanitarian organization headquartered in Denver, Colo. The organization raises awareness and funds for clean drinking water and adequate sanitation centers for people in developing countries.
The local Water For People Campaign includes representatives from Newport News Waterworks, as well as local engineering firms and businesses. It brings together local entrepreneurs, civil society, governments, and communities to establish sustainable, collaborative solutions that empower people to develop and maintain safe reliable water supplies.
Dream Catchers
Fifty students participated in the 2014 Catch a Dream Campaign & Horse Show benefitting Dream Catchers at the Cori Sikich Therapeutic Riding Center. The show as held March 16, with Allstate/Powell Custom Financial Management Inc. as the title sponsor.
Leading up the event, students and volunteers recruited teams to generate donations for the center. The winning student team was “Team Patrick” led by the Burns Family and the winning volunteer team was “Team Dandy” led by Joan Pond, Stefanie Hood, Denise Whitney and Beverley Sparks.
The $15,000 raised from the show and campaign will help Dream Catchers p Dream Catchers offer their programs of therapeutic horsemanship to children and adults with special needs for the lowest possible lesson fees.
Bowling Event Raises Funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Virginia Peninsula raised $44,900 with its signature Bowl For Kids’ Sake fundraising events in February. The total surpassed last year’s achievement by almost 10%.
The event was held in Hampton on Feb. 8, followed by a fundraiser in Williamsburg on Feb. 22.
The Williamsburg grand prize winners were: Melissa Sabb, who won a patio set and grill donated by Wal-Mart; Vince Della Penta, who won a mini iPad; and Jeff Gilliam, who won an overnight stay at Great Wolf Lodge.
All proceeds from the two Bowl For Kids’ Sake events will be used to support existing programs at the local branch of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Arc of Williamsburg Holds Bingo Night
The Arc of Greater Williamsburg enjoyed Bingo Night a few weeks ago, hosted by Walsingham Academy’s seventh grade class. Walsingham students along with 118 Arc clients participated in the game.
The Arc of Greater Williamsburg works to improve the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities through community activities and advocacy.
Beyond Boobs Announces New Board Members
Chris Gavrilovic, Natalie Miller Moore, and Jake Perez will join the board of directors for a Williamsburg-based health organization.
Beyond Boobs! seeks to support young women diagnosed with breast cancer while providing breast health education for all. Their annual calendar and health guide recently received national recognition for its content and originality.
Gavrilovic is CEO of a locally based production company. He recently produced a short video that Beyond Boobs! co-founders Mary Beth Gibson and Rene Bowditch premiered at their presentation at an international conference last month in Orlando.
Miller Moore owns her own marketing and public relations company specializing in health communications. A member of the American Society of Medical Writers, she and her children regularly walk with Beyond Boobs! in local parades.
Perez is associate vice president of marketing communications and stewardship for the College of William & Mary, who became involved with Beyond Boobs! through his late wife. Catherine Nesmith Perez was an original member of the organization and was featured shaving Perez’s head as he held their young daughter in the inaugural calendar.
Son of Williamsburg Residents Receives Navy Early Promotion
Navy Seaman Apprentice Jordan Simal, son of Williamsburg residents Francis J. and Melissa J. Simal, was recently promoted to his current rank upon graduation from U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill.
Simal, who graduated from high school in Algonquin, received the early promotion for outstanding performance during all phases of the training cycle. Training included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety.
2014 Botanical Art Show Opens at WRL
Back: P.Carter Hood, Judy Adams, Hazel Buys, Judith Towers, Judy Thomas and Gail Goodrich Harwood
Juliet Kirby and botanical artist friends from Richmond and Williamsburg gathered for a reception at the Williamsburg Library to celebrate the 2014 Botanical Art Show. The show will run through April 29 in the Library exhibition area.
