Williamsburg Health Foundation gives $4.5M to 35 local community groups
Plus, WATA to offer free rides during Liberty Fare Week; Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra partners with schools for student performances
The Williamsburg Health Foundation recently Board of Trustees announced that $4.5 million in grant funding has been awarded to 35 nonprofit organizations and government agencies serving Williamsburg, James City County, and York County. Grant awards align with three focus areas established in the 2026-2030 strategic plan: Access to Care, Economic Advancement, and Healthy Living. The foundation awarded fourteen first-time programs or organizations, with three grants supporting the recently developed Economic Advancement category, which they noted was added as a focus area because social drivers of health affect residents’ ability to access essential community resources.
President and CEO Deanna Van Hersh noted that awards support both new and former organizations, programs, and initiatives designed to enhance health in Greater Williamsburg. The foundation, established in September 1996 following Williamsburg Community Hospital and Sentara’s affiliation agreement, has awarded over $123 million in grants since inception. Organizations receiving grants this year included:
DeGood Foundation Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library initiative providing monthly books to children under five
Literacy for Life integrated adult education program
Menchville House emergency family shelter services
3E Restoration — faith-based nonprofit serving neighbors experiencing social displacement
ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation — support services for children with cancer and their families
Children’s Assistive Technology Service — refurbishes and redistributes pediatric adaptive equipment statewide
Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation — expands oral health care access for underserved Virginians
Made 4 Connection — trauma-informed care training and support for families
Dream Catchers — equine-assisted therapy for individuals with disabilities and veterans
FISH Williamsburg — volunteer-driven food, clothing, and housewares pantry
Grove Christian Outreach Center — food, clothing, and financial assistance for Greater Williamsburg families
One Child Center for Autism — therapy and support for children with autism and developmental differences
Williamsburg House of Mercy — food, housing, and outreach services for neighbors in need
Williamsburg-James City County Community Action Agency — addresses poverty and promotes self-sufficiency for local residents
In other news …
WATA to Offer Free Rides During Liberty Fare Week, Increases Service Frequency Starting June 29 Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) announced service enhancements launching June 29, including increased frequency and a week of fare-free transit. The agency will increase service frequency on Routes 1 and 2 Monday through Friday, with buses arriving every 30 minutes throughout the day to improve connectivity across Greater Williamsburg. WATA will extend service hours on all routes and paratransit operations until midnight on July 4 to accommodate Independence Day events, with Routes 1 and 2 maintaining 30-minute service that day.
WATA will implement Liberty Fare Week from June 29 through July 5, offering no-cost service on all fixed routes and paratransit. Executive Director Matthew Scalia stated the improvements align with the Historic Triangle’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday and noted his gratitude for community support. The enhanced frequency represents the first phase of WATA’s Transit Strategic Plan, which targets frequency improvements on at least half of the agency’s routes by 2030. WATA serves James City County, the City of Williamsburg, and the Bruton District of York County, providing accessible public transportation throughout the region. Updated schedules and route information are available through the agency’s website and mobile Transit app.
Infrastructure
City of Williamsburg to Host Info Session on Ironbound Road Corridor Improvements The City of Williamsburg will host a public information session on Phases 2 and 3 of the Ironbound Road Corridor Improvements on Tuesday, June 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 1011 of James Blair Middle School, 101 Longhill Road. City staff and design firm Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson will present proposed improvements between Richmond Road and DePue Drive, including road widening, a center turn lane, a multiuse path along the north side, traffic signal upgrades, and sidewalk replacement. The $5,235,100 project is fully funded through VDOT’s Smart Scale program. Public comments are accepted through June 26 by emailing publicworks@williamsburgva.gov.
Tourism
Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center Reports Progress Ahead of June 24 Grand Opening
According to a presentation recently given to the Board of the Historic Triangle Recreation Facilities Authority (HRTFA), the Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center (GWSEC) is finalizing preparations for its Grand Opening Celebration on June 24, following a media preview event held June 4 that allowed invited outlets to experience the facility in a controlled setting. The center currently employs 63 team members, with training ongoing across all mechanical, operational, and procedural components. Management and lead staff have completed CPR/AED/First Aid certification, and a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan is being implemented facility-wide. The 250 American Quilt is scheduled for display at the center.
Arts & Entertainment
Library’s 1972 Steinway Piano to Undergo Restoration After Hampton Roads Community Foundation Grant Williamsburg Regional Library announced it received a $37,550 grant from the E.K. Sloane Fund of Hampton Roads Community Foundation to fund complete refurbishment of its 1972 Steinway Model CD Concert Grand piano. The Chamber Music Society of Williamsburg and a private donor are providing additional support for the project, according to the library. The instrument will be transported this summer to Fine Piano in Zuni, Virginia, where master piano technician Terry Greene will perform the restoration over approximately four months.
The piano has served the library theater since 1982 and gained historical significance during the 9th G7 Economic Summit in 1983. The White House borrowed the instrument for a performance at the Williamsburg Inn featuring soprano Leontyne Price before world leaders from seven nations. Library Director Sandy Towers stated the organization is grateful for Hampton Roads Community Foundation’s support in preserving the instrument. The piano serves as a venue asset for the Chamber Music Society of Williamsburg’s concert season.
Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra Partners with Schools for Student Performances Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra has established a collaboration with local schools to deliver professional musical performances for 4th and 5th grade students throughout the division. The initiative provides students with access to performances by professional musicians as part of their educational programming. The partnership has contributed to Williamsburg’s consistent recognition among the Best Communities for Music Education nationally.
Merchants Square Announces Free Summer Movie Series and Father’s Day Events Merchants Square announces it will host a free summer movie series at Kimball Theatre with seven screenings scheduled from June through August, all beginning at 2:00 PM. The programming includes How to Train Your Dragon on June 14, Lilo & Stitch on July 19, Top Gun: Maverick on July 26, Godzilla: King of the Monsters on August 2, Superman on August 9, Project Hail Mary on August 16, and Hamlet on August 23. The venue will allow outside food and beverages while operating concessions for purchase during the free public screenings. The district is promoting Father’s Day shopping and dining opportunities across its retail and restaurant tenants. Merchants Square, located at 134 North Henry Street in Williamsburg adjacent to the historic area, operates over 40 retail and dining establishments.
Ampersand International Arts Festival Shares 2026 Recap and Announces Williamsburg Whiskey & Wine Weekend Ampersand International Arts Festival has published a recap video and photo album documenting its 2026 festival. The organization has scheduled the 2027 Ampersand International Arts Festival for March 22-28 in Williamsburg. AVAdventure Productions will present Williamsburg Whiskey & Wine Weekend July 10-12 featuring more than 20 events at various venues in the City of Williamsburg. Programming includes tastings, tours, live music, comedy, and film. The Ampersand International Arts Festival is produced by the production company and receives main sponsorship support from the City of Williamsburg.
James City County/Williamsburg Master Gardeners Association to Host 3rd Annual Pollinator Palooza June 21 James City County/Williamsburg Extension Master Gardeners Association reports it will host the 3rd Annual Pollinator Palooza on Sunday, June 21 from 9-11am at the Pollinator Garden in Veterans Park, located at 3793 Ironbound Road. The free public event will proceed rain or shine and is coordinated with James City County Parks and Recreation’s Longest Day of Play programming on the Summer Solstice. The organization will provide educational programming about pollinators and native plants through hands-on activities and exhibits. Programming includes a worm station, bee exhibit, scavenger hunt, butterfly photo wall, giveaways, and additional exhibits. Details and documentation from previous events are available on the organization’s website.
Public Safety
James City County Police Arrest Suspect in Barnes & Noble Abduction Attempt James City County Police announced the arrest of Tito Jamar Brown, 29, of the 300 block of Roland Street in Williamsburg, following an incident at the Barnes & Noble bookstore at 5101 Main Street. Officers responded at approximately 8:40 p.m. Friday to a report that an unknown male had confronted a 17-year-old female inside the women’s restroom, where the suspect allegedly exposed his genitals and attempted to drag the victim into a bathroom stall. The victim escaped uninjured, according to the department.
The investigation included gathering evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and canvassing nearby businesses. Police arrested Brown at 1:46 p.m. Saturday near Jamestown Settlement and charged him with abduction with the intent to defile, sexual battery, and indecent exposure. The department states it believes this was an isolated incident and acknowledged that cooperation from community members and area businesses played a critical role in the rapid identification and apprehension of the suspect. Brown is being held without bond at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.
