News Summary
James City County announces important updates, including the temporary closure of the Department of Social Services for staff training, volunteer opportunities during National Volunteer Month, recognition for local leaders, and upcoming events like the Family Fun Fest. Residents are encouraged to engage with community initiatives and stay informed about local news.
Updates and Opportunities in James City County
Hey there, James City County residents! We’ve got some important updates, exciting volunteer opportunities, and local events coming your way. Stay in the loop so you don’t miss out on anything!
Social Services Office Closing for Staff Development
First things first, the James City County Department of Social Services is taking a short break for staff development. The office will be closing on Wednesday, April 23 at 1:30 p.m. but won’t keep you waiting long; it will reopen bright and early on Thursday, April 24 at 8 a.m. If you have any paperwork or applications that need to be submitted during this time, don’t worry! There’s a handy agency drop box available right in the parking lot of the James City County Human Services Center located at 5249 Olde Towne Road.
In case you’re in need of immediate assistance, remember that you can always reach out regarding suspected child abuse or neglect by calling the Child Abuse hotline at 757-259-3201. For concerns about adults, the Adult Abuse hotline is available at 757-259-3115. And if you’re waiting for a response on eligibility questions, voicemails left on the eligibility line will be returned on April 24.
Also, don’t forget that you can report changes and apply for benefits online at the CommonHelp website at commonhelp.virginia.gov.
April is Volunteer Month!
Did you know that April is National Volunteer Month? It’s the perfect time to acknowledge the amazing work of volunteers in our community. SCORE Williamsburg has been shining a spotlight on the fantastic impact made by its volunteers. In the last fiscal year, they provided 478 mentoring sessions to 292 entrepreneurs. Wow!
Research shows that entrepreneurs who receive three or more hours of mentoring tend to report higher revenues and business growth. For those looking for guidance, SCORE Williamsburg has resources for every step of the entrepreneurial journey—simply swing by score.org for more details about volunteer opportunities or to request a mentor.
Local Leaders Making Waves
In other noteworthy news, Williamsburg’s very own Chief Deputy Voter Registrar, Haley Snapp, has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Standout Local Election Official Award on April 9. Snapp was nominated by William & Mary for her exceptional commitment to their Voter Engagement Program. The ALL IN Democracy Challenge Awards recognize individuals for their leadership in advancing nonpartisan student civic engagement—what an accomplishment!
Chesapeake Financial Shares Celebrates Growth
In financial news, Chesapeake Financial Shares, Inc. conducted its 124th Anniversary Annual Shareholders Meeting on April 4, revealing a notable 12.9% earnings increase for 2024 compared to 2023. During the meeting, Chairman, President & CEO, Jeffrey M. Szyperski, discussed the latest banking trends and the importance of supporting local communities. However, it’s worth noting that Chesapeake did incur an $8 million loss in the first quarter as it repositioned $75 million of investments for better yields. A lot of exciting things are happening in the local economy!
Volunteer Call for Safety Town
Attention, volunteers! York County is on the lookout for helpers for its Safety Town program, which teaches important safety skills to 5-year-olds. If you can commit to at least one full week of the program, you’ll receive a Safety Town T-shirt and proper recognition for your efforts. Registration for volunteers opened on April 14, so don’t delay!
Mark Your Calendars for Family Fun Fest!
Lastly, don’t forget to plan for the Family Fun Fest hosted by James City County Parks & Recreation! Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chickahominy Riverfront Park. The parking fee is just $10 per car (cash or check only), and the best part is that most activities are free! If you’re concerned about inclement weather, you can call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for updates.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park is located at 1350 John Tyler Highway. Come join the fun and make some wonderful memories!
That wraps up our latest scoop from James City County. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and opportunities in your community!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Historic Triangle Prepares for Major Winter Storm
Overnight Lane Closures Scheduled for I-64 West
Long-Term Traffic Changes on I-64 Westbound Starting April 6
Additional Resources
- WYDaily: News Briefs for April 23
- Daily Press: New James City County Housing Portal
- WAVY: James City County Siblings Face Challenges Accessing SNAP Benefits
- 13 News Now: Applications for Cooling Assistance Program
- Daily Press: James City County Looking for Public Input on New Government Center
- Wikipedia: James City County, Virginia
- Google Search: James City County news
