Community Notebook: Chamber to Host Legislative Forum, Avalon Offices Moving

By Amber Lester Kennedy Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Looking for a chance to chat with your state representative? The Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance’s legislative forum is next week, and features continental breakfast. Register before Jan. 1 for Run for an Achievable Dream, and you’ll save money on registration. Click below for more details.

Chamber Hosts Legislative Forum Jan. 4

The Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance will hold its annual pre-legislative forum on Jan. 4 at the Crowne Plaza Williamsburg Fort Magruder.

The forum, from 7:30 to 9 a.m., included a continental breakfast. It is open to the public and there is no charge.

Members of the legislative delegation representing the Historic Triangle will address questions from Mark Duncan, chairman of the Governmental Affairs Committee of the Alliance, as well as written questions from the audience.

Register for Run for the Dream Now to Save

Runners planning to race in the second Run for the Dream can save by registering before Jan. 1.

The half-marathon will be held May 20 in Williamsburg. The first 3,000 registrants will receive a free day pass to Busch Gardens to be used May 18-20, plus discounts for family and friends. General registration is $80 through Dec. 31 and will be $90 on Jan. 1. Active-duty military can register for $45 at any time, and Wounded Warriors can register for free.

Registration is also open for the Fit to Run, Fit to Dream 8K Run/Walk on May 19; general registration is $45 through Dec. 31 and $50 on Jan. 1. The races start on the campus of The College of William and Mary, wind through Williamsburg’s Historic Area and finish at Zable Stadium. The races benefit Newport News’ An Achievable Dream school.

Learn more and register here.

Avalon Moves to New Office on Jan. 2

Avalon: A Center for Women and Children will move its operations staff to a new office on Jan. 2.

The nonprofit’s outreach offices, community services and administration/fundraising staff will be moving to a new Community Services Building that will house all outreach services, volunteer training sessions, the development team and executive director.

The new office will also receive in-kind donations. Anyone interested in making donations now should call the Waller Mill location at 258-5022 before dropping off donations this week. The new office is located at 3204 Ironbound Road, Suite D in Williamsburg.

Howell Creative Group Donates Stuffed Animals

For the 18th year, Howell Creative Group donated a collection of stuffed caterpillars and ladybugs to area children for the holidays.

The stuffed bugs were distributed with the help of Salvation Army Santas. "We always look forward to this," says Kathy Howell, the firm's president and creative director. "Finding and gifting a neat compilation of stuffed animals to local children in need, is something our team looks forward to every year."

The Howell Creative Team is pictured with their donations. President Kathy Howell sits in the front center and is flanked top to bottom and left to right by Svetlana Gotra, John Thomas, Kandy Baker, Christy Keeler, Tiffany Reaves, Marie Halpin and Jessica Hann.