Community Notebook: Siren Test Today; Go Caroling in CW

By Amber Lester Kennedy Wednesday, December 14, 2011

If you hear sirens today, don’t be alarmed; it’s the regular Surry Power Station siren test. This week, Colonial Williamsburg will recognize the 220th birthday of the Bill of Rights. Next week, the Senior Services Coalition will host its support group for unemployed older workers. Read on for more details.

Surry Power Station Siren Test Today

A full-scale test of the Early Warning Siren System (EWSS) surrounding the Surry Power Station will take place at 11:10 a.m. today.

A steady three-minute tone will be sounded at 61 locations within a 10-mile radius of the Surry Nuclear Power Station. A dispatcher from either James City County or Surry County will activate the system.

The alerting system of an actual emergency consists of four separate, three-minute activations, each separated by a one-minute silent interval.

Go Caroling in CW

Colonial Williamsburg invites families to join in on caroling this week and next week.

Songs of the season will be sung at the courthouse at 6 p.m. Dec. 16, 21 and 23; at Wetherburn’s Tavern at 6 p.m. Dec. 15, 18 and 22; and at the Robert Carter House at 6 p.m. Dec. 17.

No admission ticket is required.

Senior Services Coalition Offers Unemployment Support Group

The Senior Services Coalition of Williamsburg is offering a support group for unemployed and employment seeking adults over 50 from 9 to 10 a.m. on Dec. 20 at the Williamsburg Physician's Center, located at 3901 Treyburn Drive. The support group will continue to meet the first and third Tuesdays of each month.

The Unemployed Older Adults Support Group will be led by Morgan Whiteley, an experienced counselor and facilitator, and Ed Gootzait, chair of the Community Action Plan on Aging - Seniors as a Resource Committee.

The group is designed to help members find emotional support, share personal experiences, and gain access to community resources. It features stress management and life adjustment support, and provides the opportunity for sharing information about the job and career transition process. For more information, email seniorservicescoalition@verizon.net.

Mark Anniversary of ‘Bill of Rights’

Celebrate the 220th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights at “Christmas Present for a New Nation,” presented by Colonial Williamsburg.

The event begins at 3 p.m. Thursday at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. The audience will witness the intense debate over the meaning of the Revolution between legendary patriots, followed by an open discussion. A ticket of $3 is required, in addition to a CW admission pass, museum pass or Good Neighbor pass.

Community Action Agency to Hold Fundraiser in April

The Williamsburg-James City County Community Action Agency will hold its ninth annual Community of Stars fundraising banquet on April 26 at Colonial Heritage.

The agency will honor several individuals, businesses and organizations that have supported the CAA. Proceeds from the banquet support the agency’s programs and services, including Head Start and emergency services.

The event is open to the public. Tickets are $50 per person, $90 for two and $450 for a table of 10. To purchase tickets, contact Yvonne Joseph at 229-9332. The evening is semi-formal and includes a silent auction, raffle tickets and cash bar.

The honorees include: Buffalo Boyz and the National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.; James Icenhour, Jr.; James City County Department of Social Services and Child Development Resources; Dr. Robert A. Whitehead and New Zion Baptist Church; Karen Dutro of Network Williamsburg, and Dennis Welch, building manager and the Historic Triangle Community Services Center Board of Directors; Yvonne Joseph, CAA executive assistant, and Carol Justis, of Head Start.

Daisy Troop Spruces Chickahominy Park

Daisy Troop 1382 adopted Chickahominy Riverfront Park.

The girls also planted one flower bed with bulbs near the park’s boat launch. James City County Park Supervisor Amy Fiedor praised their work, saying, “We’re delighted that upkeep of the park is a community effort. Daisy Troop 1382 did a fabulous job. We welcome all local groups and organizations to Adopt-A-Park as service projects, all saving staff time and money.”

The troop plans to return to the park next spring for clean-up and planting projects. To adopt a park, contact Vicki Sprigg at (757) 259-5403 or email vasprigg@james-city.va.us.

Pictured from left to right: LeAnne Boyer (troop co-leader), Hannah Coleman, Maggie Harrigan, Emma Shellman, Ava Boyer, Alaina Ratcliffe, Maya Rubin, Olivia Rabinowitz, Laney Kerner, Julia Clark and Becky Ratcliffe (troop co-leader). Not pictured, Kayla Zanette.