Community Notebook: New Leaders Chosen for JCC Dems, The Arc

By Amber Lester Kennedy Wednesday, January 11, 2012

New leaders have been chosen to lead the James City County Democrats and The Arc of Greater Williamsburg. Upcoming panels will focus on senior services and the Constitution, and in the community, classes in women’s defense and free tax prep will be offered this winter. Read on for more details.

Jen Tierney Elected Leader of JCC Democrats

The James City County Democratic Committee elected Jen Tierney to serve as chair last week. She’ll be taking over for Ralph Bresler, who led the committee for a decade.

Bresler will stay on as vice chair, “to ensure a smooth transition,” he said in an email. Cheryl Murphy McNeal will serve as second vice chair, Rebecca Shulklapper will be the treasurer, Ray Connor will be the recording secretary and Ben Thacker-Gwaltney will serve as corresponding secretary/outreach officer.

In his email, Bresler recounted starting the committee 10 years ago with $50 in its bank account. “I am grateful to all of you for your support during my 10 years as chair,” he said. “Some have told me this must be a thankless job, but in fact many of you have expressed appreciation for the effort that I and the other committee officers have made. This encouragement has meant a lot to me, especially during the occasional tough times.”

New Executive Director Named for The Arc

The Arc of Greater Williamsburg has named Jennifer Stout as its new executive director, effective Jan. 3.

Stout has worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Virginia Peninsula, the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The Arc of Greater Williamsburg works to improve the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through community activities and advocacy. To learn more or get involved, email director@thearcgw.org.

Educational Panel Focuses on Senior Services

Local senior service experts will share information about senior services in “Senior Services 101” on Jan. 31.

The educational panel forum, designed specifically for local churches, will be at WindsorMeade in Williamsburg. The event is free and includes a breakfast, a half-day informational session, lunch to go and a chance to win a $500 donation.

The day will begin with registration between 7:15 a.m. and 8:15 a.m., then a welcome at 8:30 a.m. The panel will continue with presentations until 1 p.m.

Due to limited seating, registration is mandatory and seats will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, contact Stephanie@senioradvocateonline.com by Jan. 20.

Library Presents ‘Constitutional Conversations’

The Williamsburg Library will host Constitutional Conversations, an award-winning series of programs about the Constitution and Bill of Rights, on Jan. 19.

The conversation, led by law students, will examine Federal executive authority. The program, the most recent in the eight-month long series that began in October, begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Scotland Street library. The workshops are free.

For more details, call 259-4070 or click here.

York Police Offer Women’s Defense Classes

The York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office is sponsoring classes in self-defense for women. The Rape Aggression Defense System (R.A.D.) is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women.

The course begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, then progresses to hands-on defense training.

The courses, which do not teach martial arts, are taught by nationally certified R.A.D. instructors and include a workbook/reference manual.

Attendees must attend all five classes, to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 27, Feb. 29, March 5, March 7 and March 8. The classes will be in the gym at Yorktown Elementary School. Contact Deputy Reggie Simms at simms@yorkcounty.gov to sign up.

Community Action Agency Offers Free Tax Prep

The Williamsburg-James City County Community Action Agency will offer free tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income workers until April 19.

Families and individuals with an income less than $50,000 may be eligible to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, which can reduce the amount of income taxes owed.

To learn more, schedule an appointment or volunteer, call John Smith at 229-3316 or 229-9332.

Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Bowling Fundraiser Set for Feb. 25

The 32nd annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids’ Sake will be held on Feb. 25 at the Williamsburg AMF Lanes.

All money raised goes directly to supporting matches of mentors and children in the community. To learn how to get involved as a bowler, team captain or sponsor, call 253-0676.