The signal will be installed at the I-64 interchange with Route 33 (New Kent Highway) in September, the Virginia Department of Transportation announced last week. At the same time, the westbound loop ramp to I-64 from Route 33 north will be closed. The closure will be in place until early 2027.

The measure is being done as the I-64 Gap Segment Widening project continues. The latest segment of the project, which began in November, will widen about 10 miles of interstate from two to three lanes in each direction from mile marker 205, just west of the Bottoms Bridge exit, to mile marker 216, just east of the New Kent Courthouse/Providence Forge exit in New Kent County.

The project is the first of three segments that will widen I-64 from four to six lanes from mile marker 204.9 in New Kent County to mile marker 233.3 in James City County. When the $756 million project is completed, there will be no two-lane sections of interstate between Richmond and Hampton Roads.

With the ramp to I-64 West closed, motorists will make a left turn at the temporary signal from Route 33 north to enter the interstate. The adjustment is intended to eliminate a short acceleration lane and provide a safer work zone, according to VDOT.

The work is the latest in a flurry of activity along I-64 in New Kent. Within the 10.7-mile stretch of interstate being widened is Exit 211, off of which an eventual Buc-ee’s and an Autozone distribution center will be located. New Kent County recently requested about $44 million from VDOT for expanding the interchange at the exit.

The widening project has slowed plans for Buc-ee’s, which has not yet broken ground for the mega convenience store/gas station but still plans to open in 2027.

While a new interchange at the intersection is unlikely to be completed until 2030, an interim configuration proposed by Buc-ee’s should be sufficient, the county planning director has said.

The highway expansion project, meanwhile, is expected to be completed by summer 2027.

For more information on the widening project, visit virginiadot.org/projects/richmond/i-64-gap-segment-a-widening.asp or call VDOT’s customer service center at 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623).

Kim O’Brien Root, kimberly.root@virginiamedia.com

The charges are on top of the charges Andrew Francis Susalis, 35, received Wednesday, which included two counts of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of using of a firearm in the commission of a felony, two counts of reckless handling of a firearm, destruction of property and shooting into an occupied dwelling.

Authorities said Susalis fired about 100 rounds from a high-powered rifle when they arrived in the 300 block of Mark’s Pond Way just after noon. James City officers had gone to the upper York County address after multiple calls came in reporting that someone in a blue sedan had fired at an occupied car near Anderson’s Corner.

On Mark’s Pond Way, one officer was slightly injured from bullet fragments, but no one else was injured. A York-Poquoson sheriff’s deputy who arrived while the shooting was going on also wasn’t injured, nor was Susalis.

Police did not return fire because they weren’t initially sure where the gunfire was coming from, York-Poquoson Sheriff Ron Montgomery said Wednesday. They took cover while gunfire continued for about five minutes.

Susalis came out of his house and surrendered, authorities said. He’s being held at Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.

Kim O’Brien Root, kimberly.root@virginiamedia.com

And what’s more — this week’s activities will include a wedding between two ponies from Dream Catchers, a therapeutic riding center in Toano.

Last year saw a record-setting season for the New Kent County racetrack in terms of number of races, race days, visitors, horses in competition, live bets and off-track bets, according to Colonial Downs. This year’s season runs from Thursday through Sept. 7, with live races every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The season will feature daily average purses of nearly $700,000. The stakes program consists of 27 races worth $5.7 million.

About 700 horses are expected to stable at the track, which features the 180-foot-wide Secretariat Turf Course, the widest grass racing course in North America. The course is named for the famed thoroughbred who swept the Triple Crown Series in 1973. Secretariat, considered one of the greatest racehorses of all time, was born in 1970 in Doswell and trained in Virginia. A 1.25-mile dirt track — which circles the turf course — is the country’s second longest.

Twelve races are scheduled for opening day on Thursday, with the first three set as steeplechase events. Steeplechase horse racing will be a regular feature at Colonial Downs nearly every Thursday, according to the racetrack.

Then on Saturday, two ponies will get “married” as part of Dream Catcher’s efforts to increase community awareness of its mission and the need for financial support. The charitable organization has been providing equine-assisted therapy to people living with disabilities, veterans and at-risk youth for more than 30 years.

In a 12:30 p.m. ceremony, Lark and Tater will tie the knot. The ponies, which joined Dream Catchers as therapeutic horses in 2008, got “engaged” on Valentine’s Day. Lark, short for Meadowlark’s Song, is a 26-year-old Welsh pony/Quarter Horse cross mare, and Tater, or Tate R. McTavish, is a 27-year-old Welsh pony gelding.

“Whether they become new donors, volunteers, or participants, all are invited to share the love of Lark, Tater, and Dream Catchers, where horse power changes lives,” the organization’s website says.

The wedding will take place in the winner’s circle at 12:30 before the races begin at 1:30 p.m., with a reception will be at the end of the race day in the VIP tent. For more about the ponies and the event, including how to donate to their registry to fund everything from hay, horse shoes and hoof picks, visit dreamcatchers.org/events/lark_and_tater_wedding.

Other highlights of the race season include the Colonial Downs Festival of Racing on Aug. 10, featuring the Grade 1 Arlington Million and the Grade 2 $500,000 Secretariat Stakes and $500,000 Beverly D. Stakes. Churchill Downs brought the three famous races to Colonial Downs last year after the operator of the Kentucky Derby acquired the Virginia racetrack.

Wiener dog racing will be a highlight on Aug. 24, while the Virginia Derby — Colonial Downs’ longtime signature event — will be raced on closing day on Sept. 7.

Tickets and information are available at colonialdowns.com. General admission is free. Each Saturday will feature a different event or promotion along with family-fun activities including pony rides and petting zoos starting at 1:30 p.m.

Races will be also be featured on FanDuel TV, which will be on-site for coverage of the Festival of Racing.

Kim O’Brien Root, kimberly.root@virginiamedia.com

Colonial Williamsburg

Virginia’s colonial capital is full of events, starting at 9:30 a.m. with a Thomas Jefferson interpreter giving a reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Capitol in Colonial Williamsburg.

“July Fourth is an opportunity to celebrate all this nation has accomplished in our continuing and unfinished pursuit to create a more perfect union,” said Cliff Fleet, president and CEO of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. “There’s no better place to take stock of our collective achievements and opportunities than here in Williamsburg, in the very same streets and buildings in which our national identity was first shaped.”

Other events include:

10:30 a.m.: The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums and the Virginia State Garrison Regiment will pay homage to the original 13 states of the Union. Salute to the States takes place in Market Square North, behind the courthouse.

Noon: Costumed interpreters representing 18th century Williamsburg will gather on the courthouse steps to hear the Declaration of Independence read as if they first experienced it.

2 p.m.: Building Washington’s Army is a new event this year and will include members of the Virginia State Garrison Regiment leading a military drill behind the courthouse. Participation is encouraged.

8 p.m.: The annual Lights of Freedom concert kicks off on Palace Green to celebrate the music of the American Revolution. Guests are invited to bring chairs, blankets and food.

9:30 p.m.: Fireworks will be displayed above the Governor’s Palace and can be seen from Palace Green and Market Square. The show lasts about 20 minutes.

Admission to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area and Art Museums on July 4 is free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a full list of the day’s programming, including trade demonstrations, building tours and performances, visit colonialwilliamsburg.org/events-calendar. Visitors can pre-register to claim complimentary tickets at colonialwilliamsburg.org/tickets/july4.

There are also a number of special dining events on Thursday, including an Independence Day bash on the Williamsburg Inn’s Social Terrance, an afternoon tea at the inn, a buffet on the lawn of the McKenzie Apothecary and dinner at the Williamsburg Lodge. For more information and to make reservations, visit colonialwilliamsburg.org/explore/special-event/july-4/#dining.

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William & Mary

The university will ring the bell of its historic Wren Building 13 times at 5 p.m. The building will also be illuminated in red, white and blue.

President John F. Kennedy officially established “National Bell Ringing Day” on July 4 in 1963. Virginians across the state are being asked to take part, and the historic bell at the Virginia State Capitol Bell Tower in Richmond will also be rung 13 times as part of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission’s celebration. The commission is working to commemorate Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of American independence leading up to and throughout 2026.

“VA250 aims to create a truly unforgettable Fourth of July celebration that resonates throughout the Commonwealth,” VA250 Executive Director Cheryl Wilson said in a news release. “Imagine the joyous sounds of bells echoing everywhere, reminding us of the shared history and values that bind us together.”

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Yorktown

Yorktown’s celebration of the Fourth begins with an 8K/5K Run/Walk at 8 a.m. on the Historic Battlefield Tour Road. Start and finish take place in the lot next to York High School’s tennis courts. Then at 9 a.m., the annual parade will take place at Water and Main streets in Yorktown Village. Other events include:

1 p.m.: Family activities will take place at Riverwalk Landing, including outdoor games and a hot dog eating contest.

2 p.m.: Live music with guitarist Phil Poteat on the Riverwalk Landing Stage.

4 p.m.: Parking opens at the corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street for the evening events. Food trucks and vendors will be set up from 3-9:15 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing.

7 p.m.: Fifes and Drums of York Town will perform along with a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a bell ringing ceremony at Riverwalk Landing Stage, followed by a jazz band concert featuring Conni Ironmonger.

9:15 p.m.: Fireworks will be displayed over the York River and will be visible from the waterfront and Victory Monument.

For more details, including parking information and a map, visit visityorktown.org/236/Fourth-of-July.

Also on Thursday, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown will have a variety of events from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including interpretive programs and artillery demonstrations. The “Great American 4th of July Sing-along” led by the Cigar Box String Band will include songs from American history at 12:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Life-size re-creations of a Continental Army encampment and a Revolution-era farm show visitors what daily life was like for 18th century soldiers and citizens caught up in the American Revolution.

The Liberty Celebration is included with museum admission. Residents of York County, James City County and Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency.

For more information, visit jyfmuseums.org/libertycelebration.

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Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens will hold nightly fireworks displays at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday with a display set to contemporary patriotic music. The fireworks are visible throughout the park (and sometimes just outside the park, too.)

Kim O’Brien Root, kimberly.root@virginiamedia.com

Meyer spent two decades as the winemaker and executive vice president at the Williamsburg Winery, earning numerous accolades including several 90+ point wines and winning the Virginia Governor’s Cup for the state’s highest-scoring wine, according to a news release. He began his career in the Napa Valley.

“Meyer is renowned for his authentic approach to winemaking and his dedication to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of each vineyard he tends,” the release said.

Gauthier Vineyard is a working farm, equestrian center, vineyard and winery located in New Kent County. Owners Mo and Sandi Gauthier purchased the farm in 2010. The historic property once served as a Civil War encampment for both Union and Confederate forces during the lengthy Peninsula Campaign.

In his new role, Meyer will oversee all aspects of winemaking and winery operations, including grape cultivation from Gauthier’s on-site vineyard in Barhamsville and at its satellite vineyard at Cave Ridge Vineyard in the Shenandoah Valley.

“I am excited to embark on this new journey with Gauthier Vineyard,” Meyer said in the release. “I love growing and crafting Virginia Wine and I look forward to continuing Mo and Sandi’s contributions to making the Virginia Peninsula AVA a world-class wine destination.”

Meyer’s new role comes as the winery is seeking to reimagine its operations, said owner and president Mo Gauthier.

“Matthew’s understanding of not just the world of wine, but specifically what it takes to succeed here in the Commonwealth, makes his arrival a monumental moment for us and for this region,” owner and CEO Sandi Gauthier added.

For more information about Gauthier Vineyard, visit gauthiervineyard.com.

Kim O’Brien Root, kimberly.root@virginiamedia.com

The groundbreaking comes a few months after Colonial Williamsburg announced plans for a new golf course at the former Spotswood course, which closed in December 2022. Initially, a developer wanted to put custom-built homes on the property, but the plan was withdrawn after criticism from the community.

The public is invited to a special groundbreaking ceremony on July 9.

One-third of the property originally slated for residential development — east of South England Street — will be transformed into The Shoe. Colonial Williamsburg hasn’t said what will become of the remainder of the Spotswood property.

“Created by award-winning golf course designer Rees Jones, The Shoe offers a smaller footprint that promises a fresh and accessible golfing experience featuring shorter play times and broader accessibility,” the foundation said in announcing the groundbreaking on Thursday. “It’s perfect for quick outings with friends, active families who are pressed for time, and golfers stepping onto the greens for the first time.”

Keith Jackson, Colonial Williamsburg’s vice president of hospitality, said The Shoe reflects the community’s desire “for a short, player-friendly course that complements our existing golf offerings.” The addition of The Shoe expands the resort’s portfolio to 45 holes of championship golf, he said in a news release.

Golf course architectural firm Rees Jones Inc. also designed Colonial Williamsburg’s Gold and Green courses.

“The Shoe has a physically smaller footprint, making the course easier to maintain and more enjoyable for guests looking to play a quick round,” Jackson said in the release.

Construction on The Shoe was expected to begin this month, with an opening planned in the summer of 2025. The public is invited to a special groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m. on July 9 at the Golden Horseshoe Gold Course.

For more information about the course and to sign up for updates and invites, visit colonialwilliamsburghotels.com/golf/theshoe.

Kim O’Brien Root, kimberly.root@virginiamedia.com

The Auxiliary of Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center presented its final donation to the hospital last week.

The charity, whose work spanned 62 years, raised more than $2 million for the hospital during that time, funding equipment, augmenting programs and running the popular Pineapple Gift Shop in the hospital lobby.

On June 20, the auxiliary’s last elected officers presented the hospital with a final gift of more than $100,000 to help purchase a second 3-D mammography device.

“We are grateful for the volunteers of the auxiliary who spent decades supporting our hospital and our mammography program,” Amber Price, Sentara Williamsburg’s president, said in a news release. “This generous gift will help bring advanced mammography services to more women in our community.”

The auxiliary started at the former Williamsburg Community Hospital and moved to Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center when it opened in 2006, according to outgoing auxiliary president Marie Bond. Thanks to an effort begun in 1998 by Gert Berthiaume, the auxiliary was able to fund $650,000 in free mammograms for uninsured patients. The program won national recognition from the American Hospital Association.

As members of the auxiliary, volunteers worked 50 hours a year, but many did much more.

“It was a big part of our lives,” Bond said in the release. “It made me feel that we were helping to make our community better.”

The auxiliary held fundraisers throughout the year, including galas and balls, Christmas tree lightings and ice cream socials. At its peak, the auxiliary had more than 300 members, but was down to less than half that when the group disbanded a few years ago. The gift shop is now run by the hospital.

Among the items sold at the gift shop were golf balls collected and refurbished from Kingsmill Resort. The group that collected the balls, the Ball Hawks, also ended its charity work for the hospital last year.

Bond, in the news release, said the auxiliary worked to fill financial gaps and enhance the operation for patients and staff.

“We felt it was our hospital,” she said. “That never changed. We wish them every success. Our hearts are with them.”

The lobby at Sentara Williamsburg, along with the Pineapple Gift Shop, is in the midst of a renovation project. The pineapple logo laid into the gift shop floor when the hospital was built in 2006 will be kept.

Kim O’Brien Root, kimberly.root@virginiamedia.com

Towers has served as assistant library director since 2019 and has served as interim library director since Jan. 1, when she took over from Betsy Fowler upon her retirement. Prior to that role, she spent five years as the youth services director.

“Sandy Towers has shown clear and steadfast leadership in over four years of exemplary service as Assistant Director,” WRL Board of Trustees Chair Nina Simone said in a news release. “Her extensive experience, deep knowledge of this community, and vision for meeting Williamsburg’s future needs make her the ideal leader to guide our library forward. We are confident that under her direction, our award-winning library system will continue to flourish as a vital hub for community and learning.”

As assistant director, Towers helped create the Kiwanis Kids Idea Studio in 2019 and the natural landscape playground, a project currently underway, and she has spearheaded multiple award-winning programs and services, the release said.

Towers said she was “enthusiastic about channeling my passion, dedication, and leadership” into the role of library director.

Kim O’Brien Root, kimberly.root@virginiamedia.com

“I wanted to do something to help,” she said simply.

She joined another friend who was volunteering, and the rest is history. In the years since then, the James City County resident has raised thousands of dollars for the annual event, which is part of a global effort to support the American Cancer Society.

Steen’s team is one of 35 teams that have been raising money for this year’s Relay For Life of Williamsburg, which is culminating Friday night at Lafayette High School. With just a few days left until the signature event, the teams have raised nearly $90,000 toward the local relay’s $100,000 goal.

The Williamsburg relay runs from 5 p.m. to midnight on the high school’s football field on Longhill Road. It kicks off with a survivor dinner (free for survivors and one guest with registration), followed by a survivors’ lap around the field and a dove release. The 6:45 p.m. dove release leads into the opening ceremony and more festivities.

“People pay $100 to have the name of someone they are remembering or honoring read out loud and then the doves are released to the song ‘Amazing Grace,’” said Sue Hassan, who is helping with the relay. “It’s absolutely beautiful.”

As part of the relay, teams take turns walking the track throughout the event. This year’s theme is: “There is no holiday from cancer.” Toward the end of the night, luminarias are lit to honor and remember loved ones.

More than 2,500 Relay For Life events are held around the country to support and celebrate survivors and caregivers. Funds raised go to cancer research, advocacy and patient care programs.

Steen’s team, Team Shenanigans, has raised almost $5,000 this year. Since 2015, she and her husband, Michael, have held a yearly music event called Tartans and Tie Dyes, during which local Grateful Dead-influenced bands and Celtic groups donate their time to perform.

“We’ve grown steadily every year,” Steen said, with “great support” from the Williamsburg music community. “Over the years, our reason for sticking with it has evolved as both my husband and I lost our moms to cancer within a year of each other.”

So far, about 325 people have registered for Friday, and more are welcome, Hassan said, even if it’s just to attend the survivor dinner and be recognized. Those interested can register on the website or simply show up.

“As we always say at the event, cancer touches everyone,” Steen said. “No one is immune to its painful reach. We continue to fight so more families can stay whole.”

To register for Relay For Life of Williamsburg, see the schedule of events or make a donation, visit secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg=entry&fr_id=108046. Fundraising does not stop Friday, but goes on throughout the year.

Kim O’Brien Root, kimberly.root@virginiamedia.com

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is offering all active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, National Guard members and their immediate dependents free admission Friday through Monday. The “Honoring Service to America” program is possible through a grant from The Home Depot Foundation to serve U.S. military veterans and their families. Since 2015, the program has distributed nearly 59,000 tickets to military families.

The free single-day passes are available at all onsite ticket locations with proper ID. More information is available at colonialwilliamsburg.org/military. Colonial Williamsburg also offers military discounts on CW hotels, dining, retail, golf and spa services.

Meanwhile, special military-themed programming will be offered in Colonial Williamsburg on Monday, with a traditional wreath-laying ceremony on the Palace Green at 10 a.m. The day will conclude with “Salute to the Fallen,” a bagpipe performance from the roof deck of the Governor’s Palace at 4:40 p.m.

A community Memorial Day ceremony will also be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Williamsburg Memorial Park on King William Drive. The free event includes an honor guard, patriotic music, ceremonial wreath-laying and guest speakers. Seating is limited.

“Join us … as we honor the men and women who gave their lives to protect our nation and its citizens,” the memorial park’s website says. “These heroes served as members of our armed forces, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and first responders.”

In Yorktown, the annual Memorial Day ceremony begins at noon on Monday at the War Memorial located at York Hall on Main Street. The Fifes and Drums of York Town will walk to York Hall just prior to the ceremony.

The ceremony’s keynote speaker is York County Historical Committee member Tim Smith, a graduate of York High School and the Shenandoah University Conservatory of Music. “Smith will speak about the women and men who gave all in defense of our nation,” according to a county news release.

Wreath laying will be conducted by the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 13, the Comte de Grasse Chapter-Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Moore House Society-Children of the American Revolution. The ceremony includes military service flags presented by the York High School NJROTC, the singing of the National Anthem and the playing of “Taps.”

In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved inside York Hall.

Also in Yorktown on Monday, Historic Grace Episcopal Church will hold a memorial service honoring those all who died while serving in the armed forces. The church, at 115 Church St., will hold a prayer service from 10-11 a.m. Following the ceremony, the church bell will be tolled 21 times.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg will set off fireworks Saturday and Sunday nights beginning at 9 p.m.

Kim O’Brien Root, kimberly.root@virginiamedia.com