Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace Inc., based in Norway, plans to invest $71 million to build a 150,000-square-foot facility in the county, creating about 180 new jobs. Construction is set to begin next year, with the facility anticipated to open by 2028.

Representatives from James City County, the Hampton Roads Alliance and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership made a joint announcement Tuesday at the country club of The Governor’s Land at Two Rivers. Those assembled included local, state and federal elected officials as well as members of the Kongsberg team.

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, founded in 1814, is a global technology company that supplies products to customers in the marine, defense, aerospace, offshore industries and renewable energy sectors. The James City County facility will produce two state-of-the-art cruise missiles for the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. It will be Kongsberg’s first manufacturing facility in the United States, and the second such facility the company has announced, with another factory being built in Australia.

Kongsberg will invest $100 million, including $30 million in costs toward engineering and software, in the coming years to establish the facility in James City County. An exact location for the building has not been disclosed.

During Tuesday’s announcement, Doug Smith, president and CEO of the Hampton Roads Alliance, called Kongsberg a “fantastic fit for the Historic Triangle,” given the strong military presence in the community. There is potential for collaboration with the Naval Weapons Station at Yorktown.

More than one-third of the local economy supports the defense sector, with 18 military installations located in the region, Smith said.

“This will bring a tremendous amount of opportunity to Hampton Roads,” Smith said.

Geir Haoy, president and CEO of Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, noted that the U.S. has been an important security partner and customer of Kongsberg for years.

“We are fully committed to supporting the U.S. Armed Forces,” he said. “We are ready to build our presence in Virginia.”

Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Craig Crenshaw said he considers Kongsberg coming to James City County a major coup for Virginia. He presented team members from Kongsberg with a Virginia state flag as a thank you for their investment and support. Virginia beat out two other states to secure the project.

“We are excited for what is to come,” Crenshaw said. “The commonwealth is in overdrive and we are hitting the accelerator to increase the momentum.”

Gov. Glenn Youngkin also issued a statement regarding Kongsberg’s announcement.

“Following our productive meetings in Europe, Kongsberg’s decision to establish its first U.S. defense assembly facility in Virginia reaffirms our status as America’s top state for business,” Youngkin said. “Not only will this investment create more than 180 new jobs, but it will also showcase our strategic location to attract global leaders in defense industries. We are proud to welcome them to the Commonwealth and look forward to supporting their growth.”

Brandy Centolanza, bcentolanza@cox.net

From Friday through Sunday, Muddy Marley’s Dog Wash will host the Chesapeake Bay chapter of DockDogs for the Colonial K9 Classic, a unique event in which dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds compete in athletic contests for a cause.

Spectators will have the opportunity to watch canine participants compete in three categories: DockDogs Big Air, to see how far they can jump; DockDogs Extreme Vertical, to determine how high they can jump; and DockDogs Speed Retrieve, which clocks how fast the dogs can run, jump from the end of a dock into the water and swim to retrieve an object.

“Who wouldn’t want to see a bunch of dogs diving into a giant pool?” said Sarah Sanders, marketing director for Muddy Marley’s Dog Wash.

Muddy Marley’s Dog Wash, located in the Williamsburg Crossing shopping center off John Tyler Highway, first opened in 2017. DockDogs, which started in 2000, is an organization that hosts a variety of track and field-like competitions for dogs across the country. While similar competitions have been previously held in larger localities such as Richmond and Virginia Beach, this is the first year such an event will be held in the Williamsburg area.

“It’s incredibly exciting to realize our dream of hosting an athletic dog competition in Williamsburg,” said Rebecca Mulvain, owner of Muddy Marley’s and director of the Colonial K9 Classic.

Currently, 36 dogs are set to compete in the three-day event. Bridget Ward will have two dogs competing — her 11-year-old black lab, Sadie, and 4-year-old chocolate lab, Winifred. Sadie has been competing in DockDog events for eight years, while Winifred has been competing for three.

Lab Rescue LRCP, the nonprofit organization where Ward adopted her dogs and volunteers, is a beneficiary of the event, which is one of the reasons she decided to sign up her pets.

“Winifred came to us as a very scared little girl,” Ward said. “She was terrified of certain noises and very uncomfortable with people. To see Winifred grow over the years and gain enough confidence to participate in DockDogs is an accomplishment. She loves the sport.”

In addition to the athletic contests, the Colonial K9 Classic will feature vendors, food trucks and a beer garden. There will also be raffles and demonstrations, as well as a dog ice cream eating contest. Anyone, along with their furry companions, is welcome to attend and watch the competitions.

“The goal of this event is to introduce the exciting sport of DockDog diving to the area and, at the same time, expose people to the rich culture of Williamsburg,” Sanders said.

Muddy Marley’s Dog Wash hopes to make the Colonial K9 Classic an annual event.

“The Colonial K9 Classic is a lively mix of dock dog diving and our colonial roots dating back to 1699,” Mulvain said. “We are especially excited to see the pure excitement and joy that the dogs exude as they jump into the pool, showcasing their talents to thousands of spectators.”

The Colonial K9 Classic is free to the public and will run from noon on Friday until 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit Muddy Marley’s Facebook page at facebook.com/events/1629296044562784.

Brandy Centolanza, bcentolanza@cox.net

CDR, which offers early intervention services and programs for infants and young children at locations throughout the community, first announced plans to relocate to the Historic Triangle building in 2021 but hit a few snags due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues.

A groundbreaking ceremony is now scheduled for the end of September for the new Kaz Center for Children and Families.

A renovation project will update the existing building located at 312 Waller Mill Road. In addition, plans call for a smaller, separate building to be constructed in front of the Triangle Building. The project is expected to be completed within 14 to 16 months.

“We are all really excited about it,” said Paul Scott, CDR’s executive director.

The new Kaz Center for Children and Families will be a resource center for families and house services and programs including Early Head Start, playgroups and CDR’s HEART program, which provides adult therapeutic counseling and play therapy for preschoolers. The other building that will be constructed will be used for professional development programs.

“Our staff is most looking forward to being together all in one space, which will allow for more collaboration, and allow for us to enhance our comprehensive services,” said Carla Javier, director of children’s services. “This will be a game changer and is going to have a tremendous impact on the community.”

The new building will enable CDR to expand its services, including services to children with autism and their families, and add more programming. Additionally, Scott said the goal will be to eventually have a medical director on site so that families won’t have to travel multiple places for services.

“Some of the children we serve do have complex needs and it can be hard for them to find what they need,” Scott said. “We want to be able to provide services in an efficient way and support families in whatever they need.”

Currently, CDR’s programs are spread throughout Greater Williamsburg. A more centralized location will also enable the organization to expand its community partnerships and will also provide easier access for families who utilize services, as well as volunteers.

CDR has raised roughly $9 million of a $12 million goal to complete the renovation project, thanks in part to community donations.

“We are so grateful for all the gifts that we’ve received,” Scott said.

The groundbreaking ceremony is set for Sept. 25 at 11 a.m. For more information on CDR, visit itc.cdr.org.

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Chicken Salad Chick opening Williamsburg location in 2025

The franchise owner of Chicken Salad Chick in Hampton announced plans to open additional locations in the Hampton Roads area soon, including one in Williamsburg.

Melissa Holt opened the first Hampton Roads location of Chicken Salad Chick in the Peninsula Town Center in 2021. The restaurant specializes in a variety of chicken salad sandwiches, along with soups and salads. There are locations in 19 states, including nine in Virginia.

Holt recently opened a second establishment in Norfolk and anticipates opening two more locations in the area, one in Chesapeake later this fall and another in Williamsburg early next year in Settlers Market. The new Williamsburg location will operate at 4640 Casey Blvd. in the space that was formerly occupied by Mooyah, which abruptly closed earlier this year. An exact opening date has not been announced.

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Third new Dollar Tree to open soon in Greater Williamsburg

A third new Dollar Tree is coming to Greater Williamsburg, this one in New Town.

Cushman & Wakefield/Thalhimer announced Aug. 22 that Dollar Tree had leased 10,332 square feet of retail space on Main Street. The new store will be located at 5124 Main St. in the space formerly occupied by Victoria’s Secret, as well as an adjacent vacant space.

A Dollar Tree opened earlier this year on Richmond Road in Patriot Plaza, while another store will open this fall at Kingsgate Green shopping center off Waller Mill Road. An opening date for the New Town location has not been announced.

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Dots & Dashes

• The Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 23 for Equality Adult Care Services at 1315 Jamestown Road, Suite 102.
• Applications are being accepted for Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce’s LEAD Higher, a new 12-month advanced leadership program in partnership with Christopher Newport University. The inaugural cohort will begin in January and is limited to 25 participants. Deadline to apply is Oct. 1. For more information, visit virginiapeninsulachamber.com/lead-higher.

Brandy Centolanza, bcentolanza@cox.net

Growing up in Hampton, Mormon first became interested in cooking around the age of 8, thanks to his father and grandfather, who often prepared large meals for family gatherings and church functions.

“I would help my dad with cutting things, cleaning up, grilling and making soups and sauces,” said Mormon. “When anyone asked, I always said I wanted to be a chef when I grew up.”

After graduating from Kecoughtan High School in Hampton, Mormon attended culinary school at Stratford University in Newport News. He got his feet wet while working at a Carrabba’s Italian Grill before being hired as a cook at Colonial Williamsburg in 2019. He’s been the chef de cuisine at Williamsburg Lodge for a little more than a year, helping to oversee the kitchens of Traditions and Sweet Tea & Barley.

“I’ve always had a passion for food and I like to work to make guests happy,” he said. “Working in the kitchen is fun. I love the environment, the sounds of cooking, the heat and making dishes from scratch. It’s all very exciting to me and it’s great when someone enjoys your food.”

This year, Mormon, along with sous chef Tory Fox, is heading up Sweet Tea & Barley’s annual Labor Day Weekend Patio Celebration, scheduled for Aug. 31 from 4-9 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

Justin Haynes, the executive chef at Williamsburg Lodge, said he has no doubt the fete will be a success with Mormon at the helm.

“It’s a privilege to work alongside such a talented chef,” Haynes said. “Chef Mormon has a rare gift for crafting culinary excellence that leaves a lasting impression on our guests. We know that he will curate a memorable dining experience for our Labor Day celebration.”

The menu will include cookout classics such as hamburgers, hots dogs, mac and cheese and baked beans, as well as shrimp, chicken wings, bone-in barbeque beef ribs and a special Octoberfest beer brewed exclusively for the event by Frothy Moon Brewhouse. The unofficial end-of-the-summer celebration will also feature live music and games, including cornhole.

“It will be a good time,” Mormon said. “The guests will love the food. We’ll see to it.”

In addition to the Labor Day weekend event, Mormon is keeping busy prepping the new seasonal menus for Traditions and Sweet Tea & Barley, which will debut in September. Among the new dishes will be the barbeque beef ribs, as well as fresh salads, omelets, a pumpkin-spiced French toast and sweet and spicy boiled peanuts.

“I am still fairly new to this role and I am always working to be better than I was the day before,” Mormon said. “I am working to be a better manager, a better leader, to have better standards, better ingredients and better service so that people will want to keep coming back.”

Brandy Centolanza, bcentolanza@cox.net

If you go

Where: Williamsburg Lodge, 310 S. England Street

When: Aug. 31 from 4-9 p.m.

Prices: $45 for adults, $20 for children ages 3-10

Details: 757-220-7688; colonialwilliamsburghotels.com/events/labor-day-celebration

Luccketti got his start in the field in the 1970s working under William “Bill” Kelso on archaeological projects during the construction of Kingsmill before Kelso began heading up projects at Historic Jamestowne.

“I was spoiled with my first exposure in archaeology at Kingsmill,” said Luccketti, who assisted with preservation of two plantations at Kingsmill. “That was a very exciting time.”

Luccketti eventually ventured out on his own with the opening of James River Institute for Archaeology. The company offers a variety of archaeological research, cultural resource management, historic preservation and other services, including surveying and analysis across Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic.

Through the years, Luccketti and his team have been involved with projects at Fort Monroe in Hampton; Bacon’s Castle and Mount Pleasant in Surry County; Carter’s Grove Plantation and Governor’s Land in James City County; and historic sites in New Kent County through the Tidewater and Big Bend Foundation, as well as projects in Richmond and Virginia Beach. Currently, archaeologists at James River Institute for Archaeology are working restoration projects at the Miles Brewton House in Charleston, South Carolina, and James Brice House in Annapolis, Maryland.

For more than a decade, James River Institute for Archaeology had been located at 223 McLaws Circle. Earlier this summer, Luccketti sold the former space after buying out two partners and relocated down the road at 300 McLaws Circle. The new space provides ample parking, along with plenty of storage for field equipment and artifacts, a research lab and offices for him and his staff. Luccketti considers himself lucky to have led such a storied career.

“Research work has been the fun part,” said Luccketti. “I’ve been fortunate to have been a part of so many big archaeological projects.”

For more information on James River Institute for Archaeology, visit jriarchaeology.com/home-1.

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New Chilean food truck in operation

A new food truck, CHILE Kitchen Street, began operations earlier this month in the Williamsburg area.

“I had the idea of opening a food truck in mind for years,” owner Marcela Guzman said. “I think it is a way to sell food to customers in an entertaining and alternative way.”

CHILEAN Kitchen Street specializes in South American fusion dishes including empanadas, Chilean sandwiches, sopaipillas and more.

Guzman, who previously owned two restaurants, is looking forward to sharing her cuisine with those in Greater Williamsburg.

“Our joy is in serving our customers,” she said. “We want to target local breweries, since the type of flavors in our preparations are ideal to accompany with a good beer. I think the people in Williamsburg and surrounding areas like to try new flavors and new recipes and know how to appreciate variety. I am grateful for the opportunity to share the flavors of my country.”

For more information on CHILE Kitchen Street, visit its Facebook page at facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562966278741.

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French Twist Boutique closes in Merchants Square

French Twist Boutique, a retailer specializing in European-inspired clothing, announced Aug. 1 on social media that it will be permanently closing its Merchants Square location at 409 W. Duke of Gloucester St.

“After many wonderful years, we are announcing the closing of our Williamsburg store,” the post read in part. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your incredible support and loyalty. Your smiles, stories, and shopping sprees have made this journey unforgettable.”

French Twist’s Boutique store in Virginia Beach will remain open, and consumers will also be able to shop online at the website frenchtwistboutique.com.

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Dots & Dashes

• The Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association recently launched an updated website. The new site includes a comprehensive restaurant listing with menus and contact information, an event calendar and resources for WARA members. For more information, visit wara757.com.
• Busch Gardens Williamsburg will host a job fair on Aug. 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. Select roles start at $15 per hour and include positions in food and beverage, ride operations, merchandise and more. The fair takes place at 1 Busch Gardens Blvd. Those interested can also apply online at buschgardens.com/williamsburg/jobs.
• illy Café recently began offering its popular illy Crema, a frozen, blended Italian coffee, at its North American cafes, including the Merchants Square establishment located at 435 Duke of Gloucester St. The Williamsburg location is one of just five in the U.S. where the drink, commonly known as crema di caffè, is being tested.
• Following a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cochon on 2nd announced it will resume lunch services with a fresh menu on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning Aug. 31. Friday business lunch hours will also eventually be added to the schedule. Cochon on 2nd is located at  311 Second St.

Brandy Centolanza, bcentolanza@cox.net

The Picklr, which is dubbed the world’s largest indoor pickleball club, plans to open a franchise location at 120 Gristmill Plaza, the site of a former Dick’s Sporting Goods. Dick’s shuttered its doors in late 2021.

WAYMOR Sports Inc. leased the 45,781-square-foot space with plans to open by the end of the year, according to Cushman & Wakefield/Thalhimer.

The Picklr Williamsburg will boast more than a dozen courts for pickleball play, along with locker rooms, a pro shop and a private event space, a news release said. There will be opportunities for league and tournament play, as well as drop-in play. Each pickleball court will be equipped with pro-quality surfacing, The Picklr’s “signature, high-contrast ‘black box’ environment with an overhead sound-reduction baffle matrix system and integrated low-glare lighting,” according to the release.

The Picklr has pickleball clubs in 18 states, with the only other facility in Virginia located in Fredericksburg. Pickleball, a sport described as a combination of tennis, ping pong and badminton, has grown in popularity across the country in recent years. Suitable for all ages, the sport can be played both outside and inside, though options for indoor play locally have been limited until now.

Local players said they’re looking forward to the upcoming opening of The Picklr, which would help fill space at The Marquis, which has lost some big tenants in recent years. Last year, Foundations Church Williamsburg said it was in the process of buying the former JCPenney building and turn it into a church and child care center.

JCPenney closed in 2015, although Target, Best Buy and Kohl’s remain. The shopping center is located in York County near the intersection of Route 199 and Interstate 64, near Water Country USA.

“Picklr coming to Williamsburg is great,” said Ellen Minter, an avid pickleball player who started the group PickleDillies that plays at Quarterpath Recreation Center. “It will be a valuable addition to the pickleball community in and around Williamsburg.”

Jeff Anthony, founder of the club Pickleburg, which has more than 1,300 members, said The Picklr will be a welcome asset.

“This game has exploded locally, nationally, globally,” he said. “The local/regional demand for first class public and private sector venues isn’t slowing down, not by a long shot. And that’s a good thing. Pickleball is a big tent sport. It demands big tent opportunities to participate.”

In addition to The Picklr, the new indoor sports complex — a joint venture between Williamsburg, James City County and York County that recently broke ground — will also feature pickleball courts when it opens in 2026 on the grounds of the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center.

Representatives from both The Picklr and the indoor sports complex will be on hand to answer questions about the new facilities during a Williamsburg pickleball meeting on Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. at Revolution Golf and Grille, 1430 High St.

For more information on The Picklr Williamsburg, visit thepicklr.com/location/williamsburg.

Brandy Centolanza, bcentolanza@cox.net

The discount retail store is moving into a 9,500-square-foot storefront, which is currently under construction. The anticipated opening date of the store is Sept. 26.

The new store is part of ongoing efforts to overhaul the shopping center, which was once anchored by a Kmart. Within the past few years, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and Ashley Furniture opened in the space that formerly occupied Kmart.

“The shopping center owner has been committed to and focused on upgrading the center, spending over $2 million of improvements to the storefronts and spaces,” said Karen Mikulski, senior vice president and partner of TSCG, the retail commercial real estate company that works with Kingsgate Green. “As the leasing company, we have been focused on working with the landlord to add new tenants that will complement each other.”

As a nationally branded company, Dollar Tree will work perfectly with the other national brands of Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and Ashley Furniture, Mikulski said.

“We believe their addition will help increase customer activity and synergy for the existing tenants,” she said. “We look forward to providing another place for the local residents to shop and the variety that Dollar Trees offers their customers.”

TSCG is also seeking dining establishments for the shopping center, Mikulski added.

Kingsgate Green’s Dollar Tree is the second new location that will open in Greater Williamsburg this year. Earlier this spring, a combination Dollar Tree/Family Dollar retail store opened on Richmond Road in Patriot Plaza at the site of a former Lazy Daisy location.

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The Velvet Shoestring opening second location

The Velvet Shoestring, a fine furniture consignment shop located at 311 Second St., is expanding with the opening of a second location later this month. The new store will be located on Merrimac Trail just down the road from the original shop. An opening date has not yet been announced.

The family-owned business carries a variety of furnishings, from antiques and vintage pieces to modern home décor. Earlier this summer, Williamsburg recognized The Velvet Shoestring with the 2024 Business Appreciation Award for their longevity, business acumen and community outreach.

For more information, visit thevelvetshoestringwmsbg.com.

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Glo Fiber opening retail location

Glo Fiber, which provides fast fiber optic internet, TV and phone service, is opening a retail office at 218 Monticello Ave. in Midtown Row. An opening date has not been announced.

Glo Fiber started offering broadband, cable and other services to customers in the Greater Williamsburg area two years ago. Glo Fiber serves communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Their parent company, Shentel, was founded in 1902.

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Dots and Dashes

• Juicing LIFE Bar & Café appears to have permanently closed its Williamsburg location at 101 College Row in Midtown Row. The juice and smoothie establishment first opened its Williamsburg location in January 2023. The store is no longer listed in Midtown Row’s directory on its website and their phone number is no longer in service. The original location of Juicing LIFE Bar & Café in Newport News remains open.

• Due to a lack of qualified staff, Godspeed Animal Care and St Francis Pet Resort located at 102 Tewning Road has temporarily suspended its playcare services for dogs. Godspeed hopes to resume services in October.

• On Aug. 1, The Hungry Pug food truck announced on social media that it is ceasing operations. “We understand that many might be confused, disappointed, or have mix feelings about this, but it comes to our attention that the Pug cannot keep up any more like it used to, so we are deciding to step back from the food truck industry,” the post read in part. The Hungry Pug food truck recently started offering breakfast options at the Frothy Moon Brewhouse and was a regular staple at Billsburg Brewery.

• In celebration of India’s Independence Day, Amiraj, an Indian restaurant in Midtown Row, will host a free “India Meets Virginia” wine tasting event that will highlight wine by Grover Vineyards in India, Jefferson Vineyards in Virginia and Ox-Eye Vineyards in Virginia. The event will take place at 4:45 p.m. on Aug. 15 with featured guest speaker Alex Carr, director of sales and portfolio manager of The Robins Cellars. To register for the event, call 757-565-3200 or emailinfo@amiraj.com.

Brandy Centolanza, bcentolanza@cox.net

The new building, located at 1370 Greate Road adjacent to the Coleman Bridge, will replace Chesapeake Bay Hall. That research center, built in 1997, and its equipment have become outdated.

Architects from Baskervill, who designed the new state-of-the-art facility, gave a hard hat tour of the building on July 31, with more than 20 individuals in attendance. Baskervill was first tasked with designing the new facility in 2019, though the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted plans.

The new 68,250-square-foot facility, which does not yet have a name, will feature both wet and dry labs, faculty offices, collaborative spaces and conference rooms, as well as a small café and two balconies. The building houses more than 70 labs to support research in 15 different kinds of sciences in VIMS’ Coastal & Ocean Processes, Ecosystem Health/Center for Coastal Resources Management and Natural Resources/MAP/Adaption, Biodiversity, Carbon programs.

“This will be a huge resource for VIMS,” said Jay Woodburn, principal architect of the project. “We are excited. I think it will be a success.”

Keeping in line with sustainability efforts at VIMS, the project is targeted to achieve LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to Rebecca Latourell, senior director of communications and marketing for VIMS.

“The building includes smart lab technology, a rooftop wind turbine and EV charging stations, among other sustainable features,” she said. “The research labs will house a variety of high-tech equipment, including DNA analyzers, gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, spectrophotometers, flow cytometer, and an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope with the imaging capabilities of a scanning electron microscope. Use of these instruments allows our researchers to analyze contaminants known to cause adverse effects to marine organisms even at ultra-low concentrations.”

Students and staff are slated to start occupying the three-story facility, which was built over a parking lot, in the coming weeks if all goes according to plan.

“We anticipate faculty, students and staff will start moving into the building in early fall, on target with our timeline,” Latourell said. “Faculty at William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences at VIMS who started within the last year will establish new labs in the building, once complete. For example, assistant professor Meredith Seeley, who studies the sources, fate and effects of pollutants in marine and aquatic environments, including plastics, petroleum, synthetic industrial compounds and more, will establish her lab in the new building.”

VIMS’ former research facility, Chesapeake Bay Hall, located across the street from the new building, will be demolished, though a timeline has not been set yet for that. Chesapeake Bay Hall “is no longer sufficient to meet the requirements for how research is conducted today,” Latourell said.

“The new facility will allow our researchers to continue to pursue research and research-funding opportunities at the local, state, and national levels,” Latourell said. “We look forward to enhancing our research with new, state-of-the-art labs and collaborative spaces.”

Brandy Centolanza, bcentolanza@cox.net

The event was held at the Williamsburg Community Building with roughly 30 community members in attendance.

Joining Wittman in the conversation were Patrick Hartig, assistant special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Norfolk District Office; Adam Brown, senior director for student services for Williamsburg-James City County Schools; and Dr. Mia McCoy, substance use disorder quality manager for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

The focus of the seminar was on the misuse of opioids, namely fentanyl, that are being distributed illegally. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is roughly 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Wittman stated that currently 85% of drug-related deaths are caused by opioids; 112,000 deaths in the United States more than a year ago were due to the misuse of fentanyl.

“This is a national crisis and we have to figure out how to address it,” said Wittman, adding that opioid use and addiction has become “pervasive throughout society,” affecting young and old alike. “It is an unbelievable situation we find ourselves in.”

Hartig pointed out that the misuse of the fentanyl the DEA is trying to battle is being tampered with and smuggled into the country illegally by drug cartels in Mexico. It’s becoming more widely available and cheap, which “makes it a difficult crisis for us to deal with,” he said. “I’ve never seen a greater, more dangerous threat than fentanyl.”

Fentanyl poisoning is now the leading cause of death among Americans ages 18 to 25. It is ingested as a pill or a powder. Hartig cautioned against taking any pill that is not prescribed by a doctor and dispensed at a pharmacy because “I can guarantee you that a pill that comes from any other source probably contains fentanyl,” he said.

McCoy noted that the COVID-19 pandemic “exacerbated” substance use and misuse, including opioids, though since January 2023, there has been “a downward trend in the use and overdose of opioids,” she said. “There is hope.”

WJCC Schools works with families when students are caught using opioids, though often students aren’t aware of what it is they are actually taking.

“A lot of times students don’t know and I hear them say, ‘I had no idea that is what I was taking,’’ Brown said.

Education and prevention are key to controlling the opioid problem, Wittman said. Wittman, who represents Virginia’s 1st District, worked for the Virginia Department of Public Health for more than 25 years and currently serves as co-chair of the Congressional Public Health Caucus.

Wittman has supported many laws to combat the opioid epidemic, including the Protecting Americans from Fentanyl Trafficking Act, which permanently places fentanyl-related substances as a Schedule I controlled substance; and Sammy’s Law, which requires third-party software on social media platforms that alerts parents when their children are exposed to harmful material, including drugs.

Wittman pointed out that it will take everyone to help with the issue, which includes knowing the warning signs of addiction.

“This is a community-based effort,” he said.

Brown added that parents and students should also be attentive when it comes to the opioid crisis.

“Even if you are not sure, say something,” he said.

Brandy Centolanza, bcentolanza@cox.net

Perfect Touch brows specializes in a variety of beauty services including eyebrow threading, eyelash extensions, brow tinting and skin care. Kalad also operates a location at Patrick Henry Mall in Newport News.

“What sets us apart is our commitment to personalized service, attention to detail and creating a comfortable experience for our clients,” Kalad said. “We believe that enhancing natural beauty is an art, and our skilled master skin care specialists and technicians bring precision and creativity to every service.”

The goal with the opening of the new location is to “become a trusted beauty destination in Williamsburg,” he added. “We want to create a welcoming space where clients can relax, enjoy our services and leave feeling fabulous. Additionally, we’re committed to giving back to the community. A portion of our skin care product sales will be donated to support local initiatives and organizations. We’re excited to connect with the Williamsburg community and make a positive impact.”

Other new stores at the outlets include Casa Furniture, which had a soft opening last weekend, and Perfume Hut, which opened this month near Ben & Jerry’s.

Casa Furniture is planning a grand opening Aug. 1 to officially introduce the furniture store, which specializes in living room sets and mattresses. The store, located near Movado and Tommy Hilfiger, is owned and operated by Spiro Laousis, a U.S. Army veteran who started as a retailer in the furniture industry after leaving the military.

Laousis said the goal with the location is to cater to those in the military as well as to the growing Hispanic population in the community.

“Our first three customers were Spanish (speaking), which was amazing,” he said. “This is a perfect match for us.”

Laousis also has plans to open locations at other outlets in Maryland as well as in Norfolk and Winchester.

“I love working with the customers and talking to them and helping them out,” he said. “It gives me a jolt of energy and really makes me happy.”

For more information on Williamsburg Premium Outlets, visit premiumoutlets.com/outlet/williamsburg.

Kitchen Tune-Up franchise wins national award

Craig and Shelley Smith, owners of Kitchen Tune-Up Hampton Roads New Kent County, were honored with the Franny of the Year award at the company’s national reunion, which was held in June in Minneapolis. The award is presented to the top overall franchisee of Kitchen Tune-Up. The Smiths were recognized for their performance in 2023 in sales and customer service, as well as for their delivery of exceptional service offerings.

“We love to recognize and honor the achievements of our Tunies,” said Heidi Morrissey, president of Kitchen Tune-Up, in a news release. “Each location puts so much into their business and strives to make every project their best yet. … Craig, Shelley, and their dedicated family members and team have always exemplified the Kitchen Tune-Up spirit and shown themselves to be amongst our strongest franchises.”

Craig Smith said receiving the award was an honor. “Our family loves the work we do and it’s fulfilling to be recognized for our efforts.”

Kitchen Tune-Up Hampton Roads New Kent County is located at 1629 Merrimac Trail. For more information, visit kitchentuneup.com/williamsburg-va.

Dots & Dashes

• Heather Hughes Photography will host a photography summer camp at Catalillies Play Café, located at 551 Merrimac Trail in James-York Plaza, from July 31 to Aug. 2.  The camp, designed for children ages 7-12, will be held 10 a.m. to noon each day and include instruction on how to capture everyday objects on camera, crafts and more. For more information, visit heatherhughesphotography.com/kids-photo-camp.
• Williamsburg SCORE will host the free workshop, “How to start and manage your own business,” on July 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Williamsburg Regional Library. The workshop will cover business planning, legalities of starting a business, creating a budget, financing, how to define your product or service and your target customer base and more. For more information, call 757.229.6511 or email info.williamsburg@scorevolunteer.org.
• Charles City County will host its inaugural Chillin’ in Charles City event Aug. 2-4. The event will include musical performances, an artisan market and more at various establishments throughout the county. For more information, visit visitcharlescity.org.

Brandy Centolanza, bcentolanza@cox.net