Monday, April 10, 2023

Waterworks Wins Governor’s Environmental Excellence Bronze Award for Grafton Pond Extension

The Newport News Waterworks Department was presented with the Bronze Award for Land Conservation at the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award during the 2023 Environment Virginia Symposium. The award recognizes Waterworks’ commitment to protecting the 747 acres of forested watershed in suburban York County.

Newport News Waterworks was able to secure the purchase of the Grafton Ponds property, the last remaining undeveloped property of the Hardwood’s Mill Reservoir watershed, through the sale of conservation easements. A conservation easement is an agreement between a landowner and a government agency that allows the landowner to manage the land while ensuring protection from future developments. The conservation easement is held by the Department of Historic Resources due to its location within the Peninsula’s historic areas.

The Grafton Ponds property is home to several rare Virginia species including Mabee’s salamander, barking treefrog, Harper’s fimbristylis, and pond spice. Protection of the watershed contributes to cleaner drinking water, protecting native vegetation and animal species, and habitat preservation. The property remains open and free to the public year-round, from sunrise to sunset.

Triple Helix Robotics Team Head to World Championship

Over the weekend Menchville High School robotics team, Triple Helix, successfully defended their title as Champions of the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Chesapeake District (VA/MD/DC) in Fairfax and received an invitation to compete at the World Championship in Houston.

The judging panel at the District Championship also recognized Triple Helix with the Innovation in Control Award, which celebrates innovative control techniques to achieve gameplay functions. This greatly enhanced their performance on the field. 

Triple Helix, FRC 2363, won the three-day District Championship alongside alliance partners FRC 1731 Fresta Valley Robotics Club from Warrenton, Va., and FRC 2199 Robo-Lions from Finksburg, Md. The event featured the top 60 high school FRC teams from Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. Over 135 matches were played to determine the winning alliance. Triple Helix is in the process of fundraising to get to the World Championship.

Triple Helix is an all-volunteer organization made up of hardworking students and mentors. The team’s high level of technical competence has enabled them to regularly compete on the world stage. Triple Helix also shares their expertise by providing in-person mentor support, sharing and donating resources, publishing whitepapers, and making conference presentations.

Historic Hilton Village Spring Festival

Enjoy the springtime in Hilton Village on Saturday, April 29 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., at the Historic Hilton Village Spring Festival located at Main Street and Warwick Blvd.

This festival has over 70 artisans and crafters, delicious food trucks, Coastal Fermentory beer tent, kids' activities, face painting, and live music. Historic Hilton Village, Inc., will be partnering with Thrive Peninsula in a canned food drive. Canned food donations can be handed off at the corner of Warwick and Main Street. Parking is available at the Main Street Library, 110 Main Street. A free shuttle bus service is also available courtesy of Cozzy's Comedy Club with overflow parking located at 316 Main Street at Riverside School of Health Careers.

This event is presented by Hilton Village - A Mobilizing Virginia Main Street Community, program with Historic Hilton Village, Inc., and their program sponsors. For more information visit Historic Hilton Village Spring Festival Facebook page.