Town Crier Articles

New Town Talk: Experiences from Poland in World War II and Afterwards
Posted on June 1, 2025 7:00 AM by NTRA Activities Committee
Categories: General
 
“Grace’s Story:   A Polish Family’s Experience Under Nazi Fascism and Communism, 1939-1978”
                                               
THURSDAY JUNE  5
 
11:00 AM
 
NTRA Meeting Space
 
5118  Center Street
 
Join us this Thursday for a talk by Williamsburg resident Grace Konar.  Grace immigrated from Poland to the United States with her husband, Michael and young son in 1978.  She will share family memories of the impact of World War II on her family, the Magnusenwski’s, and her husband’s family, the Konarkowski’s.  
       
The war shattered Poland and both families.  During the German occupation of Poland, Grace’s mother and several of her siblings were sent as forced laborers to Germany, while Michael’s parents struggled to survive in concentration camps in Poland and Austria.  She will also share her memories of life as a child and young adult in post-war Communist Poland and her family’s immigration experience.   
 
 
Sponsored by the New Town Residential Association Activities Committee
Play Ball!
Posted on June 1, 2025 6:57 AM by NTRA Activities Committee
 
The New Town Residential Association continues our wonderful relationship with William & Mary and the Athletics programs!  While the weather tried to chase us away, many steadfast New Town residents attended the W&M baseball game against the College of Charleston on Sunday, May 4th for food, friendship, and fun.  Almost 40 New Town residents joined us for the game where we enjoyed field level seats along the 3rd base line. Foul balls aplenty were scooped up by the kids present, and “traded in” for free sodas at the concession stand!  
 
What would a baseball game be without hot dogs!  Plenty of hot dogs and more were provided by the Activities Committee.  Several winners came away with some fun door prizes including a W&M Team poster signed by all of the players, and a baseball signed by the team and coaches.
 
While the team was competing on the field, competition was happening in our field level picnic area as players of all ages challenged each other to games of cornhole with the winners taking bragging rights!
 
Many thanks to the amazing volunteers from the NTRA Activities Committee as well as the other volunteers who helped organize and present another fantastic NTRA event.  Thanks to the William & Mary Athletics office for all of their work and cooperation for another New Town/WM event.
 
Thanks also to our volunteer photographers for these pictures!  Look for more NTRA Activities Committee events coming up.
 
   
 
 
The Importance of Ground Cover
Posted on June 1, 2025 6:55 AM by David Carter
Categories: Life in New Town
 
Most of us know ground cover in the form of mulch or pine straw. Mulch is available in various shapes and colors, with dyed-brown shredded mulch being the most widely used in residential and commercial settings.  
 
Consistent with first-quality residential communities, ground cover is required for individual lots and must be kept weed free. Mulching should ideally be performed in early Spring on an annual basis for the best results. 
 
Another form of ground cover includes pine straw, available in different varieties, it does not need to be removed annually. All you need to do is put fresh straw on top of old straw to revitalize the color and provide beds with new nutrients, so it’s really a renewable resource. 
 
Benefits of mulch or pine straw include:
  • Protection of tender roots from temperature extremes, keeping the soil warm during cold spells and, conversely, cool during hot spells.
  • Conserves soil moisture by reducing water evaporation rates and moisture loss.
  • Protects against soil compaction by reducing the rain impact. 
  • Encourages water infiltration into the soil, reducing runoff. This is probably the most important benefit, as it prevents erosion. 
On this last point, looking at your garden space, it is important to check regularly to ensure your gutters and downspouts are properly connected, and that you have splash guards in place to distribute rain run-off. We have all seen mulch run off or washing out onto sidewalks and streets especially strong downpours. Edge guards properly installed can also mitigate mulch on the move.
 
There are other forms of ground covers including live plants and rocks. When in doubt or planning to change your landscape, consult our HOA’s ARC Guidelines available on the NTRA website.
New Town Pool Pizza Party
Posted on June 1, 2025 6:50 AM by NTRA Activities Committee
 
It's time for our annual community pool gathering - free food and fellowship for the whole family. We will serve pizza, cookies, watermelon and drinks. Come join the fun!
 
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2025 
 
12:00-1:00 pm
 
Rain date is Sunday, June 8th.
 
Keep your eyes out for info on our July 18th and August 23rd pool events as well. 
 
All events sponsored by the New Town Residential Association Activities Committee
Free Summer Entertainment – Music and Movies
Posted on June 1, 2025 6:45 AM by Town Crier Staff
Categories: General
 
Looking for some family fun this summer?  There are a number of free local outdoor events that only need you, your chairs and some friends to make a special evening.  Of course, maybe adding a picnic from local vendors would top the night off.
 
NEW TOWN AFTER HOURS TUNES
 
The fun continues (weather permitting of course) in Sullivan Square on Wednesday evenings from 5 to 8PM.  Here’s the remaining June concert lineup including a June 18th postponed/makeup concert.
 
 
MERCHANTS SQUARE
 
SUNDAY NIGHT MOVIES – through August 31 – Enjoy cinema under the open sky (in the parking lot behind Baskin and Robbins, The Peanut Shop, and Blue Talon in Merchants Square, off N. Boundary St. and Prince George St.)  Movies start at dusk.
 
 
 
MONTHLY CONCERTS
 
The first Friday of the month, fabulous original songwriting musicians are featured right in Merchants Square at 6:00PM.
 
Be Ready With Your Pool Pass!
Posted on May 1, 2025 7:00 AM by NTRA Pool Committee
Submitted by Barbara Stratton, Pool Committee
 
The New Town Community Pool is all set to open Saturday, May 24th for the 2025 season, and your Pool Pass with the BLUE decal will get you through the gate for a summer of fun! This is what the 2025 Pool Pass looks like: 
 
Pool registration is underway.  (Instructions for owners and tenants can be found on the website Pool & Clubs page.) Chesapeake Bay Management staff, along with the New Town Residential Association Board and Pool Committee have worked to streamline the registration process for better efficiency and for the convenience of all residents. The accurate registration of homeowners and accessible distribution of the pool passes are the first steps in assuring New Town's residents of a well-managed, safe and clean pool facility. The electronic sign-in system has continued to be refined for quick and easy entrance and is a very important tool to monitor and track pool usage. Most importantly, it takes every patron’s support, faithfully using the sign-in system to assure the best experience for all residents. 
 
Many improvements have occurred over the last several years with increased numbers of loungers and umbrellas, equipment and accommodations for the Lifeguards, and maintenance of the pool bathrooms and deck, promising this 2025 pool season to be enjoyable and fun for everyone! Long-time pool-goers will notice some changes and improvements with the selection of a new pool management company – Clearwater Pools. Many essential tasks and responsibilities are covered by Clearwater, including monitoring water quality, management of the Lifeguards, weather decisions, and authority for the many safety concerns and regulations. Clearwater has been great to work with, kicking off a positive pool season. 
     
The safety of pool users, and especially the safety of the children is paramount in the enforcement of Pool Rules and the regulation of pool hours and usage. The Lifeguards have a big job, but also truly appreciate getting to know New Town's personalities and creating some special relationships over the summer.  
 
Stay tuned for several pool events planned by the Activities Committee – a real opportunity to meet neighbors and make new friends!
 
A lot of effort, dedication and time goes into the three months of safe and fun pool days for New Town's residents. Many thanks go to those volunteers who make this all possible; those who support the success of the pool by serving on the Board of Directors, or serving on one of the NTRA's Committees. A big thanks to our hard-working Chesapeake Bay Management team too! We look forward to a successful kick-off on May 24th and seeing you at the pool throughout the season!!
Trailblazing Scout Repairs Section of New Town Trails
Posted on May 1, 2025 6:57 AM by Mary Cheston
Categories: Life in New Town
 
Robbie Bussey, a 12th grade homeschooled Williamsburg student, has earned his Eagle Scout badge by leading a repair project on part of the trails near The Pointe at New Town apartments. (An Eagle Scout project requires an individual to "demonstrate leadership by planning, developing, and directing others in a significant community service project that benefits an organization other than Scouting. The project must be substantial, challenging, and not simply routine maintenance.")
 
In searching for a suitable Eagle Scout project, Robbie learned of the trails condition through his mother who works at Ironbound Gym. Aided by one of his Troop 103 leaders who owns a building company, Robbie then planned out the materials and work that would be needed to repair the path. While more of the trail system clearly needs attention, Robbie took on the revitalization of this trails section because it was "in the worse condition and doable in a short timeframe.” Robbie was assisted by other Scouts from his troop and their parents. After weeks of planning and coordination with suppliers, utility company, etc, they did the work over the course of 4 days. Robbie feels “a huge sense of accomplishment” for having completed this revitalization work.
 
Scott Grafton of the New Town Commercial Association exclaims, "New Town would like to give a special shoutout to Robbie Bussey and Scout Troop 103 for their amazing work on the New Town trails! We are so grateful for all the hard work and heart he put into making them better for everyone to enjoy. Let's give this young man the credit he deserves — the trails are looking better than ever thanks to his dedication and leadership!”
 
Before and after the repairs
 
   
 
 
May Is A Busy Month for New Town Activities
Posted on May 1, 2025 6:55 AM by NTRA Activities Committee
 
This weekend, May 3rd and 4th, you have two opportunities to support your New Town community and socialize as well.  And don't forget that the pool opens for the season on Saturday, May 24th. 
 
COMMUNITY CLEANUP DAY – May 3rd
 
 
Join your neighbors for a New Town clean-up.
 
Saturday, May 3rd, 9:00 am, meet at the New Town community pool.
 
Trash bags, gloves, and pickers will be provided.  Hope to see you there!
 
**********
 
WILLIAM & MARY BASEBALL GAME – May 4th
 
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME!
 
Join your New Town neighbors and take the family out to the ballgame to see
 
W&M Tribe face the College of Charleston Cougars on May 4
 
 
Private field level picnic and watch area for New Town residents with Hot Dogs and more!
 
Gates open at 12 with food, batting practice, and cornhole (gametime is 1PM).
 
Stay and watch the game in the private area, or from the stands.
Post-game running of the bases for all kids 12 and under
Group New Town photo at home plate
Door prizes and community socialization!
 
Private field level game tickets $10/person at the gate - RSVP to jthomwm@gmail.com
 
Family Fun – The April 19 New Town Easter Egg Hunt
Posted on May 1, 2025 6:50 AM by Angela Lesnett
 
In the days leading up to Easter 2025, the Easter Bunny was spotted in New Town at various school bus stops greeting children as a reminder of the annual New Town Easter Egg Hunt. On April 19th over 500 candy- and prize-filled eggs were hidden or scattered in Lydias Park (Abbey Commons) in preparation for the Easter Egg Hunt. Several dozen eager children waited at the starting line and, when the signal was given, they searched for the colorful eggs, high and low, in trees, bushes, and grassy areas. Within minutes happy children found all of the eggs, filled their baskets and bags, and claimed their prizes.
 
After the egg hunt, activities continued as excited children participated in various relay races and games, cheered on by parents, grandparents, neighbors, and the Easter Bunny. The games included a bunny hop, an egg roll, and a water balloon toss, and children’s prizes were available for selection. As a finale, children coaxed and guided a blindfolded adult to the location of certain eggs. Although the adults were sometimes confused, they accepted directions well and each of the prize-filled eggs was found. All were delighted that the Easter Bunny remained on-site throughout the afternoon, greeting New Town residents and guests and posing for photos.
 
Many thanks to the volunteers of the NTRA Activities Committee for organizing and presenting this fun activity. It was a great opportunity to meet and connect with our neighbors.
 
Thanks also to our volunteer photographers who captured these great shots of the action! To see more photos of the day, go to the Easter Egg Hunt photo album feature on this website.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Safety Tips for Controlling Your Home's Heat
Posted on May 1, 2025 6:45 AM by NTRA Emergency Preparedness Committee
Categories: General
Prepared by Tricia Byrne, Chair, Emergency Preparedness Committee
 
Summer with its high temperatures and humidity is right around the corner. While it’s well known that exposure to high temperatures for long periods of time can be dangerous and possibly life threatening, there are steps we can take to prepare our homes to provide us with cool sanctuaries. Some of these preparatory steps are to:
  • Block sunlight by keeping windows covered with blinds and/or curtains.  
  • Use a powered attic fan to vent hot air from accumulating.
  • Reduce the use of heat generating appliances (stoves, ovens, washers, dryers, etc.) during the hottest time of day.
  • Ensure the weather stripping around windows and doors is in good condition.  
  • Consider the advance performance of routine air conditioner maintenance--to include cleaning filters, checking refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, etc.  
  • Stay, to the extent it’s possible, on the lowest floor of the house.     
Do not rely on ceiling or other fans as a primary cooling source. While providing comfort, they do not reduce body temperature. 
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