The Virginia Symphony Orchestra announced it will present “Rhythms of Resilience,” a free concert on August 29, 2026, at Christopher Newport University’s Ferguson Center for the Arts. The performance is presented by the American Music Collective (AMC250) and the National Endowment for the Arts in recognition of America’s 250th and the annual African Landing Commemoration at Fort Monroe. VSO Principal Guest Conductor Thomas Wilkins will conduct.
The concert, scheduled for 7:30 p.m., will feature works by composers William Grant Still, William Dawson, Adolphus Hailstork and Florence Price, along with choral works by Richard Smallwood, Moses Hogan and Duke Ellington’s “Harlem.” Conductor Thomas Wilkins said, “I am truly honored to be a part of this project. The program represents the incredible diversity and richness of our creative spirits and subsequent artistic endeavors, spanning many generations.”
The concert will feature soprano Symone Harcum and the Norfolk State University Chorus. Admission is free, but registration is required. Rhythms of Resilience will take place August 29, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA 23606.
Education
Virginia Tech Program Trains Water Operators Statewide, Including Newport News According to Virginia Tech News, the university’s Continuing and Professional Education program trains water and wastewater operators through short courses held at Commonwealth Campus Centers, including the one in Newport News, alongside locations in Richmond and Roanoke. These regional sessions bring hands on instruction closer to local utility employees, sparing them from traveling to Blacksburg. The program also includes weeklong schools and a free webinar series, together forming a statewide network connecting Virginia operators with researchers and regulators to help maintain safe drinking water and wastewater treatment.
CNU Professor’s Commentary Examines AI’s Impact on Language Education Kevin Anzzolin, a lecturer of Spanish at Christopher Newport University, wrote a commentary published in University World News examining how todays pressures on language departments echo the decline of Latin and Greek a century ago. He argues AI and computer literacy have become the new disciplinary lodestar pushing universities to reframe modern languages around technology. A CNU faculty member, Anzzolin questions whether tethering language study to digital skills preserves what makes it meaningful, or flattens the human connection language teaching is meant to build.
Military
Newport News Shipbuilding Employees Donate School Supplies to Local Kids According to NNS TO GO, employees in Newport News Shipbuilding’s Engineering, Technology and Design division collected backpacks and supplies for this year’s School Tools Drive. The PREPY team donated 252 backpacks, more than half the shipyard’s goal, while Aircraft Carrier Engineering ran a friendly competition among its teams. The shipyard is channeling these donations through local partners including Newport News, Hampton, and York/Poquoson Social Services, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula, ForKids and Achievable Dream, directly supporting local children ahead of the school year.
Newport News Shipbuilding Leaders Update Employees on 2026 Goals According to NNS TO GO, Newport News Shipbuilding held a Peer to Pier session on August 25 in the Assembly Hall breakroom, where Vice President of Operations Lucas Hicks briefed shipbuilders on the company’s 2026 goals and initiatives and took questions from employees. Stage builder Marvin Harris said the session helped workers see the bigger picture beyond daily tasks. The shipyard’s ongoing communication efforts reflect its significant role in Newport News, connecting thousands of local workers directly to company leadership and strategy.
Business
Virginia Peninsula Chamber Announces Two-Part AI Seminar Series The Virginia Peninsula Chamber announcedregistration is now open for its two-part artificial intelligence seminar series scheduled for September 8 and September 17. The sessions will bring together business professionals to explore practical applications of AI technology in the workplace.
Community & Services
Newport News Fire Department hosts community health event today The Newport News Fire Department reportsthat residents can access free health care services, information and community resources during a Community Health Event today, August 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brittingham-Midtown Community Center, located at 570 McLawhorne Drive. The program is offered in partnership with Riverside Health.
Recreation & Events
Mariners’ Museum and Park reports summer updates on trails and water quality The Mariners’ Museum and Park reports significant progress across its grounds during the summer months, with staff and volunteers completing multiple enhancement projects. The Park’s dedicated teams have focused on trail maintenance, environmental monitoring, and habitat restoration to preserve the natural landscape.
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