Good morning Winchester! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Shenandoah Sips: A Celebration of Virginia Wines, Ciders, Spirits & More! and 7 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Community Watch: WPD Investigates Two Shoplifting Incidents (thewinchestergazette.com) — Police are asking Winchester residents for help identifying suspects in two recent shoplifting cases at Famous Footwear, reported on August 19 and 22. Descriptions and case numbers have been released, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Winchester Police Department or submit an anonymous online tip as the investigations continue.
2. Winchester City Disables Comments on Social Media Platforms (thewinchestergazette.com) — Winchester's city government has turned off public comments on all of its official and department-level social media accounts as of August 26, aiming for one-way information sharing. City Manager John Piper says the move is meant to reduce legal risk and shield employees from personal attacks, while stressing that residents still have multiple other ways to raise questions or concerns with Winchester staff.
3. Dolly Parton 'knocked out the crowd' when she performed on Handley High School steps (nvdaily.com) — News of Dolly Parton's death has many Winchester residents recalling her packed 1978 concert on the steps of John Handley High School during the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. Archival reporting from the Winchester Evening Star describes how she braved chilly weather, showcased her evolving sound, and "knocked out" a crowd of about 7,000 in the Handley Bowl.
4. Shenandoah University piloting new lifelong learning program (nvdaily.com) — Shenandoah University in Winchester is launching a SAGE pilot program that lets adults 60 and older sit in on select courses without tests or grades. Built on long-running ties with the Winchester Senior Center, the initiative aims to foster friendships between older adults and students while expanding the university's age-friendly, lifelong learning mission in the local community.
5. Laurel Ridge Expands Fiber Program to Three Tiers (thewinchestergazette.com) — Laurel Ridge Community College is adding two advanced fiber optics certifications and a mission-critical operator course that can directly boost high-tech job prospects for Winchester-area residents. The new programs, some already in Middletown and Fauquier, train students for in-demand fiber and data center roles, with state grants covering most tuition for eligible students. Locals can call Workforce Solutions to learn about costs, schedules, and enrollment.
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Ok Winchester! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: What a re-leaf! (Thank you Flo G. for sending it in!)
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