Hi Winchester! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️
🎃 Hosting a Halloween event in Winchester? Let Patch get the word out for you. Post it to the Patch calendar.
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Joni Mitchell tribute this Saturday at Barns of Rose Hill and 8 more events.
Today's riddle: What is clean when it is black and dirty when it is white? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Friends of Old Town Seeks Artists for Storefront Galleries (thewinchestergazette.com) — Old Town Winchester artists and property owners are getting a boost from a new Friends of Old Town program that turns vacant storefront windows into illuminated, three‑month gallery spaces. Local and regional artists can apply online for rotating displays on Loudoun and Boscawen streets, with QR codes linking to bios and sales, helping draw more pedestrians and energy downtown.
2. Winchester Gets $44,000 State Grant for Taylor Pavilion (thewinchestergazette.com) — Winchester is receiving a $44,000 state Downtown Investment Grant to fund the next phase of improvements at Taylor Pavilion in Old Town, expanding its role as a community gathering and event space. The project, guided by the Old Town 2045 Master Plan and resident input, will add alleyway lighting and a mural to better connect the pavilion with the pedestrian mall, nearby businesses, and public parking.
3. Leslie Evangeline McManus (morganmessenger.com) — A Paw Paw, West Virginia resident with strong ties to Winchester, including care at Winchester Medical Center and attendance at Winchester Church of God, has died at age 77. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life service on October 10 at the Paw Paw Senior Center, followed by a light meal. She is remembered for her sewing, crafting, baking, and volunteer work.
4. 16 of 19 Frederick County Schools Post Higher State Scores (thewinchestergazette.com) — Frederick County Public Schools, which serve many Winchester-area families, saw higher performance scores at 16 of 19 schools under Virginia's new framework, though federal support designations lowered many final ratings. Elementary and high schools generally improved, with Millbrook, James Wood, and Sherando all scoring in the Distinguished range before adjustments. Families are encouraged to review detailed results and talk with school staff.
5. Woodstock approves $119.57M bond plan for Shenandoah University (nvdaily.com) — Shenandoah University's latest construction and refinancing plan depends partly on approvals from Winchester City Council, including a proposal that could pair a new parking garage with upgraded tennis courts on Winchester parkland. Woodstock has already cleared up to $119.57 million in tax-exempt bonds, while also advancing water, park, and Main Street improvement projects. The university says the projects will expand arts and athletic facilities for the wider region.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Winchester PatchAM possible:
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
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 is clean when it is black and dirty when it is white?" — A chalk board (Thank you Charlie H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Winchester Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.