Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Recognize these shoplifting suspects from Famous Footwear in Winchester?

Happening soon: Shenandoah Sips: A Celebration of Virginia Wines, Ciders, Spirits & More! on the Winchester Patch calendar

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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:

  • Recognize these shoplifting suspects from Famous Footwear in Winchester?
  • How will Winchester residents be heard after social media comments vanish?
  • Remember when Dolly lit up Handley's steps before 7,000 fans?

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!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Fog will lift in the morning, with a high of 82 and low of 59 degrees.
  • Saturday: Sunshine and a few clouds, temps: high: 82, low: 63.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and humid, with a high of 86 and low of 64 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

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.
   

📸 Around Winchester

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Winchester

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

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Other local events
    Saturday August 29
  • GM Official Visit
    Winchester Hiram Lodge Af & AM Hay Market Lodge No. 313 A.F. & A.M., 6713 Jefferson St, Haymark
    1:00 pm
    • Sunday August 30
  • Noah Guthrie - The Oddly Flexible Tour →
    Bright Box Theater, 15 N Loudoun St, Winchester
    6:30 pm
    • Tuesday September 1
  • Dinner before meeting
    Winchester Hiram Lodge Af & AM SabaiThaiWinchester Restaurant, 24 S Loudoun St, Winchester, VA
    5:30 pm
    • Wednesday September 2
  • Inspire | a Chamber B2B Networking Community
    Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Airport Business Center 491 Airport Road Winchester, VA 22602
    9:00 am
  • Better Human Book Club
    Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Handley Library 100 W Piccadilly St Winchester, VA 22601
    6:30 pm
    • Thursday September 3
  • Rotary Club of the Northern Shenandoah Valley
    Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Region's 117 (Skyline Room) in Lake Frederick - 180 Bald Eagle Dr, Lake Frederick, VA 22630
    6:00 pm
    • Friday September 4
  • Teacher Professional Development Day
    Winchester , VA 22601
  • First Friday @ WBG – Live Art! →
    Top of Virginia Regional Chamber 7 N Loudoun Winchester, VA 22601
    5:00 pm

📣 Winchester Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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:

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hey neighbors,
    Can anyone refer some lawnmower companies? I need someone to cut grass bi weekly. Thank you!! (Nextdoor Copperfield)
  • Has anyone's internet been unusually slow lately?
    My internet and phone has been super slow than usual both at home and work. I have no idea what the deal is. My wife can't even reconnect to our home… (Nextdoor Mount Pleasant)
  • Allen Lund Company, LLC posted a job opening for Freight Broker in Winchester. Apply here.
  • The Learning Experience posted a job opening for Kindergarten Teacher in Winchester. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Winchester here.

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!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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