Podcasts about virginia department

Welcome to The Turf Zone podcast. This episode features a message for VTC members from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Written by Kati McCall, Water Supply Planner, Office of Water Supply, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality We are reaching out on behalf of DEQ's Water Supply Planning and Analysis team regarding the Virginia Water Withdrawal Reporting Regulation (9VAC25-200).1 This regulation requires users withdrawing groundwater or surface water in Virginia to report annual water withdrawals if withdrawals exceed 1 million gallons per month for crop irrigation purposes or 10,000 gallons per day for all other purposes (300,000 gallons per month). Users that fall below these thresholds or are otherwise exempted from the regulation are encouraged to report voluntarily. Water reporting data provided through the annual reporting process allows DEQ to better understand how water use throughout the Commonwealth impacts surface water and groundwater resources, evaluate whether current water sources can meet future needs, and protect beneficial uses. Water reporting data for 2026 is due to DEQ no later than January 31, 2027. In preparation for the 2026 reporting cycle, our team is conducting an initiative to increase registration of agricultural facilities across the Commonwealth through the distribution of targeted outreach materials. Water reporting data is considered in the development of regional water supply plans2 (required by 9VAC25-7803) and in the water withdrawal permitting process, which includes a simulation of total reported water use within the watershed. Increased availability of water reporting data from agricultural facilities may facilitate more accurate long-term planning of water resources by informing regional water demand projections for agriculture. Additionally, agricultural producers may benefit from reporting annual water withdrawals; a few potential benefits are: Increasing efficiency: comparing current withdrawals to reported withdrawals can provide insight into potential issues at the facility by identifying periods of unusual use (e.g., line breaks, leaks, and other water loss) Drought awareness: users who report withdrawals are notified when the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force4 establishes or expands drought advisories affecting their region, and as new drought-related tools developed by DEQ become available Documenting use: reporting annual water withdrawals is the best way to document use for the facility (e.g., when applying for a permit) Planning for the future: calculating and reporting annual water withdrawals may help users to predict and plan for future water needs (e.g., when expanding operations) We are hoping to partner with the Virginia Turfgrass Council, given your extensive network of agricultural producers, to increase awareness of the annual reporting process and potential benefits. Would you be willing to assist us with this initiative by sharing these targeted outreach materials with your network (e.g., through inclusion in an upcoming newsletter)? Outreach materials are available on DEQ's Agricultural Water Use Resource Center webpage5, including the Annual Water Withdrawal Reporting Agricultural Brochure6, the Water Estimation Tool for Agricultural Withdrawals7, and the Water Withdrawal Dashboard8. Folks may contact the water supply planner serving their region9 with any questions regarding the annual reporting process or associated outreach materials. Please let us know if you have any questions by calling (804) 350-4079. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. Visit www.theturfzone.com for more. The post A Message for VTC Members from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality appeared first on The Turf Zone.

In this episode of Fishing the DMV, we are joined by Chad Boyce from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for a deep dive into one of the most fascinating and historic bass fishery Back Bay in Virginia Beach, Virginia.With the 2026 Maxam Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound coming up June 11–14 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, this is the perfect time to look at nearby coastal bass fisheries and understand how shallow tidal rivers, coastal bays, grass flats, marsh systems, and brackish-water largemouth bass habitats can shape tournament strategy. The Bassmaster Elite Series event will take place on the Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound, one of the most unique stops on the 2026 Bassmaster schedule. Chad breaks down the incredible history of Back Bay bass fishing, from its legendary years as one of Virginia's premier trophy largemouth bass destinations to the challenges that changed the fishery over time. We discuss the rise, decline, and ongoing rebound of Back Bay, including aquatic vegetation, water quality, salinity, habitat loss, stocking efforts, electrofishing surveys, and what the future may hold for this iconic Virginia Beach bass fishery. Virginia DWR has documented Back Bay's recovery efforts and noted Chad Boyce's role in monitoring the largemouth bass population through fisheries surveys. If you love bass fishing, Bassmaster tournament coverage, Virginia bass fishing, North Carolina bass fishing, tidal water fishing, coastal largemouth bass, grass fishing, shallow-water power fishing, marsh fishing, fisheries biology, and the history of legendary bass fisheries, this episode is packed with information.We talk about how Back Bay connects to the larger conversation around Virginia Beach fishing, tidal largemouth bass patterns, submerged aquatic vegetation, grass beds, wind-driven water movement, coastal bay bass habitat, and why these shallow-water systems can produce some of the most unpredictable and exciting bass fishing in the country.Topics covered in this episode include:·      History of Back Bay bass fishing·      Virginia Beach largemouth bass fishing·      Virginia DWR fisheries management·      Back Bay's rise, decline, and rebound·      Aquatic vegetation and bass habitat·      Grass fishing and shallow-water bass patterns·      Brackish water largemouth bass behavior·      How coastal fisheries compare to reservoirs and river systems The future of Back Bay as a trophy bass fisheryWhether you are preparing to follow the Bassmaster Elite Series, trying to understand the Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound fishery, researching Back Bay Virginia fishing, or just love learning about historic largemouth bass fisheries, this episode is a must-listen.Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.comVirginia DWR Website: https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/ Virginia on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaDWR If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ Jake's bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: lin@fishingprotech.us  Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168#bassfishing #fishingtheDMV #fishingtipsSupport the show

The Chesapeake Bay watershed is a national treasure with many small and expansive wonders. Lauren Hines-Acosta is a scientific journalist and staff writer with the Chesapeake Bay Journal's Virginia office. Lauren took a keen interest in science at a young age and was particularly intrigued by physics and astronomy. As a science writer covering Virginia's portion of the Bay watershed, Lauren is able to share through her writing about the small and expansive wonders she discovers in her research.Lauren talks with Jeff, Mary, and Eric how the Chesapeake Bay impacts and engages people and communities on many levels, especially those people who live near and depend on the water. Lauren's inquisitiveness has led to writing recent articles about "forever chemicals", menhaden, solar, and other topics related to the care of soil and the overall health of the Bay.     If you are interested in Lauren's recent articles about declining water levels in Virginia's Potomac River aquifer and "forever chemicals", or Karl Blankenship's Agriculture and the Bay series, please visit the Chesapeake Bay Journal website at https://www.bayjournal.com/Tune in, like, and subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts or 4thesoil.org/podcastAs always, we encourage you to cooperate with other farmers, graziers, and gardeners for peer-to-peer learning. We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles: 1) Keep the soil covered -- Cover crops are our friends;2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Be gentle, take it easy;3) Maximize living roots year-round -- Keep roots growing; and4) Energize with diversity -- Thrive with diversity.If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters. Additional, 4 The Soil gear and swag is available for purchase at https://4-the-soil.printify.me/If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, soil health principles, and starting your journey to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

On this emergency upload — and possibly the shortest episode in Fishing the DMV history — I'm joined by Clint Outlaw to break down the latest information surrounding the Gardy's Mill Pond Dam breach, the ongoing Gardy's Mill Road / Route 617 closure, and the growing community effort to protect this historic Virginia fishery from being permanently lost.Gardy's Millpond, located near Callao, Virginia on the Northumberland and Westmoreland County line, has been impacted by a serious dam breach near the primary spillway box culvert. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is currently working on an interim repair and stabilization plan while engineers evaluate the full extent of the damage.In this episode, we discuss what is currently known about the dam failure, why the pond may need to be drained, what the trench through the dam could mean for the future of the lake, and why anglers, local residents, and conservation-minded outdoorsmen are signing a petition to help make sure Gardy's Mill Pond is not completely destroyed.DWR has stated that the pond level has not yet dropped below the breach area, which means engineers still cannot fully assess the damage. In the meantime, contractors are expected to construct a trench through the dam down to the pond bed. This would help drain the pond, reveal the breach location, relieve pressure on the dam, protect the structure from further erosion, and reduce the need for daily safety monitoring.We also cover the upcoming public open house for Gardy's Millpond, where the public will be invited to review potential plans and speak directly with DWR staff and engineers.

About the Episode:In this episode of Inspired Changemakers, Julia Healey sits down with Carrie Sheffield for a powerful conversation about resilience, healing, and purpose.Carrie Sheffield is a writer, broadcaster, and musician in Washington, D.C. Carrie serves as Program Manager of Healthy Faith at United Charitable, and authored the bestselling book Motorhome Prophecies: A Journey of Healing and Forgiveness, published by Hachette Book Group. A Senior Policy Analyst at Independent Women's Forum, Carrie serves as Board Vice Chair of the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. A former White House reporter, Carrie earned a master's in public policy from Harvard University, with a concentration in business policy. Julia and Carrie discuss the connection between faith and mental health, the importance of breaking generational cycles, and the work Carrie is doing through Healthy Faith to bridge the gap between spiritual and mental health care. The episode also highlights Carrie's impressive professional career spanning journalism, finance, public policy, and advocacy.Connect with Carrie:Instagram: @sheffieldcarrieX/Twitter: @carriesheffieldHealthy Faith: https://healthyfaithsaves.substack.com/Book: Motorhome Prophecies (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1546004386?tag=hacboogrosit-20)Join our community of Inspired Changemakers!The Inspired Changemakers Podcast spotlights people turning purpose into action. Each episode features a new guest sharing their journey, insights, and projects making a difference in their communities and beyond. Listen in, learn, and get inspired to take your next step!Support the show

Soil loss and erosion can occur by rainfall or wind. Kim Melton, the soil health coordinator for the Red River Basin Commission, emphasizes that soil loss by wind erosion is farmers' and soil conservationists' number one resource concern because crop fields are so flat throughout the region.The movement of soil off cropland and the landscape by wind or rain means critical nutrients and soil organic matter are also being lost. Building up, maintaining, and keeping soil organic matter (SOM) in the soil through cover crops and crop rotations is particularly important for preventing erosion and retaining moisture. One percent of SOM equates to about an additional 14 days of moisture for crops.Farmers want soil to be a sponge. Similarly, farmers keep the soil covered and armored to prevent "snirt" (that is, snow plus dirt) from sullying road banks and rural views during the winter months. To learn more about Kim's work and the Red River Basin Commission, please visit https://www.redriverbasincommission.org/. For more information about the Supply Chain Soil Health Partnership and its goals to improve the food value chain from the soil up, please visit https://www.redriverbasincommission.org/soil-health-partnership If you are interested in working trees and incorporating agroforestry on your farm, please visist the U.S. Forest Services' s National Agroforestry Center for free publications and factsheets at https://www.fs.usda.gov/nac/resources/publications/index.phpTune in, like, and subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts or 4thesoil.org/podcastAs always, we encourage you to cooperate with other farmers, graziers, and gardeners for peer-to-peer learning. We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles: 1) Keep the soil covered -- Cover crops are our friends;2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Be gentle, take it easy;3) Maximize living roots year-round -- Keep roots growing; and4) Energize with diversity -- Thrive with diversity.If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters. Additional, 4 The Soil gear and swag is available for purchase at https://4-the-soil.printify.me/If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, soil health principles, and starting your journey to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

Today's edition is sponsored by Nola BuildsFive times five is not 125, but May 5 is the 125th day of the year and goes by 5/5 no matter what side of the Atlantic you are on. Charlottesville Community Engagement has so far been produced on the Western side but one potential future would be for at least some editions to be created in other parts of the world. After all, it has now been three years since the World Health Organization declared the end of the COVID-19 pandemic global health emergency. This opening paragraph was written while listening to an Italian radio station.In this edition:* Four nonprofit groups that provide support for unhoused people present the annual State of Homelessness report to Charlottesville City Council* There's no new public information about how three of those groups will operate a low-barrier shelter at 2000 Holiday Drive* More support has been requested for those in encampments along the Rivanna River but at least one Councilor said another plan is neededFirst shout-out: Upcoming Charlottesville Area Tree Steward walks to celebrate MayThe mission of the Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards is to support rural and urban forests and promote knowledge and understanding of the value of trees for present and future generations.One way the group does that is through holding guided tree walks and there are two opportunities coming up this month.* Charlottesville's Belmont neighborhood is a good example of the city's tree canopy. Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards Steve Huff and Scott Syverud will lead walks on at 9 a.m. on both May 7 and May 8 for people age 14. Sign up for May 7 here or register for May 8 here.* On May 9 at 10 a.m., Charlottesville Area Tree Steward Emily Ferguson will lead a two hour walk at the Virginia Department of Forestry to help identify Hickories, Oaks, and Pines - Oh My! Register here!* On May 12 at 9:30 a.m., Syverud will begin a walk to celebrate Springtime in the Forest at Ivy Creek. Sign up here.All walks are free, but donations are always appreciated. Thanks!The State of Homelessness 2026: Low-barrier homeless shelter edition Every year, nonprofit organizations that work with the unhoused population present City Council with an update on their efforts. The annual State of Homelessness report provides an opportunity to get a big picture look at an intractable issue that the City of Charlottesville is investing millions to solve including the recent purchase of an office building off the U.S. 250 bypass.“This year takes on a different lens because we've had a lot of conversations in regards to 2000 Holiday Drive,” said City Manager Sam Sanders. “This is a chance to go beyond that one facility that we've been discussing and gives the providers an opportunity to provide the Council and the public an update.”Since the last report, several groups have come together to develop an operations plan to run a permanent shelter around the clock. That would include roles for The Haven, People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry (PACEM), and the Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless (BRACH).BRACH leads the Continuum of Care The executive director of the latter went first.“Overall we've seen an increase in numbers across the board, stronger collaboration and partnerships between the agencies that are represented here today and just better cohesion of services,” said Shayla Washington. “So I think the overarching message is we're all working together, but there's still a greater need than what we can achieve as single entities.”BRACH is the lead agency in the Continuum of Care, a framework established by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development in 1994 to coordinate services. BRACH formed in 1998 and became a tax-exempt non-profit in 2009.“We are the HUD-designated system, mostly handling the HUD federal application for funding,” Washington said. “Currently, our CoC only receives funding for permanent supportive housing from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. But we do oversee regional planning, data collection and data performance, and really just trying to be that main body that's coordinating all the regional housing and homeless services for folks who are experiencing homelessness.”Every year, BRACH also coordinates the Point in Time count which records population data for HUD. This year's event was held on January 28 in the middle of a long cold snap exacerbated by an ice storm. There was an emphasis on getting people inside that night through emergency hotel room stays but Washington said seven people slept in the cold overnight.“We found four people who were sleeping outside and chose to stay outside for that night from Charlottesville and Albemarle, and then three from Louisa County,” Washington said. “We did not receive numbers from the other counties in our catchment area. We had 87 people who were hotel through emergency hotel stays.”BRACH also runs the Coordinated Entry Management System which contains the names and identities of people documented as homeless. As of May 4, there were 333 individuals on what is referred to as the By Name List.“This is people who are either outside or sleeping in a shelter, any place not meant for human habitation,” Washington said. “So if they have a roof over their head, it's because it's an emergency shelter or it's because they are sleeping in a car or a place that doesn't have running water or electricity. If they're couch surfing or staying with friends or family and just kind of unstably housed, that does not count towards our by name list.”Of those 333 people, 58 identified the City of Charlottesville as their last permanent address and 21 said from Albemarle County. Around two-thirds either did not say or were not asked. Washington said that could be improved over time through better training.“Sometimes people aren't willing to give a lot of information at the first point of contact with them,” Washington said. “And so it's just reminding service providers to continue just trying to collect that data anytime you can.”At the moment there are only 54 permanent shelter beds available year-round operated by the Salvation Army at their facility on Ridge Street. That number increases to just over 100 when PACEM operates night shelters in area churches. There are 30 spots for rapid rehousing. And 30 permanent supportive housing spaces.“With permanent supportive housing, these are folks who are mostly older,” Washington said. “One third of them don't have income and they all have disabling conditions and were homeless for very long periods of time before they got into this housing. And it's the most stable that they've ever been in some cases, many cases.”Supportworks Housing are building another 80 permanent supportive units at their Vista 29 facility on U.S. 29.Rapid rehousing offers up to 24 months of case management to assist a person with handling their finances to stay in a place.Washington also presented data on some of the reasons why Charlottesville is an easy place for some to fall out of the housing system. For instance, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is between $1,700 and $1,850“As a reminder, affordable housing is defined as not paying more than 30% of your income towards rent,” Washington said.The City of Charlottesville now designates BRACH as a fundamental agency so it receives $250,000 a year to provide services deemed to be vital. That has allowed them to hire a full-time grants and data manager. This year the agency will for the first time conduct a Point in Time count for unsheltered people in the summer.PACEM began operations in 2003 and Deputy Director Cindy Chambers said the organization has traditionally relied on volunteers to operate the shelter in the cold weather months.“One of our churches who hosted 40 men for two weeks required at least 100 volunteers and spent roughly $7,000 to do it,” Chambers said. “So we are an organization that has always thrived on the giving and the compassion of the congregations in our community.”In recent years, staff has undergone some professionalization with additional resources from the City of Charlottesville.Seven people work for the organization year round and there are 27 people who work during the season. In addition to the cold weather shelter, PACEM also runs a secure housing program which offers a year of case management to help a client get through to permanent housing.“It's similar to rapid rehousing in the sense that we give intensive case management,” Chambers said. “However, we do not get any sort of state funding. It's all privately funded and we do this with just a bit of move-in help. And this is how we have sustained, this year, 20 folks in housing through our work.”PACEM also offers additional case management to some clients who may have income but have difficulty going through the steps of securing a lease. She said six people this year have found a permanent home through this housing navigation street outreach.“Unfortunately, we just don't currently have the capacity to give everyone a case manager. So we really focus our efforts on folks who could potentially pay rent,” Chambers said. Chambers said additional staffing and training has allowed the agency to step up some of its intake procedures to increase safety such as enhancing bag checks to stop prohibited items from coming in the doors.“This year we also stopped holding people's items that we used to hold based on feedback from our local police,” Chambers said. “We made 62 calls to 911 and only 10 of them were for folks that we really couldn't handle behaviorally as opposed to last year we made 120 calls.”PACEM is an example of a low-barrier shelter which means overnight guests are not required to participate in case management and there are no sobriety checks. Chambers said staff and volunteers are now trained in mental health first aid.“We really are just there to ensure that you are safe tonight and that you receive a hot meal and you can use the restroom,” Chambers said. “To do that, we do still have standards. You have to be able to compose yourself in a group setting, for example, and you have to be able to take care of your basic activities of daily living.”Chambers said PACEM helps provide places to live through shared housing and is working with property owners who want to be part of their solution while also getting paid steady rent. When Councilor Natalie Oschrin asked if they were looking for new participants, Chambers gave out her contact information. Take a look at the PACEM site.Chambers concluded by telling Council that anything the city can do to help people stay in their homes helps the overall system.“What's been a challenge for us is stabilizing them in that they are all just like one step away from maybe not being able to pay rent,” Chambers said. “So we are relying on a lot of the other programs you all fund, like [Piedmont Housing Alliance] to provide arrears assistance if they do fall behind.”That latter refers to a pilot project intended to help some residents at Kindlewood with higher-than-expected rates for newly constructed units.Second shout-out: Design DevelopArchitectural firm Design Develop is offering a new service aimed at the development community that the rest of us might want to know about , too — 3D point cloud scanning! This technique uses specialized equipment, such as 3D scanner systems, to gather a large amount of data points that represent the surface of the scanned object or scene. This really comes in handy when working with historic structures, as the firm knows from its experience in Baltimore and Charlottesville. Read their blog post for more information!The applications of 3D point cloud scanning are extensive and cover various fields, including architecture, construction, cultural heritage preservation, virtual reality, industrial design, manufacturing, and more. These applications require accurate 3D spatial information, and Design Develop's workflow provides precise and comprehensive results, all while being more cost-effective than traditional methods.Design Develop has expertise in this workflow for their own needs and now has a dedicated team offering this service in the Charlottesville and Albemarle Area. If you're involved in the real estate, design, or construction industry, contact them for more information or a free quote.Visit their website for an introductory video that captures the 3D point cloud scanning of the Downtown Transit Center and a booklet that will explain more!The Haven provides a day shelter in downtown CharlottesvilleThe Haven began operations in 2010 in a church on Market Street purchased by filmmaker Tom Shadyac for the express purpose of providing additional resources for those experiencing homelessness.“The heart of what we have done historically is providing our day shelter respite care,” said Executive Director Owen Brennan. “Over the past year, we had just under 26,000 visits to the day shelter. That averages out to about 70 people per day. And then over the course of a year, we see about 430 unique guests. Over that same time, we serve just under 26,000 meals. We serve breakfast every day of the year, and we serve lunch every Friday.”A partnership with UVA Health brings a primary health clinic each Wednesday to the site, a service that has expanded to include a psychiatric and addiction clinic.Brennan said The Haven also implements Continuum of Care services such as staffing a Homeless Information line for anyone in need.“This could be someone who is about to become evicted, someone who's going through the eviction process, or someone who is currently experiencing homelessness,” Brennan said.If that person does become homeless, they are asked to add their name into the coordinated entry system. Brennan said over 6,000 people called the hotline between April 1, 2025 and March 30 of this year. That's up from about 5,000 the year before.The Haven offers three assistance programs with one of them being direct financial assistance of up to $3,500 for people close to losing their rental unit within 14 days and have no other resources.“Oftentimes, we're partnering with other agencies, whether it's the Pathways Fund for the city or [Albemarle County Emergency Relief Program] for the county,” Brennan said. “Piedmont Housing Alliance has rental assistance programs. So we're doing a lot of really good collaboration to prevent folks from entering homelessness.”The other two programs are the Laura DeLapp Haven Housing Fund and a Rapid Re-Housing initiative. This past winter, the Haven served as an emergency shelter during the intense cold and ice snap.“We had an intense weather event this past January, February and the continuum of care came together,” Brennan said. “The city of Charlottesville contributed $25,000. Albemarle county contributed $25,000. And then we fundraised an additional $100,000 to provide hotel, shelter, food and support for a total of 109 unsheltered community members over 18 days.”Salvation Army preparing to launch next phase of Center of Hope campaign next weekThe Salvation Army has had a presence in Charlottesville since 1912 but began to get involved with providing shelter around 1980 according to Major Donald Wilson.“In this past year we have impacted over 9,653 individuals non duplicated counts which includes 16,304 nights of shelter, 1,367 food boxes, over 51,000 meals and also 3,186 personal care kits to help individuals in whatever situation they find themselves,” Wilson saidMajor Wilson said the Salvation Army has also pushed ahead with a plan to add six units for families with funding from Albemarle, Charlottesville and private donors. He said his office receives over 50 calls a day seeking assistance.The Salvation Army also continues fundraising for an expansion of its facility on Ridge Street to be known as the Center for Hope. He said they're about 59 percent of the way to the goal.“$22 million in construction, $2.2 million in furnishings, fixtures and equipment,” Wilson said. “And the Salvation Army… requires that we establish an endowment for that particular structure. Not only for the maintenance of it, but primarily for the continuation of the program so that we won't begin a program and not be able to operate.”The goal is to have 114 beds and to break ground on construction in 2027. More on this when the media campaign launches on May 12.Groups ask Council for additional support for Rivanna River encampmentOne of the questions at the work session is what should be done before a shelter opens at 2000 Holiday Drive. In late March, the City of Charlottesville hired a firm to go through a section of the Rivanna River embankment near Free Bridge where dozens of people have taken to living in tents. The idea was to both clean up trash but to provide outreach.“Outreach efforts will include distributing informational materials and providing fire safety guidance related to heaters, open flames, and carbon monoxide risks, as well as information about available community services,” read a press release from the time.No one was displaced as part of the clean-up. In February, both Brennan and Washington have joined a Public Spaces Working Group.“Our goal is to from each of our respective vantage points identify solutions that we all can get on board with to improve safety, improve health qualities both for the people in camp down at the river, the environmental health and the repercussions for businesses and residents who are adjacent to those encampments,” Brennan said.This week the group sent a letter to Council with additional requests. One is for delivery of portable toilets. The second is to identify an alternate location that would be much safer.“One of the biggest safety concerns is that all of the encampments are currently within what's called the floodway,” Brennan said. “So when we get a heavy rain, that's where the water is actively running. So there was a significant flood. It was 18 months ago. No one died but belongings were washed away. So we would love to find alternative, safer spots for folks.”Washington said BRACH has one outreach coordinator who goes out to the camp once a day to check on people.City Councilor Michael Payne brought up the issue of fire risk after seeing lots of propane tanks being used for heating and cooking.“I observed a lot of unsafe use around open flames,” Payne said. “We're currently in a drought. It's not just a thing to say. I mean, there's a house in Albemarle that burnt down from a propane tank last year.”There were no major updates on the low barrier shelter at 2000 Holiday Drive at this meeting until an hour and 45 minutes in when Washington said Sanders had been sent an updated estimate on Phase 1 that afternoon.“We now have two concrete numbers for phases one and two,” Washington said. “So now we need the city to decide which phase you'd like to move forward with or if you'd like a third option.”This information is not yet public.Councilor Lloyd Snook said he had not seen the report but he said he had a concern.“The broad concern that some of us looking in from the outside have had is that it seems as though the different organizations, the different nonprofits have sort of fundamentally different ways that they think they want to approach the problem and that we need to have one approach,” Snook said.The story will continue to develop.#1045 is also a podcast This is an atypical edition. I very much wanted to be able to get one of these Council work sessions written up quickly. A lot happened at Council but I wanted to prioritize this very important story.I say a lot how this newsletter intends to document complexity and that's what this edition attempts to do. Is this the best way to have told the story? Could there be other voices? The answer is always yes. But, what other media outlet in this community is capable of bringing you this information? Is anyone else even ambitious enough to try? I'm certainly willing to do so and glad for paid subscribers and donors to make it happen. You can learn more about the latter choice here. Today we end with the DJs from Buenos Aires. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I sit down with Megan Goin, Mark Harris, and Dustin Haymaker to break down the first-ever fly-fishing tournament for warm water species on the Shenandoah River!Hosted at Shenandoah River State Park in partnership with Downriver Canoe Company, along with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and Shenandoah Riverkeeper, this event is bringing something completely new to the region—competitive fly fishing for smallmouth bass, sunfish, carp, and other warm-water species on one of Virginia's most iconic fisheries.We dive into everything you need to know about this unique event—from how it's opening the door for more anglers to get involved in fly fishing, to how it directly supports conservation efforts protecting the Shenandoah River. If you're into smallmouth bass fishing, river fishing, kayak fishing, or fly fishing tournaments, this is an episode you don't want to miss.Tournament Details:

When we talk about racial discrimination in American cities, we usually focus on housing, schools, or policing. We talk less about streets and sidewalks. But in many communities of color, decades of disinvestment have resulted in a built environment where people are unable to move through public space in a safe and healthy way. Those communities tend to look a lot like Lansdowne, a predominantly Black, low-income neighborhood in Roanoke, Virginia. It's a place where wide, fast roads cut through a residential area and pedestrians have spent years navigating streets that weren't built with them in mind. This episode features Dr. Melicent Miller from the Virginia Department of Health and Virginia Walkability Action Institute, to discuss how the VWAI, in partnership with Horizon 54, was able to help Lansdowne create a traffic calming project guided by community-driven design. Find Virginia Walkability Action Institute at https://virginiapaths.org/virginia-walkability-action-institute/

Keeping soil on the land is a sound way to grow and move agriculture forward. Kim Melton is the soil health coordinator for the Red River Basin Commission. Kim coordinates soil health education and outreach across three states, one province, and two countries in the Red River Valley.Kim shares with Mary, Eric, and Jeff how soil health goes beyond just sustaining agriculture to include understanding the marriages of different perspectives among farmers, scientists, and others who can impact agriculture in a positive way. To learn more about Kim's work and the Red River Basin Commission, please visit https://www.redriverbasincommission.org/. For more information about the Supply Chain Soil Health Partnership and its goals to improve the food value chain from the soil up, please visit https://www.redriverbasincommission.org/soil-health-partnership Tune in, like, and subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts or 4thesoil.org/podcastAs always, we encourage you to cooperate with other farmers, graziers, and gardeners for peer-to-peer learning. We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles: 1) Keep the soil covered -- Cover crops are our friends;2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Be gentle, take it easy;3) Maximize living roots year-round -- Keep roots growing; and4) Energize with diversity -- Thrive with diversity.If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters. Additional, 4 The Soil gear and swag is available for purchase at https://4-the-soil.printify.me/If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, soil health principles, and starting your journey to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

On this eye-opening episode of Fishing the DMV, we break down the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) budget crisis and what it means for anglers across Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, and the entire DMV fishing region. Ryan Brown and Mike Bednarski dive deep into the budget cuts, conservation funding issues, and declining fishing license sales that are putting serious pressure on fishery management. If you care about bass fishing, trout fishing, striped bass, or freshwater fishing in Virginia, this is a must-listen conversation that connects the dots between policy, conservation, and your time on the water.We also break down the bigger picture—why the traditional “user-funded conservation model” (hunters and anglers funding wildlife management) is starting to fail, and what a new funding system could look like in Virginia. From fish stocking cuts to habitat management challenges, this episode gives you the real story behind what's happening and how it could impact your next fishing trip. If you're serious about Virginia fishing reports, bass fishing tips, fisheries management, conservation, and the future of fishing in the DMV, this episode delivers critical insight you won't hear anywhere else.If you want to get involved you can email Mike at mike.bednarski@dwr.virginia.gov and his phone is 804 432-7244. Please get in touch with him if you want to weigh in on what's going on in Virginia!! Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.comLMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ Jake's bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech  Phone Number: (757) 566-1278Email: lin@fishingprotech.usFishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Support the show

***THIS EPISODES IS A REBROADCAST OF EPISODE 117 WITH AN UPDATED ADDED TO THE BEGINNING!*** This week, we decided to rebroadcast our coverage of Katelin Aken's disappearance after learning that James Branton, Katelin's step-father and the last person to have seen Katelin, was arrested for multiple sex crimes. This arrest brings investigators one step closer to uncovering what happened to Katelin 10 years ago.  ------- In this, the first installment in our “Not a Runaway” series we discuss the mysterious disappearance of 19 year old Katelin Akens.  “Katelin Michelle Akens was last seen on December 5, 2015, in the vicinity of Oak Crest Drive in Partlow, Virginia.  She was visiting family in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, and was scheduled to fly home to Arizona on December 5, 2015.  However, she did not board her flight and has not been seen since.  On December 7, 2015, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) recovered a piece of blue luggage from a roadside ditch, unzipped, empty, and with a missing wheel.  A wallet was located inside the luggage with Arizona identification belonging to Akens.“  Right now, In the United States there are 194,673 reported missing girls and women under 21, and that only accounts for the time that has elapsed since January first, according to national statistics by the end of the year there will be twice as many.  91% of these women and girls are classified as Runaways. It's comforting to assume these women and girls just decided to go somewhere else, but ask their families how many of them actually did that, and I think you'll get a vastly lower percentage. We need to believe these families, we need to give these girls the importance they deserve, we need to find them. All of them. Anyone with information about Katelin or her disappearance should call the Spotsylvania county sheriff's office at (540) 582-7115 or Spotsylvania's Crime Solvers at (540) 582-5822 or 1 (800) 928-5822     Click to learn more  James Branton Arrested For Sex Crimes 10 Years After 19 Year Old Katelin Akens Goes Missing FBI official listing for Katelin Help Find Katelin Akens Facebook Group     *Affiliate Link WWBD Merch Buy your WWBD swag here!  Join the Conversation       

Soil health is a foundation for healthier communities, stronger economies, and more resilient landscapes. And yes, hippos can be major pests. During this episode of 4 The Soil: A Conversation, Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt share who and what is for(4) the soil.  Celebrating Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, is a great way to build on that foundation. Tune in, subscribe, and like anywhere you get your podcasts or 4thesoil.org/podcastAs always, we encourage you to cooperate with other farmers, graziers, and gardeners for peer-to-peer learning and to follow the four core soil health principles: 1) Keep the soil covered -- Cover crops are our friends;2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Be gentle, take it easy;3) Maximize living roots year-round -- Keep roots growing; and4) Energize with diversity -- Thrive with diversity.You're invited to join an online presentation and conversation with previous podcast guest Bob Jones Jr., co-owner and chief executive officer of The Chef's Garden in Huron, Ohio!"The Chef's Garden: The Flavor of Health and Resilience"Monday, April 20, 20267:00 - 8:00 p.m. (EST)Online via ZoomREGISTER HERE: https://tinyurl.com/VAF2T-ChefsGarden-register To enjoy recent 4 The Soil blog posts and additional upcoming educational webinars and field days, please visit https://www.4thesoil.org/blog and https://www.virginiasoilhealth.org/. For questions about soil and water conservation practices and outdoor educational conservation activities for youth, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

Nearly a year after the Virginia Department of Health set aside millions to expand maternal health programs, community organizations say they are still waiting for answers — and many have now been denied funding.

Janet sits down with John Keim from the Clarke County Litter Committee to talk about the county's Earth Day celebration and the ongoing effort to keep Clarke County clean and beautiful. They discuss how small, everyday actions can make a big difference — and how you can get involved no matter how much time you have. Clarke County Earth Day Event Details Date: April 25th Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Location: Clarke County Fairgrounds What to Expect: Community litter pickup (9:00 AM kickoff) Speaker: Ed Carter, Virginia Department of Transportation — Adopt-a-Highway program Rain barrel demonstration Glass bottle crushing demonstration Vendor booths from local environmental and community organizations Raffle and silent auction Face painting for kids Live music Food truck Participating Organizations Include: Blandy Experimental Farm Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners Shenandoah River Keepers Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Clarke County Animal Shelter (accepting donations: adult dry cat food) Key Takeaways You don't have to commit to hours of volunteering — even 20–30 minutes in your neighborhood makes an impact VDOT spends an estimated $9.3 million per year collecting trash; every bag picked up saves taxpayer dollars Trash near waterways can affect livestock and wildlife downstream Keeping roads clean discourages further littering The Litter Committee does pickups approximately once a month Getting Kids Involved: Clarke County students have designed litter-awareness signs displayed around the county The committee is working to engage schools and younger students The Litter Committee sponsors a college scholarship for high school students focused on environmental awareness How to Get Involved Website: https://www.clarkecounty.gov/government/boards-commissions/litter-committee  Email: litterfree@clarkecounty.gov Can't make regular pickups? Consider adopting a stretch of road in your neighborhood or picking up trash on your daily walk

This episode of VHHA's Patients Come First podcast features Commissioner Daryl Washington, the recently appointed leader of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). He joins us for a conversation about his career in community-based behavioral health, public demand for mental health and substance use treatment services, his vision for DBHDS, and more. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to pcfpodcast@vhha.com or contact on X (Twitter) or Instagram using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.

The term “prevailing wisdom” can only apply if such experience exists, and there is still no certainty about the best time to post the audio edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement. I'm Sean Tubbs, still dreaming that every newsletter edition could still be sonic but this one is ready to go with eight stories where you can hear the voices of local government.In this edition:* Downtown Mall crossings will be closed this spring for repairs (read the story)* City Council gets a briefing on action to get the Downtown Mall ready for its 50th anniversary (read the story)* Business leaders talk the future of the Downtown Mall at a Charlottesville Business Innovation Council (read the story)* Albemarle Supervisors recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention month (read the story)* Albemarle Supervisors approve a zoning amendment to allow 40 additional units at Hollymead Town Center Area C (read the story)* Work to begin this year on Crozet park and ride lot (read the story)* The Charlottesville Planning Commission gets transportation update including info on Rose Hill restriping project (read the story)* Charlottesville staff recommends no amendments to city's homestay rules for now (read the story)PSA #1 The Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards are hosting their 2026 Spring Tree Sale at the Virginia Department of Forestry, 900 Natural Resources Drive, Saturday, April 11th, from 10:00am ‘til Noon. The Stewards maintain their own volunteer-run tree nursery, planting saplings and nurturing them until they're large enough to be planted out, concentrating on hard-to-find native trees. Spring is a great time to plant, and by purchasing directly from C - A -T - S, you help their mission of supporting forests for present and future generations. Plan to get there early as they sell out fast!PSA #2The Friends of the Jefferson Madison Regional Library Spring Book Sale runs from Saturday, April 4th through Sunday, April 12th from 10:00am to 7:00pm each day at Albemarle Square Shopping Center. The members' preview sale is Friday, April 3rd from 5:00 to 7:00pm, and you can join or renew online or at the door. Additionally, April 11th and 12th are ½-price days. Choose from thousands of books, DVDs, CDs, LPs, games and puzzles, with restocking occurring throughout the sale. Proceeds benefit our regional public library system. Visit jmrlfriends DOT org for more information.Thoughts at the end of #1027AMondays and Fridays are the days where I seem to have the most to do and I would like to try to get the podcast out on this day. I'm much happier with the audio set-up than I have been in the past and even experimented today with doing a live-stream of some of the production work. In any case, this was a busy week but I still lament that I did not get to everything. Much remains and with this podcast out of the way, I can spend my Friday night figuring out how to proceed in the first full week of April. While this may not seem like fun to most, any moment I am working is one in which I am honoring my end of the bargain. I produce stories that you won't get anywhere else and you can decide if you want to pay me. That come in the form of a paid subscription on Substack or a charitable contribution. Don't want to pay but want to help out? Share this post, please! Tell a friend or neighbor! Invite me to a panel discussion! All kinds of things are possible. Thanks for reading Charlottesville Community Engagement ! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Vegetable farming is a food and health business that requires dogged persistence, curiosity, and a no-quit attitude. Bob Jones, Jr., is a second-generation vegetable farmer and the chief executive officer of The Chef's Garden in Huron, Ohio, who has been growing vegetables for over 40 years. Bob and The Chef's Garden team collaborate with culinary professionals, physicians, and oncologists to test the taste, flavor, aesthetics, nutrient density, and food as the foundation of health. More than 700 chefs tour the farm and exchange ideas in The Chef's Garden's Culinary Vegetable Institute. Additionally, they worked with Regenified to certify their farm as regenerative for the practices that nourish healthy soils, water, plants, people, and communities.We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:1) Keep the soil covered -- (Cover crops are our friends and allies; avoid leaving soil naked).2) Minimize soil disturbance -- (Gentle, take it easy).3) Maximize living roots -- (Keep roots growing)4) Energize with diversity -- (Thrive with diversity of plants, rotations, and livestock). If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters.If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, soil health principles, and starting your journey to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

What has happened in the last week? There are many different organizations that document current events and affairs through the telling of stories and then packaging a look back. This is a journalistic tradition that dates back many years and Charlottesville Community Engagement seeks to continue with this Monday morning look and listen for people to catch up.Most people read the material while others look forward to every installment of the podcast edition which offers a chance to hear what people sound like. I'm Sean Tubbs and here are five stories you may have missed:* Charlottesville City Council briefed on low-barrier shelter might work groups that provide the programming (read the story)* City Council agrees to hire consultant to develop public arts commission for Charlottesville (read the story)* One of Albemarle County's community advisory committees weighs in on what they'd like to discuss at this year's meetings (read the story)* Albemarle County Executive Jeffrey Richardson shares data points on Albemarle services with Supervisors (read the story)* The director of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority gives an update on Long Bridge and expansion of service to Christiansburg (read the story)You can help get more information out to more people by sharing the links above or sharing the newsletter! Thoughts at the end of CCE-1023AI really enjoy doing this work. I'm producing this into the evening of March 29, way past when I would usually be working but I need to at least make sure the script is ready to go. I want to make sure this goes out in the early morning of March 30.I know that most people will not listen to the audio when presented as an optional thing to print. You can read the stories so much faster, but there's something to hearing people's voices that I feel is important. I like producing long audio versions because I like to use a skill I began to learn a long time ago. One day maybe others will help me with the editing and such.Now it's the morning of March 30 and it's taken me an hour or so this morning to put this together, but that's mostly because I got caught in a research problem related to a new interface the Virginia Department of Elections has for their historical database.In any case, there are no shout-outs in this post because I don't have anyone underwriting them. That's in part because I've not had time to spend connecting with those who might be interested. I'm more of a journalist than a person who runs a company. You can support the work through a paid subscription through Substack or making a charitable contribution via the Tiny News Collective.There will be another edition later today as well. I have two stories written and will aim to get another two written as well. Thanks for being part of this experiment!Very quick look at the Week Ahead:I am going to memorialize this here as an example of how this gets made. This segment was done to fill a one minute hole in the version for WTJU that aired on March 28. At the time I publish it, I've already written a fleshed out version but this served as an initial glimpse that then allowed me to do that work faster.This is from the script for the radio show. Sometimes if I don't write it down, I'll go way over length. Improvisation is fun and all, but I mostly have to get the work done.Finally today, a look ahead to what's happening in local governments next week:* In Albemarle County there will be two more town hall meetings related to the FY2027 budget with one on at 6 p.m. on Monday at Lakeside Middle School and one on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Albemarle High School.* On Wednesday the Board of Supervisors will meet at 1 p.m. and will get an update on transportation before having another budget work session. In the evening session at 6 p.m. there will be a public hearing on the Great Eastern Management Company's request to add more homes at North Pointe and reduce the amount of commercial space.* Charlottesville City Council will have a budget work session on Thursday at which they'll wrap up discussions in anticipation for adoption in the middle of the month.* Fluvanna County Supervisors will have a budget public hearing on April 1And that's that! Please share with others!Charlottesville Community Engagement is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of Fishing the DMV, VA B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series winner Justin Largen breaks down his 98-inch victory at Sandy River Reservoir, Virginia. Get a detailed spring bass fishing report, including how he used a Missile Baits Mini Swim Jig and a key flipping pattern to catch big largemouth.We dive deep into kayak bass fishing techniques, including how Justin used the Missile Baits Mini Swim Jig to trigger aggressive springtime bites, plus a flipping pattern with a secret bait that played a key role in securing the win. This episode is packed with actionable knowledge for anyone fishing shallow water bass, flooded timber, and pre-spawn/spawn transitions.Located in Prince Edward County near Farmville, Virginia, Sandy River Reservoir is a 740-acre water supply lake known as a true Virginia big bass factory. Built in 1994 and opened to fishing in 1996, this fishery is managed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and continues to produce quality largemouth bass year after year.If you're serious about bass fishing in Virginia, kayak bass fishing, or learning how to break down a new lake quickly, this episode is packed with high-level insights you can apply immediately.Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcastIf you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.comJustin Largen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin__largen?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Justin Largen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.largen.3 MissileBaits: https://www.missilebaits.store/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGniacGIi9z6n4qtEmPSG9K5vEL0G13QSSIaWeDz5oz0UJJmRTzHsAVBxfKw50_aem_XMGiP6C6IMx1v5d4AUORVA Jake's bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech  Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168  Click the link below to get free shipping off any Super Blue Stuff roll-ons when you use the code FISHING! link right here:  https://bit.ly/4buUMb5   #bassfishing #fishingtheDMV #fishingSupport the show

On this episode of Fishing the DMV, I sit down with Chad Boyce from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to break down the overlooked Suffolk/Norfolk lake system in southeastern Virginia.We cover key reservoirs like Lake Prince, Western Branch, Burnt Mills, Lake Meade, Lake Cohoon, the Lone Star Lakes, and Lake Drummond — including their history, layout, and how they function as water supply fisheries.Chad explains the critical habitat types (cypress, timber, flats, channels, and blackwater systems) and how they influence bass behavior, movement, and seasonal patterns. We also dive into how these low-pressure lakes consistently produce quality fish.If you want to learn how to break down new water, find bass faster, and explore hidden Virginia fisheries, this episode gives you the blueprint. Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.comVirginia DWR Website: https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/ Virginia on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaDWR Jake's bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech  Phone Number: (757) 566-1278Email: lin@fishingprotech.usFishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Click the link below to get free shipping off any Super Blue Stuff roll-ons when you use the code FISHING! Click the link below right here:  https://bit.ly/4buUMb5 #bassfishing #fishingtheDMV #fishingtipsSupport the show

Bob Jones, Jr., is a second-generation vegetable farmer and the chief executive officer of The Chef's Garden in Huron, Ohio. Bob co-owns the vegetable farm and business with his brother Lee. Bob and his brother love producing and selling flavorful, healthy, nutritious vegetables, microgreens, and edible flowers. Bob shares the history of The Chef's Garden with Mary, Jeff, and Eric, including a review of Economics 101 from the 1980s when interest rates peaked at 24%, and the farm went from 1,200 to six acres. Bob and the Chef's Garden team work closely with their customers, culinary professionals, physicians, and oncologists on taste, flavor, aesthetics, nutrient density, and food as the foundation of health. As a certified regenerative farming operation, their vision is to cultivate and nourish healthy soils, healthy plants, healthy people, healthy communities, and ultimately a healthy planet.We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:1) Keep the soil covered -- (Cover crops are our friends and allies; avoid leaving soil naked).2) Minimize soil disturbance -- (Gentle, take it easy).3) Maximize living roots -- (Keep roots growing)4) Energize with diversity -- (Thrive with diversity of plants, rotations, and livestock). If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters.If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, soil health principles, and starting your journey to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

The Virginia Department of Health opened an additional 250 acres of water for commercial harvesters, who mostly raise oysters through aquaculture.

Doug Fifer of Fifer Family Farms joins Jeff, Mary, and Eric for a second episode to discuss how Doug manages change, inputs, and tighter margins with his farming and cover cropping systems. Doug acknowledges that we are all creatures of habit and have our comfort zones.  Doug began experimenting and stretching his comfort zone with no-till farming and cover crops in 2010. As Doug built his cropping system and expanded his focus on cover crops as an integral input for soil biology and building organic matter, Doug's only regret is that he did not start when he was 25 rather than 50 years old. Doug reiterates that farmers are facing higher input costs and tighter margins; therefore, farmers need to be mindful of their actual return on investment (ROI) rather than solely focusing on yields. Return on investment is the bottom line. Cereal rye and vetch are two of Doug's go-to cover crops. However, he planted an 11-species cover crop mix last fall and will be doing a side-by-side comparison of the effects of the two systems on corn production. To learn more about the Virginia No-Till Alliance (VANTAGE) and its farmer-to-farmer mentoring, please visit https://www.virginianotill.com/We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:1) Keep the soil covered -- with living plants and residue. Cover crops are our friends and allies; avoid leaving soil bare.2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Practice no-till or gentle tillage as much as possible in your field or garden.3) Maximize living roots -- for the longest time to improve biodiversity, soil structure, and life in the soil.4) Energize with diversity -- aboveground and belowground with high-quality food for soil and plants, and integration of livestock on cropland. If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters.If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, soil health principles, and starting your journey to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

Please Help keep Fishing the DMV alive! Support us Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast Tonight from 6PM–8PM, we're going LIVE as we react to and break down the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources THIRD ANNUAL TIDAL BASS SUMMIT  one of the most important fisheries discussions of the year for Virginia tidal bass anglers. DWR biologists will present updated largemouth bass population trends and management strategies for Virginia's major tidal rivers, including: James River, Chickahominy River, Pamunkey River, Mattaponi River, Rappahannock River, Piankatank River Bring smart, insightful questions about tidal bass fishing, management, habitat, or tournament pressure — and you could win.Virginia Department of Wildlife Resource Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaDWR Virginia Department of Wildlife Resource website:  DWR WebsiteIf you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com Jake's bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ Click the link below to get free shipping off any Super Blue Stuff roll-ons when you use the code FISHING! Click the link below right here:  https://bit.ly/4buUMb5 Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech  Phone Number: (757) 566-1278Email: lin@fishingprotech.usFishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Tiger Crankbaits on Facebook!! https://www.facebook.com/tigercrankbaits#bassfishing #fishingtheDMV #fishingtipsSupport the show

Augusta County's sheriff's office investigates the shooting death of a high school student… Despite the federal government's increasingly anti-vaccine stance, the Virginia Department of Health encourages families to get their children vaccinated… The Democrats' effort to establish Virginia's first legal cannabis market also has some Republican support….

Where do you need to go with your farming? Doug Fifer of Fifer Family Farms joins Jeff, Mary, and Eric to talk about his experience and journey with no-till crop farming over the past fifteen years. Doug raises turkeys and cash crops in Mount Solon, Virginia, and is the president of the Virginia No-Till Alliance (VANTAGE).For Doug, his journey with no-till farming began in 2010 when he began questioning where his farm needed to go. As a youth, Doug remembers having to pick up rocks from the field after tilling and cultivating the soil for planting. He and his family eventually sent the moldboard plow to the scrap heap and stopped tilling the soil completely.In Doug's journey, he continues to learn, read, and experiment with vetch and more families of cover crops. He particularly enjoys meeting with and mentoring other farmers, and sharing his experience and lessons learned. One of Doug's regrets is that he did not start no-till farming sooner. To register for the VANTAGE Winter Conference scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds, please visit https://www.virginianotill.com/winter-conference. You will benefit from hearing Dr. Ray Weil, James Hoorman, and the panel discussions with farmers.     We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:1) Keep the soil covered -- with living plants and residue. Cover crops are our friends and allies; avoid leaving soil bare.2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Practice no-till or gentle tillage as much as possible in your field or garden.3) Maximize living roots -- for the longest time to improve biodiversity, soil structure, and life in the soil.4) Energize with diversity -- aboveground and belowground with high-quality food for soil and plants, and integration of livestock on cropland. If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters.If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, soil health principles, and starting your journey to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

How One Virginia Town is Reinventing Community Commerce During Its Bicentennial Mount Jackson, Virginia, is having a moment. During a recent Tourism Tuesday episode of The Valley Today, Town Manager Olivia Hilton sat down with host Janet Michael to share an ambitious slate of initiatives transforming this small Shenandoah County community. From quirky farmers markets to business incubators, Mount Jackson is proving that small towns can think big—and get a little weird while doing it. Honoring History First Before diving into future plans, Olivia highlights the town's commitment to preserving its past. On February 28th, Mount Jackson will host "Roots and Resilience," the finale event for Shenandoah County's Black History Month programming. The event features historian Rosemary Wallinger, who will discuss the CCC camp at Wolf Gap and her work revitalizing the Mount Jackson Colored Cemetery, which was recently added to Virginia's historic registry. Notably, the town plans to record Wallinger's presentation so descendants living in other states can participate virtually, demonstrating how Mount Jackson balances heritage preservation with modern accessibility. Junk and Jams: When Markets Get Funky Starting in April, Mount Jackson launches what might be the region's most creative take on the traditional farmers market. "Junk and Jams" reimagines the second Saturday market experience by pairing music genres with seasonal themes, creating what Olivia describes as a "funky" alternative to larger regional markets. The concept emerged from a brainstorming session—or perhaps a dream—by Assistant Town Manager, Greg Beam, who texted Olivia a flurry of ideas one morning. Rather than competing with established markets in Harrisonburg or Winchester, Mount Jackson decided to embrace its quirky side. Each month features a distinct theme: April kicks off with "Retro and Roots," a 1950s greaser aesthetic meets spring cleaning, complete with retro kitchen kitsch, greenhouse starts, and farm-fresh eggs. May transitions to "Floral and Fiddles," while August brings "Sunflowers and Southern Rock" during the town's yard crawl weekend. Beyond the alliterative themes, Junk and Jams incorporates interactive elements that set it apart. A Model T club will demonstrate disassembling and reassembling vintage cars. The local museum plans a "Price is Right" style game featuring historical products. Vendors will demonstrate kombucha brewing and tea making. Meanwhile, the town is developing a digital cookbook to tie into the bicentennial celebration, weaving history into every program. Importantly, vendors don't need to match the monthly theme—the music and decor create the vibe while crafters, farmers, and vintage sellers bring whatever handmade, homemade, or antique goods they offer. At just $10 per market or $60 for all six events, the barrier to entry remains intentionally low. As Olivia jokes, even if only she and Greg show up, "we're gonna have the time of our lives." The Nest: Incubating Main Street's Future Perhaps Mount Jackson's most ambitious project is The Nest, a retail incubator opening this spring in a renovated 1930s hardware store on Main Street. The concept addresses a common small business challenge: entrepreneurs who aren't quite ready for their own brick-and-mortar location due to full-time jobs, health insurance needs, family obligations, or simple uncertainty about whether their hobby can become a viable business. Thanks to two years of grant funding from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development totaling $125,000 distributed among 11 businesses, Mount Jackson created this shared retail space. Four "nesters" from the Mount Jackson Five business program will anchor the location: Joyce Kelly with Two Turtle Doves, Ryan Peters with Home Revival & Decor, Mike with Poppy's Dust, and Alex and Abby with Sunbliss, a healthy prepackaged meal service. However, The Nest won't resemble typical booth-style antique malls. Instead, Olivia envisions one cohesive boutique experience where established businesses like Jon Henry's, Clementine Vintage, and Nana's Blue Greenhouse occupy corners alongside the newer entrepreneurs. The space will even incorporate display pieces from other downtown businesses like Mount Jackson Thrift & Gift and Search, with commission-based sales creating a truly collaborative downtown ecosystem. Currently, the town's public works team is renovating the space, leaving Olivia with what she calls "the most stressful choice of my life"—picking paint colors. Meanwhile, Alex from Sunbliss, who happens to be a talented artist, will create a 2.5-by-25-foot mural inside, possibly featuring a woodpecker doing woodwork. As Olivia puts it, "Whatever you wanna do, you're the artist." The nesters will contribute volunteer hours as part of their learning experience, while the town navigates various business models including consignment, wholesale, and commission arrangements. The goal remains clear: give entrepreneurs one to two years to test their concepts before they "fly the nest" into their own storefronts. Nights at the Nest: Midweek Main Street To launch The Nest and activate downtown during typically quiet evenings, Mount Jackson introduces "Nights at the Nest" beginning in May. Every second Tuesday from 4 to 8 PM, the retail space stays open late while a food truck parks in the grassy pocket park between Search Thrift and The Nest. The town plans to string bistro lights between buildings, book live music, and transform an underutilized green space into a gathering spot. As Olivia notes, "Nothing to do on a Tuesday? Come on out and shop a little bit, maybe do some live demonstrations." It's another example of Mount Jackson creating its own social scene while supporting local businesses. The Vintage in the Valley Question The conversation took a bittersweet turn when discussing Vintage in the Valley, Strasburg's beloved festival that was canceled for 2025. Olivia expressed frustration that a community with such dedicated volunteers—including Cath from Lydia's, Sue at Clementine, and the Emporium team—couldn't secure municipal support to continue the event. While she quickly dispelled rumors that Mount Jackson would simply absorb the festival (she clarified that the heart of Vintage lies with its volunteer committee, not just a location), she revealed that discussions are underway for a potential "Vintage Through the Valley" concept that would spread the event countywide. This approach would preserve the Emporium's central role while preventing the complete loss of a cherished regional tradition. Janet admitted she may have started the Mount Jackson rumor herself, though Olivia acknowledged the temptation was real. Instead, she's been reaching out to former Vintage in the Valley vendors, inviting them to try Junk and Jams as an alternative. A Town Creating Its Own Social Life Throughout the conversation, Olivia's enthusiasm and self-awareness shine through. She jokes about "creating my own social life in Mount Jackson," acknowledges when she loses naming debates (she advocated for "Citrus and Soul" in September but conceded to "Apples and Americana" for proper alliteration), and celebrates the "you're changing the world" text messages she receives from Rosemary Wallinger. This personal investment reflects a broader truth about small-town revitalization: it requires passionate individuals willing to take risks, embrace quirkiness, and build community one event at a time. Mount Jackson isn't trying to become Harrisonburg or Winchester. Instead, it's carving out its own identity as a place where vintage meets vegetables, where business incubators share space with established retailers, and where a Tuesday night can become a destination. Looking Ahead As Mount Jackson celebrates its bicentennial, the town demonstrates that honoring 200 years of history doesn't mean living in the past. By supporting entrepreneurs, creating unique market experiences, preserving important heritage sites, and fostering collaboration across the downtown business community, this small Shenandoah County town offers a blueprint for rural revitalization that other communities might study. Whether you're interested in retro kitchen kitsch, healthy meal prep, vintage treasures, or simply supporting a town that's willing to get funky with its farmers market, Mount Jackson invites you to be part of its story. Just follow Town of Mount Jackson on Facebook and Instagram, or check out The Nest's new social media managed by Black Valley Creative. And if you see Olivia recording a podcast from her parked car before class, know that she got there early just to share Mount Jackson's good news. That's the kind of dedication that's making this small town's big year possible.

What priorities excite you? Heirloom Chrysanthemums, soil health, and contributing back to the community are exciting priorities for Harmony Harvest Farm. In the previous episode, we learned the vision of Harmony Harvest Farm and their overarching aim to help people live and experience a better life through fresh flowers. Our returning guest, Jessica Hall, talks with us about her passion for growing heirloom mums and building healthy soil, and how these are two essential ingredients for achieving their vision.Jessica emphasizes the importance of engaging your roots and making them stronger. For Jessica and her team, the farm business roots started with research, collection, and cultivation of heirloom mums. Mums are dear to Jessica's heart and are a phenomenal crop with great potential for small-acreage flower farmers in Virginia and beyond.To learn about their heirloom chrysanthemums, plan a pick-your-own flower trip, experience a virtual mum summit and on-farm educational events, or order a floral bouquet, please visit Harmony Harvest Farm's website. To register for the Virginia No-Till Alliance (VANTAGE) Winter Conference scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds, please visit https://www.virginianotill.com/winter-conference. Speakers of note include Dr. Ray Weil and James Hoorman.     We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:1) Keep the soil covered -- with living plants and residue. Cover crops are our friends and allies; avoid leaving soil bare.2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Practice no-till or gentle tillage as much as possible in your field or garden.3) Maximize living roots -- for the longest time to improve biodiversity, soil structure, and life in the soil.4) Energize with diversity -- aboveground and belowground with high-quality food for soil and plants, and integration of livestock on cropland. If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters.If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, soil health principles, and composting practices to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

Get to know the Saugeye! You'll get extensive tips how to angle for this fish, how it tastes, and what goes into producing this hybrid for fun fishing opportunities in Virginia. Katrina and Guy are joined by two guests from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

What happens when workforce innovation stops focusing on individuals alone—and starts supporting entire families? In this episode of Manager Minute, Carol Pankow sits down with Lucas Halverson and Kathy Davis of ServiceSource to explore Families Achieving Self-Sufficiency Together (FASST)—a Disability Innovation Fund initiative that's connecting VR, TANF, employers, and community partners in a powerful new way. You'll hear how FASST: ·       Tackles generational poverty through a family-centered employment model ·       Supports disconnected youth and adults with disabilities across multiple states ·       Complements VR services without duplicating them ·       Uses AI-powered job matching and strong employer partnerships ·       Creates real solutions during Order of Selection and funding constraints This conversation is a must-listen for VR leaders, program managers, and partners looking for scalable, practical models that expand impact without expanding cost.   Listen Here   Full Transcript:   {Music} Lucas: The big goal is to break the cycle of poverty. We want to create lasting self-sufficiency, reduce the need for benefits and things of that nature.   Kathy: The beauty of this project is that it was originally designed for six sites across multiple states.   Lucas: We don't intend as a program to supplant programs that already exist, but we do intend to supplement or fill the gaps that exist.   Kathy: We are one as part of this project, and you would not have to pay fee for service or contract us. We're already being paid through the grant.   Intro Voice: Manager Minute, brought to you by the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center. Conversations powered by VR. One manager at a time, one minute at a time. Here is your host, Carol Pankow.   Carol: Welcome to the manager minute. In today's episode, we're diving into one of the exciting initiatives funded through the Rehab Services Administration's Disability Innovation Fund 21st Century Workforce Grants. And these grants were designed to spark new ideas and scalable strategies that help youth and adults with disabilities prepare for and succeed in today's rapidly changing world of work. From artificial intelligence and virtual reality to cross-system partnerships and new ways of engaging employers. These projects are testing innovative models that could reshape how we think about disability employment for the 21st century. And one of those projects, launched just this past year, is led by ServiceSource, and it's taking a unique approach to helping families move toward self-sufficiency and employment. And joining me today to talk about it are Lucas Halverson, project director, and Kathy Davis, one of the key leaders behind this groundbreaking effort. So how goes it, Lucas?   Lucas: Hey, good morning Carol. Everything's going very well. Thank you so much for inviting us to talk about our project today. We're extremely excited to be here to talk about our project Families Achieving Self-sufficiency Together. We also call it fasst with two S's. So thanks again for having us.   Carol: You bet. How about you, Kathy? How are you doing?   Kathy: I'm doing great, Carol, thanks so much for having us. We are definitely excited to speak with you about our grant, which is short for that Disability Innovation Fund.   Carol: Excellent. Yeah, I've had a lot of experience talking with other DIF grantees in like the C.D.E.F. We always give them the little alphabet soup label, but there have been different focuses each year that RSA had released the Disability Innovation Fund grant. So it's been really fun to catch up and see what things are happening. So let's dig in. So before we get into the details of your project, Lucas, could you tell us a little bit about your background and how you came to be involved in this work?   Lucas: Yeah, absolutely. So my entire professional career is related to helping others. That started as an employment development specialist right after my bachelor's degree, focusing on all things employment placement, support services, community based, competitive, integrated employment. I transitioned from that into helping individuals with more significant disabilities prepare for employment. I've done a little bit of group and individual substance abuse counseling, but largely the last 15 years or so, I've been in the world of vocational rehabilitation in a variety of roles, both on the public side and the private sector side, and was happy through those wonderful years to get my master's degree in rehab counseling and my certified rehabilitation counselor credential. So to present day, I've been with ServiceSorce for over ten years, and when the grant was awarded, I looked at it as an opportunity to still stay in the world that I love of helping people, but knew it would expand my skills and really looked at it as an opportunity to bring a pretty large proposal to life. And so here we are, fresh into the second year of our project and seeing all of that happen. So very exciting.   Carol: It's very cool. I love finding people's stories, like how you found your way into this world of work, because we all came in a long and winding road different ways, but make it in. And then once you're in, you're kind of hooked. It's hard to leave. So, Kathy, how about you? How did you come to be involved in this work?   Kathy: Well, same. I love people's stories about how they find their vocation. And I have also been serving individuals with disabilities for a very long time, well over 20 years. I started as a volunteer in high school with Easter Seals, and from there, I did volunteer work with therapeutic horseback riding. I eventually also went back to school and got my master's in rehab counseling and became a nonprofit community mental health counselor and a traumatic brain injury program manager. And because of my background in counseling and also a previous master's degree in economics, when the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act was being discussed,  and the emphasis changed to or included employers. My econ background and my master's rehab counseling background made me a little bit of a unicorn, and I was hired by a Blind services agency around 2012. And then I also did business relations for them. And then I was hired to start the first business relations program at one of the VR agencies. And really, my golden thread throughout all of my career has been starting new programs. No matter what role I've been in. I love new things, I love innovation, and so DIF has been a perfect fit for me. I'm also working on my doctorate degree, almost finished with that and doing a Pre-ETS dissertation. So I have a really strong interest in evaluation. And so evaluation actually brought me to this project. And I serve as an internal evaluator for it.   Carol: Wow, you are a unicorn. Let me say that is exciting. Very fun. Thanks for sharing that. So when you two first saw the grant announcement, what caught your attention and made you want to apply?   Lucas: Yeah. So this DIF grant cycle the F grant cycle was the first time nonprofit organizations were eligible to apply. So it was a unique opportunity for ServiceSource. And so our program development team recognized that our agency had the capacity to try to take this on, and also the expertise to successfully apply with a strong proposal, but then also administer and monitor the program successfully. So our organization, ServiceSource, is a leading service provider and employer for individuals with disabilities. So it made us well positioned to deliver impactful outcomes under this project. The DIF grant in general definitely aligns very closely with our mission and our vision and our values. And we have affiliated organizational model that we felt would provide a strategic advantage with this project. So it's allowing us to have a fairly large geographic reach. We have several teams across the country all working together on this project, and it also allows us to leverage partnerships and resources that have already been in existence across these teams and these affiliates to have the greatest impact that we can. And so really, the alignment and the capacity gave us confidence that we could do what this grant needed us to do. And so we're in that second year and really getting rocking and rolling now.   Carol: Yeah, I hadn't realized that ServiceSource had such a big footprint because I was familiar with the work ServiceSource did in Florida, and Tina down in Florida and working with the Florida General Agency. In fact, we did a podcast about that and that particular model, and I knew there were little fingers of that kind of had spread out, I believe, into a few different states, but I hadn't realized, like, really how expansive ServiceSource was. So that is an excellent point that it really positioned you well for this. Now your project family is achieving self-sufficiency together. As you said FASST with the two S's. So no, we don't have a typo. If they read the transcript later, we didn't have a spelling error. It is the FASST you really launched at the end of June. I know that first year is always a very big planning year and getting things ready. Can you give us a quick overview of what the initiative is about, and really what motivated your focus on families?   Lucas: Yeah, absolutely. Really the high level focus aims to help disconnected youth and disconnected adults with disabilities achieve competitive, integrated employment. In addition, you know, using early intervention workforce reintegration strategies to support long term success. That's where the whole self-sufficiency piece comes in, uniquely for our project. But overall, FASST is, as I mentioned, a multi-state initiative, and we want to empower disconnected adults and youth with disabilities. Our core focus is individuals that are eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF. So that's part of our eligibility requirement. And the ultimate focus is to remove barriers to employment and to independence. And so we do that by connecting families to community partners such as vocational rehabilitation, training providers, employers. But we also have staff that assist the individuals we're serving, build those critical skills such as job readiness, financial capability. And we have a case manager component to the team. Each team has a case manager to help with that kind of wraparound, holistic approach, to try to knock down as many barriers as possible. The big goal is to break the cycle of poverty, looking at kind of that two generational approach. We want to create lasting self-sufficiency, reduce the need for benefits and things of that nature. So pretty big goals. But we have a solid team that I'm confident can hit those goals with us.   Kathy: So and related to goals, we really our project has three overall goals. And as Lucas mentioned, it is to connect disconnected adults to find and retain that competitive integrated employment. But I'll also add that we want to have at least one high quality indicator as part of that employment, and we're helping to support them to retain their employment for at least 90 days. But we're also tracking beyond 90 days. And that's one of the really exciting and fun parts of this project. Unlike vocational rehabilitation, where you'd see a closure at 90 days, we're able to support individuals for the remainder of the project if that's what it takes to help them maintain their employment. The second overarching goal that we have is for the youth, disconnected youth ages 14 to 24. Our goal is to help them gain work skills and then either enter employment or enter education and or complete education. And then finally, the third goal would be to build the system's capacity with all of our partners to sustain our model and be able to serve more TANF recipients.   Carol: I like your holistic approach that you guys have brought up. I know back in the day, as customers would come in the door, and I was working at State Services for the Blind in Minnesota. You're looking at employment, but it's hard to just talk employment right off the get go. If people don't have food or your housing is unstable or you have all the other issues, so you've got to kind of connect all the pieces together. Employment obviously is a very important piece of this, but it isn't the only piece. You got to have it all work together.   Lucas: You make a great point, because I realized I didn't touch on the motivation to focus on families as part of this, and it's largely what you just described. You know, we recognize that families are key support systems for the individuals that we're serving. Families strongly influence decisions about anything but including employment and training, career paths. And so our whole focus is trying to have an alignment to that. And again, with our case management, part of our staffing, looking at the barriers, making sure they're addressed to increase those chances of success, because just as you said, there's not transportation, there's not a job. If there's not a house over your head, there's not a job if you don't have food. So all caregiver responsibilities and so the family tie in is really looking at barriers that affect the family. So could be the parent could be a child. But we know how it impacts the household. It creates kind of that ripple effect. And so not addressing it holistically could be a key piece missing. And so kind of the core motivation I guess to capitalize on that is to increase skills, of course, relating to employment, but also to again try to reduce the reliance on benefits as part of that. So knocking down barriers, helping go to work, reducing that need. And one of the key points with our project is as things are evolving, it does align with some of the current different federal agency initiatives. So, for example, children and families is emphasizing employment as a pathway to self-sufficiency. So that's very close to what we're looking at. And another example is Health and Human Services. They're looking at employment and family as the foundation of economic and social well-being. So our project really kind of just fits and plugs into that, because that is what our goal is with the larger focus. But I do think the holistic piece is extremely valuable for this project and will continue to be.   Carol: Yeah, you guys are definitely ahead of the curve because when I saw that that you guys had picked TANF, you know, at first I'm like, well that's interesting. Like how did you come to that? You know, to decide you were going to focus on those folks eligible for TANF and kind of make that the centerpiece?   Lucas: Yeah. So the program development folks that really dug into the proposal, part of the application process did a lot of research and found that largely there was a disconnect. There are a lot of folks that are eligible for TANF or receiving TANF that were appropriate for other agencies, such as vocational rehab, just as one example. But the tie in often wasn't there. It wasn't happening. And so, as Kathy mentioned, one of our goals is to hopefully have some better pipelines for that. So for folks and entities that are naturally working with individuals with TANF to understanding no important programs such as vocational rehab exist and what that looks like and what the scope is and what they can help with. So it just kind of was a noticed need and kind of became one of the key parts of, of this proposal when it was getting all put together.   Carol: I think that's brilliant because you always look at kind of VR can be the best kept secret. People say that all the time, and even though it seems like it would be apparent, like, why wouldn't you, you know, get connected with VR and you're in this program. People don't know that. And it's not necessary that the staff may be working in TANF, even know about VR or what's going on. We don't always do the best job at connecting with all the different partners and other folk out there.   Lucas: Another part of that decision to again, ServiceSource operating many programs across the country. There are a couple TANF specific programs that ServiceSource operated for many years, one being in Virginia that partners with the Virginia Department of Social Services, and then another unrelated program in Denver in Colorado. So there's already some knowledge base of that in addition to the research they all did. So it helped us kind of align with one of our corporate strategic goals of expansion and wanting to increase our support to individuals that are eligible for TANF. And so it kind of checked a, checked a lot of mini boxes, both there being a need and interest from our company with our goal of expanding and serving, you know, additional individuals. So it kind of presented just almost a natural opportunity, I guess, as it was all coming together. And I think it gives, you know, a pretty solid opportunity to try to interrupt the generational poverty that exists within families.   Carol: Well, that's where the magic happens. There's nothing better than having a project that fits with your own corporate mission. You know, the stars are aligned, things all sync up. It's not like you're having to kind of fit round, peg in a square hole or whatever, the square peg in a round hole, because it's all aligned really well. Now, I understand you recently received approval to expand your focus to include disconnected youth such as those in foster care, the justice system. How does that change the picture of your work going forward?   Lucas: Yeah, so kind of a really cool example. So with the DIF grants, one of the key focuses on being innovative and being flexible in changing with what you're finding during your project. And so very early on, not long after we launched the project and began some large increased efforts with outreach almost immediately, there were a handful of situations that involve youth that met the larger definition of disconnected, but didn't quite meet our project eligibility of being in a household that had a parent or guardian eligible for TANF benefits. And so we originally had intended to focus on those youth later in the project. But we talked about it and we did not want to exclude individuals. We knew we had the expertise and interest to serve, and we certainly did not want to risk coming back in the months or years ahead trying to find them. You know, it's kind of like the hot potato. If you have youth that are interested, now is the time. And so we worked with our project officer from RSA and they were very supportive of us expanding our focus to the broader definition of disconnected youth a little bit sooner than we originally planned, of course, but so that expansion includes youth now that are in foster care, the justice system that are low income or don't have stable housing. And so they don't have to have that TANF tie in for, for that kind of subgroup, but still relates very directly to our mission of serving the disconnected youth and adults within the project.   Carol: Yeah, I like that. You recognize that, you know, and take advantage of that as you're seeing that. And that's kind of the beauty of these projects, because they do ebb and flow based on how things are rolling and what you write in a proposal. As everything comes to fruition, you realize different things and you're like, oh, you know, maybe we get to pivot or do something a little differently or whatever that may be, or make this addition and it just makes the project better. I love the flexibility that RSA has with the projects to allow that kind of expansion and changes as you're going along. So I understand you've got six teams working across six states under this shared framework. How does that structure work, and what have you learned so far about coordinating across all these different regions?   Lucas: Yeah, I'm proud and very happy to report that it's been working incredibly well so far. It's kind of a new experience for our organization as well because it's bringing together multiple affiliated teams, but working collectively on the same project at the same time with shared goals. So from the start, when Kathy and I were putting this all together, one of the elements that really wasn't negotiable was building a sense of community within our team. Since we're all working on the same grant, have the same expectations. We knew if everybody was working in their own silo, it would be, you know, highly unnecessary and really counterproductive to what we're wanting to do. So we spent a lot of time in the earlier stages and continue to with emphasizing cross team collaboration. It's really kind of the key driver to our success and our continued success. And so some of the efforts to make this team that's spread across the country feel like we're all sitting in the same office space together, is having weekly meetings. So Kathy and I lead a weekly meeting with all the grant funded staff, their supervisors, the executive directors for the different affiliates, other subject matter experts from our organization, and then different contractors as necessary that are on the project. And we focus on anything and everything relating to the project, so it could be updates, progress, best practices, things that seem to be going well, maybe things that we need to work a little better on any process reviews we need to do. So we go through just anything that's relevant each week, keeps that engagement there, keeps everybody, you know, interacting. And beyond that, we also knew that with having some external contractors on the project that we really needed that to be bought in from the staff as well. And so we had kick off meetings with each contractor, both with our large group and then with each individual team, really just to build rapport, clarify roles, responsibilities, expectations, how it was going to work, what the goals were, and just start those relationships strong as well. You know, there's so much going on when you launch a project that we didn't want our external folks not to feel a partner like our internal folks. And so that's been going remarkably well. And then lastly, the last comment I'll make on this is that we also recognize that because we have really three position types that are working directly with the individuals we're serving, again, spread out across the country. We really wanted them to feel together and not, again, not separate. And so each position has its own community of practice. They meet monthly, they share best practices. They discuss challenges, Brainstorm ideas. For example, case manager in Florida found a gem of a resource that's national. There's no reason our case manager in Utah should have to spend time finding that as well. They talk about it. They you know, hey, I found this. This is great. It might help each other. And so those meetings we've had a lot of positive response on and Kathy and I hop on, if they have a topic they want us to discuss or, you know, problem solve with them. And so we've really felt that's helped bridge that large geographic distance across the teams. And we're hoping that, you know, turns into high quality and impactful services for the folks we're serving efficiently, serving our individuals and not having multiple people having to spend the same time on the same need.   Kathy: Yeah, I'll add something here, too, from an evaluation perspective. You might be familiar that when you start a new program and it develops into a fully developed, successful project and program, and then you start sharing it nationally. Inevitably, someone will, from another state or another agency outside of your region will say, well, that could never work for us because we're, you know, we have these resources or we're serving this population. The beauty of this project is that it was originally designed for six sites across multiple states. And so our implementation really is across varying populations and community resources. And so this project has such strong potential for successful implementation across multiple states and contexts. So we're very excited that we're really documenting everything that we're doing. We'll have a toolkit when we complete the project, and we're really looking forward to sharing what we're doing and how to do it with others.   Carol: And that's a really important piece to RSA. It's one of the things you write to in the project, like how is this going to be sustained past the project ending? Like how can you then, you know, transfer this information to other folks and they can implement it. So I can see where that was very appealing to them as they're looking at evaluating the different proposals that shoot. Here's a group looking at six states. So you mentioned, Lucas, Utah and Florida. What are the other four states that you're in?   Lucas: Yeah. So we're  in Delaware, North Carolina and Virginia. And we're right now in the process of bringing on a team in Colorado. We have the approval. We're just doing the logistics of what it takes to bring them on. That's one of the ServiceSource teams that has an experienced TANF program. And so we looked at that as another opportunity to be able to already leverage existing relationships and expertise to just tie right into what we were already planning to do in the Colorado team was just a little bit newer to ServiceSource, so they weren't part of the original proposal because they weren't here quite yet, but they now are. So we're extremely excited to have some additional folks joining the team and fitting right into what we're doing.   Carol: That's very cool. I know one of your partners. Our Ability, brings some cutting edge tech into the mix with AI powered job matching and training. How is that partnership helping you engage employers and job seekers in new ways?   Lucas: Yeah, so I think as we all know, the workforce development is just kind of an ever evolving landscape. So bringing Our Ability in, I'm extremely excited. John Robinson, the CEO from Our Ability, is part of our project. And at the core of our partnership is the innovative use of technology. They have a portal that's called Jobs Ability, that uses generative AI to connect job seekers to employment based on their interests, their skills, their expertise. So the system helps focus on the challenge of both unemployment but also underemployment among folks with disabilities. And their platform reaches 15,000 people with disabilities each month, which to me is pretty remarkable. That's a lot of folks consistently visiting and using their resources. And so the job matching will assist with better connections between the individuals were serving and getting into the work world, or trying to help upgrade or increase their employment in a system that's already proven, which, you know, helps with efficiency. They already know it works. And so by us leveraging their extensive employer network within the system, you know, we're really focused on fostering the employment opportunities that encourage and again, increase self-sufficiency.   Kathy: Just kind of expanding on what the Jobs Ability portal will mean for our customers. We'll be able to assist our job seekers with creating quality resumes that are keyed in on skills and experience, and there is an AI matching protocol that really matches their preferences and experiences and skills with job descriptions. It's a proprietary AI system, and so we're really excited about how participants are going to be able to be matched with jobs that actually match their skills. These are real jobs, competitive wages. As we said, we have high quality indicators for our outcomes, including wages. And if you think about it, this is a win for our participants as well as our employers, because they are going to be able to actually tap into qualified individuals with disabilities who meet the skills and experience that they are seeking.   Carol: I love AI. I know there's people I've done different podcasts around, different AI initiatives, and some people have different feelings about AI. I know there's kind of the you have the dark side of it, but this sounds super cool. I had not heard of this company. And about this proprietary software. I think that's very interesting and super smart of you to leverage something already out there, proven tested, can be used right away. Instead of you trying to like, go down the road of creating something and doing all of that, you don't need to waste, you know, time and energy in that when you've got something already done. Now, I know no large project like this starts without a few hurdles. What have been some of your biggest challenges so far, and how are you navigating maybe any kind of overlap with other services or agencies?   Kathy: As you said, VR is a well-kept secret. Many times that's what we hear. And so being experienced with that, when we started the project, we knew the outreach was going to be key. And so we did not wait to start our outreach. And Lucas and I developed a very thorough support system and toolkit for our staff to help them really be purposeful about their outreach. And as soon as people were hired, one of the first things they were told to do after they were up and running with knowledge about the project was to start outreach. And honestly, I think we've become an outreach machine and we're really keeping track of hundreds, hundreds of contacts across our six locations that we've made and also just really analyzing which of those resources are turning into pipelines of referrals. And so I think we're going to be learning a lot about that. One of the things that we also knew from the beginning is that we needed to tailor our outreach to the audience. So we have a library of outreach materials for students, for VR, for employers, for schools and parents. So there's many ways that we have. We also are created outreach in other languages. So we're definitely doing our best to reach as many people as we can about this project, and also equipping our staff to be able to speak about it, to really understand it and to be able to keep track of what we're doing to reach the populations that and stakeholders that we're going to serve.   Carol: Very cool.   Lucas: I was going to talk about the overlap with other agencies. It's been a very real discussion with our teams because, you know, how does FASST fit in with other programs that might do similar types of work. And so, you know, it's an ongoing discussion, teaching staff the significance of a comparable benefit, a very familiar term for our friends that have been in the VR world before. We don't intend as a program to supplant programs that already exist, but we do intend to supplement or fill the gaps that exist. Maybe we can move faster within a process to help somebody now that while they'll go through a process that takes a little bit longer, or maybe we can support someone a little bit longer, like Kathy said before, you know, if someone has a VR counselor and at 90 days, VR is comfortable with closing them, but maybe they might need a little bit more support. That might be a gap we can fill or a little bit more job coaching or financial literacy or something like that. And so we really focused on the design of our project to try to rapidly engage individuals as much as we can. We can serve someone start to finish on our own as a project. We don't have to have a built in external component, but we recognize the significance of resource connection, obviously. So both now and down the road for folks, if they're not receiving our support, knowing what resources exist, who can help with different things. And so it's still an ongoing process. So part of that outreach, Kathy mentioned hundreds and hundreds of outreach. We have to hit folks with the right info that makes sense to them. And so for as long as this project's going, I think it will always be a focal point for us to make sure that, you know, it's just clear what we do and what we don't do and what we can do to just try to support agencies and programs that do exist already, but then also knowing we can do a pretty good job on our own if we had to, so.   Carol: So let's hone in a little bit. You've talked a lot about outreach and have mentioned VR, but let's talk about those VR partnerships. How are your teams building relationships at the state and local level, and what can VR agencies gain from working with your project?   Lucas: Yeah, so the teams have done a really good job focusing on building relationships with vocational rehab. Again, trying to listen to what the needs are, what they're seeing as needs, and then versus, you know, collaboration of what we can offer teams that are working on having regular check ins set up. As with any agency, you know, some relationships have been a little more natural than others. But continuing to work together to try to establish those pipelines and that knowledge base of our existence, and then also that need for the individuals that are eligible for TANF. And so I always kind of say, you know, what's in it for VR agencies? And from my perspective, at least, our project can increase access to services and resources that could make service delivery easier or more efficient or more effective, which should then lead to increase or better outcomes. That's the goal. One of our objectives, as Kathy touched on, is to establish a system that connects. Connects the folks eligible for TANF and other entities such as vocational rehab. And so we're really continuing to focus on that and going to continue to ramp that up throughout the project. As the more, you know, line level relationships exist with the different offices and the different staff. And we've learned that adults with disabilities receiving TANF benefits are often best served by VR. As I mentioned, you know, programs can be complex sometimes, and so trying to smooth that out a little bit might be helpful for them. So we kind of see an additional potential to have connect VR teams with employers. We just talked about our ability and John and his team. They have very robust employer connections across the country. And so that'll be a regular interaction. So we might be able to connect some employers. Some of our interest is connecting educational partners as well. So looking at programs that can help foster people to get into good jobs and, you know, and other stakeholders of course, as well. So we kind of see it as a very big collaboration opportunity for our teams. And I really think at the end of the day, it really just to me looks at shared impact. So we work together. How can we all show that the good work everybody's doing is impactful and supporting the individuals that are coming to us that are needing that support?   Carol: It takes a village. It really does.   Lucas: It does. It takes a village. And we have one team, the state they're in recently. Just last month went on order of selection. And so we're using that as another opportunity to be a support because at least I know us in this podcast know when going on Order of Selection, the most significant disabilities have to be focused first. And so those individuals with less significant disabilities are typically the ones that have to wait. And we can serve them. So that team is working with their VR agency to make sure that's known, so that if they have folks going on the waiting list, that it might be a great opportunity to shift them to us and we can support them while they're on the waiting list. And whenever the time would come for that release, we can just catch up together and see where we're at.   Carol: That's a perfect example of really great collaboration, I love that. That I'm glad you mentioned that.   Kathy: Yeah, I just want to mention too, it's kind of tied into that. The reason we're seeing agencies start to use Order of Selection is because of increasing costs. This project would not cost BR to use our services because we're funded through the grant. So if you need an employment service provider, we are one as part of this project and you would not have to pay fee for service or contract us. We're already being paid through the grant, so it really helps with cost.   Carol: Yeah that's perfect. So as you guys look at the year ahead, what are your priorities and what does success look like for FASST as you continue to grow and refine your model?   Lucas: Many things, but I think largely continuing to strengthen the project. You know, we're still relatively new in implementation. And so we've learned a lot and will continue to learn a lot. And so we just really want to make sure we're maximizing the positive impact of the individuals we're serving. First of all, strengthen develop clear pathways. The end goal would be for this to be replicable at the end to scale our model effectively. And so I really think this second year, now that the team's together, everybody's getting comfortable with our process. This year is really where the car starts driving full speed, is how I feel. And I know Kathy, you have some ideas on quality and partnerships too, right?   Kathy: Definitely. As an internal evaluator, I'm looking at quality of this project. I want to make sure that we're ensuring fidelity to our model and the key components of our model and project, and we're going to be making adjustments throughout the next year, especially based on the needs of our participants and even our staff. And we're going to be capitalizing on our successes and sharing best practices across our teams through those communities of practice that Lucas talked about. We want to be consistent in implementing our project across the teams and our locations. So again, we have process documents and we're making sure that we're doing things similarly across our locations. And then we're definitely going to be collecting data. We've already started that process, and we want to make sure that we can demonstrate our outcomes so that we can inform our improvements and just really develop that replicable model in the end. And then as far as collaborations and partnerships go, we're working with our local partners to strengthen our connections and expand resources for our disconnected youth and adults with disabilities. So really looking forward to the next year being strengthening of our program and proving our model.   Carol: Well spoken like a true evaluator indeed, I love that. Oh, that is good stuff. So how could our listeners learn more about your work or connect with the FASST team? Do you have a website or something you could share with us.   Lucas: Yeah, so there's a few ways. So if someone's wanting to get connected to Kathy and I quick, we have an email. It's FASST, which is FASST@ServiceSource.org. Comes directly to Kathy and I, and we can answer questions if it's specific to a team, a referral, something like that. We get it out to the appropriate folks across the different teams. We do have a website. There's a lot of hyphens in it, but so largely it's ServiceSource.org/families-achieving-sufficiency-together. The hyphens had to be in there. So it's a little much if someone's trying to write it down. So I don't know if there's a way to have that posted somehow.   Carol: Yeah, we'll definitely put that in when we post the podcast. We can put that in the transcript too, to have the website linked right there.   Lucas: And then, also always like to put a plug in for the National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials, or NCRTM. They have a website for all DIF grantees that provides information about the project so you can see any of the grant cycles, what they're doing, where they're located, and of course, ours being one of them. So it has information and also ties folks back to our project site as well.   Carol: Well, Heather Servais will sure appreciate that shout out to them. They have great stuff. I sure appreciate you both very much. This is interesting. It'll be fun to catch up with you in a year or so and see, like now that you said you're kind of going full speed ahead to see where things land, I appreciate you.   Kathy: Thank you.   Lucas: Thank you so much.   {Music} Outro Voice: Conversations powered by VR. One manager at a time. One minute at a time. Brought to you by the VRTAC. Catch all of our podcast episodes by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening.   Lucas: The contents of this discussion were developed under Grant H421F240144 from the US Department of Education Department. The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models or other activities described or discussed in this discussion. The contents of this discussion may contain examples of adaptations of, and links to, resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The. The department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of this outside information. The content of this discussion does not necessarily represent the policy of the department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy, or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any federal agency. Edgar. 75.620.   Carol: Well, thank you both. I really appreciate you. Good job.   Kathy: Thanks Carol.   Lucas: Thank you so much.   Music} Outro Voice: Conversations powered by VR. One manager at a time. One minute at a time. Brought to you by the VRTAC. Catch all of our podcast episodes by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening.

This week, Preston chats with John Odenkirk from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. They discuss John's involvement with the Northern Snakehead introduction into the Potomac River, covering everything from the initial media-driven public hysteria to the current population status and the documented impacts (or lack thereof) of the introduction. They also discuss aquatic species that have been introduced to Virginia that received less publicity, but have shown more negative impacts to Virginia's native populations than what can be attributed to snakeheads. We hope that you enjoy this episode!   Main point: "Don't move fish!" John's email address: john.odenkirk@dwr.virginia.gov   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

(The Center Square) – Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger's decision to rescind former Gov. Glenn Youngkin's Executive Order 47 does not immediately end state or local law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to law enforcement officials and the order itself. Executive Order 47, issued by Youngkin in February 2025, required the Virginia State Police and the Virginia Department of Corrections to enter into 287(g) agreements with ICE. The order also encouraged local law enforcement agencies to participate in the federal immigration enforcement program. Spanberger rescinded the order as part of her first round of executive actions after taking office.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's edition is sponsored by the Ragged Mountain Running and Walking ShopWhen was the last time you played a musical instrument? When was the last time you recorded a song you wanted to write either for yourself or for others? In an attempt to change the tone of these introductory paragraphs of Charlottesville Community Engagement, I decide to look instead at this day in music.Two sources report that on January 22, 1959, Buddy Holly hit record on a machine and captured his final performances on a tape recorder, recordings that would later be posthumously produced professionally after his death in an aircraft crash on a snowy night. I'm Sean Tubbs, and more on that rabbit hole at the end of this edition.In this edition:* There is a vacancy on the Greene County Board of Supervisors as Francis McGuigan resigns* Albemarle and Charlottesville officials are preparing for a weekend storm expected this* The Charlottesville Albemarle Regional Transit Authority will meet today the first time in 2026* Albemarle County promotes Amy Smith to be the next Parks and Recreation DirectorCharlottesville Community Engagement is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.First shout-out: Cville Village seeks volunteersCan you drive a neighbor to a doctor's appointment? Change an overhead lightbulb, plant a flower, walk a dog for someone who is sick, visit someone who is lonely? If so, Cville Village needs you!Cville Village is a local 501c3 nonprofit organization loosely affiliated with a national network of Villages whose goals are to help seniors stay in their own homes as long as possible, and to build connections among them that diminish social isolation. Volunteers do small chores for, and have gatherings of, professors and schoolteachers, nurses and lawyers, aides and housekeepers. Time and chance come to all – a fall, an order not to drive, failing eyesight, a sudden stroke. They assist folks continue living at home, with a little help from their friends.Cville Village volunteers consult software that shows them who has requested a service and where they are located. Volunteers accept only the requests that fit their schedule and their skills.Volunteering for Cville Village can expand your circle of friends and shower you with thanks.To learn more, visit cvillevillage.org or attend one of their monthly Village “meet-ups” and see for yourself. To find out where and when the next meetup is, or to get more information and a volunteer application, email us at info@cvillevillage.org, or call them at (434) 218-3727.McGuigan resigns from the Greene County Board of SupervisorsThe Greene County Board of Supervisors will once again need to fill a vacancy now that one of its members has resigned while in office.Francis McGuigan turned in his resignation as the at-large Supervisor today, just over two years after being elected in November 2023.“We would like to thank Supervisor McGuigan for his commitment to the community,” said Board Chairman Steve Catalano in an information release.On January 13, McGuigan had voted for Catalano to be chair during the annual organization meeting. Midway Representative Matt Hartung was not present for the vote but joined the meeting later.The release states Supervisors will discuss how to move forward with a replacement at their next meeting on January 27.In the fall of October 2023, former Supervisor Abby Heflin resigned as the Stanardsville representative and the Board accepted applications for a replacement. The person appointed was Steve Catalano.For more on this story, take a look at this story on the Piedmont Journal-Recorder.Area preparing for heavy winter stormA large winter storm is heading for the east coast this weekend and that's expected to leave a heavy accumulation of snow and ice. Preparations are underway by first responders and the Virginia Department of Transportation.Albemarle's Deputy County Executive, Trevor Henry, briefed the Board of Supervisors Wednesday night about what was known at that time.“We have through our emergency manager a process by which we spin up our planning efforts,” Henry said. “And so I wanted to just assure the board but also use this as a reminder to the community that they should be paying attention to this weekend.”Henry said any snow and ice that falls may continue to be a problem as the forecast is for temperatures to remain below freezing through the end of next week. He added public safety will be ready.“Police and fire are really looking at a Saturday morning to at least initially through Monday night,” Henry said. “That may be a longer operational period where there's going to be additional resources.”Henry said the county is asking residents to be prepared to be without power for up to three days. To that effect, the county set out a message this afternoon with information including a checklist for an emergency kit created by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.Soon afterward, the City of Charlottesville announced it has activated the Snow Operations Team with a description of their duty.“The City is responsible for winter operations across approximately 165 centerline miles of roadway, 49 miles of sidewalks (including Safe Routes to School and City-owned properties), more than 45 municipal and school parking lots, City parks facilities, and the Downtown Pedestrian Mall,” reads the message.The city has over 165 people working on snow operations as well as a sizable inventory of equipment including “25 dedicated snowplow trucks equipped with salt spreaders and brine tanks.”Roads will be pretreated with brine and crews will begin clearing snow when necessary.“Snow response follows a priority plan,” reads the message from the city. “Crews will begin with primary routes, including major corridors and roads critical for emergency response and transit service.”Emergency snow routes will also be in effect as of 9 a.m. Saturday. Anyone who parks along these corridors must move their vehicle or it may be towed.Designated Emergency Snow Routes include:* Market Street (Old Preston Avenue to 9th Street NE)* High Street (Preston Avenue to 9th Street NE)* Water Street (Ridge Street to 10th Street NE)* 2nd Street West (Market Street to Water Street)* 4th Street East (Market Street to Water Street)* West Main Street (Ridge Street to JPA)* University Avenue (JPA to Rugby Road)There will be free parking in the two municipal parking garages Friday, January 23 at 6:00 PM through Tuesday, January 27 at 8:00 AM.For the city's full list, click here.Thanks for reading Charlottesville Community Engagement ! This post is public so feel free to share it.Charlottesville Albemarle Regional Transit Authority to meet todayIn late 2025, an entity known as the Regional Transit Partnership ended and transferred many of its duties to a recently created authority intended to promote greater cooperation and coordination between the area's multiple transit agencies.Today the Board of Directors of the Charlottesville Albemarle Regional Transit Authority will meet for the first time in 2026 at the Water Street Center. (CARTA website)The agenda for today's meeting looks much like an RTP agenda with opportunities for Jaunt, Charlottesville Area Transit, and University Transit Service representatives to tell what they're doing and how they fit into the bigger picture. So far, though, the only two voting members are Albemarle and Charlottesville.Scottsville Supervisor Michael Pruitt will be joined by newcomer Jack Jouett Supervisor Sally Duncan, and Charlottesville City Councilor Natalie Oschrin will be joined by newcomer Jen Fleisher. Fleisher has attended multiple meetings of the RTP as an alternative representing the Blue Ridge Health District.There are details on both Jaunt and the University Transit Service in the packet, but nothing from Charlottesville Area Transit.One of the main tasks for CARTA this year will be to conduct something called the “Regional Transit Service Prioritization and Implementation Feasibility Study” which builds off of the 2022 Regional Transit Vision Plan and the Regional Transit Governance Study from 2023.Not on the agenda is a discussion of how CARTA might be able to help increase funding for CAT's mission to hire a total of 108 drivers. That's the amount CAT Director Garland Williams says is needed to restore full service and make long-awaited route changes.Here's a story about that from December 2025 as well as a story from August in which a representative from IMPACT said the organization is watching. Patreon-fueled shout-out: Design DevelopArchitectural firm Design Develop is offering a new service aimed at the development community that the rest of us might want to know about , too — 3D point cloud scanning! This technique uses specialized equipment, such as 3D scanner systems, to gather a large amount of data points that represent the surface of the scanned object or scene. This really comes in handy when working with historic structures, as the firm knows from its experience in Baltimore and Charlottesville. Read their blog post for more information!The applications of 3D point cloud scanning are extensive and cover various fields, including architecture, construction, cultural heritage preservation, virtual reality, industrial design, manufacturing, and more. These applications require accurate 3D spatial information, and Design Develop's workflow provides precise and comprehensive results, all while being more cost-effective than traditional methods.Design Develop has expertise in this workflow for their own needs and now has a dedicated team offering this service in the Charlottesville and Albemarle Area. If you're involved in the real estate, design, or construction industry, contact them for more information or a free quote.Visit their website for an introductory video that captures the 3D point cloud scanning of the Downtown Transit Center and a booklet that will explain more!Albemarle promotes Smith to Parks and Recreation DirectorAfter a nationwide search, Albemarle County has named a veteran of the Parks and Recreation Department to lead the office after the retirement of former director Bob Crickenberger.“Our own Amy Smith, who has been the deputy director and, and has enjoyed a wonderful career serving Albemarle county, was our top candidate,” said County Executive Jeffrey Richardson.Smith will lead a department with a $5,584,028 budget for fiscal year 2026 and 27 full-time employees. Two objectives in the county's strategic plan address how parks can help reach Quality of Life Goals.These are:* 4.4 — Integrate parks planning with multi-modal transportation planning across the County* 4.5 — Enhance overall access to parks and recreational opportunities with an emphasis on urban neighborhoods.The FY26 budget also includes $1.5 million for work to pursue the latter objective through creation of a new urban pocket park on Hillsdale Drive as well as new amenities at Humphris Park.Soon after being announced, Smith explained her philosophy toward parks and recreation.“Our parks protect natural beauty, promote health and wellness, provide spaces for connection, and ensure that residents of all ages and abilities can enjoy the outdoors. I'm truly inspired by Albemarle's commitment to quality of life,” Smith said. “I plan to build upon the same foundation through increasing innovation, strategic management of resources, and furthering, uniting and empowering our dedicated Parks and Rec staff and our amazing community partners.”Smith began working for the county in 1993. Jack Jouett Supervisor Sally Duncan just joined the Board and said she was impressed by the time Smith has spent working for Albemarle.“I just think it's really great when we can retain people and have people, you know, build their careers here and have longevity,” Duncan said.Supervisor Ann Mallek is in her fifth term representing the White Hall District and said Smith has helped oversee and manage many of the parks that have come on line in the past two decades and will now work to bring many more that are planned into reality.“So many things on your plate with the blueways and Buck Island and the Brook Hill ramp and such a long, long list because there's so many places that you already manage,” Mallek said.The blueways are a series of amenities allowing people to use area rivers and streams for recreational purposes. As part of this effort, the county opened Brook Hill River Park on Rio Mills Road in the summer of 2019 and there are plans to develop a park at Buck Island 17 miles down the Rivanna River.Smith helped lead a parks and recreation needs assessment for Albemarle in 2018 and creation of a parks strategic plan. Much of that is now within the Parks and Recreation Chapter of AC44, the name the county called their Comprehensive Plan. This link will take you right there.There's also the recreation side of the department which provides many ways for people to interact with each other. Richardson said the intent is to overcome obstacles as they pop up.“When our middle school volleyball league registrations opened across Albemarle County, there was a rush of families signing up their students for this program,” Richardson said. “Henley was, was completely full within three minutes. Lakeside was full within 30 minutes.”Richardson said there were many calls from people who were disappointed they missed out but the department showed flexibility in the name of customer service.“So what the Parks and Rec department did was step back, reformatted the league and they expanded capacity, ultimately registering 400 participants across all the schools,” Richardson said. “And that eliminated the wait list.”For more on how to provide feedback on the new Hillsdale pocket park as well as Humprhis Park, visit engagealbemarle.org.Articles by other journalists you are encouraged to read next:* When Virginia GOP senator's solar farm stalled, the Youngkin admin got involved, Ben Paviour, Virginia Mercury, January 13, 2026* ICE detains 5-year-old Minnesota boy; school leader says agents used him as ‘bait', Elizabeth Shockman, MPR News, January 21, 2026* Va. lawmakers want voters to take a 180-degree turn on redistricting; some reform advocates are wary, David Poole, Virginia Mercury, January 22, 2026* Winter road salting is a growing source of pollution [and] Virginia officials want alternatives, Katherine Hafner, WHRO, January 22, 2026#989 is an echo from the pastA thing I keep to myself is a long history of relaxing through challenging myself to recording improvisational music. At one point I wanted to be in a band, but I've always been way too guarded to do such things. Or at least, not willing to put in the time.Yet I've recorded many hours of my attempts at songs over the years and I find the experience of expressing myself through musical creation helps me fill out a lot of the rough spots in my life. I made a decision a long time ago to keep all of that to myself, but I'm also aware of my mortality more than usual.So I had this idea to begin to put some of my sound recordings on Patreon as part of that system. After all, my hope is to soon have a mechanism people can use to make tax-deductible contributions for the reporting.This is still just an idea crafted at a time where I'm paying a lot of attention to where I was at this time in 2011. I was not quite four years into my time at Charlottesville Tomorrow and I was very uncertain about what I wanted to do. I am interested in what I was singing at that time for reasons I'll explore over on Patreon if I decide to go ahead with this side project.Oh yeah, also somehow this edition is a podcast, too. Not sure how that happened.And now, probably the weirdest video I've posted yet which is still germane somehow. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

A Winter Tradition Takes Root Frederick County's beloved Restaurant Week returns for its fifth anniversary, bringing 26 diverse eateries together for a week-long celebration of local flavor. Running from January 26th through February 1st, 2026, FredCo Eats has evolved from a modest 15-restaurant launch into a cornerstone event that strengthens the entire regional food economy. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Wendy May, Marketing Manager for the Frederick County Economic Development Authority, and Dan Myers, owner of Paladin Bar and Grill, to discuss how this initiative has transformed the local dining landscape. Recording from Paladin's original Stephens City location, the trio explores what makes this year's event particularly special. From COVID Recovery to Community Catalyst The story behind FredCo Eats reveals a strategic response to challenging times. Wendy explains that the Economic Development Authority launched the program five years ago as the region emerged from the pandemic. At that time, the organization recognized a critical gap in their community relationships—they needed stronger connections with local restaurants and agricultural producers. Rather than creating a standalone event, however, the EDA developed FredCo Eats as an umbrella brand. This approach allows the initiative to serve as a messaging hub that elevates existing efforts across the entire food economy, from farm crawls to agricultural conferences. Now, the brand is expanding into a standalone website at fredcoeats.com, which will launch in March as a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to start, scale, or expand a food or beverage business in the region. Diverse Dining Options for Every Palate This year's lineup demonstrates remarkable variety in both cuisine and participation style. Restaurants can choose from three categories: multi-course menus, meal deals, or promotional discounts. This flexibility ensures that food trucks, cafes, and fine dining establishments can all participate in ways that make sense for their operations. Among the multi-course menu participants, diners will find Carrabba's Italian Grill, Clem's Kitchen, Curry Cuisine, P2 at Woolen Mill, Paladin, Sal & Gino's, and Vault and Cellar. Meanwhile, meal deal options include Blue Ridge Baking Company, Daily Buzz Cafe (at both Middletown and Stephens City locations), Donut Dive food truck at Weber's Nursery, and Franklin's Smokin Barnyard, also operating from Weber's parking lot. Additionally, the roster features Jordan Springs Market, Laurel Cafe at Laurel Ridge Community College, Mi Ranchito, Paco's Market and Paco's Mexi Mart, Pan D Endz Jamaican Cuisine, Poblanos, Shaffer's Barbecue and Market, both Shawnee Springs Market locations, and West Oaks Farm Market. Rounding out the list, Bam Bam's Barbecue food truck, Italian Touch, and Touch of Italy offer percentage-off promotions. The Original Gangsters Eight establishments have participated every single year since the program's inception, demonstrating their commitment to the community initiative. Both Paladin locations, Vault and Cellar, Daily Buzz, Jordan Springs Market, Paco's Market, Shaffer's Barbecue, and Bam Bam's Barbecue have been there from day one. Paco's journey particularly exemplifies the growth Restaurant Week has witnessed. Starting as a food truck called Paco's Tacos during the first event, the business has since expanded to include Paco's Market and later Paco's Mexi Mart - a testament to how local food businesses can thrive with community support. Local Sourcing Takes Center Stage Dan shares his enthusiasm about this year's special approach at Paladin. For the fifth anniversary, his team is focusing heavily on local sourcing, partnering with West Oaks Farm Market for beef, Spring Valley Greens, obtaining mushrooms from his cousin Jessica Neff at Apple Hill Farm, and incorporating microgreens from Robbie D's operation. Furthermore, Dan reveals that Paige Cross at Farm to Fork (formerly Flour and Water) in Woodstock supplies all the bread for Paladin's restaurants—a behind-the-scenes collaboration that many diners never realize exists. These partnerships not only enhance menu quality but also circulate dollars throughout the local economy. The Stephens City location will feature meatballs, cast-iron cornbread, and locally sourced ingredients, while P2 in Clearbrook will offer a completely different, yet similar menu, including scotch eggs, bruschetta, mushroom carbonara, and duck—proteins that rarely appear on local menus.  More Than Just a Meal Restaurant Week offers participants the chance to win prizes through a passport program. Diners who collect stamps from three or more participating restaurants can enter drawings for prize packs, with each additional stamp beyond three counting as an extra entry. The more restaurants you visit, the better your chances of winning. Passports are available for download and printing at fredcoeats.com, with limited physical copies available at participating restaurants and the Winchester Frederick County Convention and Visitors Bureau. If diners forget to get a stamp, they can submit a photo or receipt as proof of their visit. Beyond individual participation, the event encourages businesses to support one another. Realty companies and other local businesses often bring lunch back to the office or take their teams out during Restaurant Week, creating a "biz-to-biz" camaraderie that strengthens the entire community. Strategic Timing and Lasting Impact The decision to schedule Restaurant Week during the last week of January proves strategic on multiple levels. This timing addresses the natural lull that restaurants experience after the holiday season but before Valentine's Day, providing a much-needed boost during slower months. Moreover, it gives diners a compelling reason to venture out during cold, dark winter evenings when staying home feels more appealing. For restaurant owners like Dan, the event creates exciting internal dynamics as well. His teams at the Stephens City and Clearbrook locations engage in friendly competition throughout the week, tracking which location sells more of each menu item. This competitive spirit energizes staff and drives creativity in menu development. Wendy notes that over the five years, Restaurant Week has fostered genuine relationships among participating restaurants. What began as simple cross-promotion has evolved into restaurant owners visiting each other's establishments, trying menus, meeting staff, and building lasting professional connections that extend well beyond the event itself. Looking Ahead As FredCo Eats enters its sixth year of planning, the initiative continues expanding its mission. The upcoming fredcoeats.com website will serve as a central hub connecting aspiring food entrepreneurs with resources from the county, state, and federal levels, including financing options, contacts at the Extension office, the Small Business Development Center, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This evolution reflects the program's broader vision: creating a sustainable ecosystem where homesteaders can learn to scale their backyard operations, food trucks can transition to brick-and-mortar locations, and established restaurants can continue growing—all while maintaining the unique character that makes Frederick County's food scene special. Registration for future Restaurant Weeks remains open year-round, with the event consistently scheduled for the last Monday of January. As Wendy emphasizes, the more the community supports local establishments, the more these businesses can thrive and maintain the distinctive flavor that sets Frederick County apart. For complete menus, participating restaurant details, and passport downloads, visit fredcoeats.com and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram using #FredCoEats and #FredCoEatsRW.

How can we live and enjoy a better life? Harmony Harvest Farm began with a lofty dream in 2011 and a vision of helping people to live and experience a better life through fresh flowers. Jessica Hall of Harmony Harvest Farm and Flower Genius joined Mary, Jeff, and Eric for a conversation about the farm business's vision, mission, values, and history.Jessica owns and operates the farm business with her mom and sister in Weyers Cave, Virginia. Jessica and her family believe Virginia-grown and American-grown flowers should be accessible to everyone, everywhere. To fulfill this vision and mission, they built up soil health and nourished their flowers from the start, while being mindful of good land management, soil erosion, irrigation needs, and bed layout to fit the topography. Jessica emphasizes that a sustainable business that lives its values needs a complete toolbox with the right tools at the right time for the right application. For Jessica and Harmony Harvest Farm, the toolbox includes a strong, growing network of personal and business mentors. To learn about their heirloom chrysanthemums, plan a pick-your-own flower trip, experience a virtual mum summit and on-farm educational events, or order a floral bouquet, please visit Harmony Harvest Farm's website. We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:1) Keep the soil covered -- with living plants and residue. Cover crops are our friends and allies; avoid leaving soil bare.2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Practice no-till or gentle tillage as much as possible in your field or garden.3) Maximize living roots -- for the longest time to improve biodiversity, soil structure, and life in the soil.4) Energize with diversity -- aboveground and belowground with high-quality food for soil and plants, and integration of livestock on cropland. If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters.If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, natural resource concerns, and soil health principles and practices to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

Leader 2 Leader Series:Join Chamber President and CEO, Susan Spears on a journey as she interviews some of the top community leaders in this series. Susan and her guests will share their insight and wisdom on making teams more effective, leveling up your communication skills, and building the courage to lead during difficult times. The Leader2Leader series is about making the most of it all —with insights, research, advice, practical tips, and expertise to help you become the leader you desire to be.Today's Guest: Christopher Lindsay, Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Department of Health

To celebrate the incredible working relationship between Fishing the DMV and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, this special long-form compilation episode brings together multiple in-depth biologist reports covering Virginia's most iconic and productive river systems. This episode is packed with science-backed insight, fish population trends, and actionable information every serious angler should know heading into 2025.·      (Tidal) Potomac River with biologist John Odenkirk·      Shenandoah River System with biologist Jason Hallacher·      North Fork of the Holston River with Justin Helflin·      New River System biologist Kristen Chestnut-Faull.·      Upper James River system (Non-Tidal) withbiologist Hunter Hatcher·      York River, Chickahominy, Appomattox and Tidal James River with Biologist Margaret WhitmoreThis special compilation episode kicks off on the Potomac River with veteran biologist John Odenkirk, breaking down the 2025 fisheries report and the current health of bass and invasive snakehead populations in Virginia's tidal waters. From there, we dive into the Shenandoah River system with biologist Jason Hallacher, covering new sampling data across the North Fork, South Fork, and Main Stem, highlighting improving smallmouth numbers, strong sunfish action, successful stocking efforts, and ongoing habitat recovery.The episode then travels across Virginia's most iconic river systems, including the North Fork of the Holston River with Justin Helflin, the legendary New River with Kristen Chestnut-Faull, and the Upper James River with Hunter Hatcher. These segments explore trophy smallmouth potential, population trends, and survey results that reveal why these rivers continue to thrive. The compilation wraps up with a comprehensive tidal breakdown from Margaret Whitmore, covering the Tidal James, Appomattox, Chickahominy, and the often-overlooked Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers—spotlighting some of Virginia's most productive and underrated fisheries heading into the upcoming season.Biologist Reports & Forecasts: https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/forecasts-and-reports/non-tidal-river-fishing-forecast/Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcastIf you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com Jake's bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ Click the link below to get 15% off any roll-on when you use the code BLUEFISH.BlueStuff.com/FishingtheDMV   #bassfishing #fishingtheDMV #fishingtips Support the show

A desire and passion for caring for the earth, soil, and the natural environment can start at a young age.Fatema Mohajir and her family are from the Bamyan province in central Afghanistan. As a child, Fatema's family lived in Iran, where her father worked at a large-scale vegetable farm. Fatema's father and older brother inspired her interest in soil science and farming.Fatema studied at Kabul University and graduated in 2020. As a part of her studies, Fatema participated in a year-long Permaculture Program led by Rosemary Marrow from Australia. After graduating, Fatema received a scholarship to study in Uzbekistan, where she focused on bioeconomy and irrigation.Fatema moved to the United States in 2023 and has been working at the Farm at Willow Run in Harrisonburg for the past two seasons. Fatema shares about her interest in organic farming and her overall aim to be a role model for others in caring for the earth, soil, and the bioeconomy.To learn about Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community's farm-to-table initiative and the Farm at Willow Run, please visit https://www.vmrc.org/the-farm. You can listen to Rosemary Morrow's Journey to Permaculture on The Permaculture Podcast.We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:1) Keep the soil covered -- with living plants and residue. Cover crops are our friends and allies; avoid leaving soil bare.2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Practice no-till or gentle tillage as much as possible in your field or garden.3) Maximize living roots -- for the longest time to improve biodiversity, soil structure, and life in the soil.4) Energize with diversity -- aboveground and belowground with high-quality food for soil and plants, and integration of livestock on cropland. If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters.If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, natural resource concerns, and soil health principles and practices to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

As agencies look to modernize healthcare systems, technology leaders face a unique challenge: driving innovation while safeguarding sensitive personal data and meeting strict regulatory requirements.   This week on Feds At the Edge, we hear from two unique perspectives on how to modernize healthcare safely, strategically, and effectively.   Suresh Soundararajan, CIO for the Virginia Department of Health, explains why technology initiatives fail when they aren't aligned with organizational strategy, and why success should be measured through meaningful outcomes like patient satisfaction and reduced processing times, not change for change's sake.  Nasheb Ismaily, Principal Solutions Engineer, Public Sector at Cloudera Government Solutions, introduces the concept of "precision health," showing how predictive analytics can help identify risks earlier, shift care away from costly emergency interventions, and improve long-term outcomes.    Tune in on your favorite podcast platform for this conversation that underscores the importance of shared vision, cultural change, and a deliberate, strategic approach to technology adoption in healthcare.   

How can we care for the soil and farm for better health outcomes?   Dr. Christine Mahoney of the University of Virginia's Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and Wayflowering Flower Farm joins Mary and Eric for a conversation about soil health, regenerative farm design, and organic flower farming. Dr. Mahoney shares how better outcomes, such as health, peace, and tranquility, can be achieved through enriching the soil, enhancing biodiversity, sequestering carbon, strengthening local ecosystems, and supporting pollinator habitats. For Dr. Mahoney, caring for the soil and creating an incredible place for flowers, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators is foundational and inspirational. Please visit https://www.wayflowering.com/ to learn more about cut-your-own flower opportunities and immersive experiences at Wayflowering Flower Farm. For details about the flower farming course and podcast that inspired and influenced Dr. Mahoney's thoughts on farm design and organic no-till flower farming, please visit Floret Flowers and The No-Till Flowers Podcast.    We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:1) Keep the soil covered -- with living plants and residue. Cover crops are our friends and allies; avoid leaving soil bare.2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Practice no-till or gentle tillage as much as possible in your field or garden.3) Maximize living roots -- for the longest time to improve biodiversity, soil structure, and life in the soil.4) Energize with diversity -- aboveground and belowground with high-quality food for soil and plants, and integration of livestock on cropland. If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters.If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, natural resource concerns, and soil health principles and practices to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

What does it take to build an archery event that welcomes first-timers, seasoned competitors, bowhunters, kids, families — and everyone in between?In this episode of the Green Top Outdoors Podcast, Hunter and Todd sit down in the Green Top podcast studio with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to talk about the 2nd Annual Virginia DWR Archery Open, coming up January 10th at Richmond Raceway.You'll hear from:Ben Fairbanks, Archery Education Coordinator for DWRKelsey Steinberg, Community Engagement & External RelationsShelby, Public Information Officer

Gigaprojects aren't hard to spot: deep complexity, massive stakeholder groups, wildly ambitious scopes and a major boost to national economies. We discuss two gigaprojects with: Ryan Banas, project director for the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion project and VP at HNTB in Norfolk, Virginia, USA; and Chris Hall, district engineer at the Virginia Department of Transportation in Hampton, Virginia, USA: Banas and Hall discuss how their teams prepared for the years-long bridge and tunnel project, how they keep teams aligned across multiple hand-offs, and the clever ways they engage stakeholders—including community members affected by construction.  Mohammed Almutlaq, project management office VP at the Royal Commission for AlUla in Riyadh: Almutlaq shares how teams are turning the historical site of AlUla into an archaeological tourism destination. He discusses how the PMO keeps teams across portfolios aligned to a singular strategy, ways teams best communicate and keep track of progress across projects, and builds flexibility into projects through solid change management practices.Key themes01:42 Managing a multibillion-dollar infrastructure overhaul in Virginia04:42 How teams collaborate to tackle years-long projects07:41 Good practices for hand-offs across the project life cycle10:12 Keeping the community informed—and building buy-in for the long haul15:44 Transforming the ancient city of AlUla into a tourism hub18:18 How a PMO keeps multiple teams aligned to one strategic vision21:19 Building adaptability into projects with change management25:06 Top challenges: continuous value delivery and retaining the right talent  over long timelines 

In this episode, we speak with Gerald Lackey, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, about how the state is using new innovative technology and deep learning to reinvent behind the wheel testing. Host: Ian Grossman Producer: Claire Jeffrey, Chelsey Hadwin, and Kayle Nguyen Music: Gibson Arthur

What role can social entrepreneurship have in building soil health and achieving positive ecological goals?Mary and Eric explore this question with Dr. Christine Mahoney of the University of Virginia's Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and Wayflowering Flower Farm. Dr. Mahoney shares her own experiences with social enterprises, systems thinking, and regenerative organic flower farming in this episode. Dr. Mahoney reflects on the catalytic effect organizations and businesses can have on innovation and change, such as enriching the soil, enhancing biodiversity, sequestering carbon, strengthening local ecosystems, and supporting pollinator habitats.To learn more about cut-your-own flower opportunities and immersive experiences at Wayflowering Flower Farm, please visit https://www.wayflowering.com/.If you want to become a member of the Central Virginia Flower Collective, send an email inquiry to CVAFlowers@gmail.com. If you are interested in impact investing, specifically related to displaced people and refugees, please visit the Refugee Investment Network that Dr. Mahoney helped found at https://refugeeinvestments.org/As always, we encourage you to cooperate with other farmers, graziers, and gardeners for peer-to-peer learning and to follow the four core soil health principles: 1) Keep the soil covered -- Cover crops are our friends and allies; avoid bare fallows;2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Practice no-till or gentle tillage as much as possible in your field or garden;3) Maximize living roots year-round -- to improve biodiversity, soil structure, and life in the soil; and4) Energize with diversity -- through crop rotation, high-quality food for soil and plants, farm enterprises, and livestock integration. If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, natural resource concerns, and soil health principles and practices to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

As December arrives in the Shenandoah Valley, most residents brace for winter's first flakes with equal parts nostalgia and dread. Yet for Ken Slack, communications specialist for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the "S-word" signals something far more serious: the start of long days, sleepless nights, and the full activation of a year-round effort to keep the region moving safely. During this year's annual "Snow Show" on The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with Ken to uncover what really happens behind the scenes before, during, and after winter storms. The conversation reveals a complex system of planning, people, equipment, and science—all working together to protect the Shenandoah Valley's roads. A Year-Round Operation: Preparing for Winter in July Although most Virginians don't think about snow until the weather turns cold, VDOT never stops planning for winter. Ken explains that salt acquisition, equipment preparation, and contractor coordination happen "pretty much year-round." Because Mid-Atlantic states often pull from the same salt suppliers, VDOT begins stockpiling materials months in advance. By early summer, the agency starts contracting plow operators and supplemental crews—critical partners, since VDOT alone cannot cover the 11-county region with 150 miles of Interstate 81 in the Staunton District. For many contractors, winter work fills seasonal employment gaps, making it a mutually beneficial relationship. As fall approaches, VDOT conducts "dry runs," where plows, spreaders, dump trucks, graders, and even the occasional snowblower undergo rigorous inspection. Mechanics check everything from hydraulics to electronic components to the flashing safety lights. New operators also drive their designated routes with seasoned staff to learn every cul-de-sac, mailbox, driveway, and hazard before the first storm arrives. More Than Machines: The Human Infrastructure VDOT's winter workforce extends far beyond plow drivers. The agency maintains equipment repair shops in multiple locations—including Staunton, Winchester, Harrisonburg, and Alleghany County—staffed with specialists who not only service vehicles in the shop but often crawl under trucks on the roadside during storms. The agency also relies on dozens of employees whose regular jobs have nothing to do with snow removal. During weather events, environmental staff, surveyors, office workers, and administrative teams might be reassigned to phone operations, storm reporting, or road-condition updates that feed directly into the statewide 511 Virginia system. As Ken puts it, "VDOT is an all-hands-on-deck operation whenever it snows." Forecasting the Fight: Science Meets Local Knowledge Weather drives nearly every decision VDOT makes during a storm. To stay ahead, the agency collaborates closely with two National Weather Service offices—Sterling for the northern Shenandoah Valley and Blacksburg for the southern region—while also relying on a private forecasting consultant. However, the most valuable insights often come from the ground. Supervisors stationed throughout the district contribute hyperlocal knowledge about cold pockets, shaded roadways, tricky curves, and elevations where conditions can change dramatically within a few miles. This matters in a district that stretches from Page County's valleys to Highland County's rugged ridges, nicknamed "Virginia's Switzerland" for its long, snowy seasons. Understanding Treatments: Brine, Salt, and Abrasives One of the most common misconceptions among drivers involves road treatments—particularly when VDOT chooses not to pre-treat ahead of a storm. Ken clarifies that brine (a saltwater solution) only works when applied well in advance of snowfall. If a storm begins with rain, the liquid simply washes away. That's why VDOT carefully times its anti-icing operations 24 to 36 hours before precipitation arrives. Salt remains the standard treatment, but once temperatures drop into the low 20s or teens, its effectiveness weakens. That's when the agency may incorporate abrasives—fine, gritty particles smaller than pea gravel—to help vehicles gain traction. In extreme cold, VDOT may also use calcium chloride, a more potent but costlier option reserved for the harshest conditions. And yes—VDOT mixes its own brine in giant onsite tanks equipped with agitators. The Interstates Come First: Prioritizing What Matters Most When snow starts falling, VDOT's first priority is always the interstates and major primary roads that support hospitals, fire and rescue, commercial trucking, and essential travel. During heavy storms, plow operators may spend the entire event clearing a single 30-mile stretch of Interstate 81, circling back and forth until snowfall eases. Only once the major routes are reasonably clear can operators move to secondary roads and neighborhoods. Why Staying Home Makes a Difference Both Janet and Ken stress one message above all: staying off the roads during storms dramatically improves safety—and speeds up VDOT's work. "It's a lot easier to plow a road that doesn't have any vehicles on it," Ken explains. Fewer cars mean fewer accidents, fewer stuck vehicles blocking lanes, and fewer obstacles for plow drivers navigating low visibility and icy conditions. For those who must drive—retail workers, health-care employees, and service professionals—Ken offers clear advice: leave early, drive slowly, avoid sudden movements, and give yourself far more stopping distance than usual. And when in doubt, assume the road is icy—especially when freezing rain creates hazardous, nearly invisible "black ice." Tools for Drivers: 511 and Real-Time Road Temperature Data VDOT's 511 Virginia system provides far more than traffic cameras. Drivers can access pavement temperature readings, weather station data, alerts, and real-time incident reports—tools that help them decide when (or whether) to travel. Even VDOT staff use the traffic cameras to track approaching storms: "They'll watch the snow hit Mount Jackson, and they know it's coming next." A Final Word: Respect the Storm As the conversation ends, Ken offers one last reminder: preparation, patience, and caution remain the keys to a safer winter season. Whether you're a commuter, a weekend traveler, or just someone who loves snow days, VDOT's work depends on drivers doing their part. And if you need an excuse to stay home? Janet jokes that she'll be citing Ken personally.

Health and nutrition start with caring for the soil. Food can and should be our medicine. Dr. Robin "Buz" Kloot of the University of South Carolina's Arnold School of Public Health and Soil Health Labs shares his perspective on connections with soil health and public health with Eric, Mary, and Jeff in this episode. Buz reflects on his own research but also points out what he has heard from farmers and ranchers he has worked with through the years. Building on the idea that eating is an agricultural act and food can be medicine, Buz would like health professionals, agronomists, soil scientists, farmers, and ranchers to collaborate more on soil and public health research and education.In addition to your own research and study of soil and human health, Buz recommends reading Fred Provenza's book Nourishment: What Animals Can Teach Us about Rediscovering Our Nutritional Wisdom. As always, we encourage you to cooperate with other farmers, graziers, and gardeners for peer-to-peer learning and to follow the four core soil health principles: 1) Keep the soil covered -- Cover crops are our friends and allies; avoid bare fallows;2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Practice no-till or gentle tillage as much as possible in your field or garden;3) Maximize living roots year-round -- to improve biodiversity, soil structure, and life in the soil; and4) Energize with diversity -- through crop rotation, high-quality food for soil and plants, farm enterprises, and livestock integration. The 4 The Soil team recently commissioned a new set of art posters to help people remember the four principles of soil health and celebrate that “We Are 4 the Soil!”.  If you are personally or professionally interested in printing and framing the soil health artwork, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters.If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, natural resource concerns, and soil health principles and practices to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

In the 6 AM hour, Andrew Langer and Patrice Onwuka discussed: WMAL GUEST: CULLY STIMSON (Deputy Director, Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies at The Heritage Foundation) on His Daily Signal Article: "30-Year JAG Veteran Schools Democrats for Video Calling for Sedition in the Military" WMAL GUEST: MICHELLE HOLLAND (Spokesperson, Virginia Department of Transportation) on the I-495 Express Lanes Extension Opening This Saturday CAPITOL SCARE: A Fire Erupted in the U.S. Capitol Trolley System Tunnels Last Night Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Friday, November 21, 2025 / 6 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WMAL GUEST: MICHELLE HOLLAND (Spokesperson, Virginia Department of Transportation) on the I-495 Express Lanes Extension Opening This Saturday and New Connections at the Dulles Toll Road WEBSITE: VirginiaDOT.org SOCIAL MEDIA: @VaDOTNOVA Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Friday, November 21, 2025 / 6 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Chrisley Confessions 2.0, Todd Chrisley is joined by Rick Stover, Special Assistant to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) who has been with the Bureau for nearly 29 years. They dive deep into the First Step Act (FSA) and its implementation within the Bureau of Prisons. He shares insights on the challenges and successes of the FSA since its inception in 2018, including the complexities of good conduct time calculations and the impact of the Second Chance Act.We discuss the growing pains experienced during the rollout of the FSA, the importance of accurate time credit calculations, and the steps being taken to improve the process for inmates. Our guest addresses common misconceptions about home confinement eligibility and the role of case managers in determining release dates.Listen in as we explore the ongoing efforts to streamline the FSA implementation, the establishment of a triage team to address inmate concerns, and the commitment to ensuring that inmates receive the benefits they are entitled to under the law. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in criminal justice reform and the future of the Bureau of Prisons.THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!- LEAN: Get 20% OFF when you enter code CHRISLEY at https://www.takelean.com!- Just Thrive: Go to https://www.justthrivehealth.com/CONFESSIONS to save 20%! Take the 90-Day Just Thrive Challenge today because when your gut thrives, you thrive!- HOME TITLE LOCK: Go to https://www.hometitlelock.com/chrisley and use promo code CHRISLEY to get a FREE title history report and a FREE TRIAL of their Triple Lock Protection! For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warranty - BOLL & BRANCH: Get 20% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at https://www.BollAndBranch.com/confessions!- RULA: Use Rula to get affordable, high-quality therapy that's actually covered by insurance. Visit https://www.rula.com/Chrisley to get started. You deserve mental healthcare that works with you, not against your budget. #rulapod - Genesis Gold Group: Visit https://www.chrisleylovesgold.com today for your FREE Family Wealth Protection Gold Guide and join thousands of Americans who've protected their legacy with real assets!FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS:Todd Chrisley:Insta: (https://www.instagram.com/toddchrisley)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/toddchrisley)Julie Chrisley:Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/juliechrisley)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/JulieChrisley)Chrisley Confessions 2.0:Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/chrisleyconfessions2.0)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisleyconfessions2.0)YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisleyConfessions)Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@TheCastCollective)Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/thecastcollective)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)About Rick Stover:Rick Stover currently serves as the Special Assistant to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He began his career in corrections with the Virginia Department of Corrections, where he worked for several years before joining the Bureau of Prisons in April 1997 as a Case Manager at FCC Forrest City (AR).In his current role, Mr. Stover leads the Bureau's efforts to advance implementation of the First Step Act (FSA). He was selected for this position in recognition of his prior leadership in developing and negotiating the FSA Time Credits policy. His work has included oversight of policy improvements aimed at enhancing inmate outcomes and fostering collaboration across federal, state, and local agencies to support justice system reform.Mr. Stover has also provided expert guidance on policy development and legal interpretation to ensure consistent application of FSA provisions across law enforcement entities. Throughout his tenure in the Correctional Programs Division and as Warden, he actively engaged with advocacy groups, legal professionals, and community stakeholders to promote transparency and trust in the justice system. In his current role, he is prioritizing agency-wide FSA training and advising the Director on significant immigration matters affecting the Bureau.Mr. Stover holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminal Justice from Duquesne University and a master's degree in the Administration of Criminal Justice from the State University of New York at Albany. He has been a member of the Senior Executive Service since 2024.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.