Podcasts about Winchester

Million Dollar Relationships

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 24:42

In this episode, host Janet Michael visits the Capon Valley Bank branch in Stephens City to discuss the value of community banking in today's digital age. Melba Thorne shares insights on personalized banking, financial literacy, and how a century-old institution maintains its commitment to local communities. About Capon Valley Bank History: Serving communities since 1918, starting in Wardensville, West Virginia Locations: Five branches across Hardy County (WV) and Frederick County (VA) New expansion: Sixth branch opening May 2026 on Winchester's north side (across from Texas Roadhouse on Ezra's Lane) Parent company: Highland Bank Shares (sister bank to Grant County Bank) Banking Philosophy "Big bank products with hometown service" Focus on personal relationships over sales quotas Loan decisions made locally (no waiting weeks for out-of-state approval) Treating customers as individuals, not numbers Goal: "The Chick-fil-A of banking" - knowing customers by name Services Offered Personal Banking: Checking and savings accounts Home equity lines of credit Auto loans Rewards checking with "UChoose Rewards" program Roundup savings program (automatically rounds purchases to nearest dollar and saves the difference) Business & Commercial Banking: New construction lending (residential and commercial) Commercial lines of credit Small business startup loans SBA loans Agricultural loans Investment property financing (including Airbnb properties) Land loans Renovation loans Financial Tips Credit Score Protection: Limit credit inquiries when car shopping (no more than 2 pulls from dealerships) Multiple credit pulls can dramatically drop your credit score Get pre-approved from your bank before visiting dealerships Target credit score: 680+ (many banks require 700+) Credit Score Factors: Too many credit cards can hurt your score Maxed out credit cards negatively impact your score even if paid on time One missed payment can drop you below 700 Medical issues, divorce, and life events are considered with context Smart Money Habits: Build emergency savings for "rainy days" Use roundup savings programs to save without thinking about it Monitor your credit score regularly through banking apps Don't spend everything left over after paying bills Community Involvement Cram the Cruiser: Annual toy drive in December for Toys for Tots (collects 300+ toys per branch) Partnership with local police and fire departments School volunteer programs and event support Sponsorship of local fairs and festivals (Newtown Heritage Weekend, etc.) Active chamber of commerce participation Community Leadership Program graduate Technology & Convenience Full online banking platform Mobile banking apps Online account applications available Educational learning center on website with product videos Still encourages in-person visits for personalized service Contact Information Website: caponvalleybank.com Phone: 540-868-1140 Direct line to local branch (no call centers!) Commercial Lending: Fred Brooks, Commercial Loan Officer Resources Mentioned Educational videos and learning center at caponvalleybank.com Credit score monitoring apps SBA loan programs

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How Emotional Healing Drives Workplace Success with Susan Winchester

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 41:38

What if workplace conflict is not something to avoid, but the very path to healing and high performance? In this episode, Susan Winchester shares how a 36-year corporate HR career evolved into a purpose-driven executive coaching and consulting practice focused on emotional intelligence, leadership effectiveness, and workplace healing. Susan served in senior HR leadership roles for global organizations including Kellogg's, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Rockwell Automation, and Applied Materials. After retiring from corporate life at 60, she transitioned into her own consulting and executive coaching practice, helping C-suite leaders and organizations transform workplace dynamics through her proprietary frameworks. Susan reveals how two key relationships profoundly changed the trajectory of her career, leadership style, and personal growth. [00:02:40] From Corporate CHRO to Purpose-Driven Consultant • 36.5-year career in corporate HR and consulting • Served as Chief HR Officer in Fortune 150 organizations • Successfully hired and mentored her successor before retiring • Retired at 60 and transitioned into consulting by design [00:08:00] The Crossroads Meditation • Attended a VIP retreat in Ibiza • Faced a decision between scaling a digital business or starting a boutique consulting practice • Realized she wanted to work with people she genuinely respected and enjoyed • Within weeks, former colleagues reached out with opportunities [00:10:40] Helping Leaders Shift Identity • Coaches executives in large corporations, private equity firms, and universities • Helps leaders recognize how childhood programming shows up at work • Reduces anxiety, overthinking, and perfectionism patterns • Focuses on leadership capability and performance optimization [00:13:40] The Relationship That Changed Everything: Celine DeCosta • Finished writing Healing at Work but was afraid to publish it • Invested in a 90-minute Story Clarity Intensive • Discovered her purpose was bigger than her fear • Published the book after years of hesitation [00:23:20] 4,000 Weeks and Redefining Time • Introduced to Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman • Realized an 80-year life equals roughly 4,000 weeks • Shifted from seeing time as pressure to seeing it as precious • Became more intentional about family, friendships, and experiences [00:27:00] Rethinking Wealth and Utility • Influenced by Die with Zero by Bill Perkins • Began focusing on life experiences over accumulation • Prioritized giving while alive • Shared wealth intentionally with family [00:29:00] The Second Transformational Relationship: Ken Wright • Met Ken Wright through the Human Synergistics Lifestyles Inventory • Received early feedback about perfectionism that later proved true • Learned advanced leadership and organizational frameworks [00:37:00] The Power of Right Relationships • Credits mentors for holding a bigger vision for her than she held for herself • Learned that growth requires uncomfortable feedback • Discovered that emotional healing improves performance • Built a career rooted in gratitude and intentional evolution KEY QUOTES "A lot of our workplace conflict is unresolved history asking to be healed." - Susan Winchester "There is a conscious healing career path, and there is an unconscious wounded career path. Most of us don't realize which one we're on." - Susan Winchester "Perfectionism looks like excellence from the outside. Inside, it can be desperation." - Susan Winchester CONNECT WITH SUSAN WINCHESTER

Winchester Little Theatre: Decision Height

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Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 29:47

Episode Summary Host Janet Michael visits Winchester Little Theatre to preview their upcoming production "Decision Height," opening March 13th. This powerful play tells the overlooked story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) of World War II—courageous women who left everything to fly military planes and free up male pilots for combat. Director Theresa Apple and cast members share insights into bringing these real historical figures to life during Women's History Month, discussing their research process, military training exercises, and the bonds they've formed as an all-female ensemble. Guests: Tim Bambera (Publicity Director), Theresa Apple (Director), Ella Drury, Lyla Samet, Shelby Brown, Ash James (Cast Members) Production Details & Ticket Information Show dates: March 13-28, 2025 Ticket prices: Adults $25, Seniors $23, Students $18 IMPORTANT: Only purchase tickets from winchesterlittletheatre.org Warning about third-party ticket resellers The Story Behind Decision Height Who were the WASPs? 25,000 applied, only 1,100 accepted 38 killed during service 40 years to receive military recognition Director Theresa Apple on the Production Research at the National WASP Museum in Sweetwater, Texas Authentic set design with replica WWII cockpits Drill sergeant training on audition day Teaching young actors about 1940s women's comportment Meet the Cast: Ella Drury (Alice Hawkins) Playing a maternal figure in the group First all-female cast experience Watching documentaries and video interviews with real WASPs The pressure and honor of portraying real historical figures Lyla Samet (Carol Henderson) Playing the youngest, most energetic character How she and Ella met at the theater doing "Alice in Wonderland" Carol's backstory: Oklahoma farm girl whose mother left First main stage audition experience Shelby Brown (Mildred Simmons) Creating a distinctive voice for her character Coming from a military family and being a history buff Knowledge of the British Spitfires (precursor to WASPs) Building character depth beyond the script Ash James (Edith "Eddie" Harknell) Playing a tomboy character who grew up with all men Personal connection: grew up with brothers, played sports The rarity of non-feminine female roles Emotional reflection on female service members' discrimination Cast Bonding & Ensemble Building Deliberately spending time together outside rehearsals Mirroring the real WASPs' journey from strangers to family How relationships evolve throughout the show The importance of authentic connections on stage Special Events & Upcoming Productions March 15th: Special talkback with author Patricia O'Connell Pearson ("Fly Girls: The Daring American Women Pilots Who Helped Win WWII") April 3rd: Illusionist Ryan Schaffer (family-friendly, 50/50 door split) May 15-30: "Calendar Girls" (auditions March 22-23) WLT Kids 2026: "Three Musketeers" (June 20-27) & "James and the Giant Peach Jr." (July 18-25) Resources & Links Winchester Little Theatre: Website: winchesterlittletheatre.org Phone: 540-662-3331 Box Office Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays, 4-6 PM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winlit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winchesterlittletheatre Production Information: "Decision Height" runs March 13-28, 2025 93% sold out as of recording Opening night sold out Join waiting list for sold-out shows by calling the box office About the WASPs The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) served from 1942-1944, flying every type of military aircraft to free male pilots for combat duty. Despite their service: They were not recognized as military until 1977 (President Jimmy Carter) Full military benefits not granted until 2009 (President Barack Obama) Congressional Medal of Honor awarded in 2010 Museum located in Sweetwater, Texas at the original Avenger Field training site

Episode 208: The Gift (2000)

BLOODHAUS

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 94:14

This week, Drusilla and Josh discuss one of Raimi's underseen films, The Gift. From wiki: “The Gift is a 2000 American Southern Gothic supernatural thriller film directed by Sam Raimi and written by Billy Bob Thornton and Tom Epperson.[4] Thornton and Epperson had written the screenplay for the film prior to the former's 1996 breakout success Sling Blade, with Thornton taking inspiration from his own mother's alleged psychic experiences.[5]”Also discussed: Long Island Medium, Body Double, Sylvia Browne, Winchester mystery house, De Palma, Burning (2018), The Other Sister, TransAmerica, and more. NEXT WEEK: Nadja (1994) Bloodhaus:https://www.bloodhauspod.com/https://www.instagram.com/bloodhauspod/https://letterboxd.com/bloodhaus/Drusilla Adeline:https://www.sisterhydedesign.com/https://letterboxd.com/sisterhyde/https://www.instagram.com/sister__hyde/Joshua Conkelhttps://www.joshuaconkel.com/https://www.instagram.com/joshua_conkel/https://letterboxd.com/JoshuaConkel/

618: Relay For Life of Northern Shenandoah Valley

Breakfast With Barry Lee

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 17:44

The Relay For Life of Northern Shenandoah Valley presented by Shenandoah University steps off on March 20th at the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Events Center to benefit the American Cancer Society. Barry's guest is longtime Relay volunteer and cancer survivor Michael Hummer who outlines the fun activities for all ages on 3/20, including lap themes from the 60's to today with music and costumes. Michael also shares how the money raised provides incredible resources and information for those diagnosed and their families. www.cancer.org www.relayforlife.org (Winchester, VA)

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A Baptism of Repentance - 3/8/2026 11AM

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 55:29

Welcome to Living GodCast, the sermon podcast from Church of the Living God in Winchester, KY!Each week, we bring you powerful biblical messages to encourage and strengthen your faith. Whether you're part of our local church family or tuning in from afar, we pray these messages inspire you in your walk with Christ.Join us in person at 114 Franklin Avenue, Winchester, KY, or explore more about us online at ⁠www.wincitycolg.com⁠. For additional resources and ways to connect, visit our Linktree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/wincitycolg⁠. Subscribe and grow with us in God's Word!

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A Baptism of Repentance - 3/8/2026 9AM

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 36:50

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Worship: Week 2 - 3/8/2026

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 30:44

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Dems Block Pro-Gun Speaker; The Marvelous 308 Rifle Cartridge; Shaming Shooters: 03.08.26 Hour 1

Gun Talk

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 43:56 Transcription Available

In This Hour:-- Democrats tried to stop Second Amendment activist Amy Swearer from speaking against a gun ban, but public pressure won out.-- March 8 is "308 Day." The .308 Winchester rifle cartridge has been a standout for a quarter century for a good reason.-- When Assistant U.S. Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon posted online photos of her targets, some tried to shame her for not shooting better. Tom takes them to task for driving away people who might like to try shooting.Gun Talk 03.08.26 Hour 1Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gun-talk--6185159/support.

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Following Jesus - Mighty Messiah, Suffering Servant - “Worthy of It All” - Part 51

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 47:11

“Worthy of It All”Mark 14:1-11Having recently completed our series “None Like Jesus” let's continue to “Behold Him” by embarking on a new study through the Gospel of Mark. Mark's Gospel is the shortest of the four Gospels and it is action-packed from start to finish – as evidenced by the word “immediately” used over 40 times. Mark wrote to believers, probably Roman believers, who were no strangers to persecution. And he wanted to disciple his readers to be strong in their faith by encouraging them to look to their Mighty Messiah, the Son of God, who remained steadfastly faithful even while becoming their Suffering Servant who died for them. Mark's Gospel is a call to all believers to fearlessly “Follow Jesus” because they can trust Him completely.

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United Way NSV: Supporting Children from Birth to Five

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 18:54

Supporting Parents and Young Children: The Yellow Schoolhouse On this United Way segment of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael spoke with Pam Haefner, executive director of the Yellow School House, about how the nonprofit is helping parents of young children find connection, resources, and support in the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Haefner explained that the organization began after she and a friend recognized how overwhelming parenting can be—especially when parents often receive conflicting advice and little preparation for the role. In response, the Yellow School House was created to offer families a welcoming place to connect with other parents, access expert guidance, and build a supportive community. Today, the nonprofit provides several free programs for families with children age five and under. These include a weekly moms group in Winchester, interactive playgroups where parents can talk while children play, and the organization's signature annual event, Baby Buzz—a parenting conference designed to connect families with local experts and resources. This year's Baby Buzz will take place March 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Douglas Community Learning Center in Winchester. The free event will feature speakers, family-friendly vendors, a barbecue lunch, and activities for children, including visits from local first responders. Following the interview, United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley CEO Andy Gail discussed how organizations like the Yellow School House support United Way's Youth Opportunity pillar by helping parents build strong foundations for children during the critical birth-to-five years. Families can learn more about upcoming programs and events at yellowschoolhouse.org.

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The Mad Scientist Farmer: Robby Ds Lil Greens

Firearms Radio Network (All Shows)

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 23:48

A Thriving Indoor Farm Operation In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael and cohost Niki Foster from the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce talk with chamber member & community advocate Rob Demariano about his growing business Robby Ds Lil Greens, an indoor vertical microgreen farm that has been quietly revolutionizing local food access in Front Royal, Virginia for nearly three years. Operating as a one-man enterprise, Rob has managed to expand his delivery footprint from Front Royal to encompass the region between Martinsburg and Luray, reaching as far east as The Plains. Remarkably, he's even scheduling meetings with Northern Virginia restaurants to further extend his reach. Unlike traditional outdoor farming, Rob's indoor operation allows him to control every environmental variable year-round. "I can dial in weather, humidity, everything," he explains, noting that while he admittedly has "a bit of a brown thumb" when it comes to outdoor gardening, the controlled indoor environment lets him perfect his growing methods and lock them in consistently. Understanding the Microgreen Advantage For those unfamiliar with microgreens, Rob offers a clear distinction from their better-known cousin, the sprout. While sprouts consist simply of seeds with small stems emerging—think mung beans—microgreens advance to the leafing stage, similar to seedlings. This developmental sweet spot delivers maximum flavor intensity and nutritional density. "The sweets are sweeter. The radishes have more bite," Rob notes, adding that microgreens are legitimately certified superfoods with significantly higher nutrition levels than their full-grown counterparts. Innovative Product Development Beyond fresh microgreens, Rob has channeled his inner "mad scientist" to create an impressive array of value-added products. His freeze-dried broccoli microgreen mango drink cleverly disguises the superfood within a bright yellow beverage that looks and tastes like ordinary mango juice. After depleting his first production run from fall through early March, he's preparing another batch for late March. Meanwhile, his collaboration with Wuuds Coffee—a Smithsonian-recommended, bird-friendly coffee roaster—and Hawksbill Mountain Mushroom has yielded a microgreen and mushroom coffee blend. The pre-ground mixture requires no additional preparation, brewing just like regular coffee without any grittiness. Customers can purchase it locally or order online with free Friday delivery throughout the Winchester and Front Royal areas. Rob's partnerships extend into the dessert realm as well. Working with Uncle Beehive in Winchester, he developed a Genovese basil ice cream using their lemon cream base. After a successful soft launch late last year, he's now dedicating two full growing racks exclusively to basil production to meet demand. The ice cream will soon appear permanently on the menu at an unnamed Winchester restaurant. Most recently, Rob partnered with Bethlehem Farms to create microgreen-topped wood-fired personal pan pizzas. Priced at just $14, these pizzas feature top-quality ingredients and sold out almost immediately upon their launch last week. The Farm to Fam Initiative However, Rob's most ambitious project represents the culmination of his original business vision. Launching March 28th, the "Farm to Fam" program partners with the Hike Kidz Foundation, a local 501(c)(3) organization, to address food insecurity while supporting small-scale farmers. "I have so many partners that I've gotten through the years," Rob explains. "I said, why aren't we putting together a CSA-style box utilizing all local farmers and producers and look to those in our community who are suffering from food insecurity?" The program will initially deliver 50 boxes to 50 Warren County families experiencing food insecurity, providing them with premium local products including fresh superfoods, milk, eggs, and meats. Funded through a recently approved grant and private donations, the initiative aims to grow from monthly or biweekly deliveries to weekly distribution. Importantly, the program serves a dual purpose. By paying small-scale farms for their products through grant funding, Farm to Fam creates stable income streams that help these operations grow. Rob envisions families eventually participating through volunteering with box packing and even farming activities, creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both food-insecure families and local agricultural businesses. A Community Leader Rob's commitment extends beyond his business ventures. He serves on multiple boards including the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Front Royal, Hike Kidz Foundation, and Front Royal Soccer Association. Niki emphasizes his community involvement: "He is one of those people who you heard him talk about all the business stuff that he is doing. He also gives of his time for organizations and the folks in the community as well." Connecting with the Community Customers can order from Robby Ds Lil Greens through robbydslilgreens.com, with free Friday deliveries for local orders. The business also maintains active Facebook and Instagram presences. For those interested in volunteering with the Farm to Fam project, information is available through the Hike Kidz Foundation website at hikekidzfoundation.org. As Rob continues experimenting with new products and expanding his community impact, his story illustrates how innovative agriculture can address both nutritional needs and food system sustainability simultaneously. With each new partnership and product launch, this one-man operation proves that thinking creatively about local food systems can yield benefits far beyond the farm itself.

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Double Tap 451 – Bananas and Apples

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026

Double Tap - Ep 451 This episode of Double Tap is brought to you by: Gideon Optics (Code: WLSISLIFE) Primary Arms Blue Alpha Rost Martin (Code: WLSISLIFE) Otis Technology (Code: WELIKESHOOTING15) Mitchell Defense (Code: WLS10) Text Dear WLS or Reviews +1 743 500 2171 Public https://welikeshooting.com/titles/ DEAR WLS Note Question from Mistertheguyaskingaquestion. I recently ordered my first suppressor since I live in a comme state now and they're trying to put a $500 tax on suppressors. I got a resilient suppressors, simple man 30 cal can. 2 questions. One, Is this a decent suppressor for the $500 I paid. Two, how many rounds do you think it will last. I will mostly be using it on bolt actions with occasional use on an ar. Great show! Question from Anonymous Coward from GA If reasonable fear of grave bodily harm justifies self defence, and whistles and bullhorns cause permanent hearing damage, why aren't we shooting protesters? Question from Dusky from Florida Dear WLS, We are seeing quite a bit of piston driven rifle systems, mainly AR (cause fuck everything else) hit not only the market but the front lines and the streets in some cases as it seems to be being issued more often. I understand the basic concept of the piston driven rifle; doesn't dump trash and heat into the bolt so much as well as other things… (maybe Jeremy can even explain some of the differences of some of the different piston systems, if we're lucky enough for him to oblige us in between burps and yawns and hitting his mic if he'snot playing clash of clans [love you Jerombe]) So why though? Probably has a lot to do with the previously stated reason, as well as running suppressors being common SOP for many, which brings up my question – Will we ever see more piston systems than DI? Do you think there will be a point where that happens, is there that much of an advantage for that to be a likely scenario? Thank you for your time. Dusky. Some notes. Question from DrCivilRightsGuy Hey guys. It's MLK weekend and I feel the Democrats sold black people a promise of prosperity and then decided to renig, ergo their situation may be worse now than before the civil rights movement. Many leaders came out of that flotsam, both MLK and Malcolm X rose above the rest. Both were very pro-gun but had different ideas on how to fight injustice. What does the cast think could have happened if the 70s went X's way instead of MLK's? What would both say about how things are now? Also, did nick just drop an n-bomb and then call those two heroes “sambos”? DrCivilRightsGuy Question from Anonymous Coward from Michigan With NFA stamps costing $0, I'm about to SBR a metric ton of lowers and would like to do my own NFA engraving. Anyone have experience with laser engravers and if so, any recommendation? Question from LagDemon from LagDemon if you had a mp5k/ clone and it had a 3 lug barrel and threads would you get a 3 lug mount or some kind of mount for the threaded? Question from Anonymous Coward from WA Cat Facts # 171 said Shawn likes going both ways with cats but wont have a threesome. I find this odd and wanna know why he doesn't have the courage to go all the way. We all know he has the balls but thats a whole nother story. Anyways my source is Episode 445 of D.T. at 29:14 GUN INDUSTRY NEWS Sig Sauer P365 Fuse Comp 9mm Pistol with Romeo-X Enclosed Red Dot Sig Sauer released the P365 Fuse Comp, an integrally compensated 9mm pistol featuring a factory-installed ROMEO-X enclosed red dot optic. It includes a 3.7-inch carbon steel barrel, 17+1 flush or 21+1 extended capacity, and measures 7.2 inches overall. The design reduces muzzle rise and recoil, positioning it as a crossover carry option with interchangeable backstraps and X-RAY3 night sights. Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Sport Flag Finish Smith & Wesson released a limited edition M&P 15-22 Sport rifle with a custom Cerakote Flag Finish on the receivers, handguard, and stock to commemorate America's 250th anniversary. The rifle features a lightweight polymer lower receiver design weighing 5 pounds, a 16.5-inch threaded barrel, and AR-style ergonomics with M-LOK rails. It maintains compatibility with 25-round magazines for .22 LR ammunition. Henry Explorer Carbine Series (H9, H10, H12) Henry Repeating Arms announced the Explorer Carbine Series on February 27, 2026, consisting of lever-action carbines in models H9, H10, and H12 with a distinctive Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish. These carbines feature 16.5-inch threaded barrels, checkered American walnut furniture, and are available in calibers .30-30 Win/.360 Buckhammer, .45-70 Govt, and .357 Mag/.44 Mag. The series emphasizes optics-ready receivers and adjustable sights inspired by American Southwest landscapes. Barrett MRAD Covert The Barrett MRAD Covert is a compact, modular bolt-action precision rifle built on the proven MRAD platform, featuring a folding stock and quick-disassembly design that fits into a backpack for discreet transport. Chambered in .308 Winchester or 6.5 Creedmoor with a 17-inch barrel, 1:8 twist, overall length of 40.4 inches, weight of 11.9 lbs, and 10-round magazine capacity, it delivers sub-0.85 MOA accuracy and remains compatible with all MRAD barrel conversion kits. Announced in January 2026 ahead of SHOT Show, it includes accessories like an Eberlestock Adapt backpack, Atlas bipod, and is targeted at military, law enforcement, and long-range enthusiasts.222124 Pedersoli Kodiak Survivalist .44 Magnum Double Rifle The Pedersoli Kodiak Survivalist is a compact side-by-side double-barreled rifle chambered in .44 Remington Magnum, featuring 18-inch barrels and weighing 5.75 pounds (2.65 kg). It includes a color-case hardened frame, oil-finished walnut stock with checkering, fiber optic sights, and an optional Picatinny rail for optics. Positioned as an affordable option for North American game with classic aesthetics and modern compatibility, it is slated for 2026 release with an online price around $2500.0 Strike Industries M4 Quad Rail Handguard Strike Industries has released the M4 Quad Rail Handguard, a drop-in accessory for standard carbine AR platforms that mounts on the traditional delta ring assembly. It features mil-spec Picatinny rails at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions, extended side rails flush with the front sight base, a secondary clamping mechanism, and two QD sling sockets. Constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum for lightweight durability, it emphasizes a retro quad-rail design with modern patent-pending installation. Real Avid Smart Torq X3 Driver System Real Avid has released the Smart Torq X3 Driver System, a precision tool for firearm maintenance featuring digital torque measurement and customizable presets. The system includes multiple bits for screws and components common in AR platforms and other firearms. It is part of the Cadre News announcement from Safariland. Fix It Sticks Introduces The Works Toolkit with Premium Nanuk Hardcase Fix It Sticks has released The Works Toolkit, a comprehensive firearms maintenance solution featuring over 30 tools including T-Handle bits, torque limiters, and action rod wrenches, all housed in a custom foam-lined Nanuk 935 hardcase. The kit supports AR-15, AR-10, AK, Remington 700, and Benelli shotgun platforms with precise torque settings from 15 to 65 inch-pounds. It is designed for professional and field use with military-grade durability. Before we let you go – JOIN GUN OWNERS OF AMERICA We'd love if you supported the show, join Agency 171 at agency171.com. Lot's of prizes, rewards and kick ass swag. No matter how tough your battle is today, we want you here fight with us tomorrow. Don't struggle in silence, you can contact the suicide prevention line by dialing 988 from your phone. Remember – Always prefer Dangerous Freedom over peaceful slavery. We'll see you next time! Nick – @busbuiltsystems | Bus Built Systems Jeremy – @ret_actual | Rivers Edge Tactical Aaron – @machinegun_moses Savage – @savage1r Shawn – @dangerousfreedomyt | @camorado.cam | Camorado Posted on March 2, 2026

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From Food Truck to Mediterranean Dream: The Bistro Sojo Story

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Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 25:36

From Dream to Reality Winchester's dining scene welcomes a fresh voice as Bistro Sojo opens its doors, bringing Mediterranean and tropical flavors to downtown Winchester. Host of The Valley Today, Janet Michael and cohost Justin Kerns from VisitWinchesterVA.com sit down with owners Felix and Martha Addison to uncover the story behind Winchester's most talked-about new restaurant. The Addisons didn't rush into this venture. After moving to the area from Reston, Virginia in 2006, they harbored dreams of opening a restaurant but recognized the timing wasn't right. Instead, they built their reputation gradually, launching their first food truck, Roaming Bistro, in 2016. Two years later, they added Three Fires Pizza, a mobile wood-fired operation serving Neapolitan-style pizza. For years, loyal customers asked the inevitable question: "When are you getting a storefront?" "You don't get a storefront because people want to see a storefront," Felix explains. "You get a storefront when everything is sustainable." That moment finally arrived in late 2024. The Space That Feels Like Home Walking into Bistro Sojo reveals an immediate transformation from its previous incarnation as La Nicoise. Martha knew exactly what she wanted the moment she saw the space, though Felix admits he had no vision at first. Working with architect Kyle Hopkins of Four Square Architects, they turned Martha's dream into reality. The building's age dictated the design approach. "I couldn't make the ceilings higher," Martha notes. "So I couldn't do the modern stuff. But I could do the cozy." The result feels welcoming rather than imposing, with artwork playing a central role in the atmosphere. Local nonprofit Arte Libre created stunning murals throughout the space, while Zach Anderson painted the striking Royal Birds mural at the reception area and bar. The artwork serves a deeply personal purpose—the little girl in one mural reminds Martha of her daughter, while ocean scenes transport diners to distant shores. Meanwhile, vibrant orange flowers beneath the bar captivate visitors, with Janet confessing she's been contemplating recreating the design on a wall at home. Despite the spacious feel, the restaurant actually seats fewer guests than the previous establishment. The building's occupancy limit, which had been grandfathered in for years, came under scrutiny when the Addisons applied for permits. What was once zoned for 65 now accommodates about 50, including staff. Yet clever design makes the space feel larger and more open than before. A Name Rooted in Family The restaurant's name carries profound meaning. Sojo combines the first syllables of Sophia (Felix's mother) and Jonathan (his father), while also honoring the couple's two children, who bear those same names. "It's a hard J," Felix emphasizes. "It's not Soho. It's Sojo." This family connection extends beyond the name into every aspect of the operation, from the recipes tested at home on dinner guests to the warm hospitality that greets every visitor. The Menu: A Culinary Passport Bistro Sojo takes diners on what Felix calls "a culinary journey from the Mediterranean to the tropics." The menu draws inspiration from Southern Mediterranean and North African cuisines, incorporating warm spices that create depth without heat. Cardamom, nutmeg, star anise, and cloves meld together in unexpected combinations, each dish featuring three or four carefully selected spices that complement the main ingredients. The philosophy borrows from Blue Zone regions, areas where populations reportedly live the longest based on their diets. "We try to make sure we are cognizant of the food that we serve," Felix explains. The kitchen doesn't even have a microwave—everything arrives freshly cooked and freshly sauced. Seasonal ingredients drive the menu, with the Addisons partnering with Chilly Hollow Farm in Berryville for produce. "Whatever they have is what I would make sure I have in here," Martha says. This commitment to seasonality means the menu evolves, with hearty oxtail dishes giving way to spring peas and fresh greens as the weather warms. Current standouts include the surprisingly popular chicken and couscous, the beloved squash and burrata salad, and an unexpected hit—grilled romaine with house-made blue cheese dressing. Meanwhile, Martha's personal favorites lean toward the vegetable-forward dishes, particularly the fried plantains with beans. Remarkably, 98-99% of everything comes from scratch, made in-house. The commitment to quality and transparency stems from knowing exactly what goes into every dish. The Drink That Won Hearts Before even discussing the food, Justin finds himself captivated by a house specialty drink. What he initially assumes came from a container in the back turns out to be Sobolo, a popular West African beverage made from fresh ingredients. The recipe calls for dried hibiscus leaves, freshly grated ginger, freshly squeezed lemons, handfuls of cloves, and star anise. After steeping and straining, the mixture chills before being poured over ice. The result serves as both a palate cleanser and thirst quencher, while also forming the base for all house cocktails. One particular cocktail, the Muddy Waters, earned recognition at Winchester on the Rocks. Initially, the drink's sandy, grainy appearance seemed problematic, but attempts to refine it diminished the flavor Felix loved. The solution? Own it. The name became a tribute to blues icon Muddy Waters, who happened to be a bourbon drinker himself—the cocktail's key spirit. Welcoming Everyone to the Table Personal experience shapes the restaurant's inclusive approach to dining. When Martha's son was young, he had borderline celiac disease. Twenty years ago, finding restaurants that understood gluten-free needs proved nearly impossible. "Most people didn't even know they had allergies," Martha recalls. "They just lived sick." The family started cooking at home, making meals special despite the restrictions. That experience now informs every menu decision at Bistro Sojo. Guests can find gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options throughout the menu. "You can come with any of your sensitivities and intolerances and know that there's an option for you," Martha promises. Justin emphasizes the tourism significance of this commitment. Travelers with allergies often feel anxious about dining away from their safe home restaurants. When Winchester's tourism office works with travel writers and groups, dietary accommodations consistently rank as a top concern. Having restaurants that take sensitivities seriously makes Winchester a safer, more welcoming destination. Standing Out in Winchester's Dining Scene The Addisons deliberately chose a menu unlike anything else in Winchester. "We would not want to do what most of the restaurants were doing because they were doing it so well," Felix explains. "We weren't gonna compete with them doing what they do so well." Instead, they turned to what they naturally cooked at home—Mediterranean and tropical cuisines that reflected their heritage and passion. Most dishes on the menu underwent testing with dinner guests at home before ever reaching the restaurant, ensuring each one met their exacting standards. This uniqueness serves Winchester's tourism mission perfectly. Visitors seek locally owned establishments offering flavors they can't find at home. They want stories to share when they return—tales of discovering a restaurant named after the owner's parents, sipping an award-winning hibiscus cocktail, or experiencing cuisine inspired by the world's healthiest populations. "That's what people are looking for," Justin notes. "Unique stories. So they can go home and say, 'I went to this restaurant that was named after his mom and his dad, they have the best drink, this is a unique thing.'" Bistro Sojo delivers exactly that experience. The Brunch Experience Beyond dinner service Wednesday through Saturday (4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, last reservation at 8:30), Bistro Sojo offers Sunday brunch from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM. While brunch is still building momentum since launching in late November, the Addisons welcome walk-ins during this time. Janet, admittedly not a morning person, celebrates the timing. "I don't believe that eight, nine o'clock should exist ever, especially not on a weekend," she jokes. "A brunch at 10 or 10:30, particularly on a Sunday, is right up my alley." Planning Your Visit The intimate 40-seat space means reservations become essential on busy nights. While two-person walk-ins usually find accommodation, larger parties should book ahead, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Wednesday and Thursday evenings offer the best chance for spontaneous visits. When First Fridays returns to downtown Winchester's pedestrian mall, the restaurant expects even higher demand. Guests can make reservations online through bistrosojo.com or via Google, embracing the convenience modern diners appreciate. As for whether the restaurant welcomes families with children, Martha offers an honest assessment. While they've accommodated kids, the adventurous menu might challenge picky eaters. However, the kitchen keeps some "American-friendly" emergency backup options for children who won't eat anything on the regular menu. Janet appreciates this candor, noting she's reached the stage of life where dining without children appeals to her. The intimate setting naturally encourages conversation between neighboring tables, with guests sometimes exchanging phone numbers after bonding over the food and experience. A Labor of Love From food trucks to fine dining, the Addisons' journey spans nearly two decades of preparation. Their brick-and-mortar dream required patience, planning, and the help of skilled local partners—from architect Kyle Hopkins to the artists who brought the space to life, to the farmers who supply fresh ingredients. "We asked for this, we wanted this, and we've been waiting for this," Felix reflects. The result transforms a meal into an experience, offering Winchester and its visitors something genuinely new: warm flavors, inclusive hospitality, and a story worth sharing. As Winchester continues growing as a destination, Bistro Sojo adds an essential ingredient to the mix—a restaurant that welcomes everyone to the table while serving cuisine that can't be found anywhere else in the region. Whether you're a local looking for your new favorite spot or a visitor seeking that unique dining experience to tell friends about back home, Sojo delivers a journey worth taking. For more information, visit bistrosojo.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @BistroSojo.

98. ʻĪmaikalani Winchester (Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea Honolulu): "Hāpai i ke kuleana"

Hawaiʻi Rising

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 36:33

A Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi episode featuring ʻĪmaikalani Winchester, lead organizer for the annual celebration of Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea at Thomas Square, with guest host Hina Kaʻōpua Canonigo. Also check out our past English-language episode with the organizers of Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea Honolulu. Ma kēia hualono, kamaʻilio ʻo ʻĪmaikalani Winchester e pili ana i ka moʻolelo o ka Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea. Tags: Hawaiʻi, Hawai'i, Hawaii

english hawaii ea honolulu winchester hawai

617: Winchester CAST For Kids & The 2 For 2 Foundation Pot O' Gold Party

Breakfast With Barry Lee

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 19:09

A double feature this week on the show: 1- Steve Shafran talks about the Winchester C.A.S.T. For Kids Foundation and a special event he's coordinating to connect volunteers who love to fish with adults and veterans with disabilities and special needs for a special day on the lake. (castforkids.org) 2- Shelly Lee invites everyone to put on the green for the Pot O' Gold Party at Piccadilly's on 3/14 to help the 2 For 2 Foundation provide free swim lessons to local youth. (2for2foundation.org)

Episode 292: The Four Thomases Of The English Reformation (with one bonus Thomas!)

The Pulp Writer Show

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 27:32

In this week's episode, I take a historical digression to look at the four major Thomases of the English Reformation - Thomas Wolsey, Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, and Thomas Cranmer. This coupon code will get you 25% off the ebooks in the Dragonskull series at my Payhip store: QUEST25 The coupon code is valid through March 9 2026. So if you need a new ebook this winter, we've got you covered! TRANSCRIPT 00:00:00 Introduction and Writing Updates Hello, everyone. Welcome to Episode 292 of The Pulp Writer Show. My name is Jonathan Moeller. Today is February 27th, 2026. Today we are taking a digression into history by looking at the four Thomases of the English Reformation (with one bonus Thomas). We'll also have Coupon of the Week and a progress update on my current writing and publishing projects. First up, let's do Coupon of the Week. This week's coupon code will get you 25% off the ebooks in the Dragonskull series at my Payhip store. That coupon code is QUEST25 and as always, the links to the store and the coupon code will be available in the show notes of this episode. This coupon code is valid through March 9th, 2026. So if you need a new ebook this winter, we have got you covered. Now for an update on my current writing, publishing, and audiobook projects. I am very nearly done with Cloak of Summoning. As of this recording, I am 35% of the way through the final editing pass. This episode should be coming out on, let's see, March the 2nd. I'm hoping Cloak of Summoning will be available a few days (hopefully like one or two days) after this episode goes live, but we'll see how things go. In any event, it should be out in very early March, which is not far away at this point. I'm also 14,000 words into Blade of Wraiths, the fourth book in my Blades of Ruin epic fantasy series. Hopefully that will be out in April, if all goes well. That's my secondary project right now, but once it gets promoted to primary project once Cloak of Summoning is available, my new secondary project will be Dragon Mage, which will be the sixth book in the Rivah Half-Elven Thief series. I'm looking forward to that since it is going to bring to an end a lot of ongoing plot threads. So it should be quite a fun book to write and hopefully to read. That should hopefully be out in May or possibly June, depending on how things go. In audiobook news, Cloak of Titans, the audiobook narrated by Hollis McCarthy, should be available in more audiobook stores than it was this time last week, though it's still not on Amazon, Audible, or Apple. Brad Wills is working on recording Blade of Storms and I think the first six chapters are done. Hopefully we should have those audiobooks available to you before too much longer. So that is where I'm at with my current writing, publishing, and audiobook projects. 00:02:18 Main Topic: The Four Thomases of the English Reformation Now without further ado, let's get to our main topic and it's time for another of my favorite topics overall, a digression into obscure points of history. I've mentioned before that Wolf Hall (both the TV show and the book) is a lot easier to understand if you are at least passingly familiar with the key figures of the English Reformation, which happened during the reign of King Henry VIII. But who were these key figures? I had a history professor who said that to understand the English Reformation, you need to know about the four Thomases of the English Reformation: Thomas Wolsey, Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, and Thomas Cranmer, since each one of them altered events in a major way. Fun fact: only one of the four died from natural causes and right before he was about to go on trial for treason, which would have likely ended with his execution. The English Reformation was a tumultuous time and the Tudor court was not a place for the faint of heart or the morally scrupulous. So let's talk about the four Thomases and one bonus Thomas today. But first to understand them, we should look at three background trends that converged and boiled over during their lifetimes. #1: Henry VIII needs an heir. King Henry VIII was quite famously married six times and executed two of his wives in his quest for a male heir. To the modern era, this sounds odd and chauvinistic, but one of the errors of studying history is assuming that the residents of the past had any interest in 21st century standards of behavior. By the standards of Henry's time, having a male heir to assume the kingdom after his death was absolutely vital. In fact, an argument could be made that Henry was attempting to act responsibly by going to such lengths to father a male heir, though naturally he went about it in a spectacularly destructive and self-absorbed way. Remember, Henry's father, Henry VII, came to the throne after a 30-year civil war, and there were noble families that thought they had a better claim to the throne than Tudors and would be happy to exercise it. A good comparison is that the lack of a male heir for Henry VIII was as serious a crisis as a disputed presidential election in 21st century America would be. You can see evidence for this in Henry's famous jousting accident in 1536. For a few hours, people were certain that he was dead or was about to die, and this incident caused a brief constitutional crisis. If Henry died, who would rule? His daughter, Mary, who he had just declared a bastard? His young daughter Elizabeth from Anne Boleyn? His bastard son, Henry FitzRoy? A regent? One of the old families who thought they had a claim to the throne? Now, these are the sort of questions that tend to get decided by civil wars, which nobody wanted. So Henry needed a male heir and it weighed on him as a personal failure that he had been unable to produce one, which was undoubtedly one of the reasons he concluded that several of his marriages had been cursed by God and needed to be annulled. Though, of course, one of Henry's defining traits was that his self-absorption was such that nothing was ever his fault, but a failing of those around him. #2: The Reformation is here. At the same time Henry was beginning to have his difficulties, the Protestant Reformation exploded across Europe. The reasons for the Reformation were manifold. There was a growing feeling across all levels of society that the church was corrupt and more concerned about money than tending to Christ's flock, a feeling not helped by the fact that several of the 15th and 16th century popes were essentially Renaissance princelings more interested in luxury, money, and expanding the power of the papal states than in anything spiritual. Many bishops, archbishops, abbots, and other high prelates acted the same way. The situation the early 16th century church found itself in was similar to American higher education today. Many modern professors and administrators go about their jobs quietly, competently, and diligently, but if you want to find examples of corruption, folly, and egregious waste in American higher education, you don't have to try very hard. Reformers could easily find manifold examples of clerical and papal corruption to reinforce their arguments. Additionally, nationalism was beginning to develop as a concept, as was the idea of the nation state. People in England, Scotland, Germany, and other countries began to wonder why they were paying tithes to the church that went to build beautiful buildings in Rome and support the lavish lifestyle of the papal court when that money might be better spent at home. For that matter, the anti-clericalism of the Reformation was not new and had time to mature. At the end of the 14th century, Lollardy was a proto-Protestant movement in England that challenged clerical power. In the early 15th century, the Hussite wars in Bohemia following the teachings of Jan Hus were a preview of the greater Reformation to come. Papal authority had been severely damaged by the Great Schism at the end of the 14th and the start of the 15th century when two competing popes (later expanded to three) all tried to excommunicate each other and claim control of the church. In the aftermath, Renaissance Humanists had begun suggesting that only the Bible was the proper source and guide for Christianity, and that papal authority and many of the church's practices were merely human traditions that had been added later and were not ordained by God. A lot of the arguments of the Reformation had their earliest form from the writers of the 15th century. Essentially, the central argument of the Reformation was that the believer's personal relationship with God is the important part of Christianity and doesn't need to be mediated through ordained priests in the official sacraments of the church, though such things were still important. Of course, all the various reformers disagreed with each other about just how important and what the nature of that relationship was, how many sacraments there should be, and what the precise relationship between the individual, the church, and the state should be (and that argument got entangled with many other issues like nationalism), but that was a central crux of the Reformation. So all these competing pressures have been building up, and when Martin Luther posted his statements for debate on church reform in October of 1517, it was the equivalent of lighting a match in a barn that had been stuffed full of sawdust and was suffering from a natural gas leak. #3: The printing press. So why did Luther's action kick off the Reformation as we know it and not the other proto-Protestant movements we mentioned? I think the big part of that is the printing pass, perhaps the biggest part. The printing press did not exist during the early proto-Protestant movements, which meant it was a lot harder for the ideas of reform to spread quickly. The Lollards in particular wanted to translate the Bible into English instead of Latin, but the Bible is a big book and that is a lot of copying to do by hand. In 1539, after a lot of encouragement from Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII decreed that an English Bible should be placed at every church in England. In 1339, that would have been an impossible amount of copying by scribes. In 1539, thanks to the printing press, it was essentially on the scale of the government embarking on a mid-sized industrial project, perhaps a bit of a logistical and organizational challenge and you have to deal with contractors, but by no means impossible. The printing press made it possible for the various arguments and pamphlets of the Reformers to spread quickly throughout Europe. Luther published tracts on a variety of religious and political topics for the rest of his life, and those tracks were copied, printed, and sold throughout Europe. In fact, he had something of a flame war with Thomas More over Henry VIII's "Defense of the Seven Sacraments". Kings and governments frequently tried to suppress printers they didn't like, but the cat was out of the bag and the printing press helped drive the Reformation by spreading its ideas faster than had previously been possible. AI bros occasionally compare modern large language model AIs to the printing press as an irreversible technological advancement, but one should note that the printing press of the 16th century did not require an entire US state's worth of electricity and an unlimited supply of water. So those were some of the undercurrents and trends leading up to the English Reformation. With that in mind, let's take a look at our four Thomases. #1: Thomas Wolsey. Cardinal Thomas Wolsey was Henry's right hand man during the first 20 years of his reign and essentially the practical ruler of England during that time. He started his career in Henry's reign as the almoner, essentially in charge of charity, and it ended up becoming the Lord Chancellor of England. Since Henry was not super interested in actually doing the hard work of government, Wolsey ended up essentially running the country while Henry turned his full enthusiasm towards the more ceremonial aspects of kingship. Wolsey was an example of the kind of early 16th Century church prelate we mentioned above, more of a Renaissance princeling than a priest. However, as Renaissance princelings went, you could do worse than to have been ruled by someone like Wolsey. And if you were a king, you would be blessed to have a lieutenant as diligent in his work as the Cardinal. Granted, Wolsey did amass a large fortune for himself, but he frequently patronized the arts, education and the poor, pursued some governmental reforms, and deftly maintained England's position in the turbulent diplomacy of the time. He was also much more forgiving in questions of religious dissent than someone like Thomas More. Wolsey was the most powerful man in England at his apex, and the nobility hated it for him because his origins were common. So long as he had Henry's favor, Wolsey was untouchable and the nobility couldn't move against him. But the royal favor came to an end as Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon was unable to produce a son. Since Catherine had previously (and briefly) been married to his older brother Arthur before Arthur's death, Henry became convinced (or succeeded in convincing himself) that his marriage was cursed by God for violating the prohibition against sleeping with your brother's wife in the book of Leviticus. His eye had already fallen on Anne Boleyn and Henry wanted an annulment and not a divorce in his marriage with Catherine. In the eyes of God, he would never have been married at all, and then he could marry Anne Boleyn with a clear conscience. Here, Wolsey's gift for diplomacy failed him, but perhaps it was an impossible task. Catherine of Aragon was the aunt of Emperor Charles V, who at the time was the most powerful man in Christendom. All of Wolseley's efforts to persuade the pope to annul the marriage failed, partly because the pope had already given Henry VIII dispensation to marry his brother's widow. Wolsey's failure eroded his support with the king. Anne Boleyn likewise hated Wolsey partly because she believed he was hindering the annulment, and partly because he had blocked her from marrying the Earl of Northumberland years before she had her eyes set upon Henry. Finally, Henry stripped Wolsey of his office of Lord Chancellor, and Wolsey retired to York to take up his role as archbishop there. Wolsey's popularity threatened Henry and Anne, so Henry summoned him back to London to face treason charges. Perhaps fortunately for Wolsey, he died of natural causes on the journey back to London. His replacement as Lord Chancellor was Thomas More, the next of our major for Thomases. #2: Thomas More. More was an interesting contrast-a Renaissance Humanist who remained a staunch Catholic, even though Renaissance Humanists in general tended towards proto-Protestantism or actual Protestantism. He was also in some ways oddly progressive for his time. He insisted on educating his daughters at a time was considered pointless to educate women about anything other than the practical business of household management. Anyway, More's training as a lawyer and a scholar led him to a career in government. He held a variety of posts under Henry VIII, finally rising to become the Lord Chancellor after Wolsey. In the first decades of his brain, Henry was staunchly Catholic and despised Protestantism, in particular, Lutheranism in general and Martin Luther in particular. In 1521, Henry published "Defense of the Seven Sacraments" against Luther, and More helped him write it to an unknown degree. In their dislike for all forms of Protestantism, More and Henry were in harmony at this point. More was involved in hunting down heretics (i.e. Protestants) and trying to convince them to recant. During his time as the Lord Chancellor, More ended up sending six people to be burned at the stake for heresy, along with the arrest and interrogations of numerous others. This rather clashes with his "humanist man of letters" aspect, but More was undoubtedly convinced he was doing the right thing. And while he might have believed in education, he most definitely did not believe in freedom of conscience in several areas. To be fair to More, in the view of many at the time, Protestants, especially Anabaptists, were dangerous radicals. Likely More viewed hunting heretics in the same way as some modern politicians view hunting down covert terrorist cells or surveilling potential domestic terrorists. Harsh measures true, but harsh measures allegedly necessary for the greater good of the nation. However, the concord between More and Henry would not last. Henry wanted to set aside Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn, which More staunchly opposed. More especially opposed Henry breaking away from Rome and becoming head of an independent English Church. At first, More was able to save himself by maintaining his silence, but eventually Henry required all of his subjects take an oath affirming his status as head of the church. Thomas Cromwell famously led a deputation to try and change More's mind, but he failed. More refused, he was tried on specious treason charges, and beheaded in 1535. Later, the Catholic church declared him the patron saint of politicians. This might seem odd given that he oversaw executions and essentially did thought police stuff against Protestants, but let's be honest-it's rare to see a politician even mildly inconvenience himself over a point of principle, let alone maintain it until death when he was given every possible chance to change his mind. Probably the most famous fictional portrayals of More are A Man For All Seasons and Wolf Hall. I would say that A Man For All Seasons was far too generous to More, but Wolf Hall was too harsh. #3: Now for the third of our four Thomases, Thomas Cromwell. After Wolsey's fall and More's refusal to support Henry's desire to either annul his marriage to Catherine or to make himself head with the church so he couldn't annul the marriage, Thomas Cromwell rose become Henry's new chief lieutenant. Cromwell is both a fascinating but divisive figure. For a long time, he was cast as the villain in Thomas More's saga, but Hillary Mantel's Wolf Hall really triggered a popular reevaluation of him. Like A Man For All Seasons was too generous to More, I would say Wolf Hall was too generous to Cromwell. Nonetheless, I suspect Cromwell was and remained so divisive because he was so effective. He got things done on a scale that the other three Thomases of the English Reformation never quite managed. Cromwell's origins are a bit obscure. It seems he was either of non-noble birth or very low gentry birth and his father Walter Cromwell was a local prosperous tradesman in a jack of all trades with a reputation for litigiousness. For reasons that are unclear, Cromwell fled his birthplace and spent some time in continental Europe, possibly as a mercenary soldier. He eventually made his way to Italy and started working for the merchant families there, gaining knowledge of trade in the law, and then traveled to the Low Countries. When he returned to England, he became Cardinal Wolsey's right hand man. After Wolsey's fall, Cromwell went into Parliament and defended his master whenever possible. This loyalty combined with his significant talent for law and administration caught the eye of Henry and he swiftly became Henry's right-hand man. Amusingly, Cromwell never became Lord Chancellor like More or Wolsey, but instead accumulated many lesser offices that essentially allowed him to carry out Henry's directives as he saw a fit. Unlike More and Wolsey, Cromwell had strong Protestant leanings and he encouraged the king to break away from the Catholic Church and take control of the English Church as its supreme head. Henry did so. His marriage to Catherine of Aragon was nulled. The rest of Europe never accepted this until Catherine died of illness and it became a moot point. In 1533, he married Anne Boleyn. Like Cromwell, Anne had a strong Protestant bent and began encouraging reformers to take various offices and began pushing Henley to make more reforms than he was really comfortable doing. For example, Cromwell was one of the chief drivers behind the English Bible of 1539. This, combined with Anne's inability to give Henry a son, contributed to Anne's downfall. Unlike Catherine, she was willing to argue with Henry to his face and was unwilling to look the other way when he wanted a mistress, and this eventually got on Henry's nerves. Events are a bit murky, but it seems that Henry ordered Cromwell to find a way he could set aside Anne and Cromwell complied. Various men, including her own brother, were coerced and confessing to adultery with Anne on charges that were most likely fabricated and Anne's "lovers" and Anne herself were executed for treason in 1536. Cromwell had successfully used a technique that many modern secret police organizations and dictatorships employ- if you want to get rid of someone for whatever reason, accuse them of a serious crime, coerce them to a confession, and then have them executed. Joseph Stalin did basically the same thing when he purged the Old Bolsheviks after Lenin's death. Henry married Jane Seymour shortly after Anne's execution, and she finally gave Henry his long-waited son, though she died soon afterwards of postpartum complications. Cromwell also oversaw the dissolution of the English monasteries in the 1530s. Monasticism had become quite unpopular even before the Reformation, especially among humanist writers. The concentration of property in the hands of monasteries made for a ripe target. Using Parliament and with Henry's approval, the monasteries of England were dissolved, the monks and nuns pensioned off, and the various rich properties held by the monasteries were given to the king and his friends. Cromwell himself profited handsomely. This was essentially legalized theft, but there was nothing the monasteries could do about it. Cromwell pushed for more religious reforms, but that combined with the dissolution of the monasteries caused "The Pilgrimage of Grace" in 1537, a rebellion that Henry was able to put down through a combination of lies, stalling, outright bribery, and brutal repression under the Duke of Norfolk (more about him later). Cromwell was at the zenith of his power and influence, but his reformist bent and made him a lot of enemies. For that matter, Henry was increasingly uncomfortable with further religious changes. He wanted to be head of his own church, but essentially his own Catholic Church, not his own Reformed or Lutheran one. Cromwell's alignment with the reform cause gave his more traditionalist enemies a tool to use against him. Cromwell's foes had their chance in 1540 when Henry married his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. Cromwell had heavily pushed for the match, hoping to make an alliance with the Protestant princes of Germany against the Catholic Holy Roman Emperor. For whatever reason, Henry took an immediate dislike to Anne and never consummated the marriage, which was swiftly annulled and Anne pensioned off. Henry blamed Cromwell for the failed marriage and Cromwell's enemies, particularly Duke of Norfolk and Bishop Gardiner of Winchester, were able to convince Henry to move against him. Cromwell was arrested, stripped of all the titles and property he had amassed, and executed in July of 1540. The sort of legal railroading process he had born against Anne Boleyn's alleged lovers and numerous other enemies of Henry's was used against him. This was one of the very few executions Henry ever regretted. Within a year, the French ambassador reported that Henry was raging that his counselors had misled him into putting to death the most faithful servant he had ever had. Once again, nothing was ever Henry's fault in his own mind. The fact that Henry allowed Cromwell's son Gregory to become a baron and inherit some of his father's land shows that he likely changed his mind about the execution. For once in his life, Henry was dead on accurate when he called Cromwell his "most faithful servant". He never again found a lieutenant with Cromwell's loyalty and skill. The remaining seven years of Henry's reign blundered from setback to setback and all the money Henry obtained from the dissolution of the monasteries was squandered in indecisive wars with France and Scotland. I think it's fair to say that the English Reformation would not have taken the course it did, if not for Cromwell. As ruthless and as unscrupulous as he could be, he nonetheless did seem to really believe in the principles of religious reform and push such policies whenever he could do so without drawing Henry's ire. #4: Now the fourth of our four major Thomases, Thomas Cranmer. If Thomas Cromwell did a lot of the political work of the English Reformation, then Thomas Cranmer wrote a lot of its theory. Cranmer was a scholar and something of a gentle-minded man, but not a very skillful politician. He seemed happy to leave the politicking to Cromwell. I think Cranmer would have been a lot happier as a Lutheran pastor in say, 1950s rural Nebraska. He could have married a farmer's daughter, had a bunch of kids, and presided at weddings, funerals, and baptisms where he could talk earnestly about Jesus and Christian virtues, and he probably would have written a few books on obscure theological points. But instead, Cranmer was destined to play a significant part in the English Reformation. He started as a priest and a scholar who got in trouble for marrying, but when his wife died in childbirth, he went back to the priesthood. Later, he became part of the team of scholars and priests working to get Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon annulled. While he was at university and later in the priesthood, he became fascinated by Lutheran ideas and became a proponent of reform. As with Cromwell, Henry's desire to marry Anne Boleyn gave Cranmer his great opportunity. Anne's family were also in favor of reform, and they arranged for Cranmer to become the new Archbishop of Canterbury. The new archbishop and the like- minded clerics and scholars laid the legal and theological groundwork for Henry to break with Rome and become head of the English church with Cranmer and the rest of the reform faction wanted to be used to push for additional church reforms. He survived the tumults of Henry's reign by total loyalty to the king – he mourned Anne Boleyn, but didn't oppose her execution (though he was one of the few who mourned for her publicly), did much the same when Cromwell was executed, and personally sent news of Catherine Howard's adultery to the king. Because of that, Cranmer had a great chance to pursue the cause of reform when Henry died and his 12-year-old son Edward VI became King. Edward's uncle Edward Seymour acted as the head of the King's regency council, and Seymour and his allies were in favor of reform. Cranmer was at last able to steer the English church in the direction of serious reform, and he was directly responsible for writing the Book of Common Prayer and several other key documents of the early Anglican church. But Cranmer's of luck ran out in 1553 when Edward VI died. Cranmer was part of the group that tried to put the Protestant Lady Jane Grey on the throne, but Henry's daughter Mary instead took the crown. Mary had never really wavered from her Catholicism despite immense pressure to do so, and she had last had a chance to do something about it. She immediately brought England back to Rome and started prosecuting prominent reform leaders, Cranmer among them. Cranmer was tried for treason and heresy and sentenced to be burned, but that was to be commuted if he recanted his views in public during a sermon, which he did. However, at the last minute, he thunderously denounced his previous recantation, asserted his reformist faith, and vowed that he would thrust the hand that signed the recantation into the flames first. Cranmer was immediately taken to be burned at the stake, and just as he promised, he thrust his hand into the flames, and his last word is that he saw heaven opening and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Cranmer had spent much of his life trying to appease Henry while pushing as much reform as possible, but in his final moments, he had finally found his defiance. When Mary died and Elizabeth took the throne, she returned England to Protestantism. Elizabeth was much more pragmatic than her half siblings and her father ever were, so she chose the most expedient choice of simply rolling the English church back to as it was during Edward VI's time. Cranmer's Book of Common Prayer and religious articles, lightly edited for Elizabeth's sensibilities, became the foundational documents of the Anglican church. So these four Thomases, Thomas Wolsey, Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, and Thomas Cranmer were central to the events of the English Reformation. However, we have one bonus Thomas yet. Bonus Thomas: Thomas Howard, the Duke of Norfolk. Thomas Howard was a powerful nobleman during the reign of Henry, and the Duke of Norfolk was frequently Henry's lieutenant in waging various wars and putting down rebellions. He was also the uncle of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, Henry's second and fifth queens. He was also involved in nearly every major event of Henry's reign. So with all that, why isn't Norfolk as remembered as well as the other four Thomases of the English Reformation? Sometimes a man would be considered virtuous by the standards of the medieval or early modern age, yet reprehensible in ours. For example, for much of the Middle Ages, crusading was considered an inherently virtuous act for a knight, whereas in the modern age, it would be condemned as war mongering with a religious veneer. However, by both modern standards and Tudor standards, Thomas Howard was a fairly odious character. For all their flaws and the morally questionable things they did, Wolsey, More, Cromwell, and Cranmer were all men of conviction in their own ways. More and Cranmer explicitly died with their faith. Cromwell's devotion to the Protestant cause got him killed since he insisted on the Anne of Cleves match. Even Wolsey, for all that he enriched himself, was a devoted servant of Henry after his downfall never betrayed the king. By contrast, Norfolk was out for Norfolk. This wasn't unusual for Tudor nobleman, but Norfolk took it to a new level of grasping venality. He made sure that his daughter was married to Henry's bastard son, Henry FitzRoy, just in case FitzRoy ended up becoming king. He used both his nieces, Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard, to gain power and lands for himself, and then immediately turned against him once he became politically expedient. In fact, he presided over the trial where Anne Boleyn was sentenced to death. After the failure of the Anne of Cleve's marriage, Norfolk made sure to bring his young niece Catherine Howard to court to catch Henry's eye, and to use the Anne of Cleve's annulment as a lever to get rid of Thomas Cromwell. Both stratagems worked, and he attempted to leverage being the new Queen's uncle to bring himself to new power and riches, as he had with Anne Boleyn. Once Henry turned on Catherine Howard, Norfolk characteristically and swiftly threw his niece under the bus. However, as Henry aged, he grew increasingly paranoid and vindictive, and he had Norfolk arrested and sentenced to death on suspicion of treason. Before the execution could be carried out, Henry died, and Norfolk spent the six years of Edward VI's reign as a prisoner in the Tower of London. When Edward died and Mary took the throne, she released Norfolk since she was Catholic and Norfolk had always been a religious traditionalist suspicious of reform. He spent the remaining year of his life as one of Mary's chief advisors before finally dying of old age. As I often say, history can be a rich source of inspiration for fantasy writers, and the English Reformation is full of such inspiration. Wolsey, More, Cromwell, and Cranmer can all make excellent inspirations for morally ambiguous characters. For that matter, you can see why the reign of Henry VIII has inspired so many movies, TV shows, and historical novels. The real life events are so dramatic as to scarcely require embellishment. So that's it for this week. Thank you for listening to The Pulp Writer Show and thank you for listening as I went on one of my little historical digressions. I hope you found the show enjoyable. A reminder that you can listen to all the back episodes on https://thepulpwritershow.com. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review on your podcasting platform of choice. Stay safe and stay healthy, and we'll see you all next week.

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Following Jesus - Mighty Messiah, Suffering Servant - “The Coming Day of the Lord” - Part 50

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Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2026 38:48

“The Coming Day of the Lord”1 Thessalonians 5:1-11*Having recently completed our series “None Like Jesus” let's continue to “Behold Him” by embarking on a new study through the Gospel of Mark. Mark's Gospel is the shortest of the four Gospels and it is action-packed from start to finish – as evidenced by the word “immediately” used over 40 times. Mark wrote to believers, probably Roman believers, who were no strangers to persecution. And he wanted to disciple his readers to be strong in their faith by encouraging them to look to their Mighty Messiah, the Son of God, who remained steadfastly faithful even while becoming their Suffering Servant who died for them. Mark's Gospel is a call to all believers to fearlessly “Follow Jesus” because they can trust Him completely.

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A menudo recordada como una mujer excéntrica y obsesionada con lo oculto, la verdadera Sarah Winchester fue una mente brillante atrapada en el luto. En este episodio, desglosamos la vida de la heredera del imperio de los rifles Winchester. Exploramos cómo el dolor de sus pérdidas la llevó a crear una obra arquitectónica infinita que sirvió, quizás, como su única terapia. Analizamos la delgada línea entre la leyenda urbana de los fantasmas y la realidad de una mujer que buscó redención en una estructura de madera y ladrillo. Si tenes alguna duda sobre este tema, dejala en los comentarios. Para buscar una solución Redes Sociales : ✅Instagram : damiangtiscornia ✅Grupo de Ayuda en Telegram https://t.me/damiantiscorniayoutube ✅Web : damian-tiscornia.blogspot.com ✅Twitter: https://twitter.com/damiantiscornia

Midnight inside the Winchester Mystery House

The Boulet Brothers' Creatures of the Night

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 49:11

Step inside the velvet-dark corridors with The Boulet Brothers as they unlock the cursed secrets of the infamous Winchester mystery house. It's a delicious descent into architectural madness, restless spirits and the gothic obsession that built a labyrinth to confuse the dead… and perhaps ensnare the living. Follow The Boulet Brothers on Insta: @bouletbrothers To watch the Creatures of the Night podcast videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BouletBrothersProductions Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/BouletBrothersPod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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LUCY PINDER (Smashing Sundays / Me Myself & Di) • Friday Rewind

Distraction Pieces Podcast with Scroobius Pip

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 63:13

emocleW, emocleW, emocleW to the Distraction Pieces Podcast with Scroobius Pip!This is your bonus FRIDAY REWIND episode! Today, we catch up with Lucy Pinder, originally episode 438 from 2022-02-23.Original writeup below:A delightful chat bringing in loads of feelgood action, with a dash of triumph over adversity in there for good measure. From her days back in Winchester, we hear about her path to publicity and being involved in the world of early 00's lad culture and glamour modeling from a chance day off at the beach, which led to a huge amount of ups and downs as the path began to stabilise. What this did lead to though is a ton of good things which we hear about, as well as thoughts on pandemic walks and rituals, reclaiming Sundays and releasing podcasts on them, the difference between fun and selfishness these days to back then, rebranding being single and so much more besides. Get involved, you'll love this one.PIP'S PATREON PAGE if you're of a supporting natureSMASHING SUNDAYS podcastTWITTERINSTAGRAMIMDBME MYSELF AND DIPIP TWITCH • (music stuff)PIP INSTAGRAMSPEECH DEVELOPMENT WEBSTOREPIP TWITTERPIP IMDBPOD BIBLE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Let's Be Friends: Mountain Trails

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 26:07

Mountain Trails sits nestled on Winchester's Old Town walking mall at 115 North Loudoun Street, where owner Garry Green has cultivated something rare in retail: a store that feels like a community. After 34 years in business—the last 13 at this location—Garry has discovered what he calls "the Loudoun Street Magic," especially on Saturday evenings when the mall comes alive. He shares his passion during this episode of The Valley Today, with host Janet Michael and cohost Brady Cloven, executive director of Friends of Old Town. Mountain Trails' move from its original Cork Street location transformed the business entirely. "The demographic literally went from climbers, backpackers, and travelers to just everyone," Garry explains. The visibility proved phenomenal, and the store has become an integral part of Winchester's identity, appearing regularly in social media posts and drawing visitors from states away. Education Over Sales: A Revolutionary Approach What sets Mountain Trails apart isn't just their inventory—it's their philosophy. Garry's mission statement centers on creating "a safer, more enjoyable wilderness or travel experience," which means the staff focuses on qualifying customer needs rather than pushing products. "We are not here to sell things to you," Garry emphasizes. "We try to qualify your needs and provide for those needs." This approach resonates deeply in a business where equipment failures can have serious consequences. Whether customers are paddling the Shenandoah River for the first time or heading to Mount Everest base camp, their concerns receive equal validation. Garry recalls outfitting a gentleman for climbing Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at nearly 20,000 feet. When the climber returned, he shared a remarkable moment: "I was at 16,000 feet and I heard you talking to me." The boots and backpack performed exactly as Garry had promised—the ultimate validation for the staff. Curating the Right Gear for Every Adventure Every single item in Mountain Trails serves a purpose. "Everything in Mountain Trails other than, let's just say a t-shirt, needs to function," Garry explains. "It has a job. And it needs to do that when you need it to do it." From rain gear to sock structure—yes, even socks matter—the curation process ensures customers receive appropriate equipment for their specific adventures. The store's tagline captures this breadth: "hiking, climbing, trekking, travel." However, their secondary motto, "Quality Outdoor Outfitters," opens the door wider. International travelers heading to Peru or around the world find the education and experience they need. Summer canoeists discover dry bags and quick-drying clothing. Skiers find bibs and cross-country equipment. Technical rock climbers locate harnesses and safety gear. Meeting Customers Where They Are Understanding the customer's experience level proves crucial to Garry's approach. The outdoor industry's biggest emerging demographic is what he calls "the casual adventurer"—people who want to hike two miles to a waterfall with trail runners, trekking poles, and a day pack, then return to town for lunch. These customers have vastly different needs from long-distance trekkers carrying their "house on their back" for multiple days. "Not everybody needs a $400 three-layer Gore-Tex rain jacket," Garry points out. While climbers heading to Mount Everest might need that level of protection, an $80 waterproof jacket works perfectly for someone's golf bag. This honesty builds trust. Moreover, the relationship continues as customers grow in their outdoor pursuits, returning to upgrade their gear as they tackle more challenging adventures. The Power of Kindness and Experience When hiring staff, Garry's number one criterion isn't outdoor expertise—it's kindness. "You have to put that customer's best interest at heart above anything else," he insists. This philosophy creates what international visitors have called "the feel" of Mountain Trails, something that distinguishes it from sterile big-box retailers. The staff's personal experience matters tremendously. "They've been wet, cold, hungry, tired," Garry notes. "They're here to help you suffer better." Garry himself spent years guiding in Alaska and running outdoor adventure programs for the U.S. Air Force, helping service members decompress after deployment. He recalls a winter camping trip where a participant thought she wouldn't survive the night because her "butt was cold"—she hadn't inflated her sleeping pad. After inflating it and adding hand warmers, she proclaimed he'd saved her life. "You passed through a window," he told her, referring to those challenging moments all outdoor enthusiasts eventually face. Beyond the Hardcore: Everyday Customers Welcome While Mountain Trails caters to serious adventurers, everyday shoppers find unexpected value. Janet shares how the store helps her buy gifts for her mother-in-law who bikes the C&O Canal—despite Janet's self-proclaimed lack of outdoor interests. "I can come in here and just say, she does this and you can help me find the perfect gift for her," she explains. The store even welcomes those who simply want to look the part. "I love this store even though I am not an outdoors person," Janet admits. Garry laughs, acknowledging that sometimes "it's all about the look." This inclusive approach means everyone feels welcome, whether they're heading into the wilderness or just want quality gear for weekend activities. A Global Reputation Built on Local Service The store's reputation extends far beyond Winchester. Visitors from Syracuse, Cleveland, and even international locations make Mountain Trails a regular stop. Garry recalls a family from Israel who declared it their favorite outdoor store globally. "We go into these stores all over the world, and this one is our favorite so far," they told him. What impressed them? The feel of the place—something intangible that staff members hear about regularly. This atmosphere stems from Garry's operating principle: "Everybody's welcome until they're not." The staff genuinely cares, creating an environment that feels more like a community gathering space than a transaction-focused retail outlet. Social media serves not primarily as a sales tool but as "an instrument of familiarity," sharing articles about climbing, skiing, and outdoor adventures that customers want to read over their morning coffee. Connecting with Mountain Trails In mid-March, Mountain Trails will transition from their winter hours into regular hours: Monday through Thursday 10 AM to 7 PM, Fridays and Saturdays 10 AM to 8 PM, and Sundays noon to 5 PM. Customers can find them on Facebook and Instagram or visit mountain-trails.com for basic information, though the real experience requires stepping through their door on the walking mall. Old Town Winchester: Building Community Through Events Chocolate Escape Perseveres Through Arctic Conditions The second half of the conversation shifts focus to Brady Claven, executive director of Friends of Old Town Winchester, who shares updates on recent events and upcoming attractions. February's Chocolate Escape faced brutal weather—17-degree temperatures with windchill predictions of negative 10 degrees—yet determined participants still filled the walking mall with their maps, hitting every participating location. Approximately 30 merchants participated in the event, which aims not just to distribute chocolate but to drive foot traffic into stores during cold months. The strategy worked. Faire Isles, for instance, welcomed numerous first-time visitors, and overall feedback indicated people discovered stores they'd never visited before. "The point of it is to get people into stores," Brady explains, noting that participants might not linger outside as long in freezing weather, but they spent more time browsing inside. Celebrating Black History Month Through Partnership Friends of Old Town partnered with NAACP Winchester and secured generous sponsorship from Valley Health to present three Black History Month events. Typewriter Studio hosted a spoken word and art gallery night featuring Monica James and representatives from Selah Theater. Bright Box presented "History and Cocktails" with Nick Powers from the MSV delivering an outstanding historical talk about the Valley's Black history, tying into the upcoming VA250 celebration. Finally, Bistro Sojo offered a small plates and jazz night with a $35-per-person special menu and live performance by SU. Spin to Winchester: Pedaling for Progress Friends of Old Town's second annual Spin to Winchester fundraiser brought participants together inside Valley Health for a 45-minute stationary bike class. Each rider crowd-funded their participation, raising a minimum of $250, with prizes awarded for most funds raised, sweatiest rider, and highest mileage. The event exceeded expectations, hitting 120% of its goal and attracting 20 more individual donors than the previous year. "It's very apparent by the end of this 45-minute class, certain people are, myself included, just dripping with sweat," Brady admits, describing the intense workout led by instructor Pam from Valley Health. Despite the physical challenge—including what seemed like endless "last hills"—the fundraiser's success directly supports Old Town programs and events throughout the year. Taylor Pavilion: A Transformation Underway Ground has broken on the Taylor Pavilion renovation, with completion targeted for before WineFest during Apple Blossom season. The transformation will create a social gathering space that addresses a common community need. "We do hear a lot from people that say, well, you know, there's really not a space if I don't wanna drink or if I don't want to eat," Brady notes. The new pavilion will offer a place where people can grab a bagel and sit, play chess, listen to music, or simply enjoy being on the mall. It will serve as a meeting point before art classes at Typewriter Studio or ShenArts—a place for friends to gather with coffee and catch up before heading to other destinations. Notably, the infamous "ping pong table on an incline" from the conceptual rendering will not materialize, though Brady jokes they should install a commemorative statue. Celtic Fest Returns March 14th Looking ahead to March, Celtic Fest promises to be a highlight. Scheduled for Saturday, March 14th from noon to 5 PM, the event will feature approximately 35 vendors lining the mall from the south end near Hideaway northward. Partners include Ravenwood Foundation, which brings expertise in outdoor Highland games. City Pipes and Drums will perform throughout the day. Faire Isles plans Irish dancers in their alcove, while other merchants prepare special attractions. Piper Dan's and Union Jack's—recently reopened after flooding—will participate, with Brady hoping to coordinate a special menu. Additionally, Brady plans to transform the museum lawn into a kids' Highland games zone, where children ages four to ten can throw foam logs, compete in disc throwing, and win prizes. Staying Connected Those interested in Old Town Winchester events can follow Friends of Old Town on Facebook and Instagram (@FriendsOfOldTownWINC) or visit friendsofoldtown.org for a complete calendar. First Friday events return in June with a "Summer of Covers" theme featuring cover bands, including a special August event partnering with River House. A Community That Cares Whether discussing Mountain Trails' dedication to customer safety and satisfaction or Friends of Old Town's commitment to creating community experiences, this conversation reveals Winchester's character: a city where businesses and organizations prioritize people over profit, relationships over transactions, and community over convenience. From outdoor gear to outdoor festivals, the message remains consistent—everyone's welcome, expertise matters, and kindness forms the foundation of everything worthwhile.

EKN Debrief: Episode 164 – 2026 Challenge of the Americas – K1 Circuit

EKN Radio Network

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 59:54

The 19th season for Challenge of the Americas kicked off over the February 20-22 weekend, hosting two rounds of competition at the K1 Circuit. The Winchester, California facility welcomed the program for a second straight year, enjoying amazing weather for the eight categories contesting the first of four events on the season. Rob Howden and David Cole recap the action from K1 Circuit in this episode of the Debrief – presented by AiM Sports. The show begins with the Parolin USA Paddock Pass before getting into all the details of the weekend with the Comet Kart Sales Race Report. The EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by Rolison Performance Group completes the podcast.

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Hidden Homelessness: Supporting Families in Our Community

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Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 26:24

A Growing Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight Winchester's family homelessness crisis looks nothing like what most people imagine. There are no tent encampments or visible street corners occupied by children. Instead, the crisis unfolds quietly in motel rooms, backseats of cars, and overcrowded apartments where families double up with relatives, desperately hoping their situation will improve. Chris Briganti, Executive Director of Family Promise Winchester Area, sits down with Janet Michael on The Valley Today to reveal a startling reality: 539 students in Winchester, Frederick, Warren, and Clarke County schools self-identified as homeless during the 2024-2025 school year. Since self-identification means the actual number is likely much higher, the scope of the problem becomes clear—family homelessness is Winchester's invisible emergency. "These families are not people you see on the street corner," Chris explains. "The families we are helping are your neighbor next door. They are your friends who you probably don't know about because they've gotten very good at hiding and covering it up. You would have no idea that it's your bank teller or the person checking you out at Walmart." From Growth to Impact: A Year of Transformation Family Promise Winchester Area has undergone significant changes since its inception in 2022. After beginning to serve families in 2023, the organization hired Chris as their first executive director in July 2025. Furthermore, they recently updated their name from Family Promise of Northern Shenandoah Valley to avoid confusion with their neighboring affiliate in Shenandoah County. However, the most remarkable transformation has been in their impact numbers. During all of 2025, Family Promise moved 28 families into new homes and prevented 13 evictions, serving approximately 80 children total. In contrast, by mid-February 2026—just six weeks into the new year—they had already moved seven families into housing and prevented 11 evictions, helping 45 children. That's more than half of their entire previous year's impact. "Data is everything," Chris emphasizes. "Not only is it important for advocacy, but I think one of the basic things we owe our donors and society as a nonprofit organization is to let them know where that money is going." The Help Us Move In Fund: Small Investments, Enormous Returns At the heart of Family Promise's success lies their "Help Us Move In" (HUME) fund, which provides direct financial assistance to families teetering on the edge of homelessness. The program's efficiency is staggering: it costs approximately $500 per child to secure stable housing. "Maybe they need help making the first month's rent, or maybe there's back rent and they've done everything," Chris explains. "Sometimes all we have to do is help with $500. Give that to the landlord for rental arrears, and then that family will never need assistance again." The fund recently received a transformative boost when Opequon Presbyterian Church donated $20,000 as part of their capital campaign. Chris admits he "almost fell out of his chair" when he opened the envelope. Every penny of that donation goes directly to landlords or utility providers—never into families' pockets—eliminating concerns about misuse of funds. Moreover, the organization carefully vets applicants, reviewing rent ledgers from the past year and analyzing family finances. They ask critical questions: Are families missing rent every month, or is this truly a one-time crisis? Are they spending responsibly? This scrutiny ensures limited resources go to families who will succeed with just a bit of help. The Invisible Population: Who Needs Help and Why Contrary to stereotypes about chronically homeless populations, Family Promise increasingly serves families who have never needed assistance before. These are federal contractors laid off from their jobs, workers who fell ill and couldn't maintain employment, or families facing the cascading effects of a government shutdown. "These are families that have worked a good job for a long time, who have never had to ask for assistance in any way, shape, or form," Chris notes. "But they lose their job—a lot of federal contractors have been laid off—or they get ill and can't work." Janet adds an important clarification: "I think that's a big misconception. The general public thinks these federal contractors are making multimillion dollars a year, and that is not the case. They are not making much more above minimum wage than the rest of us. They're living paycheck to paycheck, especially with cost of living going up so much." Additionally, these families often fall into a frustrating gap. They make too much money to qualify for traditional social services, yet not enough to escape the motel cycle, where families pay $2,000 monthly for temporary housing while being unable to save for first month's rent and security deposits on permanent apartments. The Devastating Impact on Children The conversation takes a sobering turn when Chris discusses the research on childhood homelessness. The statistics paint a grim picture of generational trauma and lost potential. Recent studies reveal that housing instability—even when families are "doubled up" with relatives rather than literally on the streets—produces effects on children comparable to outright homelessness. Meanwhile, a 2018 Minnesota study found that 36% of adults experiencing homelessness first became homeless at or before age 18. The physiological impacts are equally alarming. Infants born the year before or after their mother enters an emergency shelter show higher rates of low birth weight, hospitalization, and emergency room visits compared to other low-income infants. These children face increased risks of asthma, chronic illnesses, and developmental delays. When homelessness lasts more than six months, children from infancy to age four experience significantly higher risks of developmental delays and hospitalization. "How do you pay attention when you're hungry?" Chris asks. "How do you pay attention when you don't know where you're going to do your homework tonight? How do you pay attention when you're sitting in class wearing the same clothes you wore the day before?" Furthermore, emerging research in epigenetics suggests that environmental trauma can literally alter gene expression—changes that can then be inherited by the next generation. Childhood poverty costs the nation upwards of a trillion dollars annually, yet early interventions like Family Promise's programs deliver a four-to-nine-dollar return on every dollar invested. "When we invest early in these childhood interventions, which is what Family Promise is all about, we help stop a cycle," Chris emphasizes. "We all do better when children have a safe place to live." The Housing Crisis and Creative Solutions Winchester's affordable housing shortage presents one of Family Promise's biggest challenges. Nevertheless, the organization has built strategic partnerships with landlords and apartment complexes who understand their mission. These partnerships prove mutually beneficial. Landlords allow Family Promise families to move to the front of the waiting list, knowing the organization carefully vets applicants and provides ongoing case management. Some landlords even reduce rent slightly for families working with Family Promise, recognizing the reduced risk. "Landlords, that's huge for us," Chris says. "We're working with these families. We're keeping a tight eye on them, and so it limits risk for landlords." Looking ahead, Family Promise is conducting a feasibility study for a standalone shelter facility, though that goal remains years away. In the meantime, they're exploring leasing apartments directly to families to create a more immediate shelter program. Currently, families living in cars receive limited emergency assistance while the organization rushes to secure permanent housing. Beyond Housing: Comprehensive Support Services While housing assistance forms the core of their work, Family Promise offers additional support to address the secondary crises that often push families into housing instability. The organization provides up to $500 for vehicle repairs, recognizing that transportation access often determines whether families can maintain employment. They offer up to $250 for back property taxes and supply bus passes when needed. Additionally, they provide up to $300 per family for afterschool childcare, removing another barrier to employment stability. "All of this is designed to figure out what's that bump, get them over that hill, and then let them live smoothly," Chris explains. Faith-Rooted, Universally Welcoming Family Promise Winchester Area's relationship with faith communities reflects a thoughtful balance. The national Family Promise network originated in 1988 with founder Karen Olsen's rotating shelter model, where families moved between different church host sites—similar to how Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter (WATTS) operates today for individuals. Church partners remain essential to the organization's funding and volunteer base, with Opequon Presbyterian's recent $20,000 donation exemplifying this support. However, while Family Promise is driven by interfaith values like compassion, love, and empathy, their programming itself remains secular. "We believe in compassion, love, empathy, helping the meek, but our programming itself is not faith-based," Chris clarifies. "We serve all families of all compositions. It doesn't matter what religion you are. There is no expectation that you'll have to go to church on Sunday in order for us to cover your rent." The organization defines family through the child's perspective: whoever the child sees as family is their family, regardless of composition. Any family with a minor child or expecting a child who lives in Winchester, Frederick, Warren, or Clarke County qualifies for services. How the Community Can Help As the conversation concludes, Chris issues a call to action for the Winchester community. Family Promise needs landlords willing to work with their families, volunteers offering even two hours of time, and financial donations of any size. "I'll get a check for $5 and people apologize, saying 'I'm sorry it's not more,'" Chris shares. "$5 makes a real difference. If you get a hundred people giving you $5, that's $500—that's one family we were able to prevent from an eviction." Beyond monetary donations, simple actions make an impact. Following Family Promise Winchester on Facebook and liking or sharing their posts helps algorithms spread awareness. Every share brings Winchester's "best kept secret" a little closer to the visibility it needs. For families needing assistance, the process starts at www.familypromisewinchester.org, where a program application allows quick assessment and entry into the case management system. Time sensitivity matters—many situations require immediate intervention. For everyone else—donors, volunteers, landlords, or simply concerned citizens—the website offers multiple ways to engage. The organization can be reached at (540) 323-8038 or info@familypromisewinchester.org. A Story That Needs Telling Perhaps the most powerful moment in the conversation comes when Chris describes a family currently receiving assistance: "The first thing the mother said to us is, 'We went from taking vacations to living in a motel.' All it took was an illness, a layoff, and that's where they are." This narrative shatters assumptions about who becomes homeless and why. It reminds listeners that family homelessness isn't about moral failing or poor choices—it's about an unforgiving housing market, stagnant wages, inadequate safety nets, and the reality that most Americans live far closer to financial catastrophe than they realize. Ultimately, Family Promise Winchester Area offers something rare and valuable: a proven intervention point where modest investment prevents catastrophic outcomes. At $500 per child, the Help Us Move In fund doesn't just house families—it preserves childhoods, protects development, prevents trauma, and breaks generational cycles of poverty. "We have to stop this because it's just so expensive," Chris concludes, referencing both the human and economic costs. "When we invest early in these childhood interventions, we help stop a cycle, and we also help everybody in society." Winchester's invisible crisis demands visible action. Family Promise Winchester Area has built the infrastructure, demonstrated the results, and proven the model works. Now they need the community's support to scale their impact and ensure no child in the region goes to sleep wondering where they'll wake up tomorrow.

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174. BrandFest Recap

ICONic Talk

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 38:38

Mark sits down with BrandFest panelist Ross Lehman to recap and highlight key takeaways from the recent community marketing seminar, while special guest Danielle Spriggs joins the conversation to share insights about Winchester's Restaurant Week, which is happening right now.https://www.mortgagebyross.comhttps://markfrancisrealtor.comhttps://iconmedia.ccUpcoming Events :Winchester Restaurant Weekhttps://www.winchesterrestaurantweek.comShenandoah University - “Catch Me if You Can”https://www.su.edu/performs/event/26-02-catch-me-if-you-can/

403: What Do Artifacts Explain About the History of the West?

Getting Unstuck - Shift For Impact

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 71:02

Guest Paul Knowles has not followed a conventional path. Originally from Texas, he worked in Downtown Dallas as a financial advisor for the world's largest private wealth manager. He then served as marketing director for a highly successful Colorado regional bank and later for one of the nation's top real estate offices. However, it was after stepping away for a year and a half that Paul stumbled onto his true calling, and for the past ten years, he has been the Assistant Director of the Museum of Northwest Colorado, located in Craig, Colorado Summary In this episode, I visit with Paul to explore Western history through various artifacts. From a massive dinosaur footprint recovered from a coal mine to a 1,700-year-old "burden basket" woven by the Indigenous people living in the area at the time, to the Winchester rifle, the first reliable repeating rifle, the museum reveals a layered history stretching from prehistoric swamps to the era of outlaw drama. Paul challenges Hollywood's myth of the violent, gun-slinging West, reframing firearms as tools of survival rather than symbols of chaos. Through objects like annotated copies of Charles Kelly's The Outlaw Trail, prison-made spurs crafted by inmate John Cox, early Colorado brand books, and a letter referencing Butch Cassidy, we'll encounter a West both harsher and more nuanced than legend suggests. At center stage in the museum stands "Western Reflections," the world's largest watercolor, symbolizing remoteness, resilience, and the central importance of water. Ultimately, our conversation highlights the grit, interdependence, and adaptability required to survive in the historic West. A key takeaway Artifacts tell truer stories than myths; when we examine physical evidence, Hollywood's caricature of the West gives way to a more human, complex reality. A Video Tour of the Museum is available in the show notes for this episode on my website: https://www.queticocoaching.com/blog

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Meeting Basic Needs to Mitigate ACEs

Making Kids Count

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 30:56

Guest host Shannon Moody is joined by three community leaders to discuss the importance of meeting families' basic needs in efforts to mitigate Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the intersection with Bloom Kentucky's state policy priorities. Guests include Lacy Boling, Executive Director, Paducah Cooperative Ministries; Sara Hemingway, Executive Director, Marilyn and William Young Foundation in Owensboro; and Timothy Johnson, President and CEO of the Greater Clark Foundation in Winchester. Learn more about Bloom Kentucky at https://kyyouth.org/bloom/. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count Podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

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Turkey Legs and Toms Brook Red: A North Mountain Vineyard Story

The British History Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 26:30

During a recent episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with Jill Edlich and Kary Haun for Tourism Tuesday — Shenandoah County Edition — to talk about an exciting new chapter unfolding at North Mountain Vineyard and Winery. What begins as a conversation about events and community quickly reveals something much bigger: a Renaissance fair founder has just stepped into life as a vineyard owner. As part of the ongoing Tourism Tuesday series highlighting destinations and experiences in Shenandoah County, the conversation explores how Jill's purchase of North Mountain is reshaping both the winery and the future home of the Ravenwood Faire. As listeners quickly learn, this isn't just a business transaction. It's a story about legacy, land, and local connection. The Perfect Match When Krista, the former owner of North Mountain Vineyard and Winery, decided to sell her beloved property, she wasn't just looking for any buyer. She wanted someone who would cherish the land and preserve its legacy. After waiting patiently for the right person, she found exactly what she was looking for in Jill Edlich—though the match came with an unexpected twist. Jill didn't set out to become a winemaker. Instead, she was searching for a permanent home for the Ravenwood Faire, the Renaissance-style festival she founded in 2019. For years, she had been hosting the fundraising event at the Frederick County Fairgrounds in Clear Brook, but the logistics were exhausting. Setting up and breaking down the event took nearly a week each time, and Jill dreamed of finding land where the fair could put down roots. From Fairgrounds to Vineyards When Jill discovered the 47-acre North Mountain property—with 15 acres planted in grapevines—she realized she'd found more than just a home for her event. She'd stumbled into an entirely new venture. "It's like those TV shows where someone says, 'Honey, I bought a zoo,'" Janet jokes. "And those people are like, 'I've never run a zoo before, but hey, we're gonna give this a shot.'" Jill laughs in agreement. Suddenly, she wasn't just an event organizer—she was a farmer and a vintner. "A lot of people say, 'So how does it feel to be a farmer now?'" Jill reflects. "And I'm like, wow. Yeah. I'm a farmer besides owning the winery." A Wine Lover's Journey Fortunately, Jill's leap into the wine business wasn't entirely blind. Years earlier, she founded the Wine Club for Women, organizing tastings and educational events throughout Frederick County, Winchester, and even Shenandoah County. She loved learning about wine pairings and vineyard operations, but eventually, the demands of the Ravenwood Faire consumed her time. Still, she never abandoned her dream of returning to the wine world someday. "It's kind of like a full circle," Jill explains. "Everything happens for a reason. That's always been one of my things for sure." Preserving Tradition One of Jill's biggest concerns when taking over the winery was maintaining the quality and character that loyal customers had come to expect. Thankfully, she inherited an invaluable asset: the winemaking team. Krista's son, John Jackson, stayed on as head winemaker, along with assistant winemaker Andrew Bender. Together, they're Jill's "wine-making gurus," patiently teaching her the craft while ensuring beloved wines like Toms Brook Red remain unchanged. "Rest assured, we've got Toms Brook Red and that's definitely not going anywhere," Jill promises. Beyond preserving existing wines, she's also excited to experiment with new blends and explore whether certain grapes can stand on their own rather than being blended. A Diverse Portfolio Currently, North Mountain offers an impressive selection. The white wines include Riesling, Oktoberfest, a standout Virginia Apple wine, Gruner Veltliner, Chardonnay, and Gewürztraminer Rosé. Meanwhile, the red lineup features Zweigel Red, Cabernet Franc (Jill's personal favorite), Petite Verdot, Chambourcin Foster's Reserve, Mountain Midnight (a port-style wine), the famous Toms Brook Red, a spiced holiday wine that can be served cold or warmed, and Clairet—a Bordeaux-style blend that's grandfathered in under a now-restricted name. Renovations and Accessibility Since closing on the property on October 31, 2025, Jill has wasted no time making improvements. She opened for business the very next day and immediately began renovations to make the winery more welcoming. The tasting room has been transformed into a clean, inviting space where large groups or dozens of small parties can gather comfortably. Most importantly, Jill prioritizes accessibility. She's adding a ramp to eliminate steps at the entrance, designating handicap parking spots, and extending the parking lot. Additionally, she's constructing a road, making it easier for visitors to access events—especially the Ravenwood Faire—without overwhelming the neighborhood. The Ravenwood Connection While the winery and the Ravenwood Faire are separate entities, they now share the same home. The Ravenwood Foundation will rent space on the property to host the fundraising event, happening in October: the 16th through 18th and the 23rd through 25th. The fair has grown significantly since its inception, particularly in its offerings for children. Last year, the kids' area was constantly packed, which thrills Jill and her team. "Every time I looked over in that area, it was just a constant," she recalls. "It made us feel really good." Beyond the fair, the foundation runs a week-long day camp for children ages 12 to 17, teaching outdoor skills like archery, bread making, and cooking over open fires. Last year's inaugural camp served 16 kids—a number that initially seemed small but proved perfect for working out the kinks. Moving forward, Jill hopes to eventually bring the camp to the vineyard property and possibly expand to overnight sessions, though logistical challenges like insurance and sleeping arrangements remain. Building Community Jill's vision extends beyond wine and fairs. She's actively partnering with local farms and artisans to host events like homesteading workshops, sourdough-making classes, canning demonstrations, and floral arrangement sessions. Every Saturday features live music, and the winery has already hosted trivia nights, bridal showers, and even a 35-person wedding in the great room. "It's really important for us to be working with our local community," Jill emphasizes. "Meeting other farmers now has been amazing." She's also been warmly welcomed by the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail, a tight-knit group of winemakers who meet every other month at different vineyards. "I walked in there and everybody had open arms," Jill says. "It was an amazing feeling. I'm feeling the love for sure." Looking Ahead As spring approaches, Jill plans to extend the winery's hours beyond the current Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. She's also reviving Oktoberfest—a tradition Krista maintained even in her final years—and giving it "a little more love." Perhaps most excitingly, Jill is exploring expanding wine production and potentially enlarging the cellar. With stunning sunset views, ample outdoor space, and a growing calendar of events, North Mountain Vineyard and Winery is poised to become a cornerstone of Shenandoah County's tourism scene. For Jill, the journey from Renaissance fair organizer to winery owner has been unexpected but deeply fulfilling. "I know how to drink wine," she jokes. "But to make it, that was a whole different ball of wax." Three months in, she's learning something new every day—and loving every minute of it. North Mountain Vineyard and Winery is located in Shenandoah County at 4374 Swartz Road, Maurertown. For more information, visit northmountainvineyard.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the Ravenwood Foundation at ravenwoodfoundation.org.

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493 – The Price of Peace

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 25:55

The Treaty penned at Alton had avoided outright war, but it wasn't truly official. It needed to be finalized at Winchester. The post 493 – The Price of Peace first appeared on The British History Podcast.

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180,000 Reasons to Care: The Growing Need for Food Assistance

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 25:51

Record Numbers Shatter Post-Pandemic Expectations Six years after the pandemic first disrupted American life, a troubling trend emerges across rural Virginia. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank now serves approximately 180,000 people every month—a staggering 39,000 more than the pandemic's peak. Les Sinclair, the organization's Communications and PR Manager, reveals this sobering reality during a recent conversation on The Valley Today with host Janet Michael. Initially, food bank officials believed the pandemic would represent the worst crisis they'd ever face. When government assistance programs temporarily lifted many families out of poverty, demand dropped slightly to around 141,000 monthly visits. However, this optimism proved short-lived. "We thought the numbers would never go up beyond the pandemic max," Les explains. "That just didn't pan out." Instead, inflation took hold with devastating consequences. While prices soared across every sector, wages failed to keep pace. Consequently, more working families find themselves unable to afford basic necessities, forcing them to seek food assistance for the first time in their lives. A Massive Rural Footprint The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank operates across an impressive territory that spans 25 counties and eight cities throughout Virginia. Stretching from Winchester and Frederick County in the north to beyond Lynchburg and Bedford County in the south, the organization covers approximately 12,000 square miles—roughly the size of Maryland or one-third of Virginia's total area. To manage this vast region effectively, the food bank maintains four strategic warehouse locations. Their headquarters sits in Verona, just outside Staunton, while additional distribution centers operate in Winchester, Charlottesville, and Lynchburg. Notably, the Winchester facility alone serves Frederick, Clarke, Fauquier, Warren, Shenandoah, Page, and Rappahannock Counties, including the densely populated Loudoun County. Moreover, the organization represents a groundbreaking experiment in food banking. When founded in 1981, most food banks concentrated on urban areas where dense populations made distribution easier. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, however, pioneered rural food distribution—a critical distinction since nine out of ten food-insecure Americans live in rural communities rather than urban centers. The Partnership Model That Makes It Work The food bank functions as a sophisticated logistics operation, partnering with Feeding America nationally and hundreds of local food pantries regionally. Les compares their role to a Walmart warehouse, buying food by the truckload and storing massive quantities. Meanwhile, local pantries like Winchester CCAP serve as the "customer-facing" locations, directly distributing food to families in need. This partnership proves essential for reaching scattered rural populations. "We couldn't do what we do without them," Les emphasizes. "They couldn't do what they do without us." Furthermore, the organization sources food from diverse channels. Retail grocers contribute 36% of donations through partner pickup programs, where pantries collect excess inventory directly from stores like Food Lion, Kroger, and Giant. Additionally, the USDA provides government-purchased food from American farmers, while large manufacturers donate products with misprinted labels or excess inventory. Local and regional farmers also contribute fresh produce to the network. The Grocery Store Challenge Recently, however, the retail partnership faced unexpected pressure. During October and November, and again during winter snowstorms, consumers cleared grocery store shelves completely. When stores have no excess inventory, they have nothing left to donate. Compounding this challenge, grocery chains have become remarkably efficient at predicting demand. Using AI technology, they now anticipate that shoppers will buy strawberry Pop-Tarts before storms and adjust inventory accordingly. While this efficiency benefits retailers and consumers, it reduces the surplus available for food banks. Simultaneously, USDA food supplies have dropped 30% year-over-year, forcing the food bank to purchase more food directly. Although they cannot fully replace the high-quality proteins and vegetables the government typically provides, they continue prioritizing nutritious options for their partner pantries. Shattering Misconceptions About Food Pantry Users Perhaps the most persistent myth surrounding food insecurity involves who actually needs assistance. Many people assume food pantry visitors are simply lazy and should "get a job." The reality, however, tells a dramatically different story. Most people seeking food assistance are working. They're trying to improve their lives but living on financial margins so thin that a single unexpected expense creates crisis. In fact, more than a quarter of the food bank's guests visit only once per year—they simply need help getting over a temporary hump. Les shares the story of a convenience store worker who injured her wrist on the job. Unable to work while waiting for workers' compensation, she has zero income and cares for a paralyzed son. She's not lazy—she's injured, uninsured temporarily, and desperately trying to survive until she can return to work. Even when workers' compensation arrives, it typically covers only 70% of regular wages and takes considerable time to process. For families living paycheck to paycheck, missing even one payment creates cascading financial disasters. The Government Shutdown Ripple Effect Currently, partial government shutdowns compound these challenges. Federal workers, particularly TSA agents, continue reporting to work without paychecks. They still pay for childcare, gas, and other necessities, but many receive payment only monthly—making it extraordinarily difficult to stretch resources from one paycheck to the next. Contrary to popular belief, landlords cannot always wait patiently for delayed rent payments. Many landlords depend on rental income to pay their own mortgages. When a tenant misses a $2,000 rent payment, the landlord must still cover their mortgage. Moreover, the economic impact extends far beyond government employees. When federal workers stop dining out, restaurants lose business. Wait staff lose tips. Restaurant owners order less food from suppliers like Sysco. Truck drivers haul fewer loads. The entire economic system suffers. Sarah Cohen of Route 11 Chips experienced this firsthand. During COVID and government shutdowns, her sales to DC cafes plummeted because federal workers weren't coming to the office for lunch. These ripple effects reach deep into Virginia's economy, affecting businesses and workers far from the capital. The Impossible Choice: Heat or Eat Winter brings particularly cruel dilemmas for struggling families. Les recently spoke with William, a roofer injured on the job who lives in a mobile home with his dog, Cocoa. Unable to afford heating, William and Cocoa "just sort of curl up" together while he waits for surgeries that will allow him to return to work. Another woman caring for three disabled grandchildren faces $400 monthly electric bills. With both she and her husband experiencing serious health issues and the children's parents out of the picture, they constantly struggle with the impossible choice between heating their home and feeding their family. These aren't isolated cases. Across the food bank's service area, families regularly face this devastating decision. When $600 heating bills arrive after cold snaps, many choose to keep the lights on and visit food pantries to feed their families. Food as Medicine: A Holistic Approach The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank takes a progressive stance on nutrition, viewing food as medicine rather than mere sustenance. They prioritize fresh produce, which comprised 30% of their distribution last year, because they understand that proper nutrition helps people thrive. Nutritious food keeps medical bills down across entire communities. Children pay better attention in school when properly nourished. People can manage chronic illnesses and diseases through better nutrition. Conversely, when families can only afford high-calorie processed foods, they face increased health risks despite consuming adequate calories—debunking the myth that overweight individuals cannot be food insecure. Additionally, access to food reduces stress, which itself functions as a health intervention. When people live on the edge of a financial cliff, they cannot make good long-term decisions. They're too focused on simply not falling. However, when food security removes one major stressor, families can step back from that precipice and begin making better choices for their futures. Quality Food for Everyone Another common misconception suggests that food bank offerings are somehow subpar. In reality, the food distributed through this network maintains high-quality standards. While well-meaning donors sometimes contribute items like ramen noodles during food drives, the bulk of distributed food comes from retail grocers, USDA programs, and direct purchases of nutritious items. The food bank specifically prioritizes produce because people crave fresh fruits and vegetables. Although produce represents one of the most expensive food categories—often making it a luxury for families on tight budgets—the organization believes everyone deserves access to healthy, nutritious food regardless of their economic circumstances. How Communities Can Help Fortunately, community members have multiple ways to support this critical mission. Volunteering provides valuable assistance, and notably, many food bank guests themselves volunteer, giving back to the community that supported them during difficult times. Financial donations prove particularly effective. Just $1 helps provide more than three meals, meaning $10 supplies a month of meals for someone in need, while $100 provides 300 meals. The food bank's purchasing power and logistics expertise amplify every dollar donated. Beyond time and money, advocacy matters tremendously. Currently, the Federation of Virginia Food Banks—representing all seven food banks across the state—works to promote "food as medicine" initiatives with the state legislature. Community members can support these efforts through the food bank's website at BRAFB.org/actnow or BRAFB.org/getinvolved. Finally, social media engagement amplifies the message. Following the food bank's social media accounts, resharing posts, and commenting helps spread awareness that hunger relief remains an urgent community need. Finding Help When You Need It For individuals and families currently struggling with food insecurity, Les offers an important message: "You're not alone, and we are here with you. We are here to walk with you through this challenge in your life." The food bank's website features an easy-to-use food finder tool. Visitors to BRAFB.org can click "Find Food," enter their address, and immediately see all nearby pantries with contact information, open hours, and everything needed to access food quickly. Alternatively, Virginians can call 211 for phone-based assistance connecting them with local resources. A Community Responsibility As this conversation reveals, food insecurity affects far more people than most realize—one in nine people across the food bank's service area. These aren't strangers or statistics; they're neighbors, coworkers, and community members facing temporary crises that could happen to anyone. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank stands ready to help, but they cannot do it alone. Through partnerships with local pantries, support from community donors and volunteers, and advocacy for systemic solutions, the organization continues fighting to ensure everyone has enough to eat. In Janet Michael's words, it's "a responsibility I do not take lightly"—and neither should any of us.

On Purpose For A Purpose - 2/26/2026 11AM

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 39:08

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Discipleship - Foundation Step (Week 12)

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 48:18

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The Hidden Investment Risks You Don’t See Coming: Kentucky Retirement Planning Insights

The Tom Dupree Show

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 45:01

The Hidden Investment Risks Pre-Retirees and Retirees Don’t See Coming: Kentucky Retirement Planning Insights Are you approaching retirement and concerned about protecting your life savings from market volatility? In this comprehensive episode of the Tom Dupree Show, Kentucky retirement planning advisors Tom Dupree and Mike Johnson explore the multidimensional nature of investment risk and why personalized investment management is essential for pre-retirees aged 50-65. Unlike mass-market approaches from large firms, Dupree Financial Group provides direct access to portfolio managers who understand your specific retirement goals and risk tolerance. This evergreen financial education episode delivers timeless wisdom on risk assessment, portfolio protection strategies, and why understanding what you own is critical before retirement. Whether you’re working with a local financial advisor in Kentucky or managing investments on your own, these insights will help you make more informed decisions about your retirement security. Key Takeaways: Investment Risk Management for Pre-Retirees Risk is multidimensional: Investment risk extends beyond simple volatility—it includes sequence of returns risk, concentration risk, and the risk of falling short of your retirement goals The Capital Asset Pricing Model misconception: More risk doesn’t automatically mean more return; it means a wider range of potential outcomes, both positive and negative The danger of false security: Long periods of strong returns can create complacency, causing investors to unknowingly take on excessive risk right before retirement Personalized portfolio analysis matters: Your investment strategy must align with your specific retirement timeline, income needs, and risk capacity—not just market averages Understanding beats panic: Clients who truly understand their portfolio holdings don’t panic during market downturns because they know their strategy is designed for their goals Active risk identification: Professional Kentucky retirement planning involves continuously identifying and monitoring specific risks to each holding, not just following the crowd Howard Marks on Investment Risk: Wisdom from a Market Legend The episode draws heavily from Howard Marks’ influential 2006 memo on risk, which Tom and Mike have studied extensively. Marks, co-founder of Oaktree Capital Management, challenges conventional thinking about risk and return relationships. “If more risk always meant more return, it would cease being risky. The risk would be riskless,” explains Mike Johnson, highlighting the fundamental misunderstanding many investors have about the risk-return relationship. The discussion emphasizes that bearing risk unknowingly represents one of the biggest mistakes pre-retirees can make. This is particularly relevant for those who have experienced strong market performance for years without understanding the volatility embedded in their portfolios. The Real-World Cost of Ignoring Investment Risk Tom Dupree shares a cautionary tale that every pre-retiree should hear: “There was a man that came to me years ago who had been at UK for a number of years. He had invested in Fidelity and TIAA-CREF, good funds, great returns. He had something like 1,000,006 and he had averaged 13 and a quarter percent return per year for like 23 years. He extrapolated that he could take 10% a year, which was $160,000, live on it and be okay because it was gonna keep doing that. The sequence of returns turned around and bit him good.” This example perfectly illustrates sequence of returns risk—a critical concept for anyone approaching retirement. Even with excellent average returns, the timing of market downturns relative to when you need to withdraw funds can devastate a retirement plan. This is why personalized investment management from a local financial advisor who understands your specific timeline is so valuable. Why Volatility Isn’t the Only Risk Pre-Retirees Face The episode challenges the traditional definition of investment risk as merely volatility. For pre-retirees and retirees specifically, Mike Johnson explains: “The base case that we’re trying to solve here? We’re speaking specifically to near retirees and retirees. Volatility is gonna be your friend or your foe the day you need to take your money out. That’s gonna be your definition of risk—what has the volatility done to my money the day I need it.” Additional Risk Dimensions for Kentucky Retirement Planning Falling short of goals: The risk that your portfolio won’t produce sufficient income for your desired retirement lifestyle Concentration risk: Over-exposure to single stocks or sectors, especially common with company stock or recent tech winners Unconventionality risk: The professional risk advisors take when thinking independently rather than following the crowd—but this can benefit clients long-term Underperformance risk: Short-term underperformance relative to indices, which requires conviction in your strategy and understanding your goals Hidden risk exposure: Unknown risks embedded in portfolios, particularly index funds that provide no true diversification strategy The False Sense of Security: Why Long Bull Markets Are Dangerous One of the most powerful concepts discussed is how prolonged positive market performance can numb investors to risk—exactly when they should be most vigilant. Mike Johnson references Nassim Taleb’s “Fooled by Randomness” to illustrate this danger: “Reality’s far more vicious than Russian roulette. First, it delivers the fatal bullet rather infrequently, like a revolver that would have hundreds or even thousands of rounds instead of six. After a few dozen tries, one forgets about the existence of a bullet under a numbing false sense of security. One is thus capable of unwittingly playing Russian roulette and calling it by something alternative: low risk.” This perfectly describes the situation many pre-retirees face today after years of strong market performance. The analogy to driving at 90 mph—where you stop feeling the speed—resonates powerfully. You’re taking significant risk, but you’ve become accustomed to it and no longer perceive the danger. Direct Access to Portfolio Managers: The Dupree Financial Difference Unlike large firms where you’re assigned an investment counselor who may change frequently, Dupree Financial Group provides direct access to portfolio managers Tom Dupree and Mike Johnson. This relationship-focused approach enables: Deep understanding of your specific retirement timeline and goals Customized portfolio construction based on your unique risk capacity Ongoing education about what you own and why you own it Proactive risk identification specific to your holdings The ability to think unconventionally when it serves your interests “When our clients understand what’s in their portfolio and why, they don’t call us panicking when the market drops,” Tom Dupree emphasizes, highlighting the value of education and transparency in financial relationships. Why Index Funds Aren’t a Complete Investment Strategy The episode delivers a sobering message about the limitations of index fund investing for retirees: “If you don’t like risk and you think that you’re not taking any risk by investing in the S&P 500, sweetie pie, you need to get in the money market fund and just hope you got enough money to ride through it because you are taking risk that you don’t know about. And that is a problem because you’re gonna find it out in a very uncomfortable way at some point.” This doesn’t mean index funds have no place in portfolios, but rather that they shouldn’t be confused with a comprehensive retirement income strategy. Personalized portfolio analysis considers: Your specific income needs in retirement Time horizon until you need to access funds Concentration risk in popular stocks or sectors The difference between the accumulation and distribution phases Tax efficiency of different investment approaches Building a Foundation: From Stocks to Portfolio For younger investors just starting out, Mike Johnson offers this perspective: “If somebody’s in their late twenties, early thirties and they have a few stocks here and there, that’s great. You’re ahead of the curve from a lot of people, but that is not a portfolio. What you want to do is lay a foundation that’s more sturdy, more solid than just having a few stocks here and there.” This guidance is equally relevant for pre-retirees who may have accumulated individual positions over time without a cohesive strategy. Kentucky retirement planning requires transitioning from an accumulation mindset to a distribution strategy—and that requires professional portfolio architecture. The Retirement Risk Equation: It’s About Income, Not Just Account Balance One of the most important insights for pre-retirees: “Remember, it’s not just the accumulation, it’s not the dollar amount, it’s what it’s gonna produce for you and how long can it produce that to sustain you. Retirement has the normal set of rules plus other variables that you have to take into consideration.” This shift in perspective—from portfolio value to sustainable income—is where personalized investment management becomes critical. Every individual’s situation differs slightly, and those differences matter enormously in retirement planning. Faith, Risk, and Investment Philosophy Tom Dupree introduces an often-overlooked dimension of investment risk: the role of faith. Not just faith in markets or historical returns, but a deeper consideration of existential risk and what you ultimately trust. “Underpinning any investment scheme is faith. At the base of everything related to risk is faith. You cannot get away from it. One of the things about the God factor is that it takes certain elements of risk that you’re willing to take on for yourself and transfers them to a higher power.” While this dimension is personal and not emphasized in typical financial planning, it reflects Dupree Financial Group’s holistic approach to understanding clients as people—not just portfolios. Frequently Asked Questions About Investment Risk and Retirement Planning What is the biggest investment risk for pre-retirees? The biggest risk for pre-retirees is sequence-of-returns risk—experiencing market downturns just as you begin withdrawing from your portfolio. Even with strong average returns over time, poor returns in the years immediately before and after retirement can devastate your retirement security. This is why personalized retirement planning in Kentucky focuses on more than just average returns. How is investment risk different for retirees versus younger investors? For retirees, risk is primarily defined by volatility’s impact on withdrawals. When you need to take money out during a market downturn, you crystallize losses and reduce your portfolio’s recovery potential. Younger investors have time to recover from volatility. As Tom Dupree explains, “Volatility is gonna be your friend or your foe the day you need to take your money out.” Are index funds safe for retirement portfolios? Index funds are not inherently “safe” for retirement—they carry significant volatility and concentration risks (especially in large-cap tech stocks right now). While they can be part of a retirement strategy, they should not be confused with a comprehensive income plan. Local financial advisors can help design strategies that balance growth needs with income stability. How much can I safely withdraw from my retirement portfolio annually? There’s no universal answer—withdrawal rates depend on your portfolio composition, risk tolerance, retirement timeline, and income needs. The gentleman in Tom’s example assumed 10% annual withdrawals based on historical 13.25% returns, which proved disastrous. Personalized portfolio analysis determines sustainable withdrawal rates specific to your situation. Why should I work with a local Kentucky financial advisor instead of a large national firm? Local advisors like Dupree Financial Group provide direct access to portfolio managers who personally manage your investments, rather than being assigned to a counselor who may change. You receive personalized service, education about your holdings, and strategies tailored to your specific goals—not mass-market approaches. Tom emphasizes: “When our clients understand what’s in their portfolio and why, they don’t call us panicking when the market drops.” What does it mean to “know what you own” in my portfolio? Knowing what you own means understanding not just the names of your holdings, but the specific risks each position carries, how they work together, and why each was selected for your situation. It means knowing what could go wrong with each investment and having conviction in your overall strategy during market volatility. How often should I review my retirement portfolio risk? Pre-retirees should review portfolio risk at least annually, and more frequently as retirement approaches. Risk tolerance, time horizon, and income needs change as you near retirement. Kentucky retirement planning professionals continuously monitor holdings for emerging risks and rebalance as needed. What is concentration risk, and why does it matter? Concentration risk occurs when your portfolio has too much exposure to a single stock, sector, or asset class. Many investors have unknowingly accumulated concentration in large technology stocks through both index funds and individual holdings. If that sector declines, your entire portfolio suffers disproportionately. Diversification addresses concentration risk. How do I know if I’m taking too much risk before retirement? Signs you may have excessive risk include: heavy concentration in stocks after years of strong returns, high portfolio volatility relative to your withdrawal timeline, lack of income-producing assets, or simply not understanding what you own. A complimentary portfolio review with Dupree Financial Group can identify hidden risks: call 859-233-0400. What makes Dupree Financial Group’s investment philosophy different? Dupree Financial Group focuses on building long-term relationships with people—not just managing money. The team conducts their own research, provides comprehensive education, thinks independently rather than following the crowd, and designs portfolios around your specific goals. Learn more about their investment philosophy. Schedule Your Complimentary Portfolio Risk Analysis Don’t Wait for a Market Downturn to Discover Hidden Risks in Your Portfolio If you’re retired or approaching retirement, understanding the specific risks in your portfolio is critical. After 47 years in the investment business, Tom Dupree has seen countless retirees discover they were taking far more risk than they realized—often at the worst possible time. Dupree Financial Group offers Central Kentucky residents a complimentary portfolio review to help you: Identify hidden concentration risks in your current holdings Understand the sequence-of-returns risk as you approach retirement Evaluate whether your portfolio aligns with your retirement income needs Learn what you actually own and why it matters Develop a personalized strategy for your retirement timeline Call 859-233-0400 to schedule your complimentary consultation Or visit us online: Schedule Your Personalized Portfolio Analysis Learn About Our Investment Philosophy Listen to More Market Commentary Read Client Testimonials Explore Kentucky Retirement Planning Services Dupree Financial Group serves clients throughout Central Kentucky, including Lexington, Louisville, Frankfort, Winchester, Richmond, and surrounding communities. About the Tom Dupree Show The Tom Dupree Show provides timeless financial education for investors approaching and in retirement. Hosted by Tom Dupree, Jr., founder of Dupree Financial Group, and portfolio manager Mike Johnson, each episode delivers practical insights on investment management, retirement planning, and portfolio risk assessment. Unlike generic financial advice, the show focuses on the specific challenges facing Kentucky retirees and pre-retirees. Tom Dupree founded Dupree Financial Group on the principle that creating long-term relationships with people—not just their money—is the key to successful wealth management. With direct access to portfolio managers and personalized investment strategies, Dupree Financial Group delivers the attentive service of a local advisor with the knowledge of a seasoned investment team. Episode Type: Evergreen Financial Education Primary Topics: Investment Risk, Retirement Planning, Portfolio Management, Sequence of Returns Risk Featured Guests: Mike Johnson, a member of the team at Dupree Financial Group Listen to More Episodes: Market Commentary Archive Share This Episode Help others understand investment risk by sharing this episode: www.dupreefinancial.com/podcast The post The Hidden Investment Risks You Don’t See Coming: Kentucky Retirement Planning Insights appeared first on Dupree Financial.

6 Polar Bear Hunts & a 7mm Magnum with Lance Lupton

Ballistic Chronicles

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2026 72:09

He learned to hunt backwards. We talk to Lance Lupton who made 6 polar bear hunts and 2 elephant hunts with a 7mm Magnum and hunted all over the world with the rifle he calls Old Trusty. We hear about his NDE, thoughts on big game hunting, and tips on being a better hunter. Lupton started his hunting career in 1958 at the age of 7 and has hunted with longbow, muzzleloader and, of course, his 7mm Magnum Old Trusty.If you want to support free speech and good hunting content on the Information Superhighway, look for our coffee and books and wildlife forage blends at https://www.garylewisoutdoors.com/Shop/This episode is sponsored by West Coast Floats, of Philomath, Oregon, made in the USA since 1982 for steelhead and salmon fishermen. Visit https://westcoastfloats.com/Our TV sponsors include: Nosler, Camp Chef, Warne Scope Mounts, Carson, ProCure Bait Scents, The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, Madras Ford, Bailey Seed and Smartz.Watch select episodes of Frontier Unlimited on our network of affiliates around the U.S. or click https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=gary+lewis+outdoors+frontier+unlimited

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g Jesus - Mighty Messiah, Suffering Servant - “JESUS: The Ultimate Prophet” - Part 49

Trap Talk From The Back Fence

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2026 48:30

“JESUS: The Ultimate Prophet”Mark 13Having recently completed our series “None Like Jesus” let's continue to “Behold Him” by embarking on a new study through the Gospel of Mark. Mark's Gospel is the shortest of the four Gospels and it is action-packed from start to finish – as evidenced by the word “immediately” used over 40 times. Mark wrote to believers, probably Roman believers, who were no strangers to persecution. And he wanted to disciple his readers to be strong in their faith by encouraging them to look to their Mighty Messiah, the Son of God, who remained steadfastly faithful even while becoming their Suffering Servant who died for them. Mark's Gospel is a call to all believers to fearlessly “Follow Jesus” because they can trust Him completely.

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Florida Is Going BIG! | Silver, Pig Roast & CF5 Push – Trap Talk E164

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 52:20

The Florida State Shoot is leveling up — and this year, it's different.In Episode 164 of Trap Talk, Zach and Ricky sit down with Florida ATA President Thomas Harrington to break down what's coming March 17–22 at the Silver Dollar Shooters Club in Odessa, Florida.This isn't business as usual.We're talking:• Nearly $60,000 in added value• Almost 200 ounces of silver up for grabs• Montana Silversmith Super HOA buckles• Ladies Super HOA awards• A catered pig roast• Missing out event with $1,000 guaranteed• Long Run option• Winchester-sponsored walk-up doubles• A serious push toward Competition Factor 5Thomas shares how Florida has tripled sponsorship support in just two years and why innovation — not status quo — is the future of state shoots.If you're already heading to the Southern Grand, staying for the Florida State Shoot just makes sense. Sunshine, seafood, silver, and serious targets.Pre-squad is OPEN now.

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EKN OutLap: EP104 – 2026 Challenge of the Americas – K1 Circuit

EKN Radio Network

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 34:49

The EKN Trackside Live program visits multiple events throughout the karting season. Leading up to major events on the calendar, EKN is happy to provide a show as part of the EKN Radio Network. The EKN OutLap is a preview podcast show, geared at providing you with the top stories, breaking news, and championship battles going into the weekend. The 19th season for Challenge of the Americas kicks off this weekend with the second ever trip to the K1 Circuit. The Winchester, California facility will host the Challenge from February 20-22, ushering in the second year with the Shinko Kart Racing Tires as the official tire and the first year welcoming Briggs & Stratton 206 categories as part of the championship chases. Rob Howden and David Cole preview the SoCal trip for the Challenge in Episode 104 of the OutLap, presented by Stilo USA.

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Frederick County Extension: Meet Candace DeLong

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Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 21:01

A Homecoming to the Shenandoah Valley Candace DeLong is settling into her new role as Frederick County's consumer horticulture extension agent, and she's already discovering the perks of the position, she explains to host Janet Michael on this episode of The Valley Today. Just three weeks into the job, she's found herself surrounded by enthusiastic Master Gardeners, chocolate Valentine's Day cake, and a team of 150 volunteers ready to tackle any gardening question that comes their way. However, this isn't Candace's first rodeo in the world of extension work. For the past six years, she served as an extension agent in neighboring Hampshire County, West Virginia, where she covered all areas of agriculture. Now, she's narrowing her focus to home gardening, green industry questions, and working closely with the Master Gardener program—a shift she welcomes after years of juggling everything from livestock to orchards. From Indiana to Apple Country Candace's journey to Frederick County began 13 years ago when she left her hometown of Anderson, Indiana, to pursue a master's degree at Virginia Tech. Unlike most graduate students, she didn't spend her time on the Blacksburg campus. Instead, she conducted research at the Alson H. Smith research lab outside Winchester, diving deep into crop load management in apple orchards. Following her graduate work, Candace spent three years working directly in Frederick County's apple industry, gaining hands-on experience that would prove invaluable. "I was out in the field figuring out diseases and insects and bugs and all of those weed issues and how to deal with them," she explains. Moreover, those years spent driving between orchards gave her an intimate knowledge of Frederick County's geography—a bonus that's already paying dividends in her new role. The Power of Problem-Solving Throughout her career, Candace has witnessed the extension system from multiple angles. She's been a graduate student, a grower who benefited from extension services, and now an extension agent herself. This well-rounded perspective shapes her approach to the job, particularly when it comes to science-based problem-solving. "Through that master's degree, I learned a lot of horticulture, but I also learned how to be a scientist, really how to go through the scientific method," Candace reflects. This analytical mindset proves essential in extension work, where home remedies and folklore often clash with research-based solutions. A Team Approach to Community Service Unlike her previous position in rural Hampshire County, where she handled most questions solo, Candace now works alongside a robust Master Gardener program. These trained volunteers staff help desks across five counties—Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Page, and Shenandoah, plus the city of Winchester—answering gardening questions and providing research-based advice to the community. The Master Gardeners maintain a green helpline every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Frederick County office, where Candace can often be found. Additionally, each county operates its own helpline with specific hours and email addresses, ensuring residents can access expertise close to home. Furthermore, the Master Gardeners take their knowledge on the road, setting up booths at farmers' markets and community events throughout the growing season. They're already planning an elaborate "Ask a Master Gardener" booth for the June GardenFest at Belle Grove, complete with a prize wheel to reward curious visitors. Spring Events on the Horizon As spring approaches, Candace and the Master Gardener teams are gearing up for a busy season. Earth Day celebrations will bring the volunteers to multiple locations, including a new Stephens City Earth Day festival, the Clarke County Fairgrounds event, and the Red Bud Festival in Browntown. Seven Bends Nursery will also host a celebration featuring Master Gardener expertise. "The two weekends surrounding Earth Day are gonna be—that group will be out and about with their information for sure," Candace notes enthusiastically. Balancing Work and Family Despite her horticultural expertise, Candace admits her home garden has seen better days. With a 1-year-old daughter who puts everything in her mouth, maintaining raised beds and unique apple tree cultivars has become challenging. Nevertheless, she's optimistic about the upcoming season and has developed a practical solution: the "snack garden." "We plant a snack garden that can be trampled on and the vines can be pulled down and they get excited about it," she explains with a laugh. "You have to strategically plan the garden for the children." A Perfect Time to Start Candace joins two other new agents—Cynthia Fairbanks, based in Warren County, and Liz Rohrer, based in Clarke County—creating what Janet calls "a new crop of extension agents." This timing couldn't be better, as the trio can attend professional development trainings together and support one another through farm visits and community events. Meanwhile, her colleague Mark Sutphin, who has been covering both commercial and consumer horticulture, can now focus more on his specialty: working with tree fruit growers and commercial vegetable operations. Looking Ahead As Candace settles into her role, she's energized by the constant learning opportunities. "I get to learn along with them," she says of the Master Gardeners. "I get to learn through their educational hours that they get to do. And taking in all that information is really exciting for me." For residents across the five-county region, Candace's arrival means renewed focus on consumer horticulture and strengthened support for the already impressive Master Gardener program. Whether you're dealing with tomato pests, wondering about tree diseases, or simply curious about starting your first vegetable garden, help is just a Wednesday morning visit—or an email—away.

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Malawi Conference Update

The Global Church

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 29:50

Scott McManigle sits down with three ECWA pastors from different African countries at the recent Global Missions conference in Malawi. They share a little bit about their testimony and what growing in the knowledge of God and grace has looked like in their lives. Stay tuned for more podcasts from different locations this year!

Revisit: Set Boundaries, Have Peace Feat. Kristin Winchester

But What Do I Know?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 78:01

While new episodes are currently in production, we're revisiting past conversations that remain timely, impactful, and truly worth revisiting. Thank you for continuing to listen as we build what's ahead for But What Do I Know? --- If you spend more than 10 minutes on Instagram as of late, you have most likely come across a post sharing the importance of "setting boundaries". While the concept of setting boundaries has become popular, sometimes, it may not be easy to discern what a boundary is or how to sustain it. On this episode, Chid is joined by Licensed Therapist, Boundaries Coach and Founder of "Her Therapy Space", Kristin Winchester to discuss all things boundaries. The two discuss how to set boundaries in varying relationships from work/business to romantic, the importance of these boundaries and how to sustain them as the relationship evolves. Get into it! --- Connect with the "But What Do I Know?" Podcast: Twitter: @BWDIKPodcast Insta: @bwdikpodcast Email: ⁠connect@bwdikpodcast.com⁠ Send Your "But What Do I Know?" Mail: ⁠https://msha.ke/bwdikpodcast/⁠ --- Connect with Kristin & Her Therapy Space: Kristin's Personal Instagram: ⁠@kristinwinchesterlpc⁠ Kristin's Personal Website: ⁠https://kristinwinchesterlpc.com/⁠ Her Therapy Space Instagram: ⁠@hertherapyspace⁠ Her Therapy Space Website: ⁠https://hertherapyspace.com/⁠ --- Anti-Gun Violence Resources: 50 Miles More Organization: ⁠https://50milesmore.org/⁠ Zero Gun Violence Movement: ⁠http://zerogunviolence-movement.com/⁠ -- Episode Credits: Intro/Outro Song: Remsen- BWDIK Podcast Theme Song Insta: @itsremsen Transition Songs: Take Care - Julian Avila ⁠http://SoundCloud.com/julian_avila Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Community, Commerce, and Creativity in Mount Jackson

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 19:10

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.

Lead with Joy - 2/15/2026 11AM

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2026 44:58

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Following Jesus - Mighty Messiah, Suffering Servant - “All In: The Heart of a Disciple, Part Two” - Part 48

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2026 49:28

“All In: The Heart of a Disciple, Part Two”Mark 12:41-44Having recently completed our series “None Like Jesus” let's continue to “Behold Him” by embarking on a new study through the Gospel of Mark. Mark's Gospel is the shortest of the four Gospels and it is action-packed from start to finish – as evidenced by the word “immediately” used over 40 times. Mark wrote to believers, probably Roman believers, who were no strangers to persecution. And he wanted to disciple his readers to be strong in their faith by encouraging them to look to their Mighty Messiah, the Son of God, who remained steadfastly faithful even while becoming their Suffering Servant who died for them. Mark's Gospel is a call to all believers to fearlessly “Follow Jesus” because they can trust Him completely.

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Discipleship - Foundation Step (Week 11)