Residents can now enjoy 71,000 square-feet of sun and fun at the new recreation center at Snowden Bridge, an all-inclusive Brookfield Homes community near Winchester, Virginia. 

“If your family is anything like mine, you’re always looking for activities to keep everybody busy,” said Gregg Hughes, General Sales Manager at Brookfield Homes. “We created Snowden Bridge to give active families everything they need right here, including some of the most fantastic amenities we’ve ever designed.”

A massive, 15,000 square-foot indoor sports complex with a 50-foot high roof provides two tennis courts and two basketball courts within a single weather-protected facility, giving residents easy access to year-round recreation.

A fantastic splash park and spacious pool offer a cool respite from hot days, with plenty of activity all around–including water sprayers, spouts, and slides, all surrounding a real pirate ship that features its own set of water cannon for some seriously wet fun.

And a state-of-the-art dog park offers canine residents a great space for answering nature’s call and enjoying activities just for them, like agility training tubes and hoops, and even a doggy teeter-totter.

But the fun doesn’t stop there–Snowden Bridge also offers a clubhouse, playgrounds, green spaces, playing fields, a biking track around the playgrounds, a spacious picnic pavilion with grills, and a daycare center is also planned.

Brookfield Homes offers new single-family homes at Snowden Bridge starting at $199,990 with several open, flexible floorplans to choose from, and up to 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The homebuilder also offers Arts & Crafts-style, 2-car garage townhomes starting at $179,990.

Eric Miller played for the British Lions in 1997 on their South African Tour where he made over five appearances. From 1997-2006, he won 48 caps for Ireland and between 200-2006 made 148 appearances for Leinster featuring in over 50 Heineken European Cup games. Miller also played three years for the Leicester Tigers. More recently, Miller has been coaching at Blackrock and Leinster Youth and is a qualified IRB coach.

Mark Lambourne was USA Collegiate All American in Rugby from 1983-85 and Captain of the University of California, Berkeley team where he played on the National Championship squads in 1983 and 1985. From 1985-88 he played for the Pacific RFU and West RFU and was the player/coach of the Olympic Club (san Francisco) from 1990-96. Lambourne is the high school performance Coaching Director for Virginia’s Under-19 and is the Men’s Coaching Director at James Madison University.

For more information on this event, contact Coach Aaron Painter at apainter2@lfcc.edu or (540)868-7216.

“Since the mission of our two VISTAs is to build capacity to move people out of poverty in Winchester City, it was prudent to review reports as to status of poverty in this area,” said Center for Public Service & Scholarship Director Karen Schultz. “Interestingly, in looking at numerous sources, there was not an up to date report solely on the City of Winchester.

The study is a direct result of the Americorps Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) grant awarded to Shenandoah University and Our Health. The three-year grant will be utilized to enhance the level of community engagement of Shenandoah University students with the 56 members of Our Health. It provides two VISTAs, Mike Madden and Erica Shifflett, to collaborate with SU and Our Health on the project.

Shifflett synthesized existing information about the City of Winchester into one report, which summarizes the state of the low-income community. According to the report, 17 percent of the total population is living in poverty, with 25 percent of household incomes checking in at $25,000 or less. In the city, overall health indicators are unfavorable as compared to the state and the city’s peer counties, and roughly 20 percent of the city’s population is uninsured. In addition, 53 percent of those who rent housing are unable to afford a two-bedroom apartment at the Fair Market Rate (FMR), identified at $895 per month.

Moving forward, Shifflett and Madden will work to increase the number of Shenandoah University campus community members involved in service to the Winchester community. They plan to create a database in order to match volunteers to Our Health organizations based on skills as well as personal and professional interests. The group will also create an advisory board consisting completely of low-income residents of the City of Winchester to further determine the needs of the low-income population.

To see a full copy of the report, visit http://www.su.edu/www/VISTA-poverty-report.pdf.

This dedicated team implemented the first Fatherhood Program in March 2012 with the goal to improve the participants’ relationships with their family and children through a support group. Here fathers can come together and share their experiences and ideas with each other in a safe and encouraging setting. Twelve fathers of all walks of life originally signed up for the group and an average of nine fathers attended most of the sessions. Five of those nine fathers saw the group through to the end and continue to develop their relationships with each other in their community. Of the four fathers that had to leave the group early, three obtained jobs that interfered with their participation.

The fathers all reported that the Fatherhood Group was a highlight during their week and they all reported that they had improved relationships with their children following the completion of the program. When we asked fathers what they would like to see for the program’s future, the participants responded that they would like for the group to focus more on continued relationships between group members so that they can continue building parenting skills with each other.

The next Fatherhood Program is scheduled to begin September 13th. It is free and dinner, transportation and child care is available to participants.

Contact Michael Ellis at (540) 686-4804.
Llame a Franklin Ortez al (540) 686-4816.

Aaron was hired by the City in June 2006 as the Deputy Zoning and Inspections Administrator and has been serving as the Interim Director of Zoning and Inspections since March 30, 2012. Aaron’s knowledge, leadership skills, and experience gained from working in the City’s Zoning Department for the last six years made him an outstanding choice for the position.

In making the appointment Iman said: “The City is fortunate to have someone with Aaron’s experience and integrity within our ranks who is prepared to step up and take on this important position; I am confident that Aaron is the right choice for this job.”

Aaron’s experience in the U.S. Army Reserves, education and training greatly enhanced his qualifications. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a B.A in Government in May 2005, Aaron joined the U.S. Army Reserves and received commission as Second Lieutenant from UVA. After serving as U.S. Army Engineer Officer for the 299th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge) at Fort Belvoir in Virginia for almost four years, Aaron became the Civil Affairs Team Leader for the 1479 Civil Affairs Company in March 2009. Over the next year, Aaron served as the leader of the tactical Civil Affairs Team responsible for conducting combat/stability operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his deployment overseas, Aaron worked closely with Iraqi government leaders, non-governmental and international organizations, and Iraqi ministry officials and identified, developed and managed 10 Iraqi reconstruction projects valued over $2 million. Aaron returned from Iraq in 2010 and continues to serve in the U.S. Army reserves as a Civil Affairs Leader for the 437 Civil Affairs Battalion (Fort Story, VA).

Aaron is a dedicated public servant and has demonstrated a firm commitment to ensuring that City Ordinances are enforced correctly and evenly across the City.  Aaron’s appointment as the Director of Zoning and Inspections became effective August 7, 2012.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of this wonderful City,” said Carla.

In making the announcement Dale Iman, City Manager stated “Carla has selflessly served the people of the Winchester and managed Winchester’s Social Services Department for over seven years. Carla’s tremendous knowledge and sincere concern for her staff, co-workers and clients will be greatly missed. The City wishes Carla great success in her future public service career and is grateful for all she was able to accomplish during her tenure in Winchester.”

“When Carla became our director 7 years ago, she brought with her a progressive approach to pioneering change for our department,” added Georjean Coco, Assistant Director of the Winchester Department of Social Services (WDSS).  “She is a true mentor and effective leader and I am thankful for her guidance during her administration.  As an agency, we will continue to advance Carla’s vision for the WDSS.”

Dale Iman, City Manager, expects to appoint an Interim Director prior to Carla’s departure on September 3, 2012.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “400 new good-paying jobs are coming to Frederick County. Navy Federal Credit Union is the world’s largest credit union, and it has thrived since its inception in 1933. Now, this significant investment will expand the company’s footprint in Frederick County. The region boasts an impressive workforce and business environment in which the credit union has found great success, leading to the growth of the Frederick County operation. Today’s announcement furthers the strong relationship between the Commonwealth and Navy Federal, which has its headquarters in Fairfax County. We look forward to Navy Federal’s continued growth as it serves its worldwide membership.”

“With more than 220 Navy Federal branches worldwide, millions of members around the globe are served from the member service operation in Frederick County,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “With this expansion, the credit union is able to construct an additional facility on its undeveloped property adjacent to the current operation and further increase its presence and size in Virginia. The addition of 400 new jobs is significant for the region, and we thank Navy Federal for its continued investment.”

Navy Federal Credit Union is the world’s largest credit union with $50 billion in assets, four million members, more than 220 branch offices, and more than 10,000 employees worldwide. The credit union serves all Department of Defense military and civilian personnel and their families. For additional information about Navy Federal, visit www.navyfederal.org.

“Virginia is home to Navy Federal,” said Cutler Dawson, Navy Federal President and CEO. “We have tremendous team members that work at our Winchester facility. This expansion will allow us to bring aboard even more in the future.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Frederick County and the Winchester-Frederick County Economic Development Commission to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Frederick County with the project. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment, training and retraining activities.

“We are pleased that Navy Federal Credit Union has chosen Frederick County for its expansion,” said Richard Shickle, Chairman of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors. “Navy Federal has operated its member service operation in Frederick County for six prosperous years, expanding to more than 500 employees in that time. At the completion of its expansion, Navy Federal will be one of the largest employers in our community, providing quality job opportunities for our residents.”

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, cautions you not to give out personal or financial information in response to unsolicited phone calls, emails, or knocks on your door. Scam artists want your information to commit identity theft, charge your existing credit cards, debit your checking account, open new credit card, checking, or savings accounts, write fraudulent checks, or take out loans in your name.

If you get a call from someone who claims to be from the government and who asks for your personal information, hang up. It’s a scam. The government and legitimate organizations with which you do business have the information they need and will not ask you for it. Then, file a complaint at ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP. If you think your identity’s been stolen, visit ftc.gov/idtheft or call 1-877-ID-THEFT. You also can file a complaint with your state Attorney General.

For more information about the federal health care law, visit HealthCare.gov.

The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watch a new video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Last year’s National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide.

This year, National Night Out will be celebrated at the following locations in Winchester (6:00 pm):

1. Highland Ave Church
2. Montague Ave Church
3. Woodland Ave
4. Willow Lawn (at the Clubhouse)

National Night Out is designed to:

•Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
•Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs
•Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships
•Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back

A subcommittee consisting of volunteers, park board members and staff has been formed to conduct further research, create awareness about the potential park, and to begin fundraising.  Winchester Parks and Recreation Director, Brad Veach presented equipment options at the meeting and explained that the new skate equipment could cost up to $48,000.  Previous fundraising efforts by area groups will be designated for this project.

Over the next month, WPRD and the Park Advisory Board plans to hold two open houses to gain public input. More details will follow as a schedule is finalized.

This bike-ped plan will help the MPO identify projects and priorities for improving bicycling and walking in the area. If you live, work or travel in the area, please click here and tell the MPO about your experience with the existing walking and bicycling system.

The Win-Fred MPO was created as a result of the designation of the Winchester-Frederick County Urbanized Area by the U.S Census on May 1, 2002. Federal regulations require an urbanized area to create and maintain an ongoing transportation planning process that is comprised of representatives of the local jurisdictions as well as state and federal transportation officials.

Read more about the MPO

The City’s work on the Indian Alley Improvements Project will begin as scheduled on Wednesday, August 1. During the period of August 1 thru August 31, Indian Alley will be closed to vehicles between Cork Street and Boscawen Street.

In addition, Wolfe Street between Braddock and Indian Alley will also be closed. The businesses along Indian Alley will be open during their normal schedules during this period and the City is doing everything possible to ensure that access to these businesses by foot traffic is maintained at all times.

In addition to the City’s work, Washington Gas will continue with the replacement of their gas main in advance of the City’s work. As such, Washington Gas will begin replacing their gas main in Indian Alley between Boscawen and Piccadilly beginning on Wednesday, August 15. During the period of August 15 thru August 31, this section of Indian Alley will be closed to thru traffic between the hours of 6 a.m. thru 5 p.m. This section of the alley will be re-opened to traffic every evening.

The City’s work of replacing the water and sewer mains on Indian Alley between Boscawen and Piccadilly will be completed during the period of September 1 thru September 30. During this time period, this section of the alley will be completely closed to vehicular traffic.

Easy to Use

The Trex Deck Color Visualizer was specifically developed to provide a user-friendly and simplified experience.  Each pre-loaded photo features primary and accent decking boards and fascia – while two of the three photos also show Trex railing components, including top and bottom rails, balusters, posts, post caps and post skirts.

With just a touch on the Color Visualizer toolbar, the user may view the available deck and railing components in a variety of colors – including the seven rich Trex Transcend® hues that feature subtle shading, natural variations and distinctive hardwood-like textures.  These colors are Tree House (light brown), Vintage Lantern (deep-burnished bronze), Fire Pit (spicy red), Gravel Path (pristine grey), Spiced Rum (warm, earthy umber), Lava Rock (rich, reddish-black hardwood streaking) and Rope Swing (a light taupe).  Additionally, the user may view the railing in Classic White and Black.

Easy to Share Ideas

Once the user has created an ideal color scheme, the finished photo may be saved to the iPad for future reference.  It also may be emailed directly to friends, family or potential contractors for idea sharing and feedback.  In addition, a menu bar at the top of the Visualizer screen includes links to the Trex website that will allow a user to easily find local Trex dealers and contractors.

“Planning an outdoor living space from scratch can be intimidating, and Trex is constantly developing tools and resources that simplify the process for homeowners,” said Kaplan.  “Contractors also will benefit from the new app, as it makes it possible to truly collaborate with consumers from the very beginning of the purchase consideration process – whether around a kitchen table or in the backyard.”

For more information about Trex, its outdoor living products and resources, visit trex.com.

Today’s statement referenced a radio appearance Cathy made where he said “we’re inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say we know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage. And I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude that thinks we have the audacity to redefine what marriage is all about.”

When asked about that radio conversation in an article posted July 16 by the Baptist Press, Cathy said that his company is “guilty as charged” in their support of “the biblical definition of the family unit.”

Bloggers and online forums who support gay marriage immediately went on the offensive decrying the organization and calling for an immediate boycott. Supporters were equally swift and outspoken thanking Cathy for standing fast to the beliefs they share. The companies Facebook wall is plastered with pro and con messages ranging from “I’ll be eating at Chick-fil-A every chance I get! I love the chicken & I love their values! ” to ‘”15 years I have been eating here. But not anymore sorry its 2012….get with the program!”

Chick-fil-A released its own statement, saying it has a history of applying biblically-based principles to its business.

The Chick-fil-A culture and service tradition in our restaurants is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect – regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender. We will continue this tradition in the over 1,600 Restaurants run by independent Owner/Operators. Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.

Chick-fil-A is a family-owned and family-led company serving the communities in which it operates. From the day Truett Cathy started the company, he began applying biblically-based principles to managing his business. For example, we believe that closing on Sundays, operating debt-free and devoting a percentage of our profits back to our communities are what make us a stronger company and Chick-fil-A family.

Our mission is simple: to serve great food, provide genuine hospitality and have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.

Beginning on August 1, the City will begin the water and sewer main replacement work on Indian Alley between Cork and Boscawen and Wolfe Street between Braddock and Indian Alley. This section of the alley and Wolfe Street will be closed continuously throughout the period of August 1 thru August 31.

The water and sewer main replacement work on Indian Alley between Boscawen and Piccadilly will be completed during the period of September 1 thru September 30, during which time this section of the alley will be closed.

Monday morning, July 9, 2012. the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office responded to a house fire on Dunvegan Drive in the village of Upperville. A witness driving by on Rt 50 noticed smoke coming from a residence and called 911.  During firefighting operations the body of a female was found in the residence.   Detectives responded to the scene and immediately conducted an investigation into the incident.

The victim was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Manassas, VA where an autopsy was performed Tuesday morning.  The victim has been identified as Sarah Libbey Greenhalgh, 48, of Dunvegan Drive, Upperville, VA.

The cause and manner of death are pending final autopsy results.  Greenhalgh’s death is being investigated as a homicide at this time.  Greenhalgh lived alone in a house she rented on a farm on Dunvegan Drive.

Anyone with further information regarding this incident should contact Detective Brandon Lillard of the Criminal Investigations Division at 540-422-8650.

DeltAlert will allow the City to send messages to the public in a variety of ways and very quickly (up to 400 messages per minute). To get started, the City will upload phone numbers from existing 9-1-1 and utilities databases, and then you will have the opportunity to add or change numbers and preferences online to ensure adequate message delivery. DeltAlert can deliver messages in a variety of formats, including: voice call, TDD/TTY devices, SMS, and e-mail and allows individuals to specify which contact mode they prefer. When delivery of the alert to this primary contact mode fails, the system will automatically fall back to other methods.

Residents and businesses can sign-up through the following steps:
1. Click on the DeltAlert icon on the City’s website
2. Review existing contact preferences or enter information if not in the system
3. Correct any incorrect information
4. Add additional numbers or email addresses to ensure prompt receipt of future messages

Don’t have internet access? Call (540) 545-4739 and a City of Winchester representative will be happy to assist you.