Inside This Issue
Community Volunteers Needed for Douglass Park Improvements
Meeting Schedule
Thursday, May 22
7:30 a.m.
Parking Authority
City Hall, Council Chambers
4:00 p.m.
Tree Commission
City Yards, 301 East Cork Street
Tuesday, May 27
5:30 p.m.
Council Work Session
City Hall, Council Chambers
Wednesday, May 28
7:30 a.m.
Planning & Development Committee
City Hall, Council Chambers
Monday, June 2
7:30 a.m.
Health, Education & Welfare Committee
City Hall, Council Chambers
Upcoming Events
Putt-Puttin For A Cure
June 6 (Rain date: June 7)
5:30 p.m.
Rotary Putt-Putt Course in Jim Barnett Park
Come out and enjoy an evening of putt-putt golf with your friends and help out a good cause. Event benefits the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Fee: $7.00. Contact: 662-8239.
First Fridays Celebration of
the Arts
June 6, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Old Town Mall
Enjoy an evening of drawings, paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, photography and other visual art. Stroll the historic streets at your leisure, visit galleries, meet local artists, view new works and exhibits, and listen to live music. First Fridays events are free and open to the public. Sponsored by Shenandoah Arts Council. Contact: 667-5166 or www.shenarts.org.
All-American Soap Box Derby
June 7, 8:00 a.m.
South Cameron Street between Leicester and Cork Streets
Called “The Greatest Amateur Racing Event in the World.” For ages 8-17 years (must be 8 years old on 6/7/08, but less than 18 years old on 7/26/08). The race course is approx. 770 ft. long with a 40 ft. fall for a 5% grade. Speeds average 27-28 mph. Contact: Frank Sublett 327-6216 or www.winchestersoapbox.com
Schedule Changes
City Offices Closed May 26
All City offices are closed in observance of Memorial Day
Recycling and Yard Waste Collection Changes for Memorial Day Week
- Monday, May 26 (Northside) recycling collection is rescheduled for Wednesday, May 28
- Citywide yard waste collection is cancelled on Wednesday, May 28
Contact: Michael Neese, 667-1815 extension 1452.
Links
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Winchester Fire and Rescue Department Receives Prestigious "Above and Beyond" Award(Full Story)
Ft. Belvoir, Virginia – The Virginia Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Winchester Fire and Rescue Department was honored with the “Above and Beyond” award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the Virginia National Guard and Reserve. Above and Beyond awards recognize outstanding support and dedication to the men and women of the Guard and Reserve.
According to Dr. Charles Quillin, ESGR Virginia State Chair, “The ESGR ‘Above and Beyond’ Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize American Employers who provide extraordinary patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve Forces.”
Nominated by Scott Gray, SSG, USAR, Winchester Fire and Rescue Department has established many exceptional policies and programs designed to support its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Highlights of Winchester Fire and Rescue Department's exemplary contributions and support for employee military service:
Sergeant Gray tells this story: it was on Feb. 8, 2003, that he received a phone call from the Fire and Rescue Department about the job he was hoping to land. They gave him good news--he had, in fact, been selected as a firefighter and emergency medical technician. His reporting date for the new job would be Feb. 17th. But on Feb. 10, he received notice that the Army Reserve was calling him to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. We can assume that Sergeant Gray’s first reaction to this predicament was to utter a few words that cannot be repeated in mixed company. Would he still get the firefighting job or would they withdraw the job offer? Would the job still be there for him when he returned from duty? He wasted no time in calling the Fire and Rescue Department to explain what had happened. He was told not to worry about anything. The job was his, and it would be waiting for him when he was released from Active Duty. As he wrote in his nominating form, “I had not yet reported to work, signed any forms, or met any supervisors except for the job interviews, and they were already taking care of me.” When he was released from active duty and returned to Winchester, his transition to the new civilian job was effortless. He was at work within a week of his return and, since then, receives 180 hours of paid military leave each year. Chief Wright and the Department always accommodate his obligatory military training schedule without hesitation or complaint. Says Scott Gray, “I cannot ask for anything more to support me and my military career than I already receive.” Sure you can, Scott, and I’m certain they would find even more ways to support you. That’s why we are delighted to recognize the City of Winchester Fire and Rescue Department with a 2008 state award.
Winchester Fire and Rescue Department joins with thousands of American Employers who have reviewed and amended their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA). Many employers provide “unwavering” support with pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits which complement coverage provided by the military when their employees are mobilized. Receiving the award was Scott Kensinger, the Operations Officer, Winchester Fire and Rescue who acknowledged unqualified support for employee military service.
As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions with America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. ESGR provides education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Robert O. Holmes, Public Affairs Chair of the Virginia ESGR Committee, at 757-226-7781.
National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
1555 Wilson Blvd., Suite 319, Arlington, VA 22209
800-336-4590 www.esgr.mil
Parking Garage Construction Date Moved Back
As reported in the May 7 CitE-News, the new parking garage on North Cameron Street was to begin construction in mid-May. However, due to several projects already in the works, Shockey has had to delay constuction. The site plan has already been obtained and they should be clearing the lots soon.
Construction Begins to Make Pleasant Valley ADA Compliant
On May 12, the City began construction that will affect the traffic pattern at various intersections along Pleasant Valley Road and Jubal Early Drive, specifically:
- Pleasant Valley Road and Millwood Avenue
- Pleasant Valley Road and Kmart Shopping Center
- Pleasant Valley Road and Jubal Early Drive
- Pleasant Valley Road and Featherbed Lane
- Pleasant Valley Road and Apple Blossom Corners
- Pleasant Valley Road and Adams Drive
- Jubal Early Drive and Apple Blossom Drive
The City contractor will be installing ADA accessible ramps and sidewalks at each intersection. During this construction, traffic may be reduced to one lane in each direction. Construction will occur between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Fridays. Motorists should remain alert and follow construction signage, as traffic patterns will change throughout the duration of the project.
Construction is expected to last approximately 60 days (ending approximately July 11). Should there be any questions about the project, call the Public Services Department, at 667-1815, extension 1481 or 1407.
City Creates New Partnership to Replace Unhealthy Trees
The City of Winchester was awarded a $3,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Forestry to replace twelve trees that were in bad health, causing sidewalk damage, and interfering with the power lines.
To remove these trees, the Cty of Winchester teamed up with Allegheny Power, who generously donated the service of several of their contractors at no cost to the City. Then the grant allowed for the purchase and replanting of twelve trees that are a more ideal species for placement under power lines and won't interfere with the lines in the future.
Community Volunteers Needed for Douglass Park Improvements
The Winchester Parks & Recreation Department along with the North End Citizens Association is planning a Douglass Park Work Day on Saturday, May 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Members of the community are needed to assist with the installation of park benches, picnic tables, signs, soccer goals, dog mitt stations, kiosks, and other park amenities. Please contact the Park at 662-4946 if you are interested in helping out.
New Video Cameras Installed on City Transit Buses
As part of an agreement with FTA, the Winchester Transit Department is required to spend one percent of their annual operating budget on safety and security. This year's safety project was installing video cameras on all three
downtown fixed-route buses. There are four cameras in each bus:
- one in the wheelchair securement area;
- one at the entrance/exit door recording everyone getting on and off the bus;
- one pointing toward the passengers; and
- one that records everything the driver sees out the front windshield.
Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Honored
The Winchester-Frederick County Tourism Board honored Natalie Wills, executive director of the Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), with the 2008 National Tourism Week Award for Tourism Person of the Year.
Tourism Board Chair Kim Dodd read a list of Wills’ accomplishments during the grand opening celebration for the new Visitor Center and Civil War Orientation Center. Dodd praised Wills’ accomplishments with the new center and her enthusiasm for tourism. “Natalie looks for the positive in everything she does. Her enthusiasm for tourism is outstanding.”
Wills started at the CVB in 2002 as a travel counselor. She was named executive director in 2006. Wills recently attained her Certified Travel Industry Specialist designation in February 2008. The designation is through Indiana University, Perdue University Indianapolis, in partnership with the American Bus Association.
Old Town Mall Gets A Face Lift
The Old Town Development Board (OTDB) identified "Streetscape Improvements" as its priority activity for Fiscal Year 2008 (July 2007 - June 2008). The Design Committee of the OTDB took the lead towards identifing appropriate items that would fit in with the historic district and meet the needs of the businesses and citizenry.
In July 2007, OTDB approved its streetscape design guidelines for improvements in the Old Town district's public spaces which will serve as a guide over the next five years to implement and make on-going improvements. Elements of Phase I of the streetscape enhancements have recently been added. The hanging flower baskets, benches and new trees are now being enjoyed by many Old Town businesses and visitors.
New Electronic Parking Meters Installed
The Winchester Parking Authority recently replaced 130 mechanical parking meters with new Duncan Eagle electronic meters. The new meters have the capability of accepting nickels, dimes and quarters. The old meters were doing the job but due to new rates the previous meters could only accept quarters. In addition, the previous meters were very difficult to service since most were over 40 years old.
The new meters were placed in the Judicial Court, Cork Street and Hable parking lots and along with the 100 blocks of East and West Piccadilly Streets. The Authority plans to phase in more electronic meters in the future. |
