Get Your Information From the Source

Now is your chance!  Learn everything you ever wanted to know about the City of Winchester local government and have all your questions answered by City staff, officials, department heads, Council members and more at the City of Winchester's INSIGHT Citizen's Academy.

 

The INSIGHT Citizen's Academy was initiated in the fall of 2004.  Each year, area residents sign up and learn how the many departments work together to keep the city running smoothly, and what the local government is doing to continue improving quality of life in Winchester. 

 

Here's what past participants have said about their INSIGHT experience:

 

"Actually meeting the City leaders and their staffs, hearing the detailed presentations and witnessing an enthusiasm and dedication that reflected a shared sense of service to the community was what made this program effective."

 

"This program has proven to be highly informative and showed the City's resolve to reach out into the populace and breach the wall of ignorance that often impedes progress."

 

"This program one of the highlights of my life in Winchester."

 

"The frankness and openness of City officials was the most effective part.  Officials showed lots of interesting, relevant information on how the City works and answered lots of tough questions with honesty."

 

INSIGHT is held every Thursday evening between August 18 and October 23 with bonus sessions and facility tours every Tuesday evening.  Click here to view the brochure, schedule and registration form.  Registrations are now being accepted. 

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The Winchester Police Department's Kids & Cops Camp is more than just a week-long summer camp for kids ages 9 to 12.  Kids & Cops Camp is a place where local youth learn more about being a responsible, contributing member of the community in which they live. 

 

This award-winning program (2003 Best New Program by the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society) is designed to provide children with the opportunity to learn about law enforcement, teamwork, leadership and discipline.  Campers will also take field trips, listen to guest speakers, participate in a kickball tournament, go swimming, and complete a community service project. 

 

On Tuesday, June 24, the Kids & Cops Camp team will be holding a car wash and bake sale at the Shawnee Fire & Rescue Company, at the corner of Weems Lane and Valor Drive to benefit the Timbrook Children's Outreach Fund.

 

The Timbrook Children's Outreach Fund was established in memory of Sgt. Ricky Timbrook, who was killed in the line of duty, to carry on his passion for helping children in the Winchester community.  The fund benefits local children and families in need by providing school supplies and assisting with the Timbrook Toy and Food Drive over the holidays.  Additional assistance is provided on a need basis as requests are received throughout the year.

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Is mixed-use coming to your neighborhood?  Want more bike and walking trails?  Do apple warehouses make good condos?  These and other topics will be discussed at the public input sessions for the Comprehensive Plan Update. 

 

All four meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will run until all of the public input has been received, but no later than 9:15 p.m. The public is welcomed to attend any meeting since the format is identical for each meeting.

 

Have your opinions heard and help shape Winchester's future by attending one of the following public input sessions:

    Tuesday, June 24 - Virginia Ave-Charlotte DeHart Elem. School Cafeteria
    Thursday, June 26 - Quarles Elem. School Cafeteria
    Monday, July 14 - John Kerr Elem. School Cafeteria
    Tuesday, July 22 - Frederick Douglass Elem. School Cafeteria

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The Winchester outdoor pool in Jim Barnett Park has new hours beginning June 12 through mid-August:

 

General Swim                 Monday-Sunday                   Noon-6:00 p.m.
                                       Thursday open late               Noon-9:00 p.m.

 

Lap Swim                       Monday-Wednesday            6:00-8:00 a.m.
                                                                                     6:00-7:00 p.m.
                                        Tuesday & Thursday          7:00-8:00 p.m.
                                        Friday                                  6:00-8:00 p.m.

 

Senior Swim                    Tuesday-Thursday              10:00-11:00 a.m.

 

Click here to view the Winchester Parks & Recreation Spring/Summer Activity Guide for fees and more information.

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The Winchester Common Council is now soliciting citizen interest for the following vacancies:

  •  Two vacancies on the Winchester Transportation Safety Commission.
  •  One vacancy on the Winchester Parking Authority.
  •  Five vacancies on the Natural Resources Advisory Board.
  •  One vacancy on the Fire Prevention Code Board of Appeals.
  •  Two vacancies on the Industrial Development Authority.
  •  Two vacancies on the Frederick-Winchester Service Authority.
  •  One vacancy on the Northern Shenandoah Valley Disability Services

      Board.

 

Nominations are being accepted through June 23, 2008, and should be submitted to City Manager J. Brannon Godfrey, Jr., Rouss City Hall. 

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The Winchester Sheriff's Office recently received over 100 Bicycle Helmets  thanks to a Bike Smart grant from the Unintentional Injury Prevention Program, Division of Injury and Violence Prevention thru the Virginia Department of Health. 

 

To efficiently distribute the helmets, the Sheriff's Office teamed up with the Bike Rodeo, sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club, and distributed 100 helmets, free of charge, to local children for their protection.

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REMINDER: Join the City and Participate in the National "Dump the Pump" Promotion

When you are out and about Winchester tomorrow, "Dump the Pump" and take the bus to your destination.  By "dumping the pump" and taking public transportation instead of driving a car, people can make a difference by:
   - helping to improve the environment;
   - saving money by consuming less gasoline;
   - reducing our nation's overall dependence on foreign oil; and
   - protecting air quality by reducing smog-producing pollutants and

     greenhouse gases.

 

Winchester City Transit will join with transit agencies across the country and participate in the Third Annual National Dump the Pump Day to encourage transit ridership on June 19, 2008. 

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The Winchester Parks & Recreation Department's after-school program, formerly known as Embrace the Children (E.T.C.), has not only a new look and location, but the entire program has been completely overhauled and enhanced. 

 

"The Hive", as the program is called now, is for children in elementary school and a new addition, "The Hive Club" is for children in middle school.  The two after-school programs will be held separately at Jim Barnett Park and transportation to the park is provided by Winchester Public Schools. 

 

Registered children have the opportunity to participate in activities such as the Homework Hub, sports, enrichment activities, arts and crafts, active games, swimming and much more.  Click here for more information.