Monday marks one year since the Sherwood Howlers started howling. It began near the beginning of the pandemic to howl away COVID-19, but it’s become much more.
COVID-19 Response Fund shows power of partnerships, helps thousands in the Shenandoah Valley
COVID-19 Response Fund shows power of partnerships, helps thousands in the Shenandoah Valley By Tara Todd | March 15, 2021 at 8:24 PM EDT - Updated March 16 at 9:10 AM
SHENANDOAH VALLEY, Va. (WVIR) - The COVID-19 Local Response Fund has helped thousands of people in the Shenandoah Valley, keeping many from financial ruin. Tuesday marks one year since the fund was created.
The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge started the fund as a way for people to help their neighbors through COVID-19, but it’s also showing the power of partnerships in addressing real issues.
Staunton Council votes against statement denouncing U.S. Capitol attack
Staunton Council votes against statement denouncing U.S. Capitol attack By Tara Todd | March 11, 2021 at 10:41 PM EST - Updated March 12 at 8:22 AM
STAUNTON, Va. (WVIR) - Staunton Staunton City Council, as a whole, has been asked several times to denounce the attack on the United States Capitol Building. Thursday night, that subject was put to rest.
The effort initially led by former Councilman Erik Curren produced a petition with more than 300 signatures asking City Council for three things.
1. Affirm the election of President Biden.
2. Denounce the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Staunton theater company launches in middle of pandemic
Staunton theater company launches in middle of pandemic By Tara Todd | March 10, 2021 at 8:00 PM EST - Updated March 11 at 1:01 PM
STAUNTON, Va. (WVIR) - While theaters and performing arts programs shut down across the country due to the pandemic, one man in the Shenandoah Valley decided to take a leap of faith and open a theater company.
Jeremy West lost his job after 8 years as the chair of fine arts and theatre director at Stuart Hall School in Staunton. COVID-19 cost him that, but not his dreams.
“I think every actor at some point in their life sort of daydreams about having their own company to play with,” said West.
SAW Coat Project gives gift of warmth this winter
SAW Coat Project gives gift of warmth this winter By Tara Todd | March 9, 2021 at 8:00 PM EST - Updated March 10 at 9:39 AM
SHENANDOAH VALLEY, Va. (WVIR) - During this winter of isolation, a family in the Shenandoah Valley has been spending some Saturdays doing something a little bit different. They’ve even inspired others to do the same.
Jim Leichliter and his two sons, Brec and Sawyer, have helped to keep people warm this winter with the SAW (Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro) Coat Project.
“We were eating breakfast and dad came up to us and he was like ‘hey I have a great idea,’ and we were like ‘OK, what?’,” said 14-year-old Brec Leichliter.