Two special guests this week to promote two special events:

Rusty Holland, Executive Director of Concern Hotline, Inc. joins Barry to invite everyone to the 'Soup-er Bowl Bash' at Winchester Brew Works on February 7th. Four food trucks will be competing for the 'Best Soup' crown, with paper football and other fun games. (www.concernhotline.org)

Robyn Miller, Executive Director of WATTS (Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter) invites the community to participate in the upcoming 'Coldest Night of the Year' walk on February 28th. WATTS, in partnership with 75 local churches, provides safe, warm, overnight housing and meals to our area homeless and a daytime warming center. (www.watts-homelessshelter.org

On this episode, Larry Weiss, Executive Director of the Winchester Education Foundation chats with Barry about the 'Community Comfort Campaign' to renovate the seating and carpeting in the Patsy Cline Theatre at John Handley High School.

Barry also invites the community to the "Light A Path To End Pet Homelessness" event on Monday, February 2nd at 6:15 p.m. The annual lighting ceremony honors our pets that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, with a fun reception and fundraiser afterwards in the Adoption Center at 111 Featherbed Lane, Winchester.

With National Disc Jockey Day arriving on January 20th, Barry shares some very personal stories on his 'calling' to pursue a 44 year career in radio.

The lights and the tree have been taken down or put away, but the real work of Christmas is just beginning. Barry turns to a poem written by Howard Thurman (1899-1981), an African-American theologian and civil rights leader who reminds us that the Star in the sky may be gone, but the heart of the Christmas message is just beginning.

Barry also invites his newly retired wife Mary (a professor at Shenandoah University for 37 years) to share how her first few days of retirement are going.

Marine Veteran Wayne David Hubbard of Winchester joins Barry on this first episode of 2026 to talk about the 'Veterans Poetry Project - Perseverance and Resilience'. David talks about upcoming local workshops and an anthology to help veterans share their experience through writing.

www.veteranspoetryproject7.wordpress.com

On this episode Barry celebrates the arrival of 2026 with some fun observations about resolutions and old folklore good-luck traditions on how to start off a new year.

On this episode, Barry celebrates the arrival of Christmas this week with some fun observations, and also sits down with Brad Veach, Executive Director of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival to chat about New Year's Eve in Old Town Winchester. The Festival and City of Winchester will be hosting a 6-hour laser light show with music, street performers, and vendors up and down the Old Town Mall with the Apple Drop at midnight, and it's all free! Details at www.thebloom.com

On this episode Barry dives deeper into the Christmas season and spirit by passing along tips on re-gifting, office party etiquette, the Hallmark drinking game, and gifts for under zero cents. He also talks about hanging the outdoor lights with his adult daughter ... a tradition that dates back to when she was little.

From hurt, to help, to healing ... 'You're Not Alone Ministry' ... Support for Mental Health Challenges. Joining Barry on this episode are Alan Umstead, Sylvia Tarro and Dan Skoda who share their personal stories of how they helped start this ministry that provides support groups and resources for individuals and families facing mental health challenges.

This week the Christmas spirit soars through song! Joining Barry on the show is Jeffrey Alban with the Blue Ridge Singers to invite all to their concert series, "The Very Best Time of Year" (www.blueridgesingers.org)

Also stopping by is Dave Worthington with the Clarke County Community Band that will present three fun-filled Christmas concerts to benefit Chain of Checks (www.clarkecountycommunityband.com)