What's your "one good thing?"

In the inaugural episode of Loudoun Lately, hosts Renss Greene and Jennifer Montgomery, joined by special guest Beth Erickson, explore the best of Loudoun County. They discuss local highlights such as the dedication of a new Habitat for Humanity house, the Excellence in High School Journalism Awards, and amazing students at the from local law camp. The conversation dives into Loudoun's vibrant summer activities including farmer's markets, hiking trails, wineries, and CSAs. They paint a vivid picture of perfect summer days filled with delicious local food, scenic hikes, live music, and unique cultural experiences. Join us to discover why Loudoun is a special place to live and visit, especially in the summertime.

Susan Talbott shares her powerful and moving story of two years of soul-changing sandwiches. Susan recounts her journey from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, dealing with the pressures of adulthood, and her experiences working at a quirky health club. She vividly describes the eclectic mix of characters she encountered, including a generous member who profoundly impacted her life. This man, Dario Gabbai, a Holocaust survivor, showed her unparalleled kindness by quietly buying her sandwiches and offering support during difficult times. Join us for a poignant tale that highlights resilience, compassion, and the power of human connection.

Host Renss Greene interviews Stacey Metcalfe as she recounts a terrifying experience from her teenage years. Stacey and her best friend Karen embarked on what was supposed to be a fun bus trip from Huntington, Long Island to Atlantic City. What began as an exciting adventure quickly turned into a nightmare when they found themselves stranded, penniless, and nearly falling into the hands of human traffickers. Thanks to the intervention of a kind stranger, they were safely reunited with their families.

Join Renss Greene in this episode of Tales & Ales on Loudoun Now Voice as he interviews Mike Magrath, who shares a hilarious story about the time his sister didn’t quite win $28 million. It’s the greatest prank he and his father ever pulled. Mike details the background of the prank, his family's history of playful antics, and the process of preparing to tell this story on stage. Despite the prank taking place in the mid-80s, Mike vividly recalls the event and its fallout. Learn about the culture of humor in his family and the unique tradition of storytelling at Tales & Ales.

In this conversation, Brian Tinsman and Renss Greene discuss the evolution of Loudoun Now Voice, a platform aimed at elevating local voices and community journalism in Loudoun County. They explore the importance of nonprofit journalism, the role of technology in modern reporting, and the significance of engaging local storytellers. The discussion also highlights the need for nurturing future journalists and the impact of local reporting on the community.

We are heading into the dog days of summer, and that means the heat could become an issue for your pets. No matter the breed, it is important to be attentive to your dog during summer heatwaves. Our pets can’t tell us when they are uncomfortable or overheating, so in this segment of Brown's Bag, Margaret discusses tips for keeping your dog safe and healthy during extremely hot weather. 

Margaret talks with Jenna Sindle, PhD, a volunteer with the Middleburg Humane Foundation about how to recognize when your dog is getting overheated and what you can do right away to help cool them down.

The Middleburg Humane Foundation is a no-kill shelter that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes animals in need and promotes animal welfare. 

Find out more about their free and low-cost services – including vaccines – at www.middleburghumane.org