In this episode, Janet sits down with Kim Herbstritt of Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity to discuss the 8th Annual Northern Shenandoah Valley Housing Summit. The conversation covers the deep and often overlooked connection between housing conditions and community health, what to expect at this year's free summit, and how Blue Ridge Habitat's home repair program is helping seniors and veterans stay safely in their homes.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• What the Housing Coalition of the Northern Shenandoah Valley is and why it was founded
• Why this year's summit theme is Housing is Health
• How poor housing conditions — mold, leaky roofs, inaccessible entryways — directly impact physical and mental health
• Why essential workers and workforce families are being priced out of the communities they serve
• What zoning has to do with the housing shortage — and what Virginia is doing about it
• How Blue Ridge Habitat's home repair program serves seniors, veterans, and disabled homeowners
• Details on TWO free housing summits happening in May and June

Key Takeaways

• Housing affects every sector of a community — health, education, workforce, and economic development are all tied to where people live.
• Families spending 40–50% of their income on housing have little cushion for emergencies, health care, or transportation costs.
• Habitat for Humanity's home repair waitlist continues to grow, with most requests coming from seniors on fixed incomes.
• Virginia has completed a statewide zoning atlas — a potentially powerful tool for policymakers and planning commissioners.
• Long commutes driven by a lack of local affordable housing contribute to stress, poor nutrition, and diminished mental health.

Events Mentioned in This Episode

8th Annual NSV Housing Summit

• 📅 Friday, May 29th
• ⏰ 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
• 📍 Laurel Ridge Community College, Carome Community Development Center
• 💰 Free — registration required
• 🌐 https://www.housingnsv.org/

Shenandoah County Housing Summit

• 📅 Friday, June 5th
• 📍 Edinburg, VA
• 💰 Free — RSVP required
• 🔗 Registration link

Speakers at the May 29th Summit

Dr. Jenna Krall — Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University Research focus: Environmental exposure, pollution, and housing-related health impacts

Dr. Antwan Jones — George Washington University Research focus: Housing stability, urban policy, cardiovascular outcomes, and obesity in marginalized communities

Maria Daugherty, MA — Zoning Policy Expert Focus: The power of zoning in shaping communities and Virginia's completed statewide zoning atlas

Speakers at the June 5th Shenandoah County Summit

Mel Jones — Virginia Center for Housing Research, Virginia Tech Focus: Results of the recent Shenandoah County/Woodstock housing study

Ryan Price — Chief Economist, Virginia Realtors Focus: Statewide real estate market trends and local implications

Panel Discussion — Housing Forward Virginia

Host Janet Michael welcomes back Jill Savory, founder of The Typewriter Studio in Old Town Winchester, VA, for an update nearly a year after the studio's grand opening. They dive into how the business has grown and evolved, the surprising benefits of making art, and everything you need to know about summer camps and studio memberships.

Topics Covered

• How The Typewriter Studio has changed since opening — from kids' art classes and watercolor to a ceramics-heavy focus
• What it's like teaching art to adults vs. kids (spoiler: adults are way more nervous)
• The science behind why making art is good for your brain — lower anxiety, reduced cortisol, and the power of getting into a "flow state"
• Current gallery artist: Monica James, ceramics professor at Laurel Ridge Community College
• Upcoming adult workshops in collaboration with Laurel Ridge Community College professors Monica James and Paul Zdevsky
• A Wall Street Journal article on craft retreats as the new burnout cure
• 2025 Summer Camps — themes, pricing, age groups, and how to register
• Partnership with the Discovery Museum for two camp weeks (late June & first week of July)
• Studio membership tiers and the math that makes them worth it

Summer Camps at The Typewriter Studio

• Who: Rising 1st graders through rising 8th graders
• When: First week of June through first week of August
• Themes include: Nature exploration, outer space, critter camp, paper possibilities, cardboard sculpture, Art Through the Ages (STEAM), Messy Makers, fiber arts
• Format: AM and PM camps available; add lunch bunch to stay all day
• Friday Fun Days: Drop-in Fridays for families who can't commit to a full week — art walks, splash pad, and studio time
• Pricing: Starting at $180/week; sibling discounts, school discounts (including Orchard View), and membership discounts available

Discovery Museum Partnership Camps (register at discoverymuseum.net):

• Last week of June: Art Through the Ages + Messy Makers
• First week of July: Nature + Fiber camps
• Museum members receive special pricing; lunch bunch option available

Studio Memberships

Membership

Price

Perks

Household

$100/year

Discounts on classes, workshops, parties; early camp access

Single

$50/year

Discounts on classes, workshops, and parties

Clay

$50/month

Open studio access (Sun/Tue/Thu), shelf space, up to 3 pieces fired per week

Book Mentioned

• Your Brain on Art — on the neuroscience of creativity and art-making
• Available at Winchester Book Gallery (https://winchesterbookgallery.com/book/9780593449240)

Find The Typewriter Studio

• Website: typewriterstudio.org
• Address: 127 South Braddock Street, Old Town Winchester, VA
• Facebook: The Typewriter Studio
• Instagram: @typewriter_studio
• Open Studio Hours: Sundays 11am–2pm | Tuesdays & Thursdays 4–8pm
• Parking: Street parking; metered out front, free on Cork Street. Use the parking app!

Host Janet Michael sits down (virtually) with VDOT's Ken Slack for a wide-ranging update on major road improvement projects along Interstate 81 in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. From bridge replacements to public meetings, Ken breaks down what drivers can expect in the months and years ahead.

Topics Covered

I-81 Widening at Strasburg

• Project is approximately 40% complete
• Key work includes replacing the southbound bridge over Cedar Creek and widening the span over the CSX railway
• Traffic expected to shift toward the median around August to allow the next phase of bridge work
• Bridge replacements are done in stages to keep traffic moving

Emergency Bridge Repair in Woodstock

• A dump truck with its bed raised struck a bridge on Route 604 in Woodstock last fall; a tractor trailer collision followed
• VDOT replaced a steel support beam, requiring a temporary southbound closure
• Extensive outreach was coordinated across Shenandoah, Frederick, and Warren counties

I-81 Bridge at Millwood (Exit 313) — Winchester

• Existing seven-lane bridge will be replaced with a nine-lane structure
• New bridge will be built just north of the existing one; traffic will shift when ready
• Surrounding improvements include turn lanes, auxiliary lanes, and pedestrian accommodations
• Project involves Routes 50, 17, and 522 — one of the most heavily traveled crossings on I-81

Winchester North Improvements (Mile Markers 317–319)

• Widening of approximately two miles of I-81 on the north end of Winchester
• Major reconstruction of Exit 317 (Martinsburg Pike/Route 11)
• Exit 317 will become a diverging diamond interchange — a new design for this part of Virginia
• Redbud Road relocation is already underway to make way for the project
• All work bundled under a single design-build contract
• Public meeting tentatively scheduled for late June — watch VDOT's website and social media for details

How VDOT Selects Contractors

• Projects go out for competitive bid, typically with a 1–2 month window
• Complex projects may use a design-build approach, allowing contractors to bring innovation to the design
• Local/regional contractors often have a "home court advantage" with established resources and relationships
• Larger projects may attract contractors from outside Virginia

Public Meetings & Community Input

• VDOT holds informal open-house style meetings — no podium, no formal testimony required
• Display boards, one-on-one conversations with engineers, and court reporters available
• Online surveys run simultaneously so anyone can participate remotely
• Public input genuinely shapes design decisions — local knowledge of traffic patterns is valued

Oranda Park and Ride (Exit 298, Strasburg)

• Current gravel lot with ~43 spaces will be expanded to approximately 130 spaces
• Upgrades include full paving, striping, improved lighting, curbing, and a crosswalk across Oranda Road
• Construction bid awarded soon; work expected to begin summer 2026
• No impact anticipated on Route 11 or I-81 traffic during construction

Resources & Links

• improve81.org — Interactive map, project details, public meeting info, and updates on all I-81 capital improvement projects
• VDOT website — Search "VDOT projects" for information on all projects in the Staunton District
• Improve 81 Newsletter — Quarterly updates on I-81 CIP projects (sign up at improve81.org)

Host Janet Michael sits down with Winchester City Parks Director Chris Konyar at Jim Barnett Park for an update on everything happening in Winchester's parks system — from a brand-new playground to a 250th anniversary drone show.

Topics Covered

🛝 New Familyland Playground

• Replaced the aging "Children's Dream" playground, which was at end of life
• Features significantly safer, cushioned surfacing ("like walking on a mattress")
• Moved away from the parking lot based on community feedback
• Larger footprint with more features, including a sensory board and QR code feedback system
• Made possible by a generous donation from the JJ Smith family
• Adventure Land playground (in the back) still in good shape — future upgrade planned

🌊 Abrams Creek Restoration

• City received a grant to restore the creek near Familyland
• Previous erosion caused safety concerns, tree removal, and loss of a picnic pavilion
• Project includes stream rerouting, new walking trails, and planting of 4,000 trees
• Currently in early/demo phase; expected to take several months

🏙️ Neighborhood Park Upgrades

• 15+ park locations throughout the city being upgraded on a rotating ward schedule
• Patsy Cline Memorial Park recently turned over to the city
• Harvest Ridge (Ward 4): New walking trail around soccer field perimeter + playground coming soon

🏊 Pool Season & Memorial Day Weekend

• Outdoor pool opens Memorial Day weekend
• Pool currently being replastered
• Winchester Baseball Memorial Day Tournament — 40+ teams expected, with special 250th anniversary ceremony
• Healing Fields of Honor at Handley (Rotary Club) also that weekend

🚁 Splash Bash & Drone Show — May 30th

• Splash Bash at the pool: health & wellness fair in the morning (free), pool party in the afternoon
• Led by new Aquatics Coordinator
• 250th Anniversary Drone Show — FREE event behind the War Memorial building
• Several hundred drones creating images celebrating U.S. and Winchester history
• Sponsored by Omps Funeral Home; operated by Paul Omps (son of former Mayor Larry Omps)
• A one-time special event tied to the 250th anniversary

🎆 July 3rd Fireworks (Still Happening!)

• Drone show does NOT replace fireworks — fireworks are confirmed for July 3rd
• Additional new city event planned for July 4th in Old Town/Downtown
• More details to come when Chris returns in June

📋 Summer Activity Guide

• Mailed to all city residents; also available at winchesterva.gov/parks
• Highlights include:
• Sports camps: basketball (Handley), soccer (two sessions), volleyball (two sessions), wrestling, tennis, fast-pitch softball
• Girls' & Boys' Sport Sampler Camp for younger kids
• Swim lessons (Level 1 free for city patrons)
• Junior Lifeguard Camp
• Athlete Performance Water Camp (cross-training for high school athletes)
• Fishing Rodeo at Wilkins Lake
• Park After Dark — Ultimate Frisbee tournament under the lights (June 6th)
• Outdoor high school basketball league on Monday nights in June
• Story Time Explorations for young children
• Music lessons, dance, and community rec programs
• Early registration discounts available — some up to 50% off through mid-May
• Popular camps (volleyball, swim lessons) sell out — register early

🏕️ HIVE Summer Day Camp

• Sells out within minutes of registration opening
• City kids given priority; slots continue to sell out despite being expanded each year

🎟️ Pool Passes & Memberships

• New Splash Pass (punch card) available — skip the line and save money
• Monthly memberships and full summer passes available

🏛️ Pavilion Rentals

• Weekends filling up fast — reserve now
• Prices range from ~$35 to under $100 for the full day
• Reservations required; first-come-first-serve only when not booked

🌿 Other Park Amenities

• Skate park, pickleball courts, drop-in turf time, dog park, horseshoes, walking trails

Stay Connected

• 🌐 Website: winchesterva.gov/parks
• 📘 Facebook: Winchester City Parks
• 📧 Newsletter: Sign up on the website for monthly updates with direct registration links
• 💼 Hiring lifeguards! Visit the Employer Expo at the Wilkins Center (Wednesday, May 13th, 1–5 PM)

Chris will return next month to share full details on the July 3rd celebration and new July 4th Downtown event.

Host Janet Michael sits down with Captain Warren Gosnell ("Goz") from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office for another edition of Public Safety Thursday. The two kick off with some relatable chaos — a mic that wasn't turned on, a misplaced phone, spring allergies, and a hilarious on-the-way-in story involving blue lights and a very startled driver. Then they get into the real meat: why Frederick County is leaning into automated traffic enforcement, how LIDAR works, and why treating people with kindness — whether you're the officer or the driver — goes a long way.

Spring Chaos & Getting Here

• Janet's mic was off at the top of the show (she was almost perfect)
• Goz's busy week: Apple Blossom Festival, a teaching trip to Roanoke, and a bout of bronchitis
• Spring means more people, more events, more traffic — and longer days on the cul-de-sac

On the Way In Stories

• Goz grabbed KFC nuggets, then flashed his blue lights back at a driver who tried to warn him of a cop ahead
• Janet watched a car blow a red light right in front of her on Route 522

Is It Illegal to Flash Your High Beams?

• Letter of the law vs. spirit of the law
• Flashing lights on ordinary vehicles technically aren't permitted as signals
• The real goal: slow people down and keep roads safe
• Law enforcement doesn't mind if you warn others — if it prevents crashes, it's a win

Automated Traffic Enforcement in Frederick County

• School zone speed cameras already in place
• Red light cameras under consideration at high-crash intersections
• Possible construction zone cameras on the horizon
• Why the shift? The county has grown to nearly 130,000 people across 416 square miles — not enough deputies for both calls for service AND proactive traffic enforcement

How LIDAR Works

• Radar beams spread wide (thousands of feet); LIDAR beams stay under 6 inches at 1,000 feet
• LIDAR operates at the speed of light — vehicle-specific, no room for error
• Camera only activates if speed exceeds 10 mph over the limit
• No human bias, no "why didn't you stop that other car?" arguments

Kindness on Both Sides of the Window

• Goz is large and loud — doesn't mean he's mean; body cam footage has cleared him more than once
• He now tells every driver: "I'm not yelling at you, I'm trying to be heard over traffic"
• Story of the Ohio driver who ran a red light and accused Goz of "ruining his perfect driving record"
• Goz's own history: multiple speeding tickets after moving back from Houston, where 75 mph was survival speed

The Bottom Line

• Automated systems aren't replacing officers — they're filling gaps human hands can't cover
• Deterrence is the goal; if you follow the rules, cameras don't affect you
• "Safety over convenience."

Host Janet Michael sits down (virtually) with Niki Foster from the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce to preview the 38th Annual Virginia Wine and Craft Festival, happening Saturday, May 16th in downtown Front Royal. They cover everything you need to know before you go — tickets, vendors, wineries, food, entertainment, and more.

Highlights

• The festival sold out vendor space nearly a month early for the first time ever — with 30 vendors still on the waitlist
• The event expanded this year, extending down Chester Street all the way to 2nd Street
• 24 Virginia wineries will be on hand, representing regions from Charlottesville to the Eastern Shore
• Mushroom vendors are back — three of them — for the first time in about 10 years
• Community nonprofits and downtown merchants will have booths alongside craft vendors

Vendors & Crafts

• Handmade jewelry (clay, wire wrap, permanent jewelry)
• Handmade furniture (wine barrel and reclaimed wood)
• Clothing and festival/bohemian wear
• 3D printing, sublimation tumblers, crochet, and more

Food & Drink

• Cousins Maine Lobster
• Clay's Barbecue
• Sherry's Crab Cakes
• Just Fries (hand-cut boardwalk style)
• Blue Ridge Popcorn
• Moonshine Fudge
• Korean fare
• Dirty soda vendors
• Lemonade vendors
• Mason's Lodge roast
• Downtown Main Street restaurants (open with special day menus)

Wine

• 24 Virginia wineries
• Tastings included with admission
• Wine by the glass, bottles, wine slushies, sangria
• Mead and cider vendors
• Case check-in service available so you don't have to carry your purchases all day

Entertainment

• Live bands at the gazebo
• DJ Dan McDermott with karaoke on the square

Tickets & Info

- Advance tickets: $30 | Gate price: $40 — save $10 by buying ahead!

• Purchase at: wineandcraftfestival.com
• Volunteer for a few hours and receive free wine admission
• Follow on social media: @VAWineandCraft on Facebook and Instagram

Host Janet Michael celebrates a personal milestone — her 2,633rd consecutive episode, breaking Cal Ripken Jr.'s record of 2,632 consecutive baseball games — while sitting down with Winchester Frederick County CVB's Justin Kerns and restaurateur Shawn Steffey to discuss the highly anticipated opening of Miso Tori Ramen Company on Boscawen Street in Old Town Winchester.

What We Cover

🍜 The New Restaurant

• Miso Tori Ramen Company is opening on Boscawen Street in Old Town Winchester in a space previously occupied by Sexy Mexi
• The name means "old and new" in Japanese — a nod to the restaurant's fusion concept
• Designed by Kyle Hopkins of Four Square Architects to evoke a neon-lit Tokyo back-alley ramen bar
• Seating for approximately 35 guests, plus outdoor patio seating once the Boscawen Street construction project is complete

The Menu

• 99% ramen-focused, with both traditional Japanese and fusion options
• Traditional offerings: miso ramen, spicy tonkatsu, and more
• Fusion highlights: Nashville hot chicken ramen, Texas smoked barbecue ramen, Thai coconut curry & lobster tempura ramen
• 40-ounce bowls made fresh to order — noodles cooked when you order
• Dietary options: gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan available
• Carryout and group/catering orders available; delivery not planned at launch

The Bar

• Japanese-inspired cocktail program featuring Japanese whiskeys, sake, and spirits
• Japanese beers and sodas
• No margaritas (they looked — no Japanese tequila exists yet)

Hours & Operations

• Target opening: mid-to-late May
• Goal: open 7 days a week, 11:00–11:30 AM to 10:00–11:00 PM
• Late-night dining is a key part of the concept

Also Mentioned

• VA 250 events are ramping up significantly through the summer — visit visitwinchesterva.com for details
• Local farmers and wineries were hit hard by a spring freeze in early April, wiping out ~100% of the peach crop and 80–100% of early apple varietals — Justin asks the community to show extra support at farm markets
• A Sweet Nolas-related announcement is teased for next month's Tourism Tuesday

Host Janet Michael sits down with Deb Fleming, Executive Director of the Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter of American Red Cross to discuss how they're rethinking its role in the community — moving from an organization that serves communities to one that is truly part of them. They cover community mobilization, the maturity matrix self-assessment, and the upcoming Disaster Leadership Academy.

Key Topics Covered

• What is Community Mobilization? Working with local partners, nonprofits, and residents to assess community needs and build self-sustaining disaster response capacity — without relying solely on Red Cross staff or outside volunteers.
• The Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter Covers 11 counties across Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. Each community has unique demographics, income levels, ethnic groups, and needs — requiring a tailored approach.
• The Maturity Matrix An honest internal self-assessment tool the Red Cross is using to evaluate the strength of their community partnerships, operational strategy, and representation. The goal: identify gaps before trying to fix them.
• The Disaster Leadership Academy Born from a conversation between Janet and Deb over coffee, this program brings together community members, nonprofit staff, elected officials, and emergency managers to learn each other's roles before a disaster strikes. Starting first in Washington County, MD, with plans to expand to Winchester and the wider region.
• Why Cross-Sector Education Matters Siloed knowledge leads to confusion during disasters — who sets up shelters, who handles food, who manages communications. The Academy helps everyone speak the same language and know who to call.
• Volunteer Opportunities The chapter needs 37 more deployable volunteers to hit its regional goal. Volunteers can start local and many end up deploying nationally. The Red Cross reports a 94% volunteer satisfaction rate.

Resources & Links

• Sign up to volunteer: RedCross.org

It's a bonus Friends of Old Town episode, recorded right in the thick of Apple Blossom! Janet sits down with Brady Cloven from Friends of Old Town and Holly Redding from Winchester Brew Works to cover everything happening in Old Town this weekend — from parade logistics and parking tips to brand-new businesses and a major announcement about a summer event you won't want to miss.

Topics Covered

🍺 Winchester Brew Works — Apple Blossom Weekend

• The brand-new Cameron Street patio is open — completed a full week ahead of schedule
• Same square footage as the old patio, longer and narrower, ADA accessible
• Apple Blossom hours: Friday 2–10 PM | Saturday 11 AM–10 PM | Sunday open to 6 PM
• Special drink offerings for the weekend: wines from Walsh Family Vineyards, strawberry hard cider and Valley Roots from Old Town Cidery, hard seltzers, slushies, and cocktails
• Cameron Street serves as the staging area for the Firefighters Parade — prime people-watching from the patio
• Private rentals available for events; indoor pergola seats 25–50 people

🎂 Winchester Brew Works — 10th Anniversary

• 10-year anniversary celebration: Saturday, May 16th
• Bringing back fan-favorite beers from their grand opening, including Mango Wheat and Coconut Canoe Love
• Currently pouring 20–25 beers on tap (up from 6 at opening)
• Food truck space limited during construction but expected to return once the drive is completed

🚗 Apple Blossom Parking & Logistics

• Parking garages open: Court Square, George Washington, Loudoun, and others around Old Town
• Flat event fee: $25 per day (Friday & Saturday starting 9 AM), credit card only
• Watch for road closures and towing — check the City of Winchester website for full details
• Sign up for road closure alerts at the city's website

🛍️ New in Old Town

• Winchester Tavern — Chef Dan's newest restaurant, located under The Exchange at Loudoun (formerly The Monument) at the top of the walking mall
• Newberry Building (former Dollar General) — Ben Ritenour of Roma and Alesation hosting popup events all weekend, including live music with a $10 cover.
• Moon & Moss — new bookstore and shop on the walking mall
• Please Boutique — new retail shop, just opened

🚧 Boscawen Street Closure Update

• The city has decided to permanently close Boscawen Street to vehicle traffic
• Boundaries set at Indian Alley intersection to just in front of City Hall parking lot exit
• Public design feedback meeting already held; ideas include expanded patios, lawn furniture, fountains, charging stations, and public WiFi
• Neighborhood Design District meeting: Thursday, May 7th, 5:30–7:00 PM at Taylor Pavilion — public welcome to give feedback

🎸 Taylor Pavilion

• New stage debuted successfully at Wine Fest
• Phase two grant application submitted
• Will host bands during the Dog Days of Summer event (see below)

🌭 Big Announcement — Dog Days of Summer Hotdog Crawl

• Date: Saturday, August 22nd, starting at noon in Old Town
• Participating Old Town restaurants will each create their own artisanal hot dog
• Guests purchase a passport and visit each stop — hot dogs will be voted on
• Live music at Taylor Pavilion, possible beer garden
• All proceeds benefit Friends of Old Town
• More restaurant announcements coming soon

Connect & Follow

Winchester Brew Works

• Website: winchesterbrewworks.com
• Facebook & Instagram: Winchester Brew Works

Friends of Old Town

• Website: friendsofoldtown.org
• Facebook: Friends of Old Town
• Instagram: @FriendsofOldTownWINC

Janet sits down with Elena Jeannotte to learn about Special Love for Children with Cancer, a nonprofit serving families across the Mid-Atlantic with free camps, family programs, financial assistance, and scholarships. Elena shares the organization's history, its flagship camp programs, and how the community can get involved.

Topics Covered

The History of Special Love

• Founded in the 1980s by Tom and Sheila Baker of Winchester, VA after losing their daughter Julie to lymphoma in 1978
• Tom Baker partnered with the NIH and the Northern Virginia 4-H Center to launch the first camp in 1983 with 29 campers
• Now serves up to 100 campers per session, 43 years later — still partnered with NIH and the 4-H Center

Camp Fantastic

• Week-long summer camp for children ages 7–17 with cancer
• Held at the Northern Virginia 4-H Center in Front Royal, VA
• NIH provides approximately 50 medical staff (oncologists, nurses, pharmacists, social workers)
• Children on active chemotherapy are welcome — medical facilities are set up on-site
• Activities include archery, fishing, swimming, tie-dye, duct tape crafts, and a talent show

BRASS Camp (Brothers and Sisters)

• Free camp for siblings of children with cancer
• Held at a waterfront facility on the Chesapeake Bay in Leonardtown, MD
• Designed to make siblings feel celebrated and understood
• All counselors are former BRASS campers
• Research published in medical journals has documented the positive impact on siblings' well-being

Family & Support Programs

• Summer Family Day — May 9th at Smokey Glen, MD; free all-day event for the whole family
• Parents Weekend — Free retreat at a hotel in Tysons Corner, VA; includes speakers, sound baths, massages, and a dinner dance
• Bereaved Families — All programs are open to families who have lost a child to cancer
• Financial Assistance — Available to families anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic with a child cancer diagnosis and financial need (help with mortgage, utilities, transportation)
• Scholarships — For survivors and siblings pursuing college or trade school
• 13 programs offered throughout the year, all free to families

How to Get Involved

• Volunteer at events including the upcoming golf tournament
• Play in or sponsor the golf tournament
• Donate to help fund camp and family programs

Upcoming Events

🏌️ Annual Golf Tournament

• Date: Friday, June 5th
• Location: Shenandoah Valley Golf Club, Front Royal, VA
• Includes raffle, networking, and a family story from a Special Love family
• Learn more: https://specialove.org/event/slgolf2026/

⛅ Summer Family Day

• Date: May 9th
• Location: Smokey Glen, Maryland

Connect with Special Love

• Website: speciallove.org (one "L")
• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn
• Service Area: Mid-Atlantic region (Shenandoah Valley to Norfolk, up to Baltimore)
• Children under 18 with a cancer diagnosis are encouraged to reach out