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

Host Janet Michael sits down with her dear friend Ashley Woodall to talk about raising her son Aiden, who is on the autism spectrum. Ashley opens up about the road to diagnosis, the therapies that have made a difference, what life really looks like day-to-day, and an inspiring community initiative to help first responders better serve individuals with autism.

Topics Covered

Aiden's Early Signs & Diagnosis

• Aiden was frequently ill as an infant, which led to early evaluations
• Speech pathologist flagged developmental concerns and referred the family to Infant & Toddler Connection
• Early signs included late crawling, late walking, speech regression, sensory sensitivities, and feeding difficulties
• Pediatrician provided an official autism diagnosis; developmental pediatrician appointment followed
• Waitlists for developmental specialists can be 1–2 years long

Therapies & Early Intervention

• ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy began in July 2024 — described as life-changing
• Also received speech therapy, occupational therapy, and developmental therapy in the home
• Aiden uses an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device to help him communicate
• Identified as a gestalt language processor — learns language through phrases rather than individual words
• Ashley left her career to become Aiden's primary caregiver and therapy support at home

Navigating Daily Life

• Public outings like grocery shopping can be unpredictable — good days and very hard days
• Aiden has no sense of danger and is prone to elopement (running away)
• Meltdowns can look like defiance but are often unmet needs the child cannot communicate
• Families with autistic children often have a limited support system for childcare
• Ashley emphasizes the importance of inclusion — autistic children deserve to be part of the community

What the Public Should Know

• Avoid judgment — you don't know what a family has been through before that moment
• Offer help or kind words; if you can't be helpful, simply walk away
• Look for sunflower lanyards — a universal symbol that a child or individual is neurodivergent

The Sensory Bag Initiative

• Ashley, her husband Joe, and a group of autism parents assembled 50 sensory bags to donate to local first responders
• Each bag contains:
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Sunglasses (to reduce bright/flashing lights)
• Fidget and sensory toys
• Goal: at least one bag on the street at all times across Front Royal Police, Warren County Sheriff's Office, and Warren County Fire & Rescue
• Funded through community donations; two major contributors, including a family friend whose granddaughter also has autism
• Bags will be heat-pressed with a design reading "Sensory Bag" and a note crediting community generosity

Looking Ahead: A Nonprofit in the Making

• Ashley is working to establish a 501(c)3 nonprofit to expand the initiative
• The nonprofit will be dedicated to the memory of her late son Michael, who was known for his generosity and love of giving back
• Plans include an official Facebook page, website, and broader fundraising once the nonprofit is formalized

Key Takeaways

• Early intervention is critical — don't wait for a formal diagnosis to begin seeking services
• ABA therapy, AAC devices, and in-home reinforcement can produce remarkable results
• Empathy and inclusion go a long way for families navigating autism in public spaces
• First responders equipped with sensory tools can significantly de-escalate situations involving autistic individuals
• Community generosity can turn a personal struggle into meaningful local change

Resources Mentioned

• Infant & Toddler Connection (through Grafton)
• DSS Long-Term Care Waiver / Medicaid
• ABA therapy / Valley Health
• AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices
• Sunflower Lanyard Program

Host Janet Michael sits down with Shenandoah County Tourism Director Kary Haun and Abby Walters, President of Strasburg Mayfest Inc., to talk all things Mayfest — one of the Shenandoah Valley's most beloved community festivals. Plus, Kary shares highlights from her morning kayak trip on the Shenandoah River.

In This Episode

• What is Strasburg Mayfest and how did it start?
• The full schedule of events for May 6th–9th
• How Mayfest became its own nonprofit organization
• The Heels & Hops luncheon — what to expect
• Free kids' zone, parade, duck race, and 5K details
• How local sponsors and volunteers make it all happen
• The new Mayfest King & Queen tradition
• Kayaking the Shenandoah River at Seven Bends State Park
• Riverfront and walkable downtown real estate in Strasburg

Key Details: Strasburg Mayfest 2026

• Dates: May 8–9 (Carnival opens May 6)
• Carnival hours: Wed–Thu 6–10pm | Fri 5–10pm | Sat Noon–10pm
• Heels & Hops Luncheon: Friday, May 8
• 5K Race: Saturday morning, meet at the high school
• Pancake Breakfast: Saturday (hosted by Kiwanis)
• Parade: Saturday at 2:00pm
• Duck Race: Immediately following the parade
• Vendors & Crafters: Saturday 10am–5pm on the square
• Evening Entertainment: Cashmere (Friday) | Robbie Lineman Band (Saturday) — both free
• Kids' Zone: Free bounce houses, trampolines, face painters, petting zoo

Resources & Links

• Strasburg Mayfest website: strasburgmayfest.com
• Strasburg Mayfest on Facebook: Strasburg Mayfest VA
• Shenandoah County Tourism: visitshenandoahcounty.com

Host Janet Michael sits down with Les Sinclair, Communications and PR Manager of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank to explore how older Americans are both the backbone of the food bank's volunteer workforce and one of its most vulnerable populations. With May designated as Older Americans Month — and the 2026 theme being "Champion Your Health" — the conversation digs into rising food insecurity numbers, the critical role of nutrition, and how the food bank is adapting to increasing demand and shrinking federal support.

Key Topics Covered

Older Americans as Volunteers

• Seniors make up a large portion of food pantry volunteers, particularly through church-based programs
• Over 50% of food pantries operate out of churches
• Seniors are "aging out" of heavy lifting tasks — food bank supports partners with electric pallet jacks and other equipment

Seniors as Food Recipients

• 1 in 5 seniors visits a food pantry at some point
• Fixed incomes leave little flexibility when prices rise (gas, groceries, prescriptions)
• Many seniors batch all monthly errands into a single trip, including food pantry visits
• Transportation and mobility challenges drive demand for delivery-based food services

The Numbers

• 32+ million pounds of food distributed last fiscal year
• Currently tracking to exceed that — 16.6 million pounds in the first half of this fiscal year
• Monthly guest visits have risen from ~171,200 (last fiscal year average) to ~177,000 currently
• Peak of 194,000 visits recorded in October 2025 amid government shutdown uncertainty
• USDA food supply is down 31%, requiring the food bank to purchase more food to fill the gap

Food as Medicine

• 5.5 million pounds of the food distributed is produce
• Proper nutrition can help manage chronic conditions: high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes
• Food bank partners with healthcare clinics to screen patients for food insecurity and send them home with food that meets dietary needs
• Variety and choice matter — food that isn't eaten provides no nutrition

Senior-Specific Programs

• CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) / Senior Food Boxes — USDA-funded monthly food boxes for income-qualifying seniors; packed in Charlottesville, distributed region-wide from Winchester to Lynchburg; recently supplemented with additional produce boxes
• Reach Boxes — Food bank's own program for seniors who don't qualify for USDA boxes; same concept, purchased food

USDA Funding & the Farm Bill

• USDA product reductions create ripple effects throughout the food distribution network
• The Farm Bill is critical to maintaining nutrition programs, supporting farmers, and funding food banks
• Smaller pantries may not have the budget to fill USDA gaps — the food bank has issued financial credits to ~120 pantries
• Food bank is spending ~$700,000 on 400,000 pounds of high-quality, culturally specific proteins (chicken, fish, beef, peanut butter) to distribute for free to partners

How the Food Bank is Funded

• Over 75% of funding comes from individual donors — people giving $5–$10/month
• $10 = 30 meals; community giving compounds significantly at scale
• Large corporate donations are rare in the region

Upcoming Event: Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

Date: Saturday, May 9th

• Organized by the Letter Carriers Association (not the post office)
• Leave non-perishable food items by your mailbox before 8:00 AM
• Letter carriers will collect and deliver to local pantries or the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
• Largest food drive of the year
• Tips: No glass containers, no perishables — canned goods and boxed items preferred
• Can also donate online in honor of your letter carrier

How to Get Involved

• Donate food: Leave items at your mailbox on May 9th for Stamp Out Hunger
• Donate money: Even $5–$10/month makes a difference
• Find a pantry or get help: brafb.org

Let's Be Friends: An Affair to Remember Video - Recorded at An Affair to Remember | Walking Mall, Winchester, VA

Guests:

• Ian Rushing — Owner, An Affair to Remember (AATR Video)
• Brady Cloven — Executive Director, Friends of Old Town Winchester

What We Talked About:

An Affair to Remember (ATR Video)

• Located at 39 South Loudoun Street on the Walking Mall
• Offers media digitization: VHS, 8mm, 16mm, reel-to-reel audio, slides, and more
• Photo printing on-site — standard sizes up to large format prints
• Wedding videography with multiple price packages
• Corporate branded storytelling / content creation packages
• Fun live camera in the store window capturing mall passersby
• Everything is done in-house — no shipping your memories across the country
• Turnaround: ~1 week for small orders, 2–3 weeks for larger ones
• Delivery options: DVD, USB thumb drive, or cloud
• Coming soon: on-site film development
• Find them: aatrvideo.com | Facebook & Instagram: @AATRVideo

"Have You Met" Video Series

• A Friends of Old Town initiative produced in partnership with AATR Video
• Short ~45-second videos introducing Old Town businesses to the public
• Three questions: Who are you? What don't people know about your shop? Why did you choose Old Town?
• First video featured Moon Phased — strong engagement and follower growth reported
• Businesses share videos across their own social media and tag both Friends of Old Town and AATR

Taylor Pavilion — Phase One Complete

• New permanent stage extension (fits a full band)
• New canopy over the stage for weather/sun coverage
• New lighting from Mountain Trails wall to the pavilion
• Public art planned for the Wine Room building wall and Mountain Trails corner
• Funding: $75K Virginia Main Street downtown improvement grant + $30K from the Winchester EDA + ~$30K in volunteer in-kind hours
• Phase two in progress: aluminum truss lighting, outdoor weatherproof projector/screens for movies, and more public art
• First major use of the new stage: Apple Blossom Festival performances

Brady's Trip to Tulsa — Main Street America Conference

• Annual national conference for Main Street directors and staff
• This year's theme: placemaking — how cities balance preserving history while moving forward
• Highlights: public art on Route 66, collaborative business activation strategies
• Connected with Greg Beam (now Assistant Town Manager, Mount Jackson) about future collaborations

Upcoming Events in Old Town Winchester:

• Apple Blossom Kickoff Party — Thursday before Apple Blossom, 6–8:30 PM at Bistro Sojo. Buffet, complimentary wine, DJ, cash bar. Portion of proceeds benefit Highland Food Pantry. Reserve at bistrosojo.com (~20 tickets remaining at time of recording)
• First Friday — June 5
• Hop Blossom — June 6
• KidzFest — June 13
• Juneteenth — June 19
• VA250 Jubilee — Coming in 2026
• Full events calendar: friendsofoldtown.org
• Social: Friends of Old Town on Facebook | @FriendsofOldTownWINC on Instagram

Host Janet Michael sits down with Melanie Mullinax, Communications and Event Manager at Blandy Experimental Farm, to get all the details on the 36th Annual Garden Fair — one of the Shenandoah Valley's most beloved Mother's Day weekend traditions.

Event Details

• 📅 May 9th & 10th, 2025
• ⏰ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM both days
• 📍 Blandy Experimental Farm / State Arboretum of Virginia
• 🎟️ Tickets: $12/car online | $20/car at the gate
• 🌧️ Rain or shine

Buy Tickets: https://blandy.virginia.edu/garden-fair

Members & Volunteers Preview Night

- Friday, May 8th | 5:00 – 7:30 PM

• Open to Blandy members and volunteers only (~250 tickets)
• Includes a charcuterie box + glass of wine or beer
• First access to all vendors before the weekend crowds
• Food & drink: Tom's Traveling Coffee, Bruster's Ice Cream (preview night only)

What to Expect

• 63 vendors including plants, native species, gifts, home décor, and garden supplies
• Blandy-grown plants nurtured by Assistant Curator Carrie Whitacre (started in February!)
• Highlighted vendors: Digging Daylilies, Sherry's Garden Decorations, Medina Mercantile, Temalle (Ghanaian baskets), Wild Birds Unlimited
• Environmental nonprofit booths with info on local conservation
• Kids' Scavenger Hunt — collect stamps from nonprofit booths, win a marigold grown at Blandy
• Arboretum Tours: Saturday & Sunday at 1:00 PM, led by Director David Carr and Curator T'ai Roulston
• Live music: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM both days
• Beer and wine available on-site
• Picnic tables for resting and enjoying food/music

Food Vendors

• Bam Bam's Barbecue
• Sara Festivals
• The Laughing Crab (Chesapeake Bay crab cakes)
• Hot Mama's Biscuits (new this year)
• Tom's Traveling Coffee
• Burg Charcuterie (Fredericksburg area)

Pro Tips

• Bring your own wagon or cart — Blandy's ~100 Radio Flyer wagons go fast
• Your own wagon means you can take it to the parking lot (Blandy wagons must stay on-site)
• Consider arriving around noon: eat, listen to music, take the 1 PM arboretum tour, then shop
• Grab a program at the entrance — it includes a vendor map with a key

Volunteer Opportunities Blandy needs 70–100 volunteers for setup, the event itself, and teardown. Volunteers receive free admission and an invitation to Preview Night.

• Sign up here

Connect with Blandy 🌐 blandy.virginia.edu