Winconnect Fall 2025

NEXUS OF NEWS, COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTS, AND CITY HAPPENINGS

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Winchester’s NDDs: A Blueprint for Tomorrow Planning for Community-Driven, Focused Growth

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Building Cyber Resilience

Telling Old Town’s Story

Seniors and Scams

in Winchester

FOOT and the Heart of Winchester

Knowledge is Your Best Defense

FALL 2025

¡Conéctate con Nosotros!

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Contents 3 From the City Manager’s Desk 4 Building Cyber Resilience in Winchester 6 Telling Old Town’s Story: FOOT and the Heart of Winchester 8 Winchester’s NDDs: A Blueprint for Tomorrow 10 Your Voice, Your Priorities, Your City: Creating Winchester’s New Strategic Plan 11 Get Your Gloves On: Pickup Parties Offer Clean-up, Fun…and Credit 12 Special Delivery: Paramedic’s Quick Action Leads to Parking Lot Birth 13 Shenandoah Community Health: 50 Years of Service and Care 14 Seniors and Scams: Knowledge is Your Best Defense 15 Neighborly Advice

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From the City Manager’s Desk

D

ear Neighbor, welcome back to WinConnect!

It’s also time for us to assemble the

It’s that time of year when many of us are back

City of Winchester’s next Strategic

from vacation, restarting school and activities,

Plan. Once our City Council approves

and settling back into our “normal” routines. Amid the

it, the Strategic Plan will lay out the City’s

craziness, I hope everyone is taking time for family and

vision and priorities over the next five years. As part of

friends and enjoying everything Winchester offers.

developing the Strategic Plan, we will conduct a Community Survey to ensure that the Strategic Plan closely aligns

Things have also been busy for the City of Winchester. In

with residents’ experiences and interests. If you receive

June, we broke ground on our new Cedar Valley Neigh-

the survey in the mail, please take ten minutes or so to

borhood Design District. Cedar Valley will transform the

complete it and mail it back in the attached, postage-paid

Ward Plaza area into an attractive mix of townhomes,

envelope. You can also visit winchesterva.gov/survey to

condominiums, apartments, and a new Publix, City park,

complete the survey online.

and more. Construction crews started demolition work several months ago, and the project is already underway.

As an incentive, every resident who completes the survey will be entered into a drawing for a $500 Visa gift card,

Cedar Valley is the first of five Neighborhood De-

courtesy of our survey partner, ETC Institute.

sign Districts, affectionately called “NDDs.” We’re also working on the Cider Hill NDD adjacent to Fairmont

As always, please feel free to get in touch with me at

Avenue and new NDDs for the Berryville Avenue

dan.hoffman@winchesterva.gov if I can do anything for

corridor and Old Town. NDD plans represent the shared

you. See you around!

vision of community members, City Council, and other

Dan Hoffman

stakeholders, not solely one developer or stakeholder It’s how you get the growth that moves a City forward— community-driven, focused growth.

City Manager Winchester, VA

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P

icture this: Foreign-based malevolent hack-

If a major city like Atlanta is susceptible to malign actors,

ers infiltrate your city’s information infrastruc-

imagine the cybersecurity threat to smaller cities, towns,

ture and hack thousands of city government

and counties. Smaller localities may lack adequate fund-

devices. Key city operations come to a screeching halt,

ing or quick access to emergency support when an attack

causing widespread confusion and frustration. To miti-

occurs, making them an easy target.

gate the crisis, the city is unexpectedly forced to spend millions of dollars while managing the disruption of

The cybersecurity threat to local governments extends

public services.

beyond the disruption of public services. It includes data and identity theft. As data stewards, localities store res-

Sounds like an action movie, right? Unfortunately, it hap-

idents’ personally identifiable information (PII), such

pened in Atlanta, Georgia, despite the city’s reputation as

as bank account details, healthcare and tax records,

a hub of innovation and technical development. In 2018,

property information, criminal history, employment, and

two Iran-based hackers used brute force ransomware

educational background. An intruder might even find

to access the city’s closed information network. Their

voting records on the servers.

attack temporarily shut down city utility, parking, and judicial programs, creating havoc.

In Winchester, Virginia, defending against and mitigating a cyber attack is one of our highest emergency manage-

At the time of the attack, Atlanta was spending about $108

ment priorities. There’s no such thing as absolute cyberse-

million per year—more than Winchester’s entire budget—

curity. However, like physical security, a defense-in-depth

on cybersecurity. However, Atlanta’s investment did not

cyberstrategy provides redundancy at multiple levels

protect it from a well-planned cyber strike, highlighting

and increased protection. This is important considering

the need for a comprehensive approach to cyber defense.

the resource-constrained environment faced by many local governments.

Ultimately, Atlanta’s attack took

$2.6 Million

and weeks for an outside firm to remediate.

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BY CITY MANAGER DAN HOFFMAN & CHARLES ROUSS FELLOW SKIP DICKSON

In Winchester, our defense-in-depth strategy includes: Deploying zero-trust architecture

These efforts are no panacea. However, by hardening our

Endpoint protection

the threat evolves, we will need to continue to develop

city against cyber-attacks, we may make it a less attractive target for would-be intruders. Our tactics are dynamic; as and strengthen our defenses.

Multi-factor authentication Extended detection and response Improved governance; external partnerships Public outreach

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Telling Old T

FOOT and the Hea

In 2023, Friends of Old Town officially took over the Main Street program from city administration and ushered in a new era of grassroots energy and volunteer-led ideas. But they didn’t just take the reins. They got to work reimagin-

W

ing what public space in Old Town could be. alk down Winchester’s historic walking mall and you’ll see more than brick sidewalks

They launched a long-range master planning project with

and 18th-century architecture. You’ll see the

one goal in mind: to listen. What do residents want from

work of neighbors who care deeply about their commu-

Old Town? What makes it feel welcoming, beautiful, and

nity. People who believe Old Town can be more than a

distinctly Winchester?

shopping destination. It can be a shared story.

Through public forums, design sessions, and old-fashFriends of Old Town, also known as Winchester Main

ioned conversations on the bricks, Friends of Old Town in-

Street, is the nonprofit at the heart of that story. Born

vited the community into the process and started turning

out of a desire to give Winchester’s Main Street program

feedback into action.

more community voice and creative direction, Friends of Old Town has quickly grown into a local force for good

At the same time, they made sure Old Town didn’t just

things in our city.

look good on paper. It had to feel good in real life. From organizing the annual events like Kidz Fest and First Fri-

Their mission is to make Old Town not only historically preserved, but vibrantly alive with art on the walls, music in the air, and people in the streets.

days, bringing live music and family-friendly vibes to the mall, to the creation of the “History of Us” walking tour, featuring QR-coded stories in business windows, they centered every project around connection.

Winchester’s history runs deep, and Friends of Old Town sees public art as a way to bring that legacy into the present. Rather than separating history and creativity, they use public art to highlight, reinterpret, and celebrate the

Town’s Story

art of Winchester

stories that have shaped this place. Projects like History of Us, our self-guided walking tour, invite people to explore the lives, buildings, and businesses that form the backbone of Old Town, often in ways that surprise and inspire.

From murals centered on themes like childhood literacy to pop-up performances and storefront storytelling, they treat Old Town as a living gallery. Every installation is a chance to connect heritage with imagination and to invite the community into the story.

Change in Winchester isn’t something that happens to the town.

It’s something that happens with it.

They’ve also created space for dialogue. From community meetings about public art and preservation to open discussions on revitalization, Friends of Old Town has made

As 2025 unfolds, the story of Old Town continues. And

it clear: change isn’t something that happens to the town.

thanks to Friends of Old Town, it’s a story more people are

It’s something that happens with it.

excited to write together.

In just one year, Friends of Old Town has redefined what

BY BRADY CLOVEN

it means to steward a Main Street. They’ve done the big

Executive Director, Friends of Old Town

things like strategic planning, nonprofit structuring, and event development. And they’ve done the little things too, like chatting with shop owners on a Tuesday afternoon to see how business is going.

They’ve shown that revitalization doesn’t have to come from a grant or a headline. It can come from a neighbor showing up, a volunteer giving their Saturday, or a nonprofit making sure downtown feels like home.

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Winchester’s NDDs: A Blueprint for Tomorrow Planning for Community-Driven, Focused Growth

I

f you have been paying attention to local news over

hundreds of townhomes, condominiums, and apartments

the last few months, you probably heard about the

to help relieve the housing shortage in our City. (Have you

inauguration of Winchester’s newest neighborhood,

heard of the “missing middle” in the housing market? May-

“Cedar Valley.” Or maybe you heard chatter about the

be that’s a separate article for the next edition…)

“transformation of Ward Plaza…” or something about a groundbreaking event.

With input from the community, City staff, and other stakeholders, the City Council can decide to proactively

Groundbreaking event? The Ward Plaza is cement. How

change zoning regulations and explore infrastructure de-

does that work? And what does this acronym we keep

velopment to encourage new private and public sector

hearing - NDD - actually mean?

investment. These critical changes can spark the area’s transformation, providing a clear path for business owners and potential developers, who may be more likely to

Great questions.

Let’s start with the basics.

NDD stands for “Neighborhood Design District.” Through NDDs, the City work with residents to proactively plan and revitalize targeted areas of the City. Through resident-led Community Committees, focus groups, Open Houses, and surveys, community members weigh in on what kind of

invest in Winchester, in consultation with the City Council and residents. It’s a strategy that allows community members to guide the process from start to finish.

It’s not just growth for growth’s sake. It’s community-driven, focused growth.

neighborhood they would like to see in the coming years.

This might include new housing options (both rentable and for purchase), shopping and businesses, parks, more

Looking ahead, the Cedar Valley NDD is just the first of

walkable and bikeable lanes, and well-designed traffic in-

a series of NDDs planned for the City. Our second NDD,

frastructure. Not only that, but community members also

“Cider Hill” located adjacent to Fairmont Avenue, will be

help pick the neighborhood’s name!

rolled out later this year and early 2026. You’ll be hearing more about Cider Hill in the coming months.

At Cedar Valley, work to demolish the old Ward Plaza complex has already begun. Within several years, we should

In addition to Cider Hill, the City is rolling out several more

see a $10 million revitalization project aligned

NDDs starting with the Berryville Avenue corridor on the

with community needs begin to take

City’s North End, and shortly thereafter, Old Town. The res-

shape. The project will include a new

ident-led Community Committees for both NDDs are just

Publix grocery store, mixed-use

beginning to meet. Residents should stay tuned for more

shopping and office space, and

information, including a survey on their favorite name!

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For the Berryville Avenue NDD, the Community Committee and City Planning Team area already working together to consider some potential local improvements. (See the current NDD zoning map on the right.)

Better connected Improved walking and biking spaces

Greener More central open spaces for recreation

Business Access Easier, safer access to business with a parallel road along Berryville Avenue

Walking Trails Trails connecting nearby residential areas to businesses

Interstate 81 Access Easier, less congested, and safer access to

LEGEND

0

Study Area

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Mixed Use Building Commercial Building High Density Residential

And much more…

High Density Residential with

Avenue, and Old Town—promise to revitalize targeted areas of our City according to community members’ priorities and interests. But we need your help. Stay informed by checking out the City’s Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor pages, and winchesterva.gov. Attend an upcoming Open House or informational session on an NDD. Everyone is welcome—it’s Our City!

Feet 800 N

CONCEPT PLAN

and from Interstate 81

The NDD initiatives—Cedar Valley, Cider Hill, Berryville

400 600

Nonresidential Ground Floor Use Medium Density Residential Single Family Homes Structured Parking Clubhouse/Rec. Building Surface Parking Landscaping/Screening Pocket Park/Open Space

Landscaped Corridors Shared Use path Pedestrian Street 9

Your Voice, Your Priorities Creating Winchester’s New Strategic Plan

H

ave you ever thought, “What makes a city a good city to live in?” Maybe good schools, well-maintained infrastructure, responsive, professional

first responders, a fiscally responsible budget, dependable City services, etc? And we surely could add more items to

First, watch your mailbox for our Community Survey.

Every two years, the City surveys residents to

the list.

determine what is going well and needs improve-

How do we, as a City, ensure that we are prioritizing,

Strategic Plan. Just complete the survey and return

planning, executing, evaluating, and hiring to ensure that we can accomplish these goals? Not only that, but how do we ensure that we appropriately fund the right things?

One important part of the answer is our Strategic Plan.

A well-designed Strategic Plan can guide our City Council and staff in developing priorities, funding those priorities, and clarifying how the residents of Winchester view “success.” In other words, it’s a roadmap that should set a vision of the future but still be actionable. It should help City leaders, community members, and other

ment. This year, your input will help us draft our new it in the provided postage-paid envelope or go to winchesterva.gov/survey to submit it electronically. Not only that, if you complete the survey, you will be entered into a drawing for a $500 Visa gift card, courtesy of the company managing the survey for the City, ETC Institute.

Second, keep an eye on the City’s website and social media channels for Public Input Sessions on the Strategic Plan.

stakeholders get on the same page when it comes to im-

Stay tuned for listening sessions that will be held through-

portant decisions.

out the City, so we can incorporate your thoughts, ideas, recommendations, and concerns into the new Strategic

The City’s current Strategic Plan expires next year, so

Plan.

we are working on drafting a new one for the next five years—from 2026 through 2031.

Together, we can chart the future of our community. If you have questions or ideas, please click the “Contact

We need your help! You can do several things to help us

Us” link on winchesterva.gov and send us a note. We look

better understand how the City is doing and what we need

forward to hearing from you!

to focus on.

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Pickup Parties Offer Cleanup, Fun...and Credit

S

ince April 2025, volunteers have collected over 450 pounds of trash around the City, showing how much our community cares! Every first Thursday of

the month from April through November at 5:30 p.m., the City hosts a Pickup Party at a different neighborhood park or green space in Winchester. These events are a wonderful opportunity for residents to come together, work as a team, and help keep our neighborhoods clean. Plus, you can earn rewards! By participating, you can get credits on your household’s stormwater utility fee—an easy way to save money while making a positive impact.

Did you know that one of the main goals of the City’s stormwater team is to reduce pollution in our storm sewers and waterways? When you join these community-driven activities, you earn a five percent credit per event.

Attend all the events, and your household could save up to 40% on your stormwater utility bill for a whole year!

During each event, city staff happily provide gloves, trash bags, and trash pickers and share information about the City’s stormwater plan.

T

his year, we’ve enjoyed picking up trash at some fantastic spots like Handley High School, Friendship Park, Familyland at

Jim Barnett Park, Park Place Park, and the Green Circle Trail where it connects with the Trails at the MSV. We look forward to seeing even more of you at our upcoming Pickup Parties!

Here are the dates so you can mark your calendar: September 4, 5:30 p.m.

Douglass Park October 2, 5:30 p.m.

Overlook Park November 6, 5:30 p.m.

Frederick Douglass Elementary School 11

Paramedic’s Quick Action Leads to Parking Lot Birth

T

hese are the words that Ashley Hoffmann, the City’s Mobile Integrated Health Program Manager, heard when she approached Danyel Placious’ car in the

parking lot of Winchester Medical Center’s Emergency Department right before she helped deliver a healthy baby boy.

While Ashley had been waiting with a dementia client inside the Emergency Department, James Placious came into the waiting room asking for help because his wife was outside in the car, already in active labor. Ashley followed him outside while a nurse went to get help, and that’s

Ashley Hoffmann with newborn Rowan Parker Placious

when she heard Danyel’s cry for help.

“There was no time for gloves or equipment,” said Ashley,

Ashley serves as a Community Resource Paramedic with-

a trained paramedic, “When I went to cradle the baby’s

in the City’s Mobile Integrated Health Program, where she

head, he was delivered into my hands. He cried immedi-

manages complex patient cases by addressing a broad

ately, and I placed him on his mother’s chest just as the

range of non-emergent needs. Her role includes provid-

hospital team arrived.”

ing in-home assessments, identifying social determinants of health, and coordinating resources to improve overall

While hospital staff quickly took the mother and baby in-

well-being. Whether it’s providing assistance to seniors,

side to get checked out, Ashley stuck around with James

helping individuals navigate the healthcare system, or

to help clean up the car. Once things outside were settled,

connecting patients to services for housing, transporta-

Ashley had the opportunity to visit with the new family of

tion, or behavioral health, Ashley works to bridge gaps in

three, which now included baby Rowan Parker Placious.

care and support long-term health outcomes.

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Shenadoah Community Health

L

Years of Care

BY BRADLEY KIRKLAND

ast spring, Shenandoah Community Health (SCH) opened its first clinic in the City, providing a beacon of hope to Winchester area residents who

find themselves in need of healthcare. Originating from a Registered Nurse’s dream to serve the community, over the last five decades the Martinsburg-based organization has served thousands of patients, many of whom faced substantial barriers to obtaining care.

Last year alone, SCH’s dedicated team of skilled nurses, bilingual outreach workers, and drivers connected over 900 individuals to critical medical services. With the opening of their Winchester clinic, they expect those numbers to go up.

SCH also works with other nonprofit health providers, such as Sinclair Health Clinic in Winchester, as well as churches and other community organizations to help identify those who need assistance and strengthen local

A gentleman in his late 70s visited SCH with a perplexing

partners. No one is turned away, regardless of whether

rash on his lower calf. After a biopsy at our Health Ex-

they have insurance, or not.

press clinic, results suggested a contagious illness. SCH nurses collaborated with the local health department,

Even as SCH’s history is compelling, the clinic tells its story

ensuring that he could receive prompt treatment and

best through a few recent patients…

return to work.

A mother sought help for her teenage daughter who

Those needing medical services or attention can visit or

needed feminine hygiene products and education

call the clinic, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. until

about menstruation. SCH’s team provided supplies and

5:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

guidance, then extended care to the rest of the family, with the daughter receiving a well-child check-up and

Shenandoah Community Health - Winchester

her toddler brother being treated for an ear infection.

540.722.2369 1330 Amherst Street, Suite C

A young man in his late 20s presented with severe

Winchester, VA 22601

oral pain from an abscessed tooth. SCH’s team quickly transported him for antibiotics to calm the infection, and two weeks later, arranged for his tooth extraction at their “Healthy Smiles” dentistry. Relieved of pain, he could return to work, his livelihood secured, and his smile restored.

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Seniors & Scams Knowledge is Your Best Defense

BY AMAYA PEREZ and NOELIA DOWD

D

id you know that fraud and scam attempts targeting senior citizens are more common than ever?

The best way to stay protected is to stay informed,

Here are a few essential tips:

Pause before acting.

paying attention to practical tools and updates to remain

Scammers want to rush you and get you to think

“one step ahead” of the scammers.

emotionally. Take time to think about what you are doing.

Unfortunately, seniors are often targeted by scammers posing as government agencies, banks, or even family members. The schemes may come through phone calls, emails, or text messages and are designed to create panic or urgency. The impact of fraud can be both financially and emotionally devastating.

But, there’s good news, too. By learning what to look for, you can avoid becoming a victim.

Verify independently.

Don’t trust caller ID; use official phone numbers to confirm a person or organization’s legitimacy.

Be cautious with personal info.

Never give out your social security number or banking details on the phone.

Talk openly.

Sharing your experience may help someone else avoid a similar situation.

On September 23 at 6:30 p.m., local insurance company Blue Ridge Agents will hold a free educational event at the Braddock Street United Methodist Church. The session will be presented simultaneously in English and Spanish, and will cover common scam techniques, tips for prevention, and what to do if you suspect fraudulent activity.

Everyone is welcome—whether you’re concerned for yourself or helping care for a loved one. For more information, call 540-431-4373.

Let’s work together to keep our community informed, empowered, and protected.

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Neighborly Advice Trash Holiday Schedule

Calendar Photo Submissions

You already know about the City’s new trash and

Want to see your photo featured in the City

recycling schedule, but do you know how holidays

Calendar?

will impact your collection? In the case of a holiday on a collection day: • All trash and recycling collections will move one day later in the week than usual.

• Yard waste collection will be canceled for the week.

Submit up to five of your best shots to the annual Photo Contest, now open on the City’s website! Share your creative views to showcase the beauty of our community. Send in your photos at www.winchesterva.gov/calendar

Mayor’s Excellence Award Nominations

School Zone Speed Cameras

Do you know an individual, business, group, or

Kids are back in school! Don’t forget that the City

organization in Winchester doing great things for

has two active school zone speed cameras that will

our community? Nominate them for the Mayor’s

send tickets to anyone caught speeding while the

Excellence Award! The deadline for the 2025

flashing school zone lights are active. These camera

awards is December 31, 2025. Winners will be cel-

enforcement zones are located along Cork Street

ebrated at the first council meeting in February and

at Daniel Morgan Middle School and Amherst

featured on the City’s website and social media!

Street at James Wood Middle.

Submit nominations at www.winchesterva.gov/mayor

Please drive cautiously and help keep our students safe!

Hispanic Heritage Month Calendar of Events During Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 through October 15), we recognize the history, culture, and many contributions of the Hispanic community in Winchester. Celebrate by attending one or more of these fantastic events!

Frida Family Night

Celebración

September 13 • 5 until 8 p.m.

Museum of the Shenandoah Valley

September 20 • Noon until 4 p.m.

Old Town Winchester

Latin Festival

DJ Suelto

September 20 • 4 until 7 p.m.

Braddock Street United Methodist Church

September 20 • 9 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Brightbox Theatre

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