The Heartbeat of Local Art - Discovering VECCA

The Heartbeat of Local Art - Discovering VECCA

(Recorded on May 10, 2026) Welcome back to the County Connection! We’re shaking things up in the studio today with special guest hosts Patty Fadeley (Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce) and Katie Mercer (Town of Woodstock), who are stepping in for Stuart and Justin. Together, they take a deep dive into the creativity and passion that make our Main Streets so special. Today’s guest is Dan Miller from the Valley Educational Center for Creative Arts (VECCA). Dan shares the rich, 40-year history of this all-volunteer nonprofit and explains how VECCA provides a welcoming, low-cost entry into the art world for local hobbyists, students, and seasoned professionals alike. In this episode, we explore: * Window Artists & Community Shows: Discover how VECCA's Artist in Residence program and rotating exhibits—like the recent "Touch Grass" scavenged art show—are bringing vibrant energy to Main Street. * Art Therapy with SEARCH: Learn about a heartwarming, grant-enabled partnership providing personalized art classes and a future fundraising showcase for individuals with special needs. * Plein Air Painting: Experience the magic of outdoor painting events hosted at stunning, private riverfront properties across the Shenandoah Valley. * America 250 Celebrations: Get the scoop on upcoming historical art events, including an exclusive live painting demo by renowned historical artist Keith Rocco on June 20th. * How to Get Involved: Find out how you can become a member, volunteer as a gallery docent, or score some fantastic locally embroidered VECCA merchandise. Whether you're a seasoned artist looking to dust off your brushes, an art lover, or just someone who loves seeing our community thrive, this episode is full of inspiration! Support Local Art: Stop by the VECCA gallery in Woodstock (open six days a week!) or visit them online to view upcoming events, volunteer forms, and more at vecca.org [https://vecca.org/].

Step Back to 1776: Shenandoah County's Premier Summer Event

In Episode 20 of The County Connection, hosts Justin Wightman and Stuart Freakley welcome organizers Suzanne McIlwee and Barbara Adamson to discuss the massive "Shenandoah County Celebrates 1776" event happening on June 20th. In the works since April 2025, this rain-or-shine living history festival will transform downtown Woodstock into an authentic 18th-century experience to celebrate the upcoming America 250 milestone. * Grand Opening Ceremony: Kicks off at 10:00 AM with musical excerpts from 1776, a community choir, and a campaign march down Main Street. * Military Encampments: Visitors can interact with the 1st and 8th Virginia Continental Regiments to see how soldiers lived, and watch mounted cavalry demonstrations by the 1st Light Dragoons. * Historical Encounters: Attendees can interact with legends of the past, including Patrick Henry (portrayed by his 5th great-grandson, Patrick Henry Jolly), George Washington, Young Lafayette, Daniel Morgan, and Peter Muhlenberg. * Distinguished Lectures: An academic series featuring historians and authors discussing the Declaration of Independence, the local impact of the Revolutionary War, and 18th-century arts. * Colonial Culture & Trades: The streets will act as a living museum featuring live period music, colonial dancing, blacksmiths, silversmiths, and leather workers. * Youth Activities: Kids can enjoy an all-day scavenger hunt with prizes, 18th-century games on Lawyers Row, face painting, and a youth genealogy station. * Where to Start: Begin at the Information Table at Court Square to grab a daily schedule, map, and scavenger hunt flyer. * Parking & Transit: Parking is available at the old Woodstock High School and the Commons Lot. A free shuttle service will also run from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM from the county administration building. * More Info: Visitors can check out ShenandoahHistory.org or the "Shenandoah County Celebrates 1776" Facebook page for full details and schedules.

Porches, Pickin', and Preservation at the Woodstock Museum

In this special episode of The County Connection, guest co-hosts Katie Mercer and Patty Fadeley step in to explore the rich history and bright future of the Woodstock Museum. They are joined by Barbara Kesser, President of the Woodstock Museum, to recap a lively recent community event, trace the museum's fascinating 57-year history, and discuss an urgent preservation project that literally keeps the town’s history standing. * Shenandoah Dance and Musical Traditions Event * The Museum's Origins * A 100% Volunteer Effort * The "Restore the Porch" Campaign The "Restore the Porch" project is estimated to cost at least $150,000, and the museum relies on community support to reach the finish line. * Donate Online: Visit Zeffy.com and search for "Restore the Porch" (100% of the funds go directly to the museum). * Donate by Mail: Send checks payable to the Woodstock Museum to P.O. Box 741, Woodstock, Virginia 22664. * Volunteer: You do not need a history degree to help out! Friendly faces can email woodstockmuseumva@yahoo.com or message the museum on Facebook to become a docent.

Navigating Elder Law and Estate Success

In this episode of County Connection, host Stuart Freakley and guest host Jaynelle Bowers sit down with Melissa Freakley of the Freakley Law Group to demystify the world of elder law and estate planning. While the term "elder law" might sound like it’s only for seniors, Melissa explains that it’s really about protecting families of all ages, covering everything from wills and trusts to small business succession. The trio dives into the "nitty-gritty" of why you shouldn't wait for a crisis to start your paperwork. They discuss: * The Power of Paperwork: Why an Advanced Medical Directive and Power of Attorney are the most essential (and least expensive) documents you can have to avoid stressful court-ordered guardianships. * Probate vs. Non-Probate: Melissa explains how things like "Transfer on Death" deeds and beneficiary designations can help your assets "drop like a rock" to your heirs, keeping your family out of the lengthy and costly probate process. * Trusts and Special Needs: How specialized trusts can protect blended families or ensure a loved one with special needs maintains their public benefits while still receiving an inheritance. * Medicaid "Crisis" Planning: The reality of the five-year look-back period and how early planning can save the family farm or a cherished vacation cabin. If you're ready to stop "printing forms off the internet" and want a professional plan in place, you can reach Melissa and her team at their office on Lawyers Row in downtown Woodstock. * Website: www.freakleylawgroup.com [https://www.freakleylawgroup.com/] * Email: Melissa@freakleylawgroup.com * Phone: (540) 459-4504 * Social Media: Follow them on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/freakleylawgroup] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/freakleylawgroup/] for weekly estate planning tips.

Helping Paws and Community Claws

In this especially cozy episode of County Connection, hosts Stuart Freakley and Jaynelle Bowers sat down for a deeply personal look at the lives being saved right in our own backyard. The studio felt a little more like a home than an office, thanks to the tiny, purring presence of Jolie, Bastion, and Gaston, three lucky kittens currently looking for their forever families. Melisa and Margaret from the Humane Society of Shenandoah County joined the conversation to share the reality of what it means to be an all-volunteer, home-based rescue. Unlike a traditional shelter with a brick-and-mortar building, this organization lives in the spare bedrooms and living rooms of neighbors. They’ve been at this since 1999, weaving a safety net for animals that often have nowhere else to turn. One of the most eye-opening parts of the talk centered on their massive spay and neuter efforts. It’s hard to wrap your head around, but they facilitate about 1,000 surgeries every year. Melisa pointed out that without this work, we’d practically be stepping over cats in the streets. They also touched on the often-misunderstood "Trap-Neuter-Return" program, explaining that when you see a cat with a clipped left ear, it’s a badge of honor showing they’ve been cared for, vaccinated, and fixed. Whether it's the specialized "Fix-a-Pit" program to help local dog owners or the "Homer Bound" initiative that finds homes for 700 animals a year, the message was clear: it takes a village, and every single can of Fancy Feast donated or hour spent fostering makes a difference. If you felt a tug at your heartstrings for Jolie and her brothers, or if you want to help keep their mission moving forward, the Humane Society would love to hear from you. You can find everything from adoption applications to volunteer sign-ups on their website at www.hsscva.org. They are incredibly active on Facebook as well, which is a great place to see daily updates on the animals in their care. Whether you want to donate through their bins at Tractor Supply or open your home as a foster, your support is what keeps these paws moving.