Fields of Gold receives Building Collaborative Communities Grant

AFP

Agritourism in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia will be able to roll out a whole new range of activities in the coming years thanks to a recent $60,000 grant from the Building Collaborative Communities program. The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission will administer the grant on behalf of the Fields of Gold region. Funds will be allocated to develop partnerships, create business support services for farmers and agritourism operators, market the Valley’s rich agricultural offerings and build a sustainable organizational structure for long-term viability.

Shenandoah Valley regional energy efficiency strategy yields impressive results

AFP

As the results roll in from a two-year Shenandoah Valley Regional Energy Efficiency Strategy developed and executed by the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, the program is being touted by Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy Projects Coordinator, Ron Hachey, as a “shining star” among other state energy efficiency projects.

Hound Dog Hill at WTA’s Gateway

AFP

The popular bluegrass band Hound Dog Hill will perform at WTA’s Gateway on Saturday, September 8. Formed in 2003 by Cutch Tuttle, the band has evolved into a high-energy Bluegrass and Old Time String Band. Using all acoustic instruments and drawing on the rich musical heritage of the Shenandoah Valley, they represent the best in traditional music. “We are very pleased to have the band open our season. They are a perfect beginning,” said Tracy Straight, chair of the WTA programming committee.

David Reynolds: Baggage

David Reynolds

It is difficult to move forward if you are carrying a lot of baggage. Most governments have baggage that is holding them back. As a result, current budget discussions will likely not bear fruit. Instead, we kick the can down the road until the next budget season when the same can will be found sitting in the middle of progress