🌱 A Hospital's First Morning Without COVID-19 + New Zoning Ordinance

Good morning, hello! It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Winchester Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Warmer with clouds and sun. High: 66 Low: 41.
• Saturday: Some sun, then turning cloudy. High: 68 Low: 47.

Interested in reaching our local readers with targeted messaging that drives traffic to your business? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories today in Winchester:

1. The President and Chief Executive Officer of Ashworth International Inc., Vincent Moretti, will retire on Jun. 21. The board will elect Paul Nunes as his successor. Ashworth International is a conveyor belt manufacturer in Winchester. (BakingBusiness.com)
2. Winchester Medical Center had its first morning since 2020 without a patient being treated for COVID-19. Hospital President Tonya Smith acknowledged that may change if someone with COVID-19 is admitted, but the company relished the milestone during the Valley Health Bloom luncheon. (The Winchester Star)
3. Winchester City's Planning Commission is considering a zoning ordinance amendment to allow industrialized containers to be used for urban farming. The intent is to increase the amount of fresh produce available within the city. Additionally, containers that are painted and maintained could be used as workshops or manufacturing facilities for artisans. (The Winchester Star)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Winchester Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Winchester Patch newsletter possible.

Today and tomorrow in Winchester:

Friday, May 5

• Children's Book Week - Winchester Book Gallery (8:00 AM)
• Apple Blossom: Cinco De Mayo - The Monument (3:15 PM)
• First Friday - Winchester Book Gallery (5:00 PM)

Saturday, May 6

• Apple Blossom: Rock 'N' Roll - The Monument (2:00 PM)
• Free Comic Book Day - Four Color Fantasies (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• While you're enjoying the bloom this weekend at the Apple Blossom Festival, all branches of the Handley Regional Library System will be closed Friday and Saturday and will reopen Monday at 10 a.m. (Handley Regional Library System via Facebook)
• According to the newly released 2023 ALICE report, 49 percent of Winchester families live paycheck-to-paycheck. Winchester currently has the highest percentage of ALICE - Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed - households in the state. (Winchester Public Schools via Facebook)
• As the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival takes over this weekend, the City of Winchester is asking everyone to follow all road closure signs and barricades. From May 4-7, be on the lookout for road closures and detours throughout Winchester. Visit this link to learn more. (City of Winchester VA - Local Government via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you around.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!