🌱 NextGen Nurses Initiative + Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival Today

Good morning, everybody! It's Friday in Winchester and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in the community today.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Cooler with rain. High: 56 Low: 48.
• Saturday: Low clouds may break; warmer. High: 69 Low: 50.

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Here are the top three stories today in Winchester:

1. Valley Health has joined forces with Shenandoah University in Winchester for the NextGen Nurses initiative. The collaboration aims to provide better nursing training by connecting students with experienced nurses and clinical experiences in Valley Health System. The program will also hire retired nurses to be trained as preceptors at Shenandoah University, with hopes of fast-tracking nursing students to graduation and addressing the nursing shortage in the Valley Health System. (WHSV)
2. The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival kicks off today (Friday, Apr. 28) at 135 North Cameron Street in Winchester. The 10-day festival aims to celebrate the beauty of springtime in the Shenandoah Valley with over 40 separate events between today and May 7. A full list of events can be found here; information on City department schedules and additional logistics can be found on the City of Winchester website. (The Bloom)
3. Tickets are on sale for the Winchester Area SPCA (WASPCA)'s annual Chairity Brunch, held at the Shenandoah Events Center on Sunday, Sep. 24. In addition to the traditional framed "Pawcassos" and upcycled chairs-turned-pet-inspired-art, this year's event will include an expanded art exhibit with handcrafted works and even a little "noseprint art." Guests can enjoy a brunch buffet, a mimosa bar, and plenty of games — and, of course, 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the pets served through the WASPCA. (Winchester Area SPCA via Facebook)

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Today and tomorrow in Winchester:

Friday, April 28

• Ribbon Cutting At Clean Water VA (11:00 AM)
• Paint Night Daisy Field At Easely Created (6:30 PM)

Saturday, April 29

• Kiwanis Pancake Day At Jim Barnett Park War Memorial Building (7:00 AM)
• Independent Bookstore Day At Old Town Winchester (8:00 AM)
• Month Of the Military Child Family Fun Festival At Shenandoah University Brandt Student Center (11:00 AM)

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From my notebook:

• The City of Winchester's new Strategic Planning Committee will hold its first meeting on Monday, May 1 at 3 p.m. in the Rouss City Hall Zuckerman Room. The agenda can be found online. (City of Winchester VA - Local Government via Facebook)
• Looking for a new house in the Winchester area or just want to see what's on the market? There are two open houses coming up this weekend: one in Winchester today (Saturday, Apr. 29), and another one in nearby Stephenson tomorrow (Sunday, Apr. 30). (Winchester Patch)
• Winchester Public Schools families: the Innovation Center Spring Showcase is less than one week away! From 4-7 p.m. at the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center, students will share the projects they have been working on throughout the year. Attendees can also attend health screenings, live podcasts, and student panels. (Winchester Public Schools via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival (May 4)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll be back in your inbox soon with your next update.

— 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!