🌱 Winchester Council Declares Local Building Derelict + New VA Clinic

Hello again, everybody! It's Friday in Winchester and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in our community.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Periods of sun with a t-storm. High: 76 Low: 57.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny and breezy. High: 77 Low: 53.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories today in Winchester:

1. On Tuesday night, Jun. 13, the Winchester City Council declared the fire-damaged and vacant building at 137 S. Loudoun Street beyond repair. City officials can now pursue court action against property owner Daniel Brereton of White Post, who bought the Loudoun Street Mall property almost five years ago, for not fixing the building or turning it over to the local government. But on Jun. 14, Long and Foster Real Estate in Winchester listed the building's sale status as closed and took the building off the market. City Manager Dan Hoffman said they will try to work with the new owners and give them a timeline to make repairs. (Subscription: Winchester Star)
2. The Stephens City VA Clinic will move to its new Winchester location on Jun. 26 and change its name to the Winchester VA Clinic. The clinic, located at 100 Dawson Drive, is larger and has more parking than the previous location. (Martinsburg VAMC via Twitter)
3. HoodLove and Old Town Winchester are hosting a Juneteenth Celebration at the Civil War Museum lawn on Friday, Jun. 16! Celebrate with live music by QuietFire Soul Show Band, dancing, community speakers, children's activities, and local Black-owned businesses from 5:00 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. (City of Winchester VA - Local Government via Facebook)

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Today and tomorrow in Winchester:

Friday, June 16

• Juneteenth Celebration At Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum (5:00 PM)
• Live Music at Dividing Creek With Jess Estienne At Dividing Creek Beer Co. (7:00 PM)

Saturday, June 17

• Live Music At West Oaks Farm Market (12:30 PM)
• Author Event Kristie Croga At The Winchester Book Gallery (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Winchester Parks and Recreation announced various pool closures for this weekend and next week. The indoor and outdoor pools and locker rooms at Jim Barnett Park will be closed from Jun. 16- 18. The Rec Center (War Memorial Building) and Indoor Pool will be closed on Jun. 19. Luckily, the Rec Center's outdoor pool will be open on Jun. 19 for general swimming from 12:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (Winchester VA Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
• Kitten alert! Who doesn't love kittens? The Winchester Area SPCA has some adorable kittens up for adoption who need a fur-ever home. All of the kittens have been spayed/neutered, microchipped, and received age-appropriate vaccines. (Winchester Area SPCA via Facebook)
• Shopping for a home online is great, but sometimes you just need to see the house in-person to get a feel for the place. Check out the upcoming open houses in the Winchester area, including a two-bedroom on Seabreeze Lane on Saturday, Jun. 17. (Winchester Patch)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! I'll see you soon.

— 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!