Local SPCA raising money for building improvements, repairs.  The SPCA of Winchester, Frederick and Clarke is trying to raise money to improve its admissions center, where more than 140 animals are currently housed.  As part of its "rebuilding" campaign, the SPCA is selling bricks located in front of the SPCA Rockaplenty Adoption Center located at 111 Featherbed Lane.  Bricks can be purchased in honor or memory of an animal lover or a special pet.  About 150 bricks are still available, and they range in price from $100 to $150.  The bricks will be placed in a garden in front of the adoption center.  To buy a brick or make a donation, visit the SPCA adoption center or call 540-662-8616.  (Information taken from The Winchester Star article)

Clarke celebrates WWI Marine killed in battle with parade.  A century after he became what is believed to be the first Virginian killed in World War I, Clarke County resident and Marine Captain Lloyd W. Williams was honored with a parade on Saturday in Berryville.  Williams became a Marine Corps legend after saying, "Retreat, hell!  We just got here." before the Battle of Bellau Wood in Northern France in June of 1918.  The utterance was in reply to a French officer who told Williams to retreat after the Marine Corps 51st Co, 2nd Battalion, 5th Regiment arrived on June 2.  Boot camp recruits learn about famous Marines like Williams in classes about Marine Corps history.  "Everybody knows about him in the Marine Corps," said James Wolfe, a parade participant and Marine from 1970-74.  On June 11, 1918, Willams was wounded.  He died a day later at a medical aid station that was shelled.  "Don't bother with me.  Take care of my good men." Williams told medics after being wounded.  (For more information see The Winchester Star article dated Monday, July 16, 2018.)

Shenandoah Conservatory announces 2018-19 season.   Shenandoah Conservatory has announced its programming for the Conservatory Performs 2018-19 season.  The lineup offers the public hundreds of opportunities to enjoy live music, theater and dance production.   This season features a range of performances by Shenandoah Conservatory's award-winning faculty and students, as well as a robust guest artist series featuring internationally acclaimed artists.  Tickets go on sale August 1st.  Money-saving subscription packages are available.  To view an entire calendar of events, purchase tickets and learn more, visit Conservatory Performs online at conservatoryperforms.org. and in person at the Shenandoah University Box Office located in the Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre lobby Mon-Fri from noon to 6p.m. or by phone at 540-665-4569.  (Taken from an article in The Winchester Star dated July 16, 2018.)

Lord Fairfax Community College(LFCC) - What a Great College to Work For Say Their Employees.   For the seventh straight year, LFCC has been named one of "The Great Colleges to Work For®" by The Chronicle of Higher Education based on workplace satisfaction surveys anonymously completed by faculty and staff, and an institutional audit.  This is the LFCC's sixth time being named an "Honor Roll" institution.  Colleges with high scores in the most number of categories make the honor roll.  LFCC is one of only 12 community colleges across the nation to earn the "Honor Roll" distinction, and one of 24 to be named a "Great College to Work For®.  About 250 LFCC employees received the survey via email during the spring semester.  Of the 253 institutions of higher education surveyed, 88 were community colleges.  (Taken from a media release from Lord Fairfax Community College Public Relations, dated July 16, 2018.)