News

STAUNTON – The new Route 658 (Rockland Road) bridge in Warren County opened to traffic this afternoon(July 11, 2025), five months ahead of schedule. Since early 2024, contractors for the Virginia Department of Transportation had been constructing a new bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railway near Front Royal and the Virginia Inland Port. This project improves Rockland Road traffic flow reliability while accommodating future rail needs.

Removal of all detour signs will likely continue through the week of July 14. Rockland Road motorists should be alert for shoulder closures and occasional lane closures as needed through September 2025 during final phases of the project. All work is weather permitting. Details and traffic updates are found on the VDOT project page.

Before bridge construction, Rockland Road motorists experienced frequent and often lengthy delays at the railroad crossing due to slow-moving or stopped trains, including those loading or unloading at the Virginia Inland Port. Rail traffic will pass underneath the new bridge while vehicles travel uninterrupted over the bridge.

The Rockland Road bridge is 220 feet long and 42 feet wide with a minimum vertical clearance of 23 feet. The bridge’s height and length allow passage of double-stacked freight containers and would accommodate a future third rail line.

The project also realigns part of Route 705 (Fishnet Boulevard), the entrance to Rockland Park. With the opening of the new bridge, motorists can now approach Rockland Park from either direction on Rockland Road.

A construction contract valued at $11.8 million was awarded in October 2023 to Shirley Contracting Company LLC of Lorton, Virginia. The total estimated cost for this project is $20.6 million including preliminary engineering, right-of-way and utility relocation expenses, and construction. It is partly funded by a BUILD grant awarded to the Virginia Port Authority by the United States Department of Transportation in 2018.

For updated traffic alerts and traveler information, dial 511 or visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov/. 

The VDOT Customer Service Center can assist with reporting road hazards, asking transportation questions, or getting information related to Virginia’s roads. Call 800-FOR- ROAD (800-367-7623) or use its mobile friendly website at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov. Agents are available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.

The VDOT Staunton District is on Facebook and X (Twitter). Follow VDOT statewide accounts on Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube.

The VDOT Web page is located at https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/. 

The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin July 11, 2025 issued an executive order launching a first-of-its-kind agentic artificial intelligence (AI) regulatory reduction pilot to ensure that the Commonwealth captures the benefits of the latest artificial intelligence technology in reducing regulatory burdens and keeping regulations and guidance documents streamlined and up to date. AI has swept across the nation and our Commonwealth, energizing industries, empowering citizens, and rapidly advancing our way of life in unforeseen ways.  

“We have made tremendous strides towards streamlining regulations and the regulatory process in the Commonwealth. Using emergent artificial intelligence tools, we will push this effort further in order to continue our mission of unleashing Virginia’s economy in a way that benefits all of its citizens,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

The Commonwealth of Virginia is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this technological revolution. This same spirit of innovation and hard work that propels our Commonwealth to its position as the best place to do business must be carried forward by its government.

“The ‘Virginia model’ for regulatory modernization has become the gold standard across the U.S., with other states and federal agencies looking to replicate our reforms. With this newest initiative, Virginia will continue to lead the nation, becoming the first state to launch an agentic AI tool to power the regulatory reduction process,” said Office of Regulatory Management Director Reeve Bull. 

This new initiative will represent the first time that a government at the state level has used agentic, generative AI to streamline the regulatory process. It will use an AI tool to scan all of the regulations and guidance documents on the books and identify ways they can be streamlined. The tool will flag any areas in which the regulation contradicts the statute, identify redundancies, and highlight areas in which the regulatory language can be streamlined. And it will empower state agencies to continue using AI to facilitate future reviews of their regulations and guidance documents.

“The Office of Transformation continues to look for ways to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our state government. We look forward to working with our Office of Regulatory Management to apply the power of AI to our regulatory environment,” said Chief Transformation Officer Rob Ward.

Virginia has already exceeded the 25 percent regulatory reduction goal called for in Executive Directive 1 (2022) and Executive Order 19 (2022). Virginia agencies have streamlined 26.8 percent of the requirements in their regulations and eliminated 47.9 percent of the words in their guidance documents. The majority of Virginia agencies will either hit or exceed the 25 percent reduction goal for regulations and guidance documents.

This new initiative will supercharge that process. It will help the handful of agencies currently struggling to hit the 25 percent goal to get across the finish line. And it will allow agencies that have already met or exceeded a 25 percent reduction to ensure they have streamlined regulations and guidance documents to the greatest extent possible.

Given Virginia’s tremendous success streamlining the regulatory code thus far, it is paramount to maintain momentum and continue searching for reduction opportunities. This new initiative will achieve those goals and also serve as a model for other states and federal agencies that are looking to modernize and streamline government.

RICHMOND, Va. — Attorney General Jason Miyares today announced approximately $720 million in nationwide settlements with eight drug makers that manufactured opioid pills and fueled the nationwide opioid crisis. Virginia could receive up to $16.4 million as part of these settlements.

“Years ago, pharmaceutical companies exploited Virginians, treating them like test subjects while pushing dangerous, addictive drugs into our communities while lining their pockets,” said Attorney General Jason Miyares. “Though no settlement can erase the heartbreak and lives lost to the opioid crisis, I’m proud of my office for fighting to secure over $16 million to help Virginians heal, support recovery, and hold these companies accountable for the devastation they profited from.” 

The eight defendants and the total amount they will pay in funds to address the opioid crisis as part of the deal are: 

●       Mylan (now part of Viatris): $284,447,916 paid over nine years 

●       Hikma: $95,818,293 paid over one to four years 

●       Amneal: $71,751,010 paid over 10 years 

●       Apotex: $63,682,369 paid in a single year 

●       Indivior: $38,022,450 paid over four years 

●       Sun: $30,992,087 paid over one to four years 

●       Alvogen: $18,680,162 paid in a single year 

●       Zydus: $14,859,220 paid in a single year 

Additionally, seven of the companies are prohibited from promoting or marketing opioids and opioid products, barred from making or selling any product that contains more than 40 mg of oxycodone per pill, and will put in place a monitoring and reporting system for suspicious orders. Indivior has agreed to not manufacture or sell opioid products for the next 10 years, but it will be able to continue marketing and selling medications used to treat opioid use disorder. 

Virginia negotiated this settlement with the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, and Utah.

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that the Commonwealth of Virginia has taken major strides to enhance safety, reduce congestion and improve the reliability of Interstate 81, unlocking this vital corridor for continued economic growth.  

“From Winchester to Bristol, Interstate 81 is the backbone of western Virginia, playing a critical role in supporting our state’s economy,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “We’re making unprecedented investments in the 325 miles of Interstate 81 which run through the Commonwealth, accelerating critical widening and safety projects to completion, while making a real difference for the people who drive this corridor and depend on it as an economic engine for the region. I’m proud of the collective work with the General Assembly over the last three and a half years to allocate an additional $245 million towards Interstate 81 improvements.” 

“Advancing the $4 billion Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Program has been a top priority of Governor Youngkin’s administration,” said Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III. “As we continue to make historic investments and improvements along I-81, we’ll begin to see more safety vests, orange cones, warning signs and flashing lights as larger construction projects get underway. I urge everyone driving the corridor to be patient and extra cautious as we work to make this road safer and more efficient for everyone.”  

The I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP), valued at almost $4 billion, funds 65 construction projects, hundreds of individual traffic operations upgrades, and enhancements to transit and passenger rail service along the I-81 Corridor. The Program is funded by revenues dedicated by the Code of Virginia to the corridor and an additional $245 million in General Fund moneys approved by the Governor through the Virginia State Budget. 

Of the 65 construction projects, 37 projects have been completed, including three truck-climbing lanes, eight curve improvements, and 26 merge-lane extensions at challenging interchanges. Traffic operations improvements have also been implemented, consisting of dozens of new digital message boards and traffic cameras, intersection upgrades along key parallel routes, and towing industry incentives for quick clearance of crashes and other incidents. 

In addition to the completed projects, there are 14 I-81 CIP construction projects currently underway. They include additional travel lanes near Bristol, Salem, Staunton and Strasburg, new truck-climbing lanes at the Augusta-Rockingham county line, and numerous interchange improvements in the Wytheville area. 

“We have not seen this level of construction along I-81 since the interstate was built more than 50 years ago,” said Virginia Department of Transportation Commissioner Stephen C. Brich. “And there are still many improvements on the horizon.” 

“A lot of safety improvements are happening on Interstate 81,” said Senator Mark D. Obenshain. “I was pleased to carry the legislation which created the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program, and as Chair of the I-81 Advisory Committee my priority will be to continue to seek funding for I-81 safety improvements to make this interstate even more reliable and safe. I appreciate the work Governor Youngkin and his team have done to advance safety projects on this critical corridor, making life better for citizens and visitors who drive through the Commonwealth of Virginia on Interstate 81.” 

“As vice-chair of the I-81 Advisory Committee, I’m pleased to see the ongoing transformation along this critical transportation artery,” said Delegate Terry L. Austin. “I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished with Governor Youngkin to deliver these historic investments that are making travel along the I-81 Corridor safer, more reliable, and more efficient. This effort is a long-term commitment to improving quality of life and unlocking sustained economic growth and opportunity in western Virginia, and I look forward to identifying new areas of improvement as we work toward completing the first tranche of projects.” 

By early 2026, construction on major widening projects in the Roanoke and Harrisonburg areas will begin. Design and engineering work are underway for additional travel lanes near Winchester, in Rockbridge County, and between Salem and Christiansburg. All of the projects currently in the I-81 CIP are scheduled for completion by 2035.  

This year, Virginia is taking a fresh look at Interstate 81 through a year-long corridor study to identify the next group of needs to be addressed. Public meetings are being held July 14-17 along the corridor to share detailed crash and congestion data along with potential solutions. Public input at the meetings and through an online survey will be essential for helping identify the greatest needs and prioritize potential improvements. Following another round of public input this fall, a final report will be delivered to the Commonwealth Transportation Board. 

Details of the current I-81 CIP and the 2025 corridor study can be found at Improve81.org. 

 ROANOKE, Va – Christopher Todd Gilbert was sworn in July 14, 2025 as United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. Appointed by Attorney General Pamela Bondi, U.S. Attorney Gilbert took the oath of office administered by United States District Judge Thomas T. Cullen.

“I am honored to serve as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia,” Mr. Gilbert said today. “In my heart, I have always been a prosecutor and to return to that role now is the opportunity of a lifetime. My wife and I have spent our lives in the Western District and to play a part in keeping it safe is a privilege. I look forward to working with all our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners to make the Western District of Virginia safer for all its residents.”

As the United States Attorney, Mr. Gilbert serves as the chief federal law enforcement officer in the Western District of Virginia, responsible for representing the United States in all civil and criminal litigation. U.S. Attorney Gilbert leads an office of nearly 30 federal prosecutors and support staff.

The Western District of Virginia comprises approximately sixty percent of the land area in the Commonwealth of Virginia and approximately 2.2 million of its citizens. The district covers a large geographic area. While the northern corner is less than fifty miles from Washington D.C., Lee County, the western tip of the district, is farther west than Detroit and is closer to six other state capitols than it is to Richmond.

Before becoming U.S. Attorney, Mr. Gilbert was a state prosecutor with nearly fifteen years’ experience in four different Commonwealth’s Attorneys offices, all located within the Western District of Virginia- Lynchburg, Shenandoah, Warren and Frederick. U.S Attorney Gilbert has significant experience prosecuting violent crimes, including homicides, as well as robberies, drug conspiracies, sex crimes, gun crimes, and fraud. He has also taught the art of trial advocacy to young prosecutors.

In addition, U.S. Attorney Gilbert served nearly twenty years in the Virginia legislature as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, serving as the 57th Speaker of the House from 2022-2024. A core focus of Mr. Gilbert’s legislative experience was in the area of public safety. He served as a member of the Virginia State Crime Commission, the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission, the Criminal Justice Services Board, and The Commission on VASAP (Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program) as well as Chairman of the Criminal Subcommittee of the Courts of Justice Committee. He was named Legislator of the Year by the Virginia Sheriff’s Association, the Virginia State Police Association and the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police.

U.S. Attorney Gilbert and his family have deep ties to the Western District of Virginia. He was raised in the Shenandoah Valley and graduated from the University of Virginia and the Southern Methodist University School of Law where he served as president of the Student Bar Association (student body) and won the school’s annual mock trial competition. He and his wife Jennifer live on a small farm in the Shenandoah Valley with their two young boys. Jennifer Wishon Gilbert is a native of Bedford County, Virginia, attended Virginia Tech and worked as a broadcast journalist for WDBJ in Roanoke.

You can find and register for all library events on our website, www.samuelslibrary.net.

One-Time Events

Seniors First Workshop: Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap: What’s Right for You?

Thursday, August 14th from 1:00 pm to 2:00 PM

In person. Compare Medicare Advantage plans vs. Original Medicare and compare and contrast with Medigap to see what’s right for you. Presented by Seniors First VICAP. Questions? Call VICAP at 540-635-7141 or visit seniorsfirst.info

Sewing an Apron: Parts 1 & 2

Wednesdays, Part 1: August 20th and  Part 2: August 27th from 5:00-6:30 PM 

In Person. Have the basics of sewing under your belt? This workshop will introduce you to the art of sewing an apron. Bring your own fabric to your liking or use our stock of basic cotton. We will use two cotton colors/prints (1 1/2 Yards of at least 41″ – 45″ wide fabric each):

Color A   1 1/2 Yards of 41″- 45″ wide

Color B   1 1/2 Yards of 41″ – 45″ wide

Please note that Part 2 of this program is a continuation of Part 1. If you cannot attend Part 1, you will not be able to complete the project in Part 2. Please ensure you can attend both programs before registering. 

*Must have completed Sewing 101 or have a basic working knowledge of using a sewing machine. *No food allowed in the studio and patrons between 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult.  Registration required.

Ongoing Programs

What the Tech!

Every Tuesday from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

In person. Need help with technology? Come by the library’s Meeting Room B where we will be going over computers and other technology basics. Having trouble with your phone, tablet, laptop, or other device? Bring it in, and we’ll help!

Studio 330: Embroidery Club

Every Thursday from 10:00 PM to 12:00 PM

In person. Join us for Hand Embroidery Stitchers every Thursday morning! Bring your own needlework project to work on for a morning of crafting and socializing. *No food allowed in the studio and patrons between 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Studio 330 Walk-in Hours

Every Thursday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

In person. Come tour Studio 330 or bring your project to work on. Walk-In hours are provided on a first come, first serve basis.*Glowforge is not available during walk-in hours. No food allowed in the studio and patrons between 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Studio 330: String Theory- A Fiber Arts Club

Every Saturday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

In person. Welcome to a fiber arts community for experienced, novice, or first-time artists 13 and up looking to meet other artists, relax, and/or share their expertise! Bring your own knitting, crochet, weaving, or other project to Studio 330 on Saturdays 2pm to 4pm *No food allowed in the studio and patrons between 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Scary Words Book Club

Saturday, August 2nd from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM

First Saturday of every month.

In person. A horror book club for people who should be afraid of the dark. This month’s titles: World War Z by Max Brooks and Small Spaces by Katherine Arden. 

Bad Romance 

Wednesday, August 6th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

First Wednesday of every month.

In person. Do you consider yourself a hopeless romantic?  Are bad romances a guilty pleasure of yours? Then you should join us for Bad Romance, where Samuels Public Library will have a themed discussion for the romance genre every month. August’s theme is Out of this World! Indulge us with your favorite romance books, movies, music or other media related to the topic, and possibly discover a new treat in this awesome informal discussion! New members are always welcome!

Step It Up: Line Dancing Fun

Wednesday, August 6th & August 20 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

First & Third Wednesday of every month.

In person. Grab your boots and join us for an evening of toe-tapping fun! Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just getting started, this line dancing session is a great way to get moving, learn new steps, and have a blast with friends. No experience needed! 

Studio 330: Genealogy Club

Wednesday, August 13th from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Second Wednesday of every month.

In person.Interested in your family’s history? Already done extensive research and want to be able to share your finds? Join our genealogy club where both novices and experts alike can come together and talk about different genealogy topics. Register or drop-in. August Heirloom Roadshow – Bring a small family heirloom with a story to share in the group. We will use our lightbox to take a photograph and discuss how to incorporate the story into the photo for future generations! *No food allowed in the studio and patrons between 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Seniors First Counseling

Thursday, August 14th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm

Second Thursday of every month. 

In person. Sign up to meet with Seniors First for one-on-one assistance to navigate Medicare, review coverage options, and identify programs that can help lower healthcare costs. Registration required. Contact Reference staff directly to sign up for a 20 minute session.

Books & Beyond Book Club

Thursday, August 14th from 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM 

Second Thursday of every month.

In person. Do you love books and sharing them as much as we do? Join us to delve into new worlds of conversation about new books at your community’s public library! The theme this month is: Monsters: unusual animals or plants in large size or structure. 

Phoenix Project – Hope for New Beginnings

Tuesday, August 19th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Third Tuesday of every month.

In person. Serving all members of the Front Royal/Warren County community who have experienced or are currently experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, Phoenix Project Advocates are available to provide crisis intervention, supportive counseling, safety planning, information, education, and more. Their services are free, confidential, and trauma-informed. Hope. Help. Healing.

Walkabout Wednesdays

Wednesday, August 27th from 10:30 to 11:30 am

Last Wednesday of every month

In person. Join Extension Master Gardener Volunteers on Walkabout Wednesdays where they discuss and care for the indoor plants at the library. Monthly topics for mini-lessons will vary each month. This month: learn about tools and tips for house plant care.

Congratulations to the Florida Highway Patrol on their threepeat as America’s Best Looking Cruiser! They held strong against a great challenge from the Michigan State Police.

A big thank-you goes out to all the agencies that participated in this fun and spirited competition — and especially to the public for your involvement and support.

This year’s contest reached over 1.8 million views on Facebook, and the comments and friendly banter between states made it all the more enjoyable!

The event continues to fulfill its purpose: highlighting our agencies and strengthening our connection with the public we serve.

Congratulations as well to the Top 13 states whose cruisers will be featured in the 2026 calendar. All submitted photos will appear on the back cover.

Calendars are available for Pre-Order now for October delivery, with all proceeds benefiting the American Association of State Troopers Foundation. For purchasing details and more about our foundation, please visit www.statetroopers.org.

Once again, thank you to everyone who took part and helped make this year’s competition such a success!

Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal hit and run crash that occurred on July 6, 2025, at 4:52 a.m. on Interstate 95 northbound at the 120-mile-marker in Spotsylvania County. 

A 1997 Ford Club Wagon (11-passenger van) was travelling northbound on Interstate 95 in the right lanewhen it was sideswiped by a 2006 Nissan Sentra driving on the right shoulder.  Both vehicles then crossed all lanes of Interstate 95, and both struck the left guardrail.  The van then went over the guardrail and rolled in the median, ejecting two of the 12 passengers. 

One of the ejected passengers, Ramon Ordaz-Martinez, 21, of Wray, Ga., died in the scene.  Of the13 people in the van (one driver and 12 passengers), two suffered serious injuries, and seven suffered minor injuries (including the van’s driver).

The driver of the Sentra, Peter A. Diez, 35, of Fredericksburg, Va., fled the scene.  He was later arrested and charged with hit and run and drug possession.

The crash remains under investigation.

MIDDLETOWN, VA – The Middletown Town Council has announced the successful preservation of a historically significant land parcel located at 7881 Main Street along U.S. Route 11—land that witnessed intense combat during the pivotal Battle of Cedar Creek on October 19, 1864. This acquisition, made at a steeply negotiated discount from the original $251,000 listing to $213,000, adds to the town’s growing commitment to battlefield and greenspace preservation. The effort was made possible through a year-long series of good-faith negotiations between town officials and the property owner.

“Open green spaces have major benefits for a community,” said Vice Mayor Jeffrey H. Pennington. “They preserve our history, offer beauty and tranquility, and protect our infrastructure from overdevelopment.”

The newly acquired parcel—comprising a desirable double lot with no existing structures—ensures that the site will remain free of dense development. Its preservation helps limit traffic congestion, strain on the town’s water and sewer infrastructure, and further enrollment pressure on Frederick County’s already crowded schools and roadways.

Along with this addition and the 20 plus-acre Bernstein parcel, the Town Park, and Veterans Memorial, Middletown has now preserved nearly 40 acres of land within town limits. Combined with nearly 2,100 acres of preserved battlefield land among park partners just outside town boundaries, the town continues to honor its rich Civil War legacy while safeguarding its small-town character.

Mayor Harbaugh emphasized the long-term vision behind the acquisition: “This purchase is another major step in protecting our heritage, controlling growth, and ensuring Middletown remains a beautiful and balanced place for future generations. We hope our park partners are energized by our recent efforts to continue to preserve properties in and around Middletown.” It was the second main street property purchased by the town this year.

For more information, please contact the Town of Middletown at (540) 869-2226 or visit www.middletownva.gov.

Front Royal, VA – The Warren County Department of Fire and Rescue Services is pleased to announce the return of its Citizens Fire Academy (CFA), beginning Wednesday, September 24, 2025. This free, seven-week program is open to adults who live or work in Front Royal or Warren County and are interested in gaining an insider’s perspective on local emergency services.

Each weekly session will focus on a different aspect of the department, giving participants a deeper understanding of the critical services provided by Warren County Fire and Rescue. Topics will include emergency medical services, fire suppression, and pathways to becoming a trained volunteer or career firefighter.

Program Highlights

• Interactive, hands-on activities: Learn and practice emergency operations skills alongside professional responders.
• Behind-the-scenes access: Tour fire and rescue stations and explore the equipment used in daily operations.
• Emergency responder insights: Gain a better understanding of the training, qualifications, and responsibilities of the men and women who serve our community.
• Fire and life safety education: Learn practical tips to help protect your home and loved ones from preventable emergencies.

Program Details

• Dates: Wednesdays, September 24 – November 5, 2025
• Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Eligibility: Adults (18+) who live or work in Front Royal or Warren County
• Cost: Free

How to Register

Visit www.warrencountyfire.com/635/events or call Warren County Fire & Rescue Administration at (540) 636-3830.

WINCHESTER, Va. — Shenandoah University is bringing back a cast of Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT) alumni for a special night of performances to benefit the SSMT Living Legacy Endowment Fund.

“Present for the Future,” scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3, in Shenandoah’s Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre, will feature an ensemble of SU/SSMT alumni, headlined by J. Robert “Bobby” Spencer ’91, a Tony Award nominee for his performance in Broadway’s “Next to Normal” and original cast member of the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit “Jersey Boys.”

Two ticketing options are available: a $50 ticket for the show only, and a $75 ticket that includes access to a pre-show reception. Tickets can be purchased online at ssmtva.org. There also will be a silent auction for items including tickets to Ford’s Theatre and Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater – both in Washington, D.C. – original artwork, and more.

All proceeds from the event go toward the SSMT Living Legacy Endowment Fund, which was established to support the longevity of Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre. SSMT is in its 41st year, and this season includes productions of “Singin’ in the Rain” (June 27-July 13), “Little Women” (July 18-27), and “Million Dollar Quartet” (Aug. 1-10). 

“The endowment provided by the Living Legacy Fund has been essential to our success in the past few seasons – and is even more imperative as we look to the future. It allows us to plan boldly, weather the unexpected, and continue nurturing the next generation of theatre artists. Simply put, this fund ensures that Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre not only survives, but thrives for seasons to come,” said Jeremy Scott Blaustein ’06, producing artistic director for SSMT.

Spencer, who earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory, will serve as the show’s host. In addition to playing Nick Massi in the original cast of “Jersey Boys,” which debuted in 2005, Spencer was nominated for a Tony Award in 2009 for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his performance as Dan Goodman in “Next to Normal.” He’s held numerous other roles in theater, film and television, and has performed in concerts nationwide as a solo artist and internationally as part of the group “The Midtown Men,” which features four original stars of “Jersey Boys.”

Shenandoah University awarded Spencer an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts in 2009 in recognition of his career accomplishments.

“Not only is SSMT important to the greater Winchester community and surrounding areas, but the enthusiasm shown by our SSMT alumni performers as they volunteer their time and talents for our benefit performance shows just how valuable their experience here has been to them, as well,” said SSMT Managing Director Elizabeth Albert ’00.

The Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre Living Legacy Endowment Fund was established in 2023 following a generous $25,000 donation from Libby Ingham ’13 and Will Ingham. The endowment allows SSMT to pursue educational and outreach programs, provide competitive compensation for artists and administrators, and perform overall enhancements to its productions.