Simone McKenny
Digital Anchor/MMJ
Savannah, Ga
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Simone McKenny started as a digital anchor and multimedia journalist for WTOC in June of 2023.
Born and raised in Philadelphia (GO BIRDS), she went on to attend George Washington University and started her career as a multimedia journalist and anchor at WHSV in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Alongside daily reporting, Simone worked on a number of special projects including an award-winning Black History Month series.
In her new role at WTOC, Simone will be focusing on virtual content. She will also continue working on special projects that cover a range of topics from local history to helpful health information. Simone is excited to explore the Savannah area. If you have any restaurant recommendations (vegetarian friendly) please do not hesitate to reach out!
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This creative reuse and art center will support two initiatives, providing materials and space for local artists.
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Artists from near and far are gathering to share their musical talents with the Friendly City.
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This fundraiser supports new projects from HDR for the downtown Harrisonburg area.
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There will be lots of things to do during the open house from tours to classes.
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Now that most of the plots are allocated or filled but Susie King with the research society says the people and their stories cannot be forgotten.
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Jenny Burden and Heather Denman say this is just the beginning and there will be more events to celebrate the project throughout the summer.
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“These students need to see who their community as they are becoming adult. They need to know where they belong and who they belong to. This is not just about the students having fun. It is about them learning who is in their community," Flint Dollar explained.
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There are several time options for the shows that will be performed starting on Friday, May 19 through June 4.
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If you are driving, keep in mind there may be increased traffic but before getting behind the wheel, make sure your car is in good condition.
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The camp is open to girls aged 14-16. Applications can be found online.
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You can donate clothes sizes 3T to adult sizes of gently used items. They are also looking for new underwear, new socks and shoes.
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While there is limited space available for the composting workshop, the Harrisonburg Public Works Department does hold similar events.
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The hat contest will have $500 in cash prizes and there will also be tip sheets available so you can learn more about the horses before making your bets.
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The program is free and you must be 18 or older to participate.
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The event is on Thursday, May 4.
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This is the second year of the camp and there will be a junior and senior program for students in 4th to 12th grade.
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Since there are showers expected on Saturday, organizers say they will move the event into the Gypsy Hill Park Gym located at 229 116th Regimental Rd. in Staunton.
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“The local animal control knew me by name,” Officer Bechtel said. “I have always loved animals, worked with animals and trained dogs almost my entire life.”
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“When any student feels like they are being appreciated, recognized and noticed it helps with their self-esteem, who they are and gives them confidence in their abilities,” Mark Miear explained. Miear is the assistant director for the Minnick Schools.
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Experts say use a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher and reapply it every two hours.
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“Any part of the lily itself is toxic to cats. The stem, the flower, the pollen and even the water in the vase,” Jessica Vint explained.
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“‘Her Wounded Soul’” is the name of the exhibit and she is Ukraine. What is happening today, is displayed in these images. We want to show the cultures that are here, the people that live here in Harrisonburg, the rich rich diversity if you will,” Jenny Burden said.
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Mossy Creek Fly Fishing will be hosting an open house on April 15 to celebrate.
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Members of the shelter staff say they care for more than 3,000 animals annually.
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"I’m looking forward to seeing more young people come in and just find out that there are authors out there living in some cases next door to them and they don’t even know it yet,” Denise Munro explained.
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There will be all kinds of chocolate from numerous vendors. The event is supporting The Collins Center.
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“We went from a supply issue to not being able to get the things that you need. Now there are still some supply issues but the prices have increased significantly," Julie Wheeler explained.
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“The goal of this event is a celebration of everything that we have done in the community. It is an opportunity for the community to come together and show support,” Walker said.
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The new program pairs LGBTQ Plus mentees between the ages of 13 and 22 with mentors of the same identity.
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The event aims to promote disability awareness and empowerment by showing three films in which actors represent a disability category.
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Community Foundation of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County’s Great Community Give just a few weeks away
“Those folks who think $10 won’t make a big leap toward anything, imagine what we can all do together if we all chip in at least $10 for those 149 nonprofits. Together we can do amazing things,” Amanda Bomfim said.
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This bill would support the CDC’s research on maternal deaths, work with the Health Resources and Services Administration State Maternal Health Innovation Program to share best practices on maternal health with providers and patients and much more.
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“'Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812' is based on a little 70-page snippet from Tolstoy’s War and Peace. It is a very exciting and arousing show. It is fully immersive in a café style so there are no barriers between the audience and the actors, which is really exciting,” Justin Poole explained.
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“They are in a professional art gallery and their work was chosen by their teacher to be shown here. It is exciting,” Burden said.
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If it is not the air pressure and your tires are still giving you trouble, there are a few ways to know if it is time for a replacement.
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“Our body has our own circadian clock and we are designed to sleep in a certain time period. For most of us, it is between nine at night to five or six in the morning. If you go against your own body clock, it creates more problems with sleep disruptions, awakenings and not restful sleep,” Dr. Siddiqui explained.
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One show currently hitting the stage is “As You Like It.”
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The Red Cross reports that every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood.
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“I am actually from a firefighter family,” Kellie Sacksteder explained. “My grandpa was a firefighter, my dad in his steps, my brother after him, so I sort of grew up in the environment but at that time there weren’t really females in that space.”
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Everyone’s NOAA Radio may not make a sound or alarm but experts say to turn on your radio to listen to the broadcast no later than 9:40 a.m. If you do not have a NOAA Weather Radio, officials say to to start your drill and enact your safety plan at 9:45 a.m.
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The Better Business Bureau has a few tips to keep in mind as you plan that next getaway.
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“FREE is the Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment and Endowment and we collect durable medical equipment (DME) from the community,” Robin Ramsey, executive director of FREE, explained.
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Scheduled for March 11, the event will showcase women-owned businesses in Staunton as well as pop-up shops and performances.
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Diving into the history of organizing within Black communities, you will find numerous groups that supported several needs and causes.
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“This is a great way for businesses to showcase what they do to get students interested and get students through that pipeline. The more involvement we have, the better we are shaping our future economy,” Velma Bryant explained.
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Heather Denman says The ARC’s programs help participants become more independent, build positive social behavior and gain access to employment opportunities.
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They have a goal of $5,000 and there are numerous ways to give.
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Dr. Sternberg says venous disease involves the veins that bring blood back to the heart.
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“Visions of Progress: Portraits of Dignity, Style and Racial Uplift” is an exhibition at the University of Virginia that showcases portraits of African American people photographed by Holsinger Studio in the early 1900s.
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Local artists transform doors through art to represent diversity in the community.
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