This month always signals the end of summer for me, and I’m looking forward to fall even more than usual this year. As you probably know, many of my staff have been working from home since March 2020, but with 90 percent of the WHRO staff now fully vaccinated, I’m looking forward to staff returning to the building after Labor Day. It’s been too long since we could gather in person for staff meetings and catch up with coworkers in the hallways! Of course, while I am looking forward to the return of staff and our events, we will continue to monitor the virus and follow the recommended guidelines provided by the CDC.
This return to a "new normal" also means we can get back to holding in-person board meetings, gathering with our Community Advisory Board and Emerging Leaders Board, and once again hosting guests in our radio and television studios. Over the last couple of months, we’ve also seen the return of some of our in-person events, and we are looking forward to even more of them. I hope you’ll join us!
On September 3 & 4, we will have the last of our “LAVA Summer of Fun” series of concerts presented by WHRO Public Media & Out of the Box with Paul Shugrue. The last two concerts will be held at Maker’s Craft Brewery in Norfolk, and Paul will make a special appearance at the concert on September 4. Hear bands including Delirious George, Paper Aliens, Super Doppler, Camp Howard, and Slow Packer. For information on times and tickets, visit whro.org/events
On September 5, WHRO Classical Open Mic returns! Our first in-person Classical Open Mic in over a year and a half will take place in the galleries of the beautiful Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk. Join host Wayla Chambo for a fun, casual afternoon of great art and music! The fun begins at 2 p.m. WHRO Classical Open Mics are free and open to all due to the support of our members. We can’t wait to see you!
We have another exciting event on September 14. Join us for a screening of The Cannabis Question, a new documentary from NOVA. The screening will be at The Hermitage Museum & Gardens and will feature a panel of guests to lead a discussion after the screening. Visit whro.org/events for details.
Also, congratulations to the 100 winners of the Antiques Roadshow lottery who won a spot at the event that is being filmed on September 28 in Williamsburg! It promises to be a fun-filled day.
Have you listened to our newest radio station yet? The Time Machine Radio Network, found at 88.7 on the FM dial, plays mix of tunes from the 1920s through the '60s, including Doo Wop, Motown, Oldies, Blues, Beach Music and more—all without commercials. And speaking of radio, we will hold our fall membership drive later this month. If you enjoy the news, music and classical arts performances that you hear on our stations, I hope you will make a contribution to support all of the ongoing work we are doing. Without you, none of it would be possible!
Lastly, I’d like to wish a special Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife Missy, who turns...
Enjoy September!
Bert Schmidt President & Chief Executive Officer