Not Just Buildings

The Bedford Women’s Club’s 51st Holiday Mart has been running for more than half a century and now draws over 1,000 visitors and nearly 100 vendors, all selling homemade goods. In this episode, club members Brianna and Laurie share how the event’s proceeds support Bedford organizations, from elementary school book fairs to domestic-violence services. They also discuss the newer Mom’s Day in the Park, a cookbook that’s reached its third edition, and the club’s hands-on approach to community service. For Brianna, joining the club was also a way to find connection in a new town after years of military-family moves.This podcast lives on Media Squatch+ Your home for local voices, live shows, and nonstop audio.Listen free: https://mediasquat.ch/plus

On this episode of Not Just Buildings, Joey sits down with Daniel and John Wright of Wright Choice Construction to talk about what really goes into building a home, especially when the property comes with challenges.From building on steep hillsides and managing drainage to planning ahead and providing clients with a fixed price before construction begins, they share why getting the details right matters.They also discuss the importance of accountability when things don't go as planned, the benefits of having an in-house team, and how faith plays a role in the way they do business.Tune in to hear more about their approach to building homes and the lessons they've learned along the way!This podcast lives on Media Squatch+ Your home for local voices, live shows, and nonstop audio.Listen free: https://mediasquat.ch/plus

United Way of Central Virginia once had a waitlist for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library; after expanding enrollment, it signed up about 500 more children following Parton’s death. Director of Resource Development Chris explains how the program mails a free, age-appropriate book each month to children from birth to age five and why local partners are working to fund the growing demand. He also shares how small workplace donations can help nonprofits unlock much larger grants, and describes United Way’s unusual 5K on the actual Lynchburg airport runway, capped at around 700 runners. A look at the local programs, people, and dollars behind community support in Central Virginia.This podcast lives on Media Squatch+ Your home for local voices, live shows, and nonstop audio.Listen free: https://mediasquat.ch/plus

A house fire can leave a family without medication, clothes, or a place to sleep but the Red Cross may arrive within two hours with immediate supplies, financial assistance, and help replacing prescriptions. In this episode, Michelle Dowdy, executive director of the American Red Cross in the Blue Ridge Bay area, explains what local support looks like beyond blood drives, from free smoke alarms to emergency preparedness resources. She also shares how the Red Cross helps reconnect families separated by conflict or disaster and why donated blood can’t be manufactured. Hear how to get help, volunteer, host a blood drive, or make a difference with a donation.This podcast lives on Media Squatch+ Your home for local voices, live shows, and nonstop audio.Listen free: https://mediasquat.ch/plus

After 22 years in clinical thermography, Tammy has built a network of 42 screening locations across Virginia and now calls Bedford County home. On Not Just Buildings, she explains how an infrared camera records patterns of heat and cool, why she sees thermography as a noninvasive screening tool, and how the results can be shared with a healthcare practitioner. She also discusses why men may benefit from screenings too, what happens when a scan suggests further testing, and the special pricing Longevity Thermography offers during Breast Health Awareness Month. Find out where screenings are available and how Tammy’s work fits into a proactive approach to health.This podcast lives on Media Squatch+ Your home for local voices, live shows, and nonstop audio.Listen free: https://mediasquat.ch/plus