As the end of the winter season creeps closer, VPM is making a point to be out in our local communities hosting tours and events, as well as expanding some of its efforts in early childhood education.
Read more below about some of VPM’s monthly community engagement activities in February 2026.
Education
This month, VPM announced the expansion of its When, Then 90by5 messaging campaign to Charlottesville. To celebrate, community members and partners joined VPM on Feb. 3 at an open house event at VPM’s Charlottesville office. Attendees were able to learn more about the campaign and its resources, as well as discuss ways to share the messaging with the community.
Students from Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School recently got to spend time with former U.S. Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater after one of their teachers heard a news story on VPM’s morning news show from radio host Phil Liles! Lindsey LeCroy-Whitworth, an English teacher at the school, organized a visit for former Ambassador Bridgewater after learning about her in a report from Phil during VPM’s morning news show. Learn more about Ambassador Bridgewater’s visit here.
Events
On Feb. 21, the Virginia Home Grown (VHG) team hosted a Community Gardening Gathering at the Dorey Park Recreation Center. Over 70 participants attended the event in Eastern Henrico County that featured several keynote speakers sharing their expertise on gardening, as well as breakout sessions where folks were able to gain additional insights. The idea for the community gardening event was sparked by viewer questions that were received on VHG.
Tours
On Feb. 26, VPM welcomed Carol Rangel Gomes, a graduate student at Georgetown’s Center for Nonprofit and Public Leadership, for a tour of the building and to learn more about VPM and its employees. She also had the opportunity to speak with VPM president & CEO Jayme Swain. Carol has a background in journalism and is currently conducting research about public and local media.
Check out VPM’s Impact Page to see how VPM engaged and supported our local communities throughout 2025.
