News

Ogden Establishes $1M Fund To Help Local Businesses Recover

DN-R Staff Report    3/28/20  Harrisonburg and Rockingham County businesses can now apply for a grant to help them recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Ogden Newspapers Inc., the parent company of the Daily News-Record, has established a $1 million fund to help local businesses get back to full strength by subsidizing local marketing efforts through matching grants.“We understand that many of our local businesses and our longtime advertising partners are hurting; we’re hurting, too,”

Cheers For Virtual RACING

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  3/28/20  On Friday night, Alysia Davis laid out her 8-year-old daughter’s yoga mat and miniature kettle bells so together they could work out. Social-distancing has meant increased family time across the globe and, together, households in the Valley shared a drink and a workout yesterday for a virtual Run, Sweat & Beers race.For years, VA Momentum has hosted Run, Sweat & Beers every fourth Friday of the month from March to September to run 1, 3 or 5 miles at no charge and

Anonymous Donor Will Match Up To $20,000 For Virus Fund

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  4/2/20  An anonymous donor has offered to match up to $20,000 worth of donations to The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham, according to Revlan Hill, the executive director.That means another $40,000 could quickly be raised for the Harrisonburg- Rockingham Community Response Fund, she said. The fund, which was established more than a week ago, is jointly run by United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County and the foundation to raise money for those who

Retirement Community Gives Thanks To Service Workers

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  4/2/20  Behind the meticulous lawns, a landscaping team; behind the stocked cafeteria, a truck driver delivering crates of food. Every day, countless workers keep life running at Sunnyside Retirement Community during the COVID-19 pandemic, so residents decided to share a thumbs-up in recognition of their hard work.The photo series was snapped by artist and resident Mary Rouse last week while walking along the campus with a camera in hand. Observing those coming in and out

Town Suspends Meals Tax, Trash Fees

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record 4/3/20  BROADWAY — Starting today, Broadway will be temporarily suspending its meals tax and trash fees to assist the town’s residents and business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic.Both measures will be effective until July 31 unless extended by the Town Council.Through a Facebook post on March 25, the town announced it would take action on the items during a council meeting Thursday. Council members were spaced out to comply with social distancing guidelines.Council

The Department Of Labor Published Guidance On The Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Key Take

The Department Of Labor Published Guidance On The Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Key Take Since the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) was enacted, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) published guidance for employers to understand their obligations under this new unprecedented legislation. A summary of the provisions of the FFCRA affecting employers can be found in our earlier blog post titled: The Newly Enacted Families First Coronavirus Response Act: What Does it Mean for

Part 2: The Small Business Exemption And Other Key Takeaways For Employers From Updated Guidance On The Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Part 2: The Small Business Exemption And Other Key Takeaways For Employers From Updated Guidance On The Families First Coronavirus Response Act Authors: Lauren R. DardenPartner 540.438.5377 ldarden@wawlaw.comView Bio  Ashley H. WaterburyAssociate 540.438.5332 awaterbury@wawlaw.comView Bio On March 28, 2020, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) published further guidance on certain provisions of the paid sick leave and expanded FMLA provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”), which

First Round of HR COVID-19 Community Response Fund Grants to Local Organizations

The United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County and The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County have announced jointly the establishment of the COVID-19 HR Community Response Fund. As of March 25th, $140,345 has been raised for the Fund. One hundred percent of the funds raised will go to support recovery efforts. The Community Foundation has waived its administration fee to manage the COVID-19 HR Community Response Fund. Grants from the fund will help support front line human services

Nursing students volunteer at VDH call center

If you called Virginia Department of Health’s COVID-19 hotline last week from anywhere in the Shenandoah Valley, your questions may have been answered by a senior nursing student from Eastern Mennonite University. VDH’s regional COVID-19 call center, located in the basement of the Mason Street office in Harrisonburg, is manned by four nurses between the hours of 8 a.m.-4 p.m. For the last week, students have joined the staff during each four-hour shift. Ally Coffey shares information with classmate

A Public Service Announcement from Your Chamber of Commerce : An Important Message to Employers in Our Community about COVID-19

Recently, the local Health Department and Sentara RMH Medical Center have received calls from people in the community stating that their employers are telling them they cannot return to work, following a period of absence due to sickness, until the employee can provide proof that they do not have the COVID-19 virus. While we understand and appreciate the efforts of local employers to be diligent in helping prevent the spread of the coronavirus, both in their workplaces and in the community at large, neither

Truist will be donating $100,000 to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank

  I am pleased to announce that Truist will be donating $100,000 to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.  It serves 25 counties and eight cities along the Blue Ridge.  Prior to the pandemic, it provided food to 103,500 people each month through a far-reaching network of 200 food pantries, soup kitchens, schools, churches and other nonprofit groups.  Their programs will be an integral part of the Coronavirus recovery effort.     Chris Ellis Market President 540/801-1246 (Work)

Local Markets ‘Providing Service To The Community’

Grocers’ GrindLocal Markets ‘Providing Service To The Community’By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  3/26/20  Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Steve Cooke, the general manager of Friendly City Food Co-op, would listen to National Public Radio during his commute to Harrisonburg from his home in Augusta County.But since, Cooke said he has shifted to listening to his favorite bands, such as Allison Krauss and The Allman Brothers Band, during the drive to raise his spirits.Cooke and his staff are some of the millions

Harrisonburg-Rockingham COVID-19 Business Support Taskforce Launches Small Business Grant Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Frank Tamberrino: 540- 434-3862 Frank@hrchamber.org               Brian Shull: 540-432-7701 Brian.shull@harrisonburgva.gov                                                                                                                         Andrea Dono: 540-432-8934 Andrea.dono@harrisonburgva.gov  Harrisonburg-Rockingham COVID-19 Business Support Taskforce Launches Small Business Grant ProgramF&M Bank Seeds Fund with $50,000 Donation   March 27, 2020

First Responders Implement Safety Protocols

By PETE DELEADaily News-Record  3/21/20  For many of the firefighters and emergency medical technicians in the Harrisonburg area, the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t their first rodeo.Harrisonburg Fire Chief Ian Bennett and Rockingham County Fire Chief Jeremy Holloway said first responders have dealt with the H1N1 virus in 2009 and the Ebola virus in 2014.While the new coronavirus is more widespread in the United States than the other two were, first responders treat it the same way.“We have protocols in place to

Rockingham Cooperative To Celebrate 100 Years

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  3/23/20  When C.V. Smith became the first employee and general manager of the Rockingham Cooperative Farm Bureau, now Rockingham Cooperative, operations of the company were vastly different than today.He worked from a borrowed desk, took out personal loans and helped save members hundreds of dollars.It was what started then with only two employees, Smith and Elmer B. Kaylor, and annual revenue of $17,495 that has led the Rockingham Cooperative to celebrate nearly 100

National Agriculture Week Celebrates Community

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  3/24/20  Rockingham County is home to the top agricultural producers in Virginia and this week, producers and farmers across the commonwealth will be recognized nationwide.From Sunday through Saturday, the United States will celebrate the contributions of agriculture through the National Agriculture Week created by the Agriculture Council of America. National Agriculture Day will also be celebrated today.The ACA is nonprofit that provides planning information and

County Fair A Year-Round Affair

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  3/25/20  From the moment the carnival lights come down and the last Mc-Gaheysville Ruritan funnel cake is served, plans for the next Rockingham County Fair have begun.Going on 71 years, the Rockingham County Fair brings together local organizations, civic groups and community members for a week of celebrating the agriculture community and classic fair fun every August.But planning for next year’s fair starts before the current year’s fair ends.“[Planning for the fair

Economy Enhancers: Local Groups, State Form Business Support Task Force

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  3/20/20  Area and regional economic development groups have joined forces with Harrisonburg and Rockingham County officials to support businesses in the city and county cope with the economic impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic.“We’re hearing from businesses of the need for cash flow pretty quickly, so we have taken steps at the city to try and help with that,” said Brian Shull, the economic development director for Harrisonburg.He said the city’s old loan program has “pivoted”

Regional COVID-19 Business Support Taskforce Formed

Regional COVID-19 Business Support Taskforce Formed   March 19, 2020 [Harrisonburg, VA] -- Regional agencies and organizations have teamed up to coordinate support and resources for businesses in the Harrisonburg and Rockingham area. The Regional COVID-19 Business Support Taskforce started meeting weekly to brainstorm ideas, curate resources, share information, and unify their efforts as they address business and employer concerns.   Taskforce members include representatives from the City of

Businesses GoGreen

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  3/14/20  You might not get pinched, but green is in fashion this weekend as various venues kick off the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations early today.From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Old Hill Cider is bringing back the feel of fall with its staple apple cider donuts, granny smith apples coated in caramel and a tasting room exclusive, honey ginger hard cider, available by glass or growler. The holiday cider-maker’s special uses local honey, fresh ginger and Showalter Orchard

Arts Council of the Valley, Court Square Theater Announce Voluntary COVID-19 Closures

Arts Council of the Valley, Court Square Theater Announce Voluntary COVID-19 Closures    HARRISONBURG, VA – Due to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, Arts Council of the Valley (ACV) administrative offices, Smith House Galleries, and​ ​ Court Square Theater are closed through March 27. At that time, ACV will reevaluate the situation to determine when to reopen offices and resume offering films and live performances again at Court Square Theater.    In addition, the April 3 First Fridays Downtown program

Build-Your-Own Pizza Place Coming To Penn Laird

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record 3/12/20  PENN LAIRD — When Jay Roderick got out of the Navy, he got a job near his hometown of Broadway at Merck.From there he began climbing the corporate ladder at various companies across the country, finally reaching the position of chief operating officer at a company called Gemini Bio-Products in Sacramento, Calif. But what he found when he “reached the top” was that he was beholden to those above him and unable to give his employees what he wanted and what he

It’s A Bird! It’s A Plane! No, It’s Aviation Fun Day!

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  3/12/20  WEYERS CAVE — Over 500 racers are jetting down to Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport this Sunday for Run the Runway 5K and Aviation Fun Day.For the third year, the Weyers Cave airport and Explore More Discovery Museum in Harrisonburg have partnered to raise funds for the museum’s aviation exhibit.Participants prepare for takeoff at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday with a 1K Fun Run for children ages 3 to 12. The later 5K invites runners of all ages to follow the colorful

New Things Happening At Massanutten Resort

DNR 3/12/20    Just because the slopes have closed at Massanutten Resort for the season does not mean big things aren’t happening as the resort looks to the spring and summer months.One new activity is called “Have Your Cake and Eat it Too.” This will take place on Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Conference Center lower level. It is for ages 8 and up and costs $25. Attendees will learn cake decorating techniques from the resort’s pastry chefs.Participants will learn the steps and procedures as they

Bridgewater Gets A Dose Of Whiz

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  3/11/20  BRIDGEWATER — Urgie’s Cheesesteaks’ Bridgewater location celebrated its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday afternoon to commemorate more whiz in the Valley.Formerly Jalapeno Southwest Grill, the location in Generations Park is an expansion of the Urgie’s in Harrisonburg both in size and menu. All classic entree items such as the hattrick and pierogies remain on the menu, but joining the traditional Philadelphia-inspired flavors are stuffed peppers, burgers and

Be A Census Taker

Brown Edwards

 Virginia Business magazine just released its annual publication, The Big Book, which includes a list of the largest CPA firms in Virginia, based on number of CPAs in the Commonwealth. Brown Edwards ranks #6 this year, which is a move up from 2019.  Additionally, Brown Edwards is now the largest firm headquartered in Virginia of those included in The Big Book list.   Brown Edwards CEO Jason Hartman comments, “While we are very proud of our significant growth recently, including our new office locations in

Conquered by Cuteness: ? CatVideoFest? ? 2020

Conquered by Cuteness: ​ CatVideoFest​ ​ 2020 Comes to Court Square Theater April 6    HARRISONBURG, VA – Court Square Theater announces an evening full of family-friendly fabulous felines, as ​ C a t Vid e o F e s t 2 0 2 0 ​ lights up the silver screen Monday, April 6 at 7 pm.    C a t Vid e o F e s t ​ is a 70-minute compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos pulled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and - of course - classic internet

Mark Wiseman Receives AICPA Appointment

Mark Wiseman Receives AICPA Appointment  Brown Edwards is pleased to announce that Mark Wiseman, a partner in our Roanoke office, has been appointed to the National Peer Review Committee for the 2020-2021 service year that will begin May 21, 2020 for a 12-month term ending May 2021.  As a member of this important AICPA committee, Mark will have a responsibility to assist in achieving the objectives of the committee through preparation for, and attendance at, its meetings, as well as participation in its

Arts and Event Calendar

Arts and Events CalendarMarch 9, 2020    ThursdayMarch 19                    Endowed Lecture: Charlotte Clymer                                     7:30 p.m., Cole Hall, Bridgewater CollegeSpeaker: Charlotte Clymer, press secretary for Rapid Response at the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest civil rights organization dedicated to advancing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) equality. Sponsored by the Harold H. Hersch Education Fund and the Harry W. and Ina Mason Shank Peace

Taste Of Downtown Kicks Off Next Week

A Hunger For HarrisonburgTaste Of Downtown Kicks Off Next WeekBy KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  3/4/20  Taste of Downtown is a weeklong opportunity for gluttony and flavor to take the wheel in a showcase of Harrisonburg’s dining options.For 12 years, the biannual event has celebrated the culinary craftsmanship of the city and worked to stimulate the market during off-seasons, according to Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance. Jeslyn Stiles, director of marketing for HDR, organized the week for the first time

Chamber Of Commerce Event Explores Workplace Diversity

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  3/5/20  Over 100 guests attended the second Diversity in Business event hosted by the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce at the Lucy F. Simms Center, according to Chris Jones, a city councilman and member of the chamber’s diversity council.“The more we understand diversity in the workplace and diversity in business, the more it will help to fulfill the employment needs of a diverse workforce and help to fulfill the employment gaps in business,” Jones said. “We need

Say ‘Snow Long, Winter’ At Massanutten Snow Moon Fest

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  3/5/20  MASSANUTTEN — Massanutten Resort’s third annual Snow Moon Fest returns to the slopes with more lights, color and fun this weekend.In 2018, the resort hosted the first festival as an anniversary commemorating its opening in 1972. Now, the returning family-friendly fun and mischief is a way to ring in spring and reminisce the end of winter.Traditions of the festival include fundraisers 4K on the Fairway and the arctic plunge.4K on the Fairway is a race to benefit

SVO To Create ‘Secure Complex’ at Massanutten, North Liberty Streets

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  3/7/20  Shenandoah Valley Organic purchased two parcels of land adjacent to its site on North Liberty and Massanutten streets in Harrisonburg, according to Corwin Heatwole, the CEO, and city documents.In the $850,000 January deal between Shenandoah Valley Organic and JWK Land LLC, the poultry processing company bought 715 Massanutten St. and 744 Massanutten St.“Most importantly, what this property did for us was it put back together all the properties that were part of [the

Sixth Dynamic Aviation Hangar Nearing Completion

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  2/25/20  BRIDGEWATER — Dynamic Aviation in Bridgewater has nearly completed its sixth hangar, according to Michael Stoltzfus, the company president and CEO.“We have too many airplanes that are sitting outside at the moment,” Stoltzfus said in a Monday interview at the Dynamic Aviation property on Airport Road. “We have a tendency to add hangars, then over time, the business grows and we end up with airplanes that we want to have inside.”The 33,000-square-foot hangar will

Shenandoah Valley Wineries Take Gold In Governor’s Cup

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  2/20/20  The Shenandoah Valley has no shortage of wineries, making it only fitting to be the home of several 2020 Governor’s Cup gold medal winners.The Virginia Wineries Association Governor’s Cup Wine Competition wrapped up its 38th year of judging, awarding 64 wines from 40 different wineries a gold medal — including Rockingham County’s own Bluestone Vineyard and CrossKeys Vineyards, according to a press release.Judging was held over a four week period during late

Quilts Across Textures, Times, Dimensions

By KATHLEEN SHAWNews-Record   2/21/20  A dark and haunting rendition of the national flag features bones instead of stripes and crooked teeth that are reminiscent of stars on strips of dental X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging.Modern, abstract and historic — the latest exhibitions at the Virginia Quilt Museum aim to redefine the public’s perception of quilts.Trudi Van Dyke curated “No Fabric/ No Rules” to inspire artists around the region to take quilting technique approaches and apply them to a work in

Winter Wine Weekend Returns To Hotel Madison

Sips, Seminars And Scenes AheadWinter Wine Weekend Returns To Hotel MadisonBy KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  2/19/20  Twelve years ago, winemaker Lee Hartman identified as a beer guy who didn’t know a merlot from a malbec. Now, he hopes to share his passion with Virginia and guide drinkers through the world of wine at the second annual Winter Wine Weekend.“I understand why some people aren’t immediately drawn to the world of wine, but after working with it for a number of years, it’s become central to me

Restless Moons Brewing Phases Into 3rd Year

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  2/19/20  Armed with a passion for quality beer and a homebrew kit, Jeff Moon studied as many texts and manuals as he could get his hands on for years with ambitions to open his own brewery. Two years ago, he took the leap and purchased the Wolfe Street Brewing lot to begin his beermaking adventure under the name Restless Moons Brewing.On Feb. 24, 2018, Restless Moons opened its doors and metamorphosed from a far-off dream into a full-fledged operation. This weekend, the

Dynamic Aviation Promotes Rod Moyer to Director, Flight Safety

BRIDGEWATER, VIRGINIA: February 12, 2020 – Dynamic Aviation, provider of special-mission aviation solutions, announced the promotion of Rod Moyer to Director, Flight Safety. Rod is responsible for providing leadership to the company’s Safety Programs for all Flight Operations Business Segments. Additionally, he continues to serve leadership in supporting the restoration of the First Air Force One, as well as other legacy aircraft operations, including the company’s 1943 C-47/DC-3. Mr. Moyer holds a

Nonprofits Get $25K Endowments

Anonymous Donor Provides Funding For Four GroupsBy PETE DELEADaily News-Record  2/7/20  An anonymous donor provided The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County with $100,000 to establish endowments for four area nonprofits.The foundation’s executive director, Revlan Hill, said the donor came forward in December to begin the process.“We were thrilled,” Hill said. “It’s very important for organizations to have endowments. It gives them a stream of income to rely on each year.”Through the

Friendly City Food Co-op To Expand

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  2/1/20  Friendly City Food Co-op will expand into an adjacent building, according to a building permit application submitted to Harrisonburg.Steve Cooke, the general manager at the grocery store, said work will begin in March and the market will stay open for the eight- month duration of the project.The expansion will bring the footprint for the business to over 10,000 square feet, according to Cooke. The grocery store will have about 40 to 50% more products and will bring on

Fundrasier BRC Executives Take Plunge For Homeless Shelter

FRIGIDFundrasier BRC Executives Take Plunge For Homeless ShelterBy KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  2/1/20  A little snow did not stop Bridgewater Retirement Community from having an ice spa day for charity.On Thursday afternoon, four women from the senior team braved the snow and took a dip in a dunk tank to raise money for Open Doors as a part of the monthly outreach program Community Connections.Open Doors is a web of faith communities that operate a rotating, seasonal shelter for people who are homeless

McClung Named to 2019 Printing Impressions

We want to share some exciting news!McClung Companies was recently listed in the 2019 Printing Impressions 400, which is a resource that ranks the top 400 printing companies in the United States and Canada. This report provides details about each printing company. Printing Impressions provides authoritative analysis and information on trends and emerging technologies for the graphic arts industry. This is the 36th year that Printing Impressions has provided this report.Click for more information

Officer Promotions at F&M Bank

F&M Bank and its Board of Directors would like to congratulate the following individuals on their Officer promotions effective January 24, 2020.  Bank Officer:Ann Kirtley, Elkton Branch CoordinatorCarrie Grimes, Timberville Branch CoordinatorChristy Trail, Woodstock Branch Coordinator Emily Rhodes, Credit AnalystMary Pavlovskaya, Business Deposit Services OfficerTeri Hasley, Deposit Operations Manager  Assistant Vice President:Ashley Lam, Crossroads and Grottoes Branch ManagerJessica Fletcher, Dealer

Bluestone Vineyard Awarded Two Golds at 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

SAN FRANCISCO, Ca— For the 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (SFCWC), Bluestone Vineyard earned gold medals for the 2018 Estate Grown Stainless Steel Chardonnay and the 2018 Petit Manseng. The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is the largest competition of American wines. This year there were sixty-five judges, representing various North American wine regions, evaluating nearly 6,700 wines from over 1,000 wineries.  Bluestone Vineyard is very pleased with the results of this year’s

Resort Rec Center Changes Name

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  1/30/20  The Stonewall Terrace Recreation Center at Massanutten Resort has changed its name to Massanutten Family Entertainment Center — a move months in the making.The center is home to a gokart track, two 18-hole minigolf courses, bumpers cars, bungy dome and the famous LOVE sign. The center is part of the resort, which features an indoor and outdoor waterpark, ski and adventure park area, two golf courses and shopping and recreation options.Philip Hadded, activities

After First 15 Years, EMS Elementary Gets Own Space

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  1/29/20  Eastern Mennonite School’s elementary program has been waiting 15 years for a space to call its own. And not just any space. Instead of a space to learn in, school officials who have been planning for this for years wanted to create a “learning space.”On Tuesday, the new elementary school building, which has its own unique history, was dedicated with a ribbon- cutting ceremony attended by former students, teachers, principals, and current employees and families.

Registration Opens For Airport 5K

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  1/29/20  It’s time to get those running shoes as registration for the third annual Run the Runway 5K and Kids Fun Run at the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport takes off Tuesday.The event will take place on March 15 and includes a 1K Fun Run for children ages 3-12 and a 5K race on the taxiway and runway.“This event offers participants a unique race opportunity on a real airport runway, making it a perfect fit for runners, walkers and families at all fitness levels,”

Mercy House Receives $100,000 Housing Grant

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  1/25/20  For the fourth year in a row, Mercy House has been awarded the Virginia Housing Trust Fund Homeless Reduction Grant for its efforts to provide food, clothes and shelter to homeless families with dependent children in the area.Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday that 25 affordable housing and homeless reduction projects across Virginia would receive nearly $12 million in funding to increase access to affordable housing, reduce homelessness and provide

East Market Street Reopens Following Prolonged Project

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  1/23/20  Out with the old and in with the new — East Market Street’s infrastructure project is finished, and the road is open to traffic once again.Originally planned as a quick summer construction project, digging into the downtown street revealed a century-old can of worms that extended the construction from May to January.City officials elebrated the reopening of the road, between Mason Street and Court Square, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday.Tom Hartman,

School, City Officials Break Ground On New High School

SHOVEL READYSchool, City Officials Break Ground On New High SchoolBy MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  1/22/20  It was a moment years in the making and one that marked the next phase of the construction of a second high school in Harrisonburg — the actual construction phase.Discussion, support for and against, votes and talk of costs culminated in a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday at the site of what will be the second high school, and was attended by school and city officials, and about 75 people who

EMU Hires Alumni As Vice President

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  1/22/20  Jason Good has always wanted to return and work at his alma mater, Eastern Mennonite University. He was able to work there for 10 years after attending the university as an undergraduate student before working for a few years at James Madison University.But he always had his eye on coming back to EMU.“EMU has always been an important part of my life,” Good said. “I’ve had an eye on a position like this, and when it opened up I was very eager to come back.”Good

Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley, Inc. Announces January Support Group for SWAG – Harrisonburg and Rockingham County

Harrisonburg, VA – January 21th, 2020  Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley will hold their monthly support group meeting on Thursday, January 23 from 1:00-3:00pm at JMU Campbell Building located at 755 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. The group will be working with an art therapist from Shenandoah Art Therapy to create their own vision boards. They will also enjoy sandwiches and smoothies from Tropical Smoothie Café.  For more details about Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley, Inc.,

Sadie Rose Names New Director

By PETE DELEADaily News-Record  1/21/20  The Sadie Rose Foundation, which was formed about a decade ago to help grieving families suffering from the loss of a child, named Mount Crawford resident Vonda Driver as its new executive director this month.Driver took over the organization Jan. 1 as it transitions from just helping those suffering from child loss to people grieving the death of other loved ones and friends as well.She has been a longtime volunteer for the Dayton- based organization and served

Sports Complex Holds Grand Opening

GAME ONSports Complex Holds Grand OpeningBy LAINE GRIFFINDaily News-Record  1/20/20  Former NBA player Ralph Sampson was just as excited as the hundreds of children and their families to be at the Horizons Edge Sports Campus grand opening Saturday.“I saw this start from nothing and turn to something, and it’s been fun to watch this building grow and now see all these families here and excited to have this available to their kids,” Sampson said of the 90,000-square-foot building.Horizons Edge, located at

Road Almost Not Taken

Road Almost Not TakenCaptain-Turned-Poet Writes Biography For Famed WordsmithBy KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  1/14/20  McGaheysville poet J. Scott Price dedicated his youth to pursuing a lifetime of military service, saw that dream go down the drain from a back injury and turned to writing after his discharge.Today, he is finishing a manuscript of his poetry and collecting information as the official biographer of Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winning poet William Meredith.Had you asked Price

Valley Airport Soars To Record Year

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  1/14/20  Since partnering with SkyWest in spring 2018, the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport has seen an increase in passenger traffic, but nothing compared to record-breaking year the airport had in 2019.Total passenger traffic increased by 44% in 2019, according to Heather Ream, director of marketing and communications for the Weyers Cave airport.“We broke all-time monthly passenger records three different times,” Ream said in an email.The previous passenger traffic

Christmas Village A ‘Huge Success’

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  1/14/20  The Timberville Christmas Village may have had only two years under its belt, but it’s been calling a big crowd as attendance nearly doubled since opening.Shea Alexander, a Timberville resident and master planner for the event, told Town Council members during their Thursday meeting that attendance reached close to 10,000 compared to the village’s first year, when the number was between 5,000 and 6,000.“The Christmas Village was a huge success in our eyes,”

Merck Donates $52,000 To VPAS

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  1/14/20  In August, the Valley Program for Aging Services received a $52,844 grant from the Merck Foundation for health services in eastern Rockingham County, according to Beth Bland, the director of senior services.The services will be centered in Elkton, McGaheysville, Port Republic and Grottoes and will be called “Aging Well for Life.”Over the past five months, VPAS has been creating the programs to bring to those residents, according to Bland. Now comes the

Brotherhood Grows Another Year Older

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  1/10/20  Seven years ago, a childhood dream of three brothers from Rockingham County came to fruition as they opened Harrisonburg’s first locally operated brewery.On Saturday, Brothers Craft Brewing is celebrating its anniversary from noon to 11 p.m. with new releases on tap, music and an open house.Originally Three Brothers Brewing, the business was founded by siblings Adam, Jason and Tyler Shifflett. Production began in December 2012, and the first Brothers’ keg was

VA-Artists in the Marketplace Invites Applications for 2-Day Residency

VA-Artists in the Marketplace Invites  Applications for 2-Day Residency    HARRISONBURG, VA – Virginia Artists in the Marketplace (VA-AIM), a program for Shenandoah Valley artists, is now seeking applications for a one-weekend residency in May 2020. Applications are due April 3, 2020. Details and application materials are available at  valleyarts.org/vaaim-2020     VA-AIM is the first residency of its kind in the Shenandoah Valley. The 2020 program represents a collaboration among ​Arts Council of the

GARCC Amalfi Coast Travel - Deposit due in April

Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley announces their new Executive Director

Harrisonburg, VA - January 8, 2020 – Approximately 5,000 people in the Central Shenandoah Valley Community are affected by brain injury. In 2019 Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley (BICSV) met its mission goals to help provide options for your neighbors to return to work, school, and live productive and meaningful lives.   Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley (BICSV) gladly welcomes Cindy Noftsinger as the new Executive Director. Ms. Noftsinger graduated from James Madison

First (And Last) Night

Downtown New Year’s Celebration Comes To An EndBy KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  1/2/20As the world turned the page on another year, residents collected in downtown to share the memory of the final First Night Harrisonburg.Since he was 3 years old, Alden Holt has attended First Night and looked forward to the promise of fun with family and friends before the disco ball drop. With splotchy, rosy cheeks and puffy a coat, Alden, now 8, rolled in the cold grass and chased his friends in front of Turner

Harrisonburg Starts Entrepreneurship Program

By LAINE GRIFFINDaily News-Record  12/24/19  As the new year approaches, Harrisonburg city staff are beginning a new program to help residents start or expand entrepreneurship.The city’s Economic Development Department has partnered with Co.Starters and will hold a nine-week course, called Launch Harrisonburg, to help people develop and fine-tune ideas to build successful businesses, according to a press release.“The ultimate goal of this program is to get businesses launched, ideally in Harrisonburg,”

POSITIVELY PABLO: As Cuevas Steps Down, A Resounding ‘Thank You’ From Community

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  12/27/19  Pablo Cuevas sat in the Daily News-Record newsroom for three hours telling stories that would end and begin in between tangents of conversation.He didn’t start with his days leading up to leaving Cuba in 1958, but how a man from Cuba was invited to the White House to meet President Richard Nixon when some people born in the United States had never even been to Washington, D.C.“I must have brought him bad luck,” Cuevas said while laughing, as his trip to the

‘Cafeteria On Wheels’

School Divisions Aim To Keep Students Fed During Winter BreakBy MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  12/19/19  For two weeks, students will be out of school for winter break and Harrisonburg City Public Schools wants to do what it can to make sure they get meals during that time.According to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, in its coverage area 131,880 households were food insecure in 2018. And one in eight children struggle with hunger.One place students are guaranteed at least two hot meals a day is school. No

Trumbo Appointed To Supervisor Seat

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  12/19/19  Former Planning Commissioner Brent Trumbo has been appointed to serve District 1 on the Board of Supervisors, filling the vacancy when Pablo Cuevas retires on Dec. 31.Trumbo will serve until the winner of a special election on Nov. 3, 2020, can be qualified and take office, according to County Administrator Stephen King. The special election will be to fill the term that ends Dec. 31, 2021.“I appreciate the confidence and I will do my best,” Trumbo told the

MTC Introduces ‘Future Friday’

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  12/20/19  The Massanutten Technical Center executive board met Monday to receive an update on new things going on at the regional program, including a new career- centric initiative.The executive board for Massanutten Technical Center consists of the school boards for Rockingham County Public Schools and Harrisonburg City Public Schools, and both superintendents.MTC Director Kevin Hutton talked to the executive board about a new initiative called “Future Fridays.” This

Brown Edwards merges with Richmond VA firm Gregg & Bailey

Brown Edwards is pleased to announce the merger with Richmond based Gregg & Bailey, P.C. (G & B) effective January 1, 2020.  The G & B partners Brad Bailey and Beth Llewellyn and their employees will become part of the Brown Edwards team and a significant number of G & B’s clients are expected to also transition.   Brown Edwards currently has a substantial client base in the Richmond area and the new office will allow for a convenient location to serve them.  With these changes, G & B clients can be

The Big News: Outdoor WaterPark Expansion Coming Summer 2020

WATERPARK HOURS & RATESWe are thrilled to announce that we’re going to be making a BIG SPLASH in summer 2020 with four new outdoor attractions and additional outdoor enhancements at the Massanutten Indoor/Outdoor WaterPark, including an enhanced kiddie area, gathering & observation area, bathhouse, and outdoor bar.Classic Twists and Turns; Green, Blue & White Inner Tube Slide Sensational twists, turns, and drops create an exciting ride for everyone. Tightly-Coiled Yellow & Orange Inner Tube

Accessible, Charitable Shopping Therapy For All Ages

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record     12/17/19  BRIDGEWATER — Tucked underneath the assisted living residents’ space at Bridgewater Retirement Community are trash-to-treasure items whose second chances at life serve more than to beautify a home.The ReRun Shoppe is an entirely volunteer- based business composed of three retail spaces. Between the book room, clothing shop and bargain space, multitudes of discount goodies are sold, often in like-new conditions for as low as 50 cents a piece.Laura Powell,

Residents Hear About Plans For Interchange

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  12/13/19  Bob Hess, of Massanutten, uses the 247 interchange to get on Interstate 81 north and south to play golf every Thursday, but described the roadway as a “bear.”“It’s a pretty hazardous area,” he said.Hess was one of several dozen residents who attended a design public hearing for the upcoming VDOT undertaking to improve the interchange and replace the four bridges betweenMartin Luther King Jr. Way and Burgess Road.Approval of the nearly $60 million project plans is

Arc Celebrates Arrival Of Vans With Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  12/13/19  Lena Faye Stewart, 65, of Staunton loves going to dollar stores to buy make-up, but she can’t drive herself.Instead, she rides the Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham vans when she comes to the center located at the Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education Center in Harrisonburg.“When they say where do you want to go, I say Dollar General,” she said with a laugh.And on Thursday, the local Arc celebrated the arrival of its newest vehicles with a ribbon cutting for the pair

Council Approves $104.8M New High School

By LAINE GRIFFINDaily News-Record  12/11/19  City Council voted Tuesday to build a second high school all at once to open in August 2022, with a guaranteed maximum construction price of $87.2 million.The decision, which followed about an hourlong public hearing, is expected to come with a $104.8 million bond.Mayor Deanna Reed and Councilmen Sal Romero and Chris Jones were in favor, while Councilmen George Hirschmann and Richard Baugh voted against it.The public hearing before the vote drew 35 speakers.

JMU Partners With Valley Airport

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  12/11/19  Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport is sporting purple and gold after James Madison University President Jonathan Alger announced a new partnership with the Weyers Cave airport.As of Thursday, SVRA is the official airport of JMU, with Alger telling faculty and staff that the partnership is “a great example of how institutions of higher education can have exponential impact on community growth as JMU strives to become the national model of the engaged

HEC First Municipal Utility To Pass 1% Solar Net Metering

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record 12/12/19  On Wednesday, the Harrisonburg Electric Commission connected the home solar-energy system of Mike Tedross and Marianne Saeed to the city grid, making HEC the first municipally-owned utility in the state to have an installed capacity of solar reach 1% of annual peak load.“I think it just shows that commitment to the environment and renewables that we have here in the Valley and particularly within our city limits,” said Brian O’Dell, general manager of HEC.Tedross

Timeless Connections Through Literature

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  12/12/19  Stemming from an affinity for literature, students from Eastern Mennonite University are forming relationships with residents in assisted living at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. But since establishing a connection through storytelling, that bond has since evolved into friendships that defy ideological differences.“The pattern is initial discomfort and then growing warmth, strong sense of connection and then a little bit of recognition of difference

Bank of the James Welcomes Nancy C. Smith to Harrisonburg Office

Harrisonburg, Virginia, December 10, 2019… Nancy C. Smith has joined Bank of the James in Harrisonburg as an Assistant Vice President and Business Banker.   In this new banking role, Mrs. Smith will be working with small business and commercial customers throughout the Valley.  Prior to becoming associated with Bank of the James, Mrs. Smith was with Wells Fargo for 22 years.  She is a graduate of Buffalo Gap High School in Swope, Virginia and graduated from Valley Vocational Technical Center in

Sponsor a Responder: The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl Kicks Off December 30

The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl Kicks Off December 30 Annual college bowl game honors the everyday heroes in hometowns across the country Harrisonburg, VA (Grassroots Newswire) December 10, 2019 -- SERVPRO is proud to present the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl, scheduled to kick-off on December 30, 2019, at 12:30 ET at the Gerald J. Ford Stadium, located on the campus of Southern Methodist University (SMU) in University Park, Texas. This is the second annual SERVPRO First Responder Bowl, and it honors the

Consultants Present Purcell Park Plan

By LAINE GRIFFINDaily News-Record  12/10/19  After gathering information through surveys on potential changes to Purcell Park, LSG Landscape Architecture and Greenplay presented its findings to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission on Monday.Among the many suggestions the community has given to improve the park, high priority items were picnic tables, year round restrooms, additional trail connectivity, upgrading the playground and addressing flooding issues.“People don’t hate the park. They love

BROWN EDWARDS MAKES FORBES LIST OF AMERICA’S TOP TAX FIRMS

Brown Edwards is included on the Forbes Magazine list of America’s Best Tax Firms for 2020.  Forbes collaborated with a market research company, Statista, to create this list of 227 firms nationwide.   Brown Edwards is one of five recommended firms in Virginia.  Brown Edwards is a full-service regional accounting firm with offices in three states and recognized as one of the top 100 firms in the nation.  In addition to the traditional auditing, accounting, and taxation services, the firm provides industry

Harrisonburg’s Holiday Parade Opens The Season In Style

JOYFUL CITYHarrisonburg’s Holiday Parade Opens The Season In StyleBy LAINE GRIFFINDaily News-Record  12/7/19  Family, togetherness, tradition — that’s what Harrisonburg’s annual Holiday Parade is all about.As the temperature dropped and the sun went down, families and friends hunkered down on the sidewalks from the Rockingham County Office Building clear to City Hall to watch the parade.Megan Summers, Greg Will, Carter Summers and Adrien Cline all snuggled together as they watched the floats and bands

DN-R Recognized For Agriculture Reporting

DNR 12/4/19  NORFOLK — Staff members at the Daily News- Record were honored Tuesday for their work in covering agricultural issues in Rockingham County.At the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting in Norfolk, the DN-R received the Virginia Farm Bureau 2019 journalism award for a daily newspaper and the Ishee-Quann Award for Media Excellence, which honors the “best of the best” among each year’s participants.The Ishee-Quann Award is named after Jeff Ishee, co-host of Virginia Farming, and the

Small Business Saturday Lures Shoppers To Local Retailers

OUTSIDE THE (BIG) BOXSmall Business Saturday Lures Shoppers To Local RetailersBy PETE DELEADaily News-Record  12/2/19  Each Small Business Saturday, Linda Combs heads to downtown Harrisonburg with her visiting daughter, Emily Ryan.Together, the duo hit many of the small shops, including one of their favorites, Lady Jane, a home decor and gift shop located on South Main Street.They also enjoy browsing Agora Downtown Market, a collection of small businesses under one roof.“This is a tradition for us,” said

Our Community Place, Volunteers Provide Thanksgiving Meal

Hot Food, Warm SmilesOur Community Place, Volunteers Provide Thanksgiving MealDaily News-Record  11/29/19  When Dave Bodson came to Harrisonburg in 2011, the fi rst place he went was Our Community Place.He stayed because of the family.“They help you out when you need it,” he said.For the last nine years, Bodson has been spending his Thanksgiving at the OCP’s annual Thanksgiving meal put together by volunteers and community members for locals who have nowhere else to go for the holiday.An open room filled

One Lit Way To Celebrate Christmas

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  11/30/19  TIMBERVILLE — It may not be the Star of Bethlehem, but one Christmas star is illuminating the way for people to the Shenandoah Valley this holiday season.Timberville Christmas Village held its second annual tree lighting Friday with the magic of Santa and help from children who counted down for the ceremony.Lined by renovated horse stables housing artisan vendors with a brilliant centerpiece tree and wafting aromas from cinnamon-roasted nuts and savory Ethopian

EMU Students Launch Weather Balloon

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  11/26/19  When Eastern Mennonite University students were planning the launch of the weather balloon they’ve been working on all semester, they hoped the weather would cooperate.While Monday was a sunny, mild day, the wind kicked up a bit, which wasn’t ideal for the balloon’s launch, said Douglas Nester, a student in the Engineering Design III class at EMU.The balloon was designed to rise 125,000 feet before popping due to the atmospheric pressure, and then float down

Local SPCA To Host Adoption Special

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  11/26/19  With the holiday season right around the corner, the Rockingham- Harrisonburg SPCA is cutting adoption fees by 50% starting today.The Thanksgiving-themed adoption special will run until Saturday.Tiffany Corbin, marketing and fundraising manager for the R- H SPCA, said 25 cats and 15 dogs will be eligible for the reduced adoption fee this week, with photos of each animal available on the R-H SPCA’s website. “We usually do a Christmas- theme adoption special,

Cold Weather Allows Massanutten Resort To Open Slopes Earlier Than Ever

WINTER WON’T WAITCold Weather Allows Massanutten Resort To Open Slopes Earlier Than EverBy IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  11/22/19  At a white mountain to the east of Harrisonburg, it’s time to hit the slopes.And this weekend, earlier than ever before, Massanutten Resort will oblige skiers and snowboarders.“It’s the earliest we’ve ever opened for skiing,” said Kenny Hess, director of sports and risk management for the McGaheysville resort.Today, select slopes will open to Massanutten season pass holders and

Massanutten Resort Feeds Families For The Holidays

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  11/22/19  Beyond sharing in gluttonous face-stuffing over the table, Thanksgiving is a time to sit and reflect on blessings and good fortunes.For many families, the traditional notions of a Thanksgiving feast are out of reach. Either they are away from home and loved ones or financially struggling to pack a table with enough food to feed all the mouths gathered around it. Whatever the case, Massanutten Resort is working to provide families with food for the holidays.On

Dance, Dance, Dance • Fundraiser Benefits Child Care Center

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  11/18/19  They waltzed, trotted and cha-cha’d all night long.Dancing with the Stars of the ‘Burg took place Sunday for the 10th year to raise funds for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Child Day Care Center. Held at the James Madison University Festival Conference and Student Center, the event featured seven teams comprised of prominent members of the local community paired with experienced dancers from the Shenandoah Valley Chapter of USA Dance.Over the years, each show has

County School Board To Discuss Redistricting

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  11/8/19  During a series of meetings, the Rockingham County School Board will share information on a number of potential changes, including redistricting.For the past two and a half years, members of the school community have been involved in a process and conversation about creating an educational system in Rockingham County Public Schools that is designed to prepare children for the future.On Monday at 7 p.m. at the Elkton Area Community Center, Superintendent Oskar

InDemand Series: Looking Forward

WHSV is wrapping up our year-long look at in-demand jobs in the valley. We’ve featured 24 different career paths with jobs that feature high pay but do not require a four-year college degree. Debby Hopkins with the Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development board says people are often surprised with the options out there when starting to look for a career. “They can look at what a cook can get or look at a pilot or take a look at an opportunity that they never really considered before,” Hopkins said. “Many

Weichert Affiliated Office in Your Area Welcomes New Team Member

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lernard Freeman Franchise Communications Specialist Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. 225 Littleton Rd., Morris Plains, NJ 07950 Office: 973.401.5578LFreeman@weichertrealtors.net Gordon Cowan Joins Weichert, Realtors(r) - Nancy Beahm Real Estate Harrisonburg, VA (Grassroots Newswire) November 5, 2019 -- Weichert, Realtors(r) - Nancy Beahm Real Estate is proud to announce Gordon Cowan has joined their Harrisonburg office. Cowan joins a dedicated team of

Virginia Economic Review: Cheido John

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EMU Ranks In Top 10 For Online Program

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  11/2/19  Eastern Mennonite University was recently ranked by SR Education Group for having one of the best online bachelor’s degree programs in the state.SR Education Group recently published its 2020 Best Online Colleges By State rankings, which are based on a combination of manually researched tuition, accreditation, and PayScale salary data.EMU ranked eighth in the state of Virginia.There are a number of online programs offered at EMU, but it’s the nursing programs

Hundreds Walk To End Alzheimer’s At JMU

By LAINE GRIFFINDaily News-Record  11/4/19  Celena Johnson watches people every day lose their memory and become less of themselves.Johnson works in the memory care unit at White Birch Communities, an assisted living facility in Rockingham County.“I see so many residents who have Alzheimer’s, and it’s just heartbreaking to see them lose a piece of who they were,” she said. “And there’s no cure to this awful thing.”Johnson attended the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday with other

New HEF Executive Director Named

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record 11/5/19  A new executive director of the Harrisonburg Education Foundation will be officially named following a vote during the Harrisonburg School Board meeting today.Cody Oliver will take the helm of the organization.Former Executive Director Zanetta Ford-Byrd resigned to pursue and expand her consulting practice, said Deb Fitzgerald, School Board chairwoman.“This is an opportunity she wanted to take advantage of,” Fitzgerald said, adding that Ford-Byrd has been the

Board OKs $87.24M Max High School Cost

By LAINE GRIFFINDaily News-Record 11/6/19  The Harrisonburg School Board voted in favor of an $87.24 million guaranteed maximum price of a new high school at Tuesday’s meeting.Following a presentation and breakdown of the cost by local contractor Nielsen Builders Inc., the board unanimously approved the price for the school to open in 2022.“ It feels like a safe price just thinking about our community and some of the numbers that were put out into the public. To have it come under $90 million — I mean,

PrePOPsterous® Wins Made in Virginia Award

NEWS RELEASE Contact: Tisha McCoy-Ntiamoah, Owner PrePOPsterous Gourmet Popcorn & Sodas 540.227.4801 info@prepopsterous.com www.PrePOPsterous.com PrePOPsterous® Wins Made in Virginia Award PrePOPsterous® Gourmet Popcorn & Sodas scored a top spot in Virginia Living magazine’s prestigious 8th Annual Made in Virginia Awards. PrePOPsterous® Gourmet Popcorn & Sodas is Virginia’s destination for fresh-made gourmet popcorn and soda pop. The company is an online retailer that ships all over the U.S. and

BARRELS OF BERRIES: CrossKeys Vineyards Expands Its Production Facilty

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  10/30/19  MOUNT CRAWFORD — As Saam Bakhtiar stood among barrels of wine in the new $1 million production facility of CrossKeys Vineyards, he was dwarfed by the high ceilings.That’s the point.“The goal is to have this whole place filled up with barrels,” said Bakhtiar, the director of operations at CrossKeys Vineyards.The barrel room is only a part of the new 8,500 square foot building which also houses nearly two dozen stainless steel fermenting tanks, with eight for white

New Paramedic Program To Host Mock Injury Event

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  10/30/19  A new paramedic program at Blue Ridge Community College is showing off its skills with an event today that simulates an emergency situation.The paramedic class is having a “moulage” contest to see who can create a mock injury or illness that they may encounter as an emergency medical technician or paramedic.Moulage is the art of applying mock injuries for the purpose of training emergency response teams and other medical and military personnel.These fake

Sipe Center Ready For Action

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  10/26/19  BRIDGEWATER — The candy is stocked, seats are set for use and the popcorn machine is ready to pop for the Sipe Center’s grand opening Nov. 1.In a week, guests will be greeted by a custom-made clapperboard featuring the multipurpose theater’s logo. With treats in hand, attendees will enter the Holton Theater to watch The Hunts — an indie-alternative- folk rock band from Chesapeake.“People can expect a full house with a performance that would appeal to a wide

RCPS Hosts Community Forum To Discuss Innovation

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  10/26/19  BRIDGEWATER — About 150 people attended a community forum at Turner Ashby High School on Friday, hosted by Rockingham County Public Schools, to discuss innovation and community relationships.The goal of the forum was to share the new things going on in the school division and to deepen the connections and collaborations between community members.Superintendent Oskar Scheikl opened the forum with a presentation on the values of the school division and how they

CHAPTERS OF FUN : Book-Or-Treat Offers Safe Environment For Children

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  10/28/19  MOUNT CRAWFORD — Halloween costumes, free books and Alfredo the pig?They were all at the Green Valley Book Fair.Hundreds of families braved the rain Saturday morning to attend the fourth annual Book-or-Treat, one of several events the fair hosts every year.While children dressed as their favorite superheroes and Disney princesses, parents enjoyed the treat of a fun and safe environment.“It is safe, trustworthy and you know who puts it on,” said Jennifer Eakle,

InDemand Series: Customer Service Representative

WHSV – If you like helping people solve problems, a career as a Customer Service Representative could be for you. “Nobody ever calls customer service and says, ‘hey, everything is going great, I don’t have anything to talk about,'” said Brian Killingsworth, a customer service representative with Classic Distribution. “They call you when something goes wrong.” That’s why there’s a need for people to fill customer service jobs in just about every field. “I don’t think it’s specific to any industry, any

Skeleton Fest Draws 3,500-Plus

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  10/21/19  HARRISONBURG — Rithika Ganesha Babu, 2, of Harrisonburg celebrated her second Halloween event at the fourth annual Skeleton Festival in downtown Harrisonburg on Saturday.Rithika and her parents were just one family that made up the estimated 3,500plus guests at the event that spanned across downtown in the Friendly City.“Last time, she was just 5 months old, so she couldn’t do anything,” said Radhika Nandakumar, Rithika’s mother. “So this time she’ll be seeing all

Rockingham County Staff To Be Recognized For Service

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  10/22/19  HARRISONBURG — Diane Lepkowski has been working for Rockingham County for the last 35 years, and she will be honored along with 60 other county employees this week.“It has been a really rewarding career,” Lepkowski said.The Board of Supervisors will recognize employees for their terms of service during its meeting Wednesday.When Lepkowski began working for the county in 1984, she started in the animal control department. She was there for 14 years before

City Schools Hosts Summit

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  10/22/19  HARRISONBURG — After three eight- hour days of discussion, Harrisonburg City Public Schools will soon have a draft of the plan that will guide the school division for the next five years.About 30 community leaders and school staff members met Wednesday through Friday last week to discuss goals, mission statements, beliefs, strengths and weaknesses of the school division and more, said Michael Richards, superintendent of schools.The summit was loosely formatted

A Reminder To ‘Bee Kind’

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  10/23/19  LINVILLE — For the last three years, students at Linville- Edom Elementary School have spent the month of October participating in inclusion activities to promote diversity.Each year Principal Amy Painter tries to add something to make the event a little different than the year before. Thanks to a collaborative effort with students from Broadway High School and James Madison University, and a grant from the Spotswood Garden Club, that came in the form of new

More Airport Traffic Could Mean More Employees

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  10/17/19  WEYERS CAVE — Since partnering with SkyWest Airlines, Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport continues to increase in passenger traffic, with Executive Director Greg Campbell telling airport commission members Wednesday that the airport could see more employees.Campbell said flight tracking has been “very well,” with the airport expected to be ahead of revenue for the year.With the addition of new flights to be offered seven days a week in December, Campbell said

Mountain Fun Funds First Responders

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  10/12/19  MASSANUTTEN — If you find yourself in Massanutten today and notice the lush sounds of nature have been replaced with the rattling strum of blues and rock, do not be alarmed. It is fall festival season, and Massanutten Resort is hosting its annual autumn party all Saturday long.For 21 years, the resort has celebrated fall with a day of food, crafts and activities. Set along the mountainous ridges of McGaheysville, visitors can perch from a bird’s view with $5

Bikers Ride For Our Community Place

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  10/14/19  HARRISONBURG — A line of about 30 motorcycles stood waiting in the parking lot of Our Community Place on Saturday morning.Bikers put on their helmets, walked to their rides, and at 11 a.m. they kicked their bikes into gear and one after the other, filed out of the parking lot for an hourlong charity ride.“Are you riding too?” one woman asked Sam Nickels, the director of Our Community Place.Nickels answered by putting his helmet on and walking to his motorcycle,

BRCC Official Highlights Successes, Challenges

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  10/11/19  HARRISONBURG — Oftentimes the best way to learn about an organization or institution of higher learning is to hear it straight from the people directly involved.At an annual community breakfast on Thursday morning, business owners, politicians and other stakeholders heard from a number of former Blue Ridge Community College students via a series of 30-second commercials created to inform thepublic about what BRCC has to offer.They included a woman who enrolled

MTC Unveils Cybersecurity Lab, Classroom

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  10/11/19  HARRISONBURG — There was only one reaction as dozens of officials and community members walked into Massanutten Technical Center’s new state-of-the-art cybersecurity classroom and lab on Thursday afternoon: “Wow.”It was an understandable reaction. Upon walking in, to the left it looks like any other classroom, but to the right it’s like the control room of a high-tech security firm.With long tables lined with sleek computers and two large display screens,

City’s Skyline Literacy Receives $250K Grant

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  10/9/19  HARRISONBURG — A year ago, Skyline Literacy was on the verge of closing due to funding sources drying up. Today, the organization is still open and just received a $250,000 grant to ensure that 250 local residents achieve citizenship.Skyline Literacy was awarded a Citizenship and Assimilation Grant from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Of the over 60 organizations nationwide that applied for the grant, Skyline was one of only 29 organizations out of

Local Beer Nationally Recognized

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  10/9/19  HARRISONBURG — Nearly a decade ago, Ben Trumbo was only a beginner brewer tinkering around with a recipe for a semisweet Irish red ale in St. Louis.On Saturday, Trumbo and the other brewers of Harrisonburg’s Pale Fire Brewing received the bronze medal at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival competition in Colorado for their Red Molly Irish ale.“Having your work recognized on this level — it’s incredible,” Trumbo said.The award is part of the largest beer competition

Officials Talk I-81 Projects, Funding

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  10/5/19  HARRISONBURG — With Interstate 81 improvements already underway, the Virginia Department of Transportation lead for the I-81 work, Dave Covington, joined Del. Tony Wilt, R-Broadway, a member of the Interstate 81 committee, for a Daily News- Record podcast Friday to discuss funding and what to expect on the roadway in coming months.  ProjectsSome examples of improvements include enhancement to safety service patrols, along with flashing chevron signs in Botetourt,

$5M Stadium Included In New High School Plan

By LAINE GRIFFINDaily News-Record  10/2/19  HARRISONBURG — After a back and forth discussion Tuesday, the Harrisonburg City School Board approved the final design proposal for a second Harrisonburg high school, which will include a sports stadium but not a canopy-covered walkway.Board member Andy Kohen made a motion to amend the design to cut the stadium, which was supported by Nick Swayne and Kaylene Seigle.Chairwoman Deb Fitzgerald and board members Kristen Loflin and Obie Hill were opposed to

City Fire Chief Named ECC Acting Director

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  10/3/19  HARRISONBURG — Harrisonburg Fire Chief Ian Bennett was named acting director of the Harrisonburg- Rockingham Emergency Communications Center after former Director Jim Junkins was transferred to a new position, according to city staff.Junkins will focus on serving the technology department, working with radio and computer systems, according to Rockingham County Administrator Stephen King.The HRECC is a multijurisdictional agency that is funded equally by

HHS Students Creating Videos For NASA Project

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  10/4/19  HARRISONBURG — When you get a request from NASA, you don’t say no. Students at Harrisonburg High School have been asked to participate in a project with the space agency to help address common science misconceptions.Andy Jackson, co-director of the Governor’s STEM Academy at Harrisonburg High School, received an email solicitation asking that his engineering students be given a task to create videos for students in grades fourth through eighth to explain the

Building Relationships, Homes And Community Over Crab Legs

By KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  10/4/19  HARRISONBURG — The crabs are boiling and wine bottles frothing in preparation for the Harrisonburg Seafood Festival tonight at Bluestone Vineyard.For the second year in a row, the Shenandoah Valley Builders Association hosts an evening of fine dining and live music to raise funds for the Central Valley Habitat for Humanity.Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that works with displaced families to secure safer and more stable housing opportunities.

‘A Fuller Life’ For Veterans

Equine Therapy Nonprofit Hosts Family DayBy PETE DELEADaily News-Record  9/30/19  TIMBERVILLE — For decades, Spence White kept his anger, anxiety and stress deep inside his mind.The 69-year-old Vietnam veteran didn’t talk about the fighting or foreign lands or the way he and other soldiers were treated when they returned from combat.“I was a bundle of knots,” said the Marine, who served from 1968 to 1975. Those knots started to loosen about four years ago, when he met Trish Lynch. She introduced him to

Board To Vote On New HHS2 Design

By LAINE GRIFFINDaily News-Record  10/1/19  HARRISONBURG — Tonight the Harrisonburg City School Board is expected to accept the final design proposal of a second Harrisonburg high school.School Board Chairwoman Deb Fitzgerald said in a previous interview that there will most likely be amendments that will be proposed and accepted with the final design proposal.“There will be some prelim unfinalized costing numbers on these possible deletions and additions,” Fitzgerald said, adding that the cost numbers

Service Demand Sky High

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  10/1/19  WEYERS CAVE — Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport will be adding a new flight to Dulles International Airport and changing the departure time of the flight to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport starting on Dec. 4, according to Heather Ream, communications director of the Weyers Cave airport.Since partnering with SkyWest in April 2018, the airport has seen notable increases in passenger traffic, such as a 67% increase in passengers year-to-date compared to 2018.The

School Board Weighs HHS2 Options

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  9/21/19  HARRISONBURG — As the architects and designers get closer to a plan for the new high school, commonly referred to as HHS2, the school board is weighing options on how to save money should it come to that.At a meeting this week, the board heard from the architectural firm designing the new high school with help from input from the community, stakeholders and students.“We’re developing a menu of sorts,” said Deb Fitzgerald, school board chairwoman. You could also

Council May Purchase More Land For HHS2

By LAINE GRIFFINDaily News-Record  9/23/19  HARRISONBURG — At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, officials will consider renaming a portion of Hillcrest Drive and a supplemental appropriation of $153,000 to purchase additional land for the new high school.Council will consider approving a supplemental appropriation of $153,000 to buy additional land because city staff has determined that it is needed in regard to offsite street improvements.If approved, the money will be moved from the city’s General Fund

Sacco Named DN-R Editor

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  9/23/19  HARRISONBURG — Jim Sacco has held the sports editor reins since April 2016 and, starting this week, will be taking on a new position — managing editor of the Daily News-Record.For the last 22 years, Sacco has been fully immersed in the journalism world. He started as a city hall reporter at the Manassas Journal Messenger in 1997 and later moved on to the sports department in 1998.He served as the sports editor for the Northern Virginia Daily for one year, the

Sportsplex Slated For January Completion

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  9/24/19  HARRISONBURG — Horizons Edge, the forthcoming $12 million sportsplex located between U. S. 11 and Interstate 81 just south of Exit 251, is now slated for completion in January, according to Jeff Flammang, the general manager.The site includes six cabins, a dormitory, a soccer field, a lodge and a “field house,” which will house a variety of sports facilities, according to previous Daily News-Record reports.Construction began on the site in January and work on the

City Buys More Land For 2nd High School

By LAINE GRIFFINDaily News-Record  9/26/19  HARRISONBURG — City Council unanimously approved purchasing additional land for a second Harrisonburg high school at Tuesday’s meeting, which is in the works to open for the 2022 academic year.Voting in favor were Mayor Deanna Reed and Councilmen Sal Romero, Chris Jones and Richard Baugh. George Hirschmann was not present.The cost of the 0.75 acres, which is located east of South Main Street abutting Boxwood Court, will cost $150,000, with around $3,000 in

United Way Hosts Charitable Work Day

Gift That Keeps On GivingUnited Way Hosts Charitable Work DayBy JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  9/26/19  HARRISONBURG — For the last four years, the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County’s Day of Caring has been completing projects the Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham couldn’t.The Arc, located at the Lucy Simms Center, is a place where those with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the opportunity to learn new skills and socialize. With day- support programs located at the Arc,

Hard Work Pays Off

Fair Producers, Buyers Recognized At DinnerBy IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  9/19/19  HARRISONBURG — Fried chicken, mac n’ cheese and iced tea made up only a small fraction of the different dishes Rockingham County 4- H and FFA members families piled high on the tables at the annual county fair buyers appreciation dinner on the fairground Wednesday evening.“This is one last thank you to all buyers,” said Sam Leech, 4-H extension agent for Rockingham County.About 860 participants, their family members and

Timeless Toys Opens Second Location

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  9/19/19  HARRISONBURG — In 2011, customers of Sheila Helmuth’s Harrisonburg business, Kitchen Kupboard, at the Shenandoah Heritage Market at 121 Carpenters Lane constantly spoke about the need for a toy shop.Later that year, Josh Helmuth, Sheila’s son, and co-owner Wes Dunlap opened Timeless Toys at Shenandoah Heritage Market.After already expanding once within the market, Timeless Toys opened a new location in the Agora Downtown Market, in Harrisonburg, last month.“We’re

InterChange Celebrates New Facility’s Completion

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  9/20/19  MOUNT CRAWFORD — Years of planning, 18 months of construction and more than $41.6 million later, the new Inter-Change cold storage facility in Mount Crawford is operational.Gov. Ralph Northam and Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring joined state Sens. Emmett Hanger, R- Mount Solon, and Mark Obenshain, R- Rockingham, InterChange leaders and Rockingham County Supervisor Bill Kyger for speeches before the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday.“It

Valley Airports Among Those Receiving Federal Funding

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  9/20/19  HARRISONBURG — United States Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both D- Va., announced on Wednesday that 11 airports will receive federal funding from the United States Department of Transportation, including Luray Caverns Airport and Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport.Funding from DOT surpasses $23 million to support improvement projects across Virginia.“We’re excited to announce that these federal dollars will benefit 11 Virginia airports,” the senators said in

John Wayland School Wins Environmental Award

By MEGAN WILLIAMSDaily News-Record  9/20/19  BRIDGEWATER — For the 20th year, John Wayland Elementary School has been recognized as one of the best in the state for environmentally friendly practices by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.Virginia Naturally Schools is the official environmental education school recognition program of the commonwealth. These schools are being recognized for their environmental and stewardship efforts during the 2018- 2019 school year.Now in its 20th year, the goal

Volunteers Needed For United Way Day Of Caring

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  9/17/19  HARRISONBURG — United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County has been hosting the annual Day of Caring for more than 20 years — and this year is its largest event to date.The event is sponsored by Merck, Wells Fargo and James Madison University.Day of Caring is an organized volunteer day where community members, local organizations and business teams can volunteer at local nonprofits to complete projects including physical repairs, client interaction,

Shenandoah Planning District Commission Marks 50 Years

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  9/18/19  HARRISONBURG — The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission was chartered in September 1969 to provide planning services and technical assistance to five counties, five cities and 11 towns throughout the Shenandoah Valley.On Tuesday, nearly 50 years later, more than 70 members from local jurisdictions gathered at the Frontier Culture Museum to celebrate and look back on how the region has changed since 1969.In 1969, the Virginia General Assembly passed

City Lauded For Senior Program

By LAINE GRIFFINDaily News-Record  9/16/19  HARRISONBURG — The city’s Parks and Recreation Department was recently honored for its attainment to help seniors in the community to stay active.The Parks and Rec department’s 50 & Wiser Program, called “Fit and Strong,” was declared the Best Health and Wellness Initiative in Virginia for a midsized city at the Virginia Recreation and Park Society conference on Sept. 7, according to a press release from the city.“We really love being able to make an impact in

Broadway-Timberville Festival A Hit

By LAINE GRIFFINDaily News-Record  9/16/19  BROADWAY — The sun came out and the 55th annual Broadway-Timberville Autumn Festival and Antique Car Show took place Saturday without a hitch.The festival was created to highlight what the local businesses have to offer, while also bringing shoppers in from out of the area and kicking off the fall season.There were more than 150 food, craft, artisan and retail vendors strung along Main Street, along with more than 100 classic cars available to view.Some local

SVEC Surpasses $30K In Awarded Grants

By JESSICA WETZLERDaily News-Record  9/16/19  HARRISONBURG — Since the Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Committee inception in 2017, the group has awarded more than $54,000 in contributions to local organizations.With its 2019 grant cycle coming to a close, the committee has awarded more than $30,000, with almost $10,000 awarded in late August.Operation Round Up is the SVEC’s charitable giving program that addresses crucial needs within its service territory, according to a press

Tourism Spending Increases Throughout The Commonwealth

$231 Million Generated By Visitors In Rockingham CountyBy IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  9/13/19  HARRISONBURG — Over $231 million of Rockingham County revenue was generated by tourism in 2018, an increase of 6.1% from 2017 and the most money generated in a Shenandoah Valley locality, according to data from the United States Travel Association.Every locality in the Commonwealth saw an increase in tourism last year, resulting in $26 billion in travel spending combined across the state.“I think we’re just very

City Comes In Ahead of State Average With $131.4 Million

By LAINE GRIFFINDaily News-Record  9/13/19  HARRISONBURG — The Harrisonburg Tourism Department is celebrating its success after bringing in around $131.4 million in tourism dollars in 2018.The number accounts for people staying in hotels, motels, shopping and dining in the city.According to the United States Travel Association, it is a 5.3% increase from 2017.Due to the $131.4 million, the overall tax collected in Harrisonburg from tourism was $4,822,639 compared to $4,674,366 in 2017, which is a 3.2%

Purcell Park Prognosticators

Residents Weigh In On Future AmenitiesBy LAINE GRIFFINDaily News-Record  9/7/19  HARRISONBURG — More than 30 people gathered at the Lucy Simms Center Thursday night for an information session and public input on potential redesigns and upgrades to Purcell Park.Employees were present at the forum from the consultant firm LSG Landscape Architecture and from Greenplay, which acts as a management tool for agencies by organizing consultant teams that are responsive and understand the needs of their communities

Habitat For Humanity Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony

By IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  9/9/19  HARRISONBURG — Families and Central Valley Habitat for Humanity workers took part in a ceremonial groundbreaking to mark the beginning of the end of the group’s work on Roberts Court in Harrisonburg on Sunday afternoon.The building was already on its way to completion before the ceremonial groundbreaking could commence and David Wenger, the executive director of Central Valley Habitat for Humanity, says that’s a good sign.“That means your building process is moving

VPAS Receives Donation From B-T Rotary

DNR 9/9/19  Valley Program for Aging Services received a donation on July 30 from the Rotary Club of Broadway-Timberville to fund support services for older adults living in the Broadway and Timberville area. Rotary Club of Broadway-Timberville President Johnny Garber presented the $4,300 check to Beth Bland, VPAS director of senior services in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, and Mia Olsen, Timberville Broadway Senior Center director. The funds were raised at the second annual Friday Evening in the

Explore More Discovery Museum Closes For Upgrades

Almost ‘Clear For Takeoff’Explore More Discovery Museum Closes For UpgradesBy KATHLEEN SHAWDaily News-Record  9/10/19  HARRISONBURG — Kids often dream of being astronauts and going to space, but the Explore More Discovery Museum may inspire the next generation to look up at the clouds instead of the stars.Each year, the museum closes after Labor Day to spruce up the interior and bring in new interactive exhibits. The biggest expansion is to the aviation exhibit, which will feature runway lights converted

First Bank & Trust Company Holds Ground Breaking Ceremony for Woodstock, VA Office

ABINGDON, Va., Sept. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Executives and Board members of First Bank & Trust Company will participate in a ground breaking ceremony at 1101 Hisey Avenue in Woodstock, Virginia on Wednesday, September 11, 2019. The event will take place at 10:00 AM. James D. Whitacre, Vice President and Agricultural Lender will be present as well as Evelyn G. Richard, Administrative Assistant and Loan Specialist and Charlyn L. Keister, Loan Processor. All are employees of the new Woodstock, Virginia

MillerCoors Employees Reflect On Women In Manufacturing

‘It Was Never A Question’MillerCoors Employees Reflect On Women In ManufacturingBy IAN MUNRODaily News-Record  9/2/19  ELKTON — In Rockingham County sits the largest producer of American light lagers in the world, where nearly 500 Valley residents work — MillerCoors’ Shenandoah Brewery.Over 100 of those workers are women in roles from engineering to packaging and quality control to vice president/plant manager.Lori Michelin, the vice president/ plant manager, joined the brewery team two months ago and has

SVEC Linemen Traveling to Bolivia

ROCKINGHAM – As part of “United We Light: Project Bolivia” three Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) linemen will travel abroad in early September to help electrify a South American region for the first time.   Mike Alexander, Roger Pace and JT Jacobs are leaving Sept. 4 for the Oruro region in western Bolivia. Alexander is a lead lineman in SVEC’s Winchester District; Roger Pace is a lineman first class in the Shenandoah District; and Jacobs is a lineman second class in the Augusta