News

June 21, 2018                                                                   Contact:  Tiffany Fulmer Ott For Immediate Release                                                        tfulmer@tlfexecutiveservices.com                                                                                        404-312-0524 THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES (VACCE)ANNOUNCES ...read more

DNR 6/21/18   WEYERS CAVE — Harrisonburg-based ComSonicsInc. announced Wednesday that the electronics firm will invest $615,000 to expand its manufacturing operation in Augusta County. The company will purchase new equipment and make improvements to allow for additional space at its Weyers Cave facility, according to a statement from the office of Gov. Ralph Northam announcing the ...read more

BUSINESS BRIEFS  First Bank’s Harvard Named VBA ChairmanDNR 6/20/18  STRASBURG — During the 125th annual convention of the Virginia Bankers Association, Scott Harvard, CEO and director of First Bank, Virginia, in Strasburg, was named VBA’s chairman.  Harvard succeeds William Hayter, president and CEO/ director of First Bank & Trust Co., to become VBA’s 126th chairman.  Prior to joining First ...read more

Forbes Center For The Performing Arts Unveils 2018-19 Masterpiece SeasonBy SHELBY MERTENSDaily News-Record     6/16/18  HARRISONBURG — James Madison University’s Forbes Center for the Performing Arts announced its 2018-19 Masterpiece season on Thursday, giving season ticket holders a sneak peek into the internationally acclaimed musicians, dancers and theater companies that will grace the stage ...read more

Broadway-Timberville Rotary Hosting ProgramBy SHELBY MERTENS Daily News-Record            DNR 6/14/18 BROADWAY — A new event to benefit Valley Program for Aging Services is kicking off in Broadway on Friday.Friday Evening in the Park, hosted by the Broadway-Timberville Rotary Club, will take place at Heritage Park in Broadway from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with food trucks, cold beverages, live music and ...read more

Blue Ridge Christian School Buys Dayton Learning CenterBy VIC BRADSHAWDaily News-Record  6/14/18  HARRISONBURG — Blue Ridge Christian School, it appears, has found its next home.After meeting in executive session Wednesday, the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 to sell the former county schoolhouse to the Christian school that operates out of its Bridgewater headquarters. County ...read more

Shenandoah County May Start ProgramBy KENDRA STRAWDERMANFor the Daily New-Record  6/14/18  HARRISONBURG — It’s obvious to Chris Ray he’s making an impact on his “little brother.”“As soon as I walk in, I see him smile,” said Ray, an officer with the Harrisonburg Police Department who mentors a student at Waterman Elementary School through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg- Rockingham ...read more

OASIS PRESS RELEASE (for July 2018 Events)   EXHIBITS: Main Gallery:  On First Friday, July we will host a reception for the new show “Series”, in which OASIS artists create a series of small pieces of art.  The First Friday reception, from 5-8, includes light refreshments, live music by Doug Wilcox and is FREE.  The exhibit continues through July 31st, 2018.    Water Street Window Gallery:  ...read more

Massanutten Mountain Perks Provides Summer Savings to Area Residentswith Exclusive Buy-One-Get-One-Free Offers & More    McGaheysville, Va.– June 13, 2018 – Massanutten Resort, a premier all-season resort in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, today announce the launch of Massanutten Mountain Perks, a new two-tiered loyalty program focused on area residents.  With these two programs, locals will ...read more

VERONA, VA – June 11, 2018 – Dixie Gas and Oil Corporation, a leading provider of propane and petroleum products in Western and Central Virginia, announced today that Christopher C. Earhart, the Company’s president, was installed as Chairman of the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) on June 4, 2018.  He will serve in this capacity for a one-year term.       “Chris brings a wealth of ...read more

DNR 6-11-18   HARRISONBURG — The Harrisonburg- Rockingham Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. June 26 at Escapes Spa, 21 Southgate Court, Suite 102.   Formerly known as Escapes Mini Day Spa, the business was purchased recently by Lou Botkin, a Hispanic entrepreneur. The business provides massage and bodywork; nail, hair and skin care; brow and eyelash services; ...read more

By SHELBY MERTENSDaily News-Record     6/8/18  HARRISONBURG — Woodworker Roger Chandler and Janet Lee Wright, a member of the Shenandoah Valley Watercolors Society, wanted to create a piece of art that captured the nature of the Shenandoah Valley. The result of their collaboration was a vase made from an ash tree painted with leaves from plants that are native to the Valley.“We had the concept of ...read more

HARRISONBURG, Va. (June 12, 2018) – Guitarist sensation Stephen Bennett returns to Arts Council of the Valley’s Court Square Theater on Thursday, July 12th for another incredible concert in the Court Square Theater Music Series.  Best recognized for his expert skills on the harp guitar, Stephen Bennett has been described as the “Jedi Master of finger-style guitar” by the Toronto Finger-Style ...read more

By NOLAN STOUTDaily News-Record  6/7/18  HARRISONBURG — A project Bill O’Brien helped start now bears his name.About 60 Valley officials gathered in a field off Stone Spring Road on Wednesday to dedicate a portion of the southeast connector to the former county administrator.O’Brien was the second person to hold the post and served from 1977 to 2003. He died in February.In November, the Board of ...read more

Renovation and expansion of stage will benefit festival and community for years to come June 7, 2018 Harrisonburg, Va. – With the help more than 1,000 volunteer-hours, major contributions from four local contractors, and individual donations, the Red Wing Roots Music Festival is significantly renovating and expanding a stage at Natural Chimneys Park in Mt. Solon, Va. The new-and-improved ...read more

By NOLAN STOUTDaily News-Record  5/24/18  HARRISONBURG — It might seem like the television news and poultry business would have little in common, but Alan Shelton disagrees.Shelton, Cargill Inc.’s senior food scientist, said his business has a big commonality with that of his mentee, Jay Webb, news director for WHSV-TV3.“Even though our products are so vastly different ... the problems are the ...read more

Massanutten Regional Library’s annual Summer Reading Games returns this summer with the theme “Libraries Rock.” Throughout June, July and August, MRL branches will be hosting hundreds of literacy-based programs, STEM activities, movies, musical performances and special events for children of all ages. Registration begins Monday, June 4th at all MRL branches. You do not need to have a library card ...read more

Local Chop And Grill House Nabs Best Steak Award With Local Focus, Simplicity  By JUSTIN McILWEE  Daily News-Record  5/30/18  HARRISONBURG — Sometimes, nothing satisfies hunger like a thick, juicy steak.From a skirt steak all the way up to a filet mignon, getting that right cut, paired with the best cooking method and spices, can make for a meal like no other.And when it comes to finding a ...read more

By SHELBY MERTENSDaily News-Record     5/25/18  HARRISONBURG — After jurors sifted through 558 submissions, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community’s 15th annual juried art exhibition is set to showcase 94 pieces from artists across the country.The work will be on display for five weeks, starting Sunday until June 29 in VMRC’s Park Gables Gallery.Three jurors selected this year’s pieces based on ...read more

Harrisonburg, Va. – The Red Wing Roots Music Festival is excited to announce that single-day tickets to this year’s festival will go on sale on Friday, June 1. The three-day festival will be held July 13-15 at Natural Chimneys Park in Mount Solon, Va.    Headlined as always by Shenandoah Valley favorites, The Steel Wheels, this year’s festival also features Trampled By Turtles, Josh Ritter, Steep Canyon Rangers, I’m With Her  (Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O’Donovan), Kuinka, The Secret Sisters, John Moreland and many others.    Although three-day passes have nearly sold out, the festival has reserved limited batches of single-day tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  To help plan a single-day ticket purchase, a full lineup and daily schedule is available at www.redwingroots.com/2018-line-up/.    Since its debut in 2013, Red Wing has grown steadily, attracting sell-out crowds on Friday and Saturday last year. Because festival organizers are committed to improving the  festival experience without compromising the small, family-friendly feel that makes Red Wing special, capacity crowds are expected once again this year.    In addition to celebrating great music, Red Wing also celebrates the Shenandoah’s Valley’s great outdoors, with organized hikes, bike rides, fun runs, and yoga, as well as,  swimming available all weekend long. This spring, Red Wing’s commitment to sustainability––including the use of steel cups in the beer gardens and a ban on sales of plastic water bottles––earned it an Earth Day Hero award from Earth Day Staunton 2018.    For tickets and lots more information, visit www.redwingroots.com.    ###    To schedule interviews or request more photos, please contact Michael Weaver at Black Bear Productions: 540-820-7847 or press@redwingroots.com     To download photos or the festival logo, please check the media page on the website: www.redwingroots.com/media/  

By SHELBY MERTENSDaily News-Record  5/18/18  During the summer months, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank sees an increasing need for food donations, as children must eat their meals at home instead of in the school cafeteria.But with vacations and other summer activities that keep people busy, donations tend to fall off this time of year, which is why the Massanutten Regional Library system hosts an ...read more

Local Student Awarded with Dixie’s Annual “Buddy Harris” Scholarship  VERONA, VA – May 17, 2018 – Each year, Dixie Gas & Oil recognizes the outstanding achievement and work ethic of a student at Valley Career and Technical Center (VCTC) by awarding a scholarship in memory of Buddy Harris, a long-time Dixie employee.  At the center’s 2018 Recognition Ceremony on May 15, 2018, this year’s ...read more

Tina Bukoskey receives first quarter award  (Waynesboro, VA) Tina Bukoskey, fulfillment specialist, was recently chosen Employee of the Quarter at McClung Companies. Established in 1992, the award is based on recommendations from fellow workers and recognizes McClung employees who display extraordinary dedication to their jobs.  "Tina has truly come into her own leading our fulfillment center," ...read more

By NOLAN STOUTDaily News-Record  5/5/18  BRIDGEWATER — Bridgewater College President David Bushman wanted to use construction equipment to break ground on the John Kenny Forrer Learning Commons.For the safety of everyone involved, James Walsh, chairman of the school’s board of trustees, instead gave him a shovel and a toy backhoe.More than 200 people came to the groundbreaking ceremony for the ...read more

By VIC BRADSHAW Daily News-Record          5/4/18HARRISONBURG — It was called a groundbreaking ceremony.  “Graveltossing” would have been more appropriate.  Because crews broke ground on a new bioscience building at Blue Ridge Community College a few weeks ago, officials were left Thursday to toss gravel at the construction site on the south end of campus to commemorate the $20.8 million project ...read more

ROCKINGHAM COUNTYBy NOLAN STOUTDaily News-Record   5/1/18  HARRISONBURG — Casey Armstrong, Rockingham County’s director of community development, will now oversee economic development.  Armstrong, 34, was appointed Monday as assistant county administrator, replacing George Anas, who resigned last month for a job in the private sector.  Anas, 53, whose last day was Friday, had a salary of ...read more

Hotel Madison, Shenandoah Valley Conference Center Gears Up For Opening DayBy VIC BRADSHAWDaily News-Record 4-26-18  HARRISONBURG — The finishing-touches stage remains days away, and in some cases months.  Staff is still being brought on board ahead of its opening.  But the Hotel Madison and Shenandoah Valley Conference Center is close enough to complete that it’s thrown open its doors to ...read more

 Great Community Give Blows Past Funding GoalsBy VIC BRADSHAW Daily News-Record   4/19/18 HARRISONBURG — Joe Paxton gazed at the sign in front of The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County Wednesday afternoon, the sign showing that local charities had received more than $200,000 in a one-day online fundraising drive.   “This is just fantastic,” he said to no one in ...read more

NEWPORT NEWS, VA (4/10/18) –PBMares, LLP has hired two new directors based in Hampton Roads.  Risë Flenner works directly with clients in the area of estate planning and Jesse Morton leads the firm’s  business and organizational growth initiatives.  “Both Risë and Jesse have impressive backgrounds,” said Mary Aldrich, COO of PBMares. “Risë has a distinguished reputation for her specialized ...read more

HARRISONBURG, Va. (April 2, 2018) – Arts Council of the Valley (ACV) is thrilled to continue aiding community artists and art educators in their pursuit of artistic excellence by awarding three Advancing the Arts grants for its Spring 2018 cycle. ACV’s Advancing the Arts grant program supports artists, art educators, and organizations working in the visual, performing, and literary arts. Funds ...read more

Harrisonburg, VA – (March 27, 2018) Harrisonburg City Council has agreed to further explore an unsolicited proposal to build a downtown park from Build Our Park, a community-led nonprofit organization committed to facilitating the creation of a public park in downtown Harrisonburg. Build Our Park submitted a Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act (PPEA) proposal for City ...read more

Crafts Items For Service Organizations, Governments  Daily News-Record 3-21-18 DAYTON — Silver Lake Mill got off to a rocky start, to say the least.It was burned and rebuilt twice in a span of 15 years in the mid-1800s before making it as a working mill.Once milling operations ceased, it sat vacant for a decade and fell into disrepair until the turn of the 21st century.Now, the mill is home to ...read more

By ELLIE POTTERDaily News-Record            3/17/18HARRISONBURG — Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation Department staff began the first phase of expanding the Welcome Home Garden this week.In November, Deputy City Manager Ande Banks, who was acting as interim city manager at the time, asked City Council for the go-ahead to expand the garden, a quiet area dedicated to veterans behind the old municipal ...read more

Students Learn Ins, Outs Of IndustryBy VIC BRADSHAW Daily News-Record          March 16, 2018TIMBERVILLE — Eleven high school seniors spent about four hours Thursday learning about banking and didn’t see a single bit of currency.Farmers & Merchants Bank gave the students a behind-the-scenes look at the industry as part of the Virginia Bankers Association’s Bank Day program. Each has an opportunity ...read more

Winery To Debut Vintage With Valley-Grown GrapesBy ELLIE POTTER Daily News-Record                        3/14/18McGAHEYSVILLE — Stephanie Pence said opening her family’s winery has proven to be a lesson in patience.In June, she and her husband Steve Pence opened Brix and Columns Vineyards in McGaheysville. They planted their vines three years ago, and will harvest them this year.In 2019, the ...read more

By Marina Barnett | Posted: Fri 6:09 PM, Mar 02, 2018  |   WHSV - http://www.whsv.com/content/news/MeToo-Now-what-475695753.html  ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) — Last year, the #MeToo movement took social media by storm, as women shared stories of their experiences with sexual harassment and assault in daily life, but now what happens moving forward?    Connie Hess, General Manager and Partner ...read more

                  Cobalt Communications President Leslie Harris Named to Board of MASHSMD                   ?MASHSMD is the Mid-Atlantic Society of Healthcare Strategy and Market Development   HARRISONBURG, VA, March 2018 – Cobalt Communications, Inc., a strategic communications firm focused on healthcare and science-based organizations, is pleased to announce that their president and ...read more

March 6, 2018, Timberville, VA ‐‐ Organizational restructuring at F&M Bank leads to various internal promotions.  Following retirement announcements from two longtime executives, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, Larry Caplinger; and President and CEO, Dean Withers, F&M Bank is implementing succession planning and departmental restructuring with several internal staff ...read more

DNR March 2, 2018  HARRISONBURG — First Bank & Trust Co. has announced that it will boost its minimum wage to no less than $15 an hour.In making the announcement Feb. 22, the Abingdon-based financial services company said it’s using 30 percent of its savings from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that Congress passed in December to up its minimum pay rate for its workers. The legislation reduced ...read more

DN-R Staff        Feb 26, 2018     HARRISONBURG — Kroger is giving out fresh fruit to children younger than 12 each time they visit the store.According to a press release, the grocer's mid-Atlantic division is seeking to encourage healthy eating habits in children.A child-size display will be set up in each store for children to pick out their choice of a banana, apple or orange, the release ...read more

·        By VIC BRADSHAW Daily News-Record  2/22/18    HARRISONBURG — Old Hill Cider plans to improve its facilities outside Timberville, and the business will receive $50,000 in state and local grant money to help with that effort.Gov. Ralph Northam’s office announced Wednesday afternoon that the Rockingham County business will receive $25,000 from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry ...read more

Bridgewater, Va., February 2018 –  Effective January 2018, Joel Shank stepped into the role as Chair of the Board of Director’s with the Harrisonburg Rockingham Chamber of Commerce. Shank’s chief responsibility is providing leadership and oversight to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. In this role, Shank will be the Community Spokesperson for the Chamber, attending all community ...read more

Richmond, Va. (Feb. 9, 2018) – The Virginia Wineries Association Governor’s Cup® Virginia Wine Competition judging is final, and the list of golds are announced. Ninety-nine Virginia wines have been awarded gold medals in the 2018 Virginia wine competition, which was held over a four-week period during late January and early February. Now in its 36th year, the competition was revamped in 2012 to ...read more

   Do you want to be informed? If so, register for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Alert today! Anyone who lives, works or attends school in the city of Harrisonburg or Rockingham County are asked to sign up for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Alert. The emergency alert will notify you in the event of an emergency situation or life-threatening weather event taking place in your ...read more

https://emu.edu/now/news/2018/02/exploring-paradigm-south-koreans-visit-emu-learn-roots-restorative-justice/  Last year in South Korea, middle school teachers Yongseung Roh and Kyungyun Hwang read Howard Zehr’s seminal text Changing Lenses with a study group. This year, they were part of a South Korean delegation that came to Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) to learn directly about restorative ...read more

On Saturday, February 3, 2018 the Valley Olive and Leaf Company held its official ribbon cutting with the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce. Owners Christina He'bert and Daniel Mclaughlin opened in December and according they carry the highest quality imported and U.S. gourmet extra virgin olive oils, infused and fused olive oils, and balsamic vinegar selection. The business offers ...read more

Welcome  B R A D   R E E S E  TO Melinda Beam Shenandoah Valley Real Estate   540 578 1494brad.reese@outlook.com    Brad brings a successful background in customer service.Combined with his business acumen, Brad mirrors Melinda's quest to provide exemplary client service with attention to details, timely response and local real estate market knowledge.  Brad also embraces the responsibility ...read more

Elkton Store Specializes In Flavored Oils, VinegarsELKTON — Of Valley Olive and Leaf’s 28 flavors of oils and vinegars, one of the most popular is the butter-flavored olive oil, co-owner Christina Hebert said.“It tastes just like what you put on your popcorn, but there’s no fat in it, so it’s guilt-free,” she said.Hebert and her partner, Daniel McLaughlin, both 38, marked the soft opening of their ...read more

HARRISONBURG — Less than three weeks into 2018, Rocktown Realty already is set up to add a significant amount of new revenue to its books.Bernard Hamann, co-owner and chief marketing officer for the company, said it has struck deals to take over management of 180 rental properties in Harrisonburg and 10 property owners associations in Harrisonburg, Rockingham County and Franklin County.“For us,” ...read more

BRIDGEWATER, Va. – Bridgewater College has announced a two-to-one $250,000 challenge grant from The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation (MMPF) of Richmond, Va., to help fund the renovation of the Alexander Mack Memorial Library to create the John Kenny Forrer Learning Commons. In order to obtain the grant, Bridgewater must raise $500,000 in cash and pledges by November 2018. “The Mary Morton Parsons ...read more

https://emu.edu/now/news/2018/01/cjp-alumni-cooperative-design-facilitate-lexington-church-name-change/  When R.E. Lee Memorial Episcopal Church in Lexington, Virginia, embarked on a long and difficult exploration of what it might mean to change its name, two alumni of the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University walked alongside them.Barbara Robbins MA ’11 and The ...read more

HARRISONBURG — A city retailer has much to pop about after winning a regional business competition on Saturday. PrePOPsterous Gourmet Popcorn claimed the top prize at the final round of the Spark Tank $20,000 Business Accelerator Giveaway at James Madison University. The online retailer was one of eight finalists to make it to Saturday’s competition. One hundred businesses signed up during ...read more

WINCHESTER — The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation announced Saturday it was able to preserve an additional 158 acres of the Cedar Creek Battlefield — a move that the organization touts as a major victory.The 158-acre parcel lies in Warren County and was where Confederates under Gen. Joseph Kershaw and Gen. John B. Gordon launched a predawn assault on the morning of Oct. 19, 1864 — the day ...read more

The Virginia College Fund, a Richmond based nonprofit was the recipient of a $2,700,000 gift from the Guy E. Beatty Revocable Trust. The gift is the largest in the history of the organization.  The funding will be used for scholarships and general support at the member institutions, noted Jim Dill, Executive Director, and President.  “This is a transformational gift for The VCF.  We are grateful ...read more

Newport News, VA (December 28, 2017) - More than 125 PBMares employees volunteered on-site at 10 charitable organizations December 8 and 15 as part of PBMares Cares. #PBMaresCares was started in 2016 for employees to volunteer together and make a stronger impact in the communities in which they work and live.  Duties included stocking food pantries, organizing clothing at shelters and even ...read more

Tickets available today at www.united.com     Weyers Cave, Virginia, Dec. 11, 2017 – Daily United Express jet service from Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Washington Dulles (IAD) begins April 3, 2018! Operated by SkyWest Airlines, the daily flights will provide Shenandoah Valley travelers seamless access to United’s global network via the airline’s Chicago ...read more

Discusses current and proposed regulations impacting the propane industry  Verona, VA – November 28, 2017 – Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) visited Dixie Gas and Oil Corporation’s headquarters facility in Verona, Virginia this morning.  As part of a tour of the Company’s operations, equipment was displayed to illustrate how certain current and proposed federal regulations impact propane ...read more