News

Harrisonburg-Rockingham County Map Updated  The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce (HRCC) has received an updated City-County map in partnership with Target Marketing and they are now available at the Chamber of Commerce office at no charge. Frank Tamberrino, HRCC President, explains that “we print new maps on an 18 month cycle in order to keep up with new developments in the community ...read more

 The Shenandoah Valley Partnership Launches New Regional Economic Development Website   · www.theshenandoahvalley.com · The Shenandoah Valley Partnership (SVP), the region’s premier economic development marketing organization, proudly announces www.theshenandoahvalley.com as its new domain name to accompany a fresh, redesigned website. The website and new URL were unveiled today at the SVP’s ...read more

By NOLAN STOUTDaily News-Record  7/11/18  HARRISONBURG — Compared to the decision to build a second city high school, purchasing the land for it was a breeze.After a relatively uneventful and short public hearing, City Council unanimously voted to spend $5 million to buy a 60-acre parcel from James Madison University at its meeting Tuesday.The vote makes the purchase all but a done deal. Council ...read more

Growth, accessibility, and safety prompt change in venue. HARRISONBURG (July 10, 2018) — The Harrisonburg International Festival Planning Committee announced today that Harrisonburg City Council has approved relocation of the annual event to downtown Harrisonburg. Previously held in Harrisonburg’s Hillandale Park, the festival’s popularity and growth has prompted the relocation. Organizers ...read more

H-Rock Open Studio Tour, July 28, 10-5:00.From public galleries and hands-on art centers to home studios and remodeled historic buildings, see artists and art educators in their natural environments.  Visit all six locations for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate for use at any location. The locations are:  Melanie Schaefer, Gemstone & Sterling JewelryStudio (7750 Glen Hollow Road, Singers ...read more

Local Artists and Art Educators Partner to Hold H-Rock Open Studio Tour July 28Public is invited to meet the artists and get a rare glimpse into environments where art is made.From public galleries and hands-on art centers to home studios and remodeled historic buildings, the public is invited to spend July 28 from 10am-5pm visiting artists and art educators in their natural environments during ...read more

Explore More’s Farm To City Event Introduces Ag To KidsBy NOLAN STOUTDaily News-Record     7/2/18  HARRISONBURG — Kade Martin, his brother, Colt, and sister, Kylie, tried out some homemade cheese Saturday.Or rather, museum-made.They were a little hesitant to chow down on the cheese crafted by Explore More Discovery Museum’s program manager Melanie Veith.Veith made the cheese by boiling milk and ...read more

Summer Academy Helps Spark Hands-On Interest In StudentsBy KENDRA STRAWDERMANFor the Daily News-Record          6/28/18  HARRISONBURG — For Cai Johnstone-Yellin, taking a carpentry class at Massanutten Technical Center’s Summer Academy meant more than just learning to cut, drill and hammer.Cai, a rising sixth-grader at Wilbur Pence Middle School, was inspired to take the class because his late ...read more

Adventure Race Benefits Veterans, Service DogsBy JUSTIN McILWEEDaily News-Record     6/25/18  HARRISONBURG — When participants get ready to take part in an adventure race, they anticipate obstacles during the run.On Saturday, however, as racers and guests started to arrive at the Harper-Presgraves Training Facility, the training grounds for the Harrisonburg Police Department’s SWAT team, for the ...read more

DNR Online  6/25/18  A regular meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Harrisonburg was held May 22 at Golden Corral. President Steve Alvis welcomed members and guest Adele Knott of the Shepherdstown, W.Va., Kiwanis Club. Knott is a past lieutenant governor.President Alvis recognized Henry and Loretta Hawkins’ 46th anniversary on May 27. He also noted the good article in the Daily News-Record featuring ...read more

JMU Partners With City Schools To Build GardensBy ELLIE POTTERDaily News-Record  6/21/18  HARRISONBURG — In 2011, Harrisonburg applied for a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for gardens.The entire city was behind the effort — including the city manager’s office, Harrisonburg City Public Schools, Massanutten Regional Library and the Explore More Discovery Museum — but didn’t receive ...read more

SPOTLIGHTBy JUSTIN McILWEEDaily News-Record  6/21/18  HARRISONBURG — If you’ve ever wanted to teach your children how to make cheese or looked at a piece of tractor equipment and wondered what it did, the Explore More Discovery Museum has you covered.On June 30, Explore More will host its third Farm to City-Explore More with Dairy event from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.“We’ve been doing dairy days at the ...read more

By KENDRA STRAWDERMAN For the Daily News-Record          6/19/18  HARRISONBURG — After nearly three decades, one downtown concert series is coming to an end following the demise of another whose final run was last year.The last Fridays on the Square concert will take place this week at 6:30 p.m. featuring Bryan Elijah Smith and the Wildhearts and the Nighthawks.The free event had been presented by ...read more

Gather Input Before Determining OptionsBy ELLIE POTTERDaily News-Record  6/14/18  WEYERS CAVE — Virginia Department of Transportation staff sought help in addressing congestion and other problems along Interstate 81 on Wednesday.About 110 people attended a meeting at Blue Ridge Community College held by VDOT and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.The meeting was the third ...read more

High-FlierBy VIC BRADSHAWDaily News-Record  6/14/18  HARRISONBURG — Blue Ridge Community College has received $250,000 from state and local coffers to launch a new noncredit program aimed at helping train people to be entry-level cybersecurity analysts.Del. Steve Landes, R-Weyers Cave, announced Tuesday afternoon that the school will get $200,000 in GO Virginia funding to create its Cyber ...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

DNR 6/7/18   HARRISONBURG — Brothers Craft Brewing was the big winner in the 2018 Virginia Craft Beer Cup competition, and two other local breweries also received awards.   Brothers took the top prize, Best In Show, for its Lil’ Hellion. The beer was judged to be the top entrant in the pale malty European lager category and was selected over all other first-place winners as the competition’s ...read more

Lenhart Pettit is pleased to announce that Dean “Mac” Nichols has joined the law firm as a shareholder in the Harrisonburg office effective June 1, 2018. With over 32 years of law practice experience and a proven track record as an outstanding business and personal attorney, Mac concentrates his practice on business transactions, tax law, estate planning and administration, and real estate law, ...read more

Shearing Is CaringSchool Collects Ponytails For Cancer Patients’ WigsBy NOLAN STOUTDaily News-Record  6/7/18  BROADWAY — Leah Siler wasn’t nervous as she went for her first haircut Wednesday.And rather than let her locks go to waste, the 6-year-old decided to donate them to a good cause.She was among 25 students, parents, teachers and administrators who cut 8 inches of their hair to donate to ...read more

$8.2 Million Project Will Be Renovation, AdditionBy VIC BRADSHAWDaily News-Record  6/2/18  HARRISONBURG — The Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community has begun an $8.2 million project mainly aimed at its short-term rehabilitation offerings. Maureen Pearson, the community’s director of public relations and outreach, said 48,762 square feet in the Oak Lea building will be renovated and 3,600 square ...read more

First- Time Open House Combines Several EventsBy NOLAN STOUTDaily News-Record  6/4/18  HARRISONBURG — Mother Nature didn’t cooperate, but Massanutten Technical Center administrators kept a sunny disposition this weekend.The technical center opened its campus for the first community day on a rainy Saturday. The event was a consolidation of several events and fundraisers the school typically holds ...read more

Second Honey Bee Festival On Tap In McGaheysvilleBy SHELBY MERTENSDaily News-Record  5/31/18  HARRISONBURG — Hott Apiary is hosting its second annual Honey Bee Festival on June 16 to educate the public on the importance of beekeeping, while also providing entertainment for the whole family.The festival will include 35 local vendors, food trucks, live music, games, beekeeping workshops and, of ...read more

Massanutten Regional Library’s Adult Summer Reading Program begins its fourth year on Monday, June 4 and runs through August 6. This summer’s theme is “Library Rocks” and events begin on Monday, June 4 at Central Library with a Wii Mario Kart Tournament at 6:30 PM. Preregistration required: http://mrlib.org/mario/.The Adult Summer Reading Program is open to all area residents eighteen years of age ...read more

DNR 5/30/18 The hard work that goes into opening up a brand new restaurant seems to be paying off for Chris and Claudia Kay.   Readers chose Magnolia’s Tacos & Tequila Bar as this year’s Best New Restaurant in the Daily News-Record’s annual Best of the Valley survey, which can be seen as a vote of confidence from the community.   “It feels amazing and humbling at the same time,” Chris Kay ...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/  

AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va (WHSV) — It has been a full month since SkyWest-United came to the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport.The only issue the service has had so far is with severe weather. On Wednesday morning, the board met to discuss progress and other projects they are working on. Greg Campbell, executive director for the airport commission, said this partnership is the best they have ever ...read more

Brothers Craft Brewing Kicking Off American Craft Beer Week With Music FestivalDaily News- Record  5/12/18By SHELBY MERTENS  HARRISONBURG — Brothers Craft Brewing is kicking off American Craft Beer Week with the return of its May Music Festival today to ring in the summer season with live music, food, games and nice cold brews.Entering its fourth year, the brewery’s May Music Festival has evolved ...read more

‘A Real Gift’Hundreds Of Volunteers Tackle Projects At 26 Sites Across City, CountyBy ELLIE POTTERDaily News-Record  5/10/18  HARRISONBURG — Wednesday was a record-breaking day for the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County as 629 volunteers came out for the nonprofit’s annual Day of Caring.  Nearly 50 teams tackled 53 projects at 26 sites across the city and county with 175 more ...read more

By VIC BRADSHAWDaily News-Record     5/8/18  WEYERS CAVE — When he’d flown in the past, Charles Hendricks said, he’d never used Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport.The architect with the Gaines Group’s Harrisonburg office said he tried with a previous carrier once, but his flight was canceled and the airline got him to Washington Dulles International Airport by taxi.Despite that bad experience, ...read more

JoAnne Estes, Bindery Coordinator, retires after 38 years  (Waynesboro, VA) JoAnne Estes was honored by a luncheon on April 23. She retired from McClung after 38 years of service. She was the bindery coordinator and also led the shipping and fulfillment areas. JoAnne not only worked hard at her job but also made everyone feel special at McClung. She put together multiple parties throughout her ...read more

Lenhart Pettit is pleased to announce that Jennifer Erdman Shirkey has been elected as a Fellow of The American College Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). Established in 1949, ACTEC is the nation’s premier association of trust and estate lawyers. ACTEC Fellows are peer-elected after demonstrating the highest level of integrity, commitment to the profession, competence and experience as trust and ...read more

 Blue Ridge Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Jeff Smith as Executive Vice President - Virginia, Mortgage Division.  Smith joined the Blue Ridge Bank team to build and expand its mortgage presence in Virginia. Smith brings over 30 years of experience in commercial and mortgage lending to Blue Ridge Bank.  Mr. Smith was most recently Senior Vice President, Market Executive with First ...read more

By VIC BRADSHAW Daily News Record     4/19/18HARRISONBURG — The Sodikoffs have added a third brand to their vehicle dealership family.  The owners of Steven Toyota and Steven Kia have brought Harrisonburg Nissan into their fold, according to Jake Sodikoff, president of the dealership that’s been renamed Steven Nissan. The deal, which closed April 11, included the East Market Street business and ...read more

SkyWest Starts ServiceBy VIC BRADSHAW Daily News-Record          Apr 3, 2018 The first flight operated by SkyWest Airlines under the United Express brand arrives at the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport during a ceremony on Tuesday.​ WEYERS CAVE — At 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, the event Joe Bowman had wished for years to take place finally happened.That’s when the first jet operated by SkyWest Airlines, ...read more

By VIC BRADSHAW Daily News-Record          March 23, 2018 HARRISONBURG — Bridgewater Retirement Community thanked some of its supporters Thursday evening and requested more assistance in reaching the organization’s Building Connections campaign goal.Carrie Budd, vice president for development for the Bridgewater Retirement Community Foundation, said Thursday afternoon that those invited to ...read more

NEWPORT NEWS, VA (3/13/18) – PBMares Wealth Management, a division of PBMares, LLP, has hired Shelly Braden and Kurt Johnson to help increase the firms’ footprint across the region.  “We are expanding our team to better serve our clients’ increasing needs,” said Rob Klingensmith, director of PBMares Wealth Management. “Shelly and Kurt have strong backgrounds in wealth management and their ...read more

DNR      Mar 2, 2018    HARRISONBURG — John Downey and Valley Pike Farm Market are among the winners of the 2018 Business Excellence Awards from the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce.Downey, president of Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave, will receive the Business Leadership Award when they are presented during the chamber’s annual meeting on March 21 at the Holiday Inn ...read more

  The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation has announced the preservation of 13.5 acres of core battlefield at New Market - the first step of a multi-stage preservation project at the New Market Battlefield. The newly-preserved land lies within the Town of New Market, just two blocks from the Foundation's headquarters at the Strayer House in the center ...read more

~ Bipartisan effort will reduce regulatory burdens on community banks and credit unions to increase lending to small businesses and families ~~ S.2155 is the first major piece of bipartisan economic growth and consumer protection legislation considered by the Senate during this Congress ~  *Click below to download video/audio/B-roll of interviews with Sen. Warner, Virginia Community Bankers, ...read more

    March 2018 NewsletterCrossKeys' Ali d'Oro Wins Gold at 2018 Va. Governor's Cup        CrossKeys' 2018 Governors Cup Medal Count:1 Gold, 5 Silver, 1 Bronze    We are ecstatic to announce that our 2015 Ali d’ Oro is now the “GOLD of the VALLEY,” as it was recently honored with a gold medal at the 2018 Virginia Governor’s Cup. CrossKeys Vineyards also received the extreme ...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

“You can’t spell ‘heart’ without ‘art.’”  When Dawn Murray talks about her passion for art and people, it’s easy to see that she’s the personification of her own phrase. That’s why it’s no surprise Murray took that passion and ran with it.She opened the Village Arts Center in Broadway in July 2016 as a way to bring children and adults together through art, movie and game nights and other social ...read more

The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber, the Front Royal- Warren County Chamber of Commerce, Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce, Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce have formed an Improve I-81 Chamber Coalition. The coalition was formed because of the significant need for improvements to increase safety and relieve congestion on I-81. ...read more

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) -- On Wednesday morning, leaders with Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance shared the results of a market analysis.  It highlighted how venues like the Agora Market help out small businesses, and can even lead to opportunities to expand their own business.The Agora Market in downtown Harrisonburg is officially full, and with stores like the Isle Co., Bluestone Running, New ...read more

HARRISONBURG — A local food truck owner who opened a restaurant has begun offering catering and event-planning services.Diane Roll, owner of Dayton Tavern and the Mama’s Caboose food truck, recently announced that the two businesses have teamed to form Dayton Catering Co. & Event Planning. The enterprise offers services ranging from pick-up and drop-off orders to full-service catering.Using Mama ...read more

https://emu.edu/now/news/2018/01/emu-awarded-record-breaking-total-3-3-million-grants-2017/  In 2017, Eastern Mennonite University was awarded grants in excess of $3.3 million, including more than $2.2 million in federal funding.The grants support the health and wellbeing of local and state residents through such initiatives as improving behavioral health treatment and counseling to underserved ...read more

https://emu.edu/now/news/2018/01/emu-receives-672000-bequest-virginia-college-fund/  Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) has received a portion of a $2.7 million bequest from the Virginia College Fund.The university will receive $672,000, primarily to be used for student scholarships and capital improvement, according to President Susan Schultz Huxman.“We are thrilled with this very generous gift ...read more

https://emu.edu/now/news/2018/01/early-learning-center-teaches-children-future-educators/  Free to pursue their interests, the seven two-year-olds spread about the room, some pushing toy cars and trucks across the floor, others shaping green playdough at a low table.And at another table, early elementary education practicum student Kelsey Troyer led a lesson: Her own.Eastern Mennonite University ...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

BRIDGEWATER, Va. – Following an extensive national search, Bridgewater College has selected Michael Post to join the College as its Vice President for Enrollment Management. Post, who joins Bridgewater after nearly a decade of experience in enrollment management, will begin on July 1, 2018. He comes to the college from Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland, where he is Vice President for ...read more

HARRISONBURG, Va. (December, 07, 2017) – Arts Council of the Valley (ACV) has dedicated itself to providing memorable arts experiences in its Smith House Galleries. Exhibition submissions are accepted year-round and are reviewed in late fall by board members on ACV’s Exhibitions Committee. The Council is pleased to announce its full slate for the upcoming 2018 season: • February – Photography ...read more