🌱 FedEx Small Business Grant Contest + JMU Wins Sun Belt Conference

Good morning, Harrisonburg! I'm Sean Peek and I'll be your new source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town. Here is everything you need to know today in five minutes or less.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Sunshine. High: 52 Low: 24.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny. High: 54 Low: 27.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories today in Harrisonburg:

1. Great.Full Goods General Store in Harrisonburg is participating in the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest and has a chance to win a $30,000 grant. The business offers refills of household goods and nontoxic plastics, and the owner hopes to expand its services to rural communities around the Shenandoah Valley if they win the grant. People can vote online for their favorite business until today, Mar. 8, with a chance to win a $1,000 cash gift card. The winners of the grants will be announced in May. (WHSV)
2. The James Madison University women's basketball team won the Sun Belt Conference Championship, defeating Texas Southern in the final. Peyton McDaniel led the team with 30 points, shooting 10-11 from the field and 7-7 from three, while Kiki Jefferson scored 22 points, shooting 8-13 from the field. The Dukes had previously beaten Marshall in the Quarterfinals and Old Dominion in the Semifinals. (WHSV)
3. The Central Shenandoah Health District's COVID-19 hotline, which answered approximately 3,000 calls since its launch on Mar. 14, 2022, will be turned off on Mar. 30. The hotline, which covered the cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Waynesboro, played a significant role in assisting residents with real-time information during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the district hotline is being discontinued, the Virginia Department of Health will continue to operate a statewide COVID-19 call center. (The News Leader)

Today in Harrisonburg:

Wednesday, March 8

• Pressed Flower Candle Workshop At Sage Bird Ciderworks (7:00 PM)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia At Pale Fire Brewing Co. (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Harrisonburg Fire Department is advising the community to install smoke alarms in every bedroom and outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Interconnected smoke alarms should be used so that when one sounds, they all sound. The department is offering free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to Harrisonburg residents. (WHSV)
• Dogs have allergies, too! The warmer weather has allergies flaring up earlier than usual, causing symptoms such as runny eyes, sneezing, coughing, and skin reactions. Local veterinarian Dr. Erica Vaughan from Copper Ridge Animal Hospital says pet owners can prevent flare-ups by wiping their dog's feet and body with a wet paper towel after being outside during high pollen times. (WHSV)
• Downtown Harrisonburg is celebrating Restaurant Month in March with various culinary events, giveaways, and social media content! Food enthusiasts can explore the local culinary scene with signature workshops and events, a dining guide, and a flight passport featuring over 40 restaurants and breweries. (Visit Harrisonburg)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday. See you all soon for another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.