🌱 New Coach For JMU Tennis Team + Brent Berry Food Drive Returns

Hello, everybody! Sean Peek here with your weekend edition of the Harrisonburg Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the things you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 85 Low: 66.
• Saturday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm. High: 88 Low: 66.

Here are the top three stories in Harrisonburg today:

1. Tyson Thomas comes to Harrisonburg as the coach of the women's tennis program at James Madison University. He was formerly the assistant coach at the University of Virginia. With more than a decade of experience, confidence is high that he will maintain and improve the performance of the team and all are glad to welcome him to the team. (WHSV)
2. Bucky Berry is back to good health and leading in the 16th annual Brent Berry Food Drive. The Brent Berry Food Drive has collectively over the last fifteen years brought in benefits to the tune of $2 million for the Salvation Army of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. He asks Bridgewater Foods shoppers to fill a bag of ten dollars' worth of groceries until Jul. 31, when the drive ends. (WHSV)
3. The Shenandoah Rail Trail Exploratory Partnership is planning a 48.5-mile recreational trail along the old unused Santa Fe railroad track. After many meetings, they are ready to make a bid to buy the corridor but await a guarantee of support from the CTB. The plan is viable and attractive, but for now, is still waiting. (The Winchester Star)

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Today and tomorrow in Harrisonburg:

Friday, July 7

• First Friday 'Celebrating Independence' Art Opening At Horizon Gifts (5:00 PM)
• July Exhibition: Evocative Etching By Anna Marie Pavlik At Smith House Galleries (5:00 PM)

Saturday, July 8

• STEM Saturday: Monarchs & Swallowtails At North River Library (10:30 AM)
• The Native Plant Series: Inviting Nature In Using Habitat Packs At Friendly City Food Co-Op (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Join the free public coffee-tasting event at the Merge Coffee Company on Jul. 8 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. The company offers the ambiance of Honduras. Come sample the wide variety of exotic coffees at this local establishment. (Happening Next)
• The Secret Lair is celebrating their ninth anniversary with a tent sale on Saturday, Jul 8. from 11:00 a.m. to Sunday at 4:00 p.m. They will have a huge box of 10-cent comic books for sale, too! This is not the event to miss! (Happening Next)
• The Chatham County Line will perform at Clementine on Saturday, Jul 8 at 9:00 p.m. This well-established group has been performing for over two decades. Come hear their music and learn about their adventures from around the world. (Happening Next)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be back in your inbox soon with a new 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.