🌱 HFD Gives Free Car Seat Checks + Circle Of Excellence Awardee

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 86 Low: 66.
• Saturday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm. High: 84 Low: 65.

From our sponsor:

Today’s Harrisonburg Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Harrisonburg Patch newsletter possible.

Here are the top three stories in Harrisonburg today:

1. Is your car seat set up correctly? The Harrisonburg Fire Department is offering car seat safety checks to ensure the well-being of children on the road. The initiative aims to promote proper car seat usage and minimize potential risks. (KWCH)
2. Sage Bird Ciderworks in Harrisonburg concluded Pride Month with a block party called "Pride Night" that aimed to create a supportive and fun environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. The event featured live music, a food truck, and specialty cocktails, with resources provided by the Friendly City Safe Space to help people connect and learn more about the LGBTQ+ community. Wesley Engelbrecht, a bartender, and assistant cider maker, emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of community and acceptance year-round. (WHSV)
3. The Heifetz International Music Institute at Mary Baldwin University in nearby Staunton has been honored with the 2023 Circle of Excellence in the Arts Award. The award, presented by the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, the Arts Council of the Valley, and JMU's College of Visual and Performing Arts, recognizes individuals and organizations in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley for their contributions to promoting and advocating artistic excellence. The Heifetz Institute, known for its commitment to nurturing young musicians' artistic growth and career development, received praise for its impactful work in the region. (James Madison University)

Interested in reaching our local readers with targeted messaging that drives traffic to your business? 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.

Today and tomorrow in and around Harrisonburg:

Friday, June 30

• Free Friday At Mulligan's Golf Center (9:00 AM)

Saturday, July 1

• Kitty Time At Aristocat Cafe (10:00 AM)
• Farmers Market Story Time At Big Gem Park, Shenandoah (10:30 AM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Father's Day has come and gone, but that doesn't mean we have to stop celebrating rad dads, past and present. Patch partnered with T-Mobile to shine a light on exceptional fathers in communities like Harrisonburg. Click here to meet 13 awesome dads and learn more about the legacies they're leaving behind.

From my notebook:

• The City of Harrisonburg is reminding residents that fireworks and sparklers are illegal within the city limits. Residents are invited to enjoy fireworks at the Independence Day celebration on Jul. 1 at 9:00 p.m. in downtown Harrisonburg. (Harrisonburg, VA - Government via Facebook)
• Virginia Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner have secured a $14.3 million grant for the Downtown Harrisonburg Streetsgate and Mobility Transformation Project. The project aims to improve the streets, making them more bike-friendly, walkable, and inclusive, with plans for a median-separated bike facility on Liberty Street. (WHSV)
• Stop by Vito's Italian Kitchen this week to try some of the delicious specials. The menu includes artichoke dip as the appetizer, orecchiette puttanesca as the main course, and the American sparkler as the drink made with Tito's vodka, sparkling water, cranberry juice, and blueberries. Customers are encouraged to tag the restaurant in their pictures if they try these items. (Vito's Italian Kitchen via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. I'll be 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.