🌱 Local Nonprofit Donates 100 Mattresses + JMU Students Protest

Hello there, Harrisonburg. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. In today's issue, you'll get updates on...

But first, today's weather:

Cooler with rain. High: 59 Low: 49.

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Here are the top three stories in Harrisonburg today:

1. Sleep On It Harrisonburg gave away more than 100 new mattresses and platform frames to local organizations through the Dreams 4 All nonprofit. Currently located in five states, the nonprofit is dedicated to donating mattresses to those needing a better night's sleep. Local organizations like Hope Distributed, Central Valley Habitat for Humanity, and Mercy House helped pick up items in bulk to distribute. (WHSV)
2. The Department of Historic Resources has recorded a historic preservation easement over the Edwards Tract property. The easement protects approximately 107 acres of land where the Battle of Port Republic occurred in the American Civil War. The Edwards Tract is located Southeast of the City of Harrisonburg. (Royal Examiner)
3. Hundreds of James Madison University (JMU) students gathered on the quad to protest a speaking event held on campus called, "The Ideology of Transgenderism." Conservative media personality and former OANN host, Liz Wheeler, held the event, and students say she pushes anti-transgender and LGBTQ messages. JMU students believe the school shouldn't provide platforms for hate speech. (WHSV)

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Today in Harrisonburg:

• Finally Friday With Little Walter And The Convictions At CrossKeys Vineyards (5:00 PM)
• UPB Movie: Antman And The Wasp: Quantumania At Grafton-Stovall Theatre (7:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know a Harrisonburg student who’s making a difference in the community? We want to hear about them! Click here to nominate a student to be featured on Patch.

From my notebook:

• Celebrate National Library Week with Massanutten Regional Library and the Shenandoah Valley. This week, celebrate with designated themes like Right to Read Day, National Library Workers Day, and Library Outreach Day. (WHSV)
• Want to learn about Harrisonburg's history? The Harrisonburg-based Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Project will launch the Northern Shenandoah Valley section of Roots Run Deep this Saturday, Apr. 29. The self-guided tour will offer insight into the history of African-American sites, including homes, schools, churches, and businesses. (Winchester Star)
• Marco's Pizza announced a four-unit signed agreement bringing stores to the central and northern Shenandoah Valley market. The first two stores will open in Harrisonburg this summer and early fall. (Franchising)

You're officially in the loop for today. 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.