🌱 Out Of The Darkness Campus Walk + First-Ever Adaptive Egg Hunt

Morning, everybody! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Follow along for everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Warmer; breezy in the p.m.. High: 71 Low: 44.

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Here are the top three stories today in Harrisonburg:

1. Over 200 James Madison University students attended the recent Out of the Darkness Campus Walk to promote awareness of mental health and suicide. Walkers adorned colorful beads that signified their relationship to suicide; those who personally struggle wore green, those who’ve lost a loved one wore purple, and those who support the cause wore blue. Various student organizations, headed by JMU's chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, collaborated to host the event and break the stigma of mental health and suicide. (The Breeze)
2. Harrisonburg's adaptive egg hunt debut was a huge hit. The adaptive egg hunt, held inside by the Parks and Recreation department, featured special eggs magnetized for people who could not see or easily grab. The isolated event gave attendees plenty of space to enjoy the holiday. (WHSV)
3. Westover Skate Park's extreme makeover starts today. Using $475,000 from the American Rescue Plan, the City of Harrisonburg is starting its makeover to upgrade the park’s amenities. Community members said goodbye to the current layout of the local skatepark in favor of a refurbished version, starting with the surface. (WHSV)

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Today in Harrisonburg:

• Stories, Rhymes, & Movement At Central Library (9:30 AM)
• Fantastic Family Fun: Easter Egg Hunt At Page Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Gallery Opening: Home is Where Your Heart is At James Madison University The Union, Airport Lounge Gallery (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Congrats to Drew Brady from Port Republic! Over the weekend, Brady was promoted to Master Firefighter. Brady is an eight-year HFD employee who serves on the Regional Technical Rescue Team. (Harrisonburg Fire Department via Facebook)
• Reminder, the Harrisonburg Farmers Market is a rain-or-shine event. Even if it's a rainy Saturday, like this past weekend, vendors are ready and willing to welcome you to enjoy their goods. (Harrisonburg Farmer's Market via Facebook)
• Have you tried Three Notch'd Brewing's Cucumber Melon Gose? Recently brewed, this brew comes together in a tart German wheat ale "that's so fresh, it ought to be the prince of Bel-Air." (Three Notch'd Brewing Company via Facebook)

That's it for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early soon with 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.