🌱 Patch AM: How a JMU expert says you can enjoy holiday food smarter

Good day Harrisonburg! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How a JMU expert says you can enjoy holiday food smarter
• Why Sentara RMH just earned top marks for maternity care

Also on today's calendar: Harrisonburg Farmers Market and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the clock say when it ran out of batteries? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Friday: Cloudy, a little rain; cooler, with a high of 42 and low of 36 degrees.
• Saturday: Low clouds may break, temps: high: 51, low: 36.
• Sunday: Low clouds, with a high of 49 and low of 43 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• JMU professor discusses eating smart during the holidays (whsv.com) — If holiday food is tempting you around Harrisonburg, a JMU dietetics professor has practical tips to help you enjoy gatherings without overdoing it. He explains how slowing down, savoring food, and staying active can prevent extra holiday pounds, while reminding people not to let one big meal derail long-term healthy habits.
   

• These 15 VA Hospitals Are Ranked Among Best For Maternity Care (patch.com) — Expectant parents in Harrisonburg may be glad to know Sentara RMH Medical Center has been named one of Virginia’s best hospitals for maternity care in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings. The list highlights hospitals with strong outcomes on C-sections, newborn complications, and breastfeeding, and also notes facilities that play a key role in preventing maternity care deserts.
   

📸 Around Harrisonburg

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Harrisonburg

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Friday December 26

• Mercy Creek
  Pale Fire Brewing Co., 217 S Liberty St #105, Harrisonburg
  7:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Saturday December 27

• Harrisonburg Farmers Market
  228 S Liberty St , Harrisonburg
  9:00 am
• Walk On Wedding
  Edith J. Carrier Arboretum , 780 University Blvd , Harrisonburg
  3:00 pm
• Bryan Elijah Smith + Jay Austin
  Pale Fire Brewing Co. , 217 S Liberty St #105 , Harrisonburg
  7:00 pm

Sunday December 28

• Randy Black鈥檚 Annual Holiday Jam to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters
  Cave Hill Farms Brewery , 1001 Jacob Burner Dr , McGaheysville
  2:00 pm
• Randy Black’s Annual Holiday Jam to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters
  Cave Hill Farms Brewery , 1001 Jacob Burner Dr , McGaheysville
  2:00 pm

Saturday January 3

• Harrisonburg Farmers Market
  228 S Liberty St , Harrisonburg
  9:00 am
• Gratitude Walk for the New Year!
  Edith J. Carrier Arboretum , 780 University Blvd , Harrisonburg
  11:00 am

📣 Harrisonburg Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Saturday December 27

• Paint & Sip
  Sage Bird , 325 N Liberty St , Harrisonburg
  1:00 pm
• Walk On Wedding
  Edith J. Carrier Arboretum , 780 University Blvd , Harrisonburg
  3:00 pm

Thursday February 5

• The 3rd HeArt & Soul Winter Fest Weekend at Massanutten Resort
  Massanutten Resort , 1822 Resort Dr , Massanutten
  7:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Harrisonburg PatchAM possible:

• Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
  Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Just in case anyone is interested in peanut oil (which is usually really expensive for 3 gallons)...
  Kroger in Harrisonburg has a few gallons left for $24.71. (Nextdoor Beacon Hill)

• State of Virginia posted a job opening for UREC Graduate Assistant - Intramural Sports in Harrisonburg. Apply here.
• Pilot Travel Centers, LLC posted a job opening for Janitorial Maintenance in Harrisonburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Harrisonburg here.

🗞 Nearby News

Bridgewater

• Farmers discuss navigating unexpected warm temperatures (whsv.com)
• Nonfiction writer publishes Christmas novel (dnronline.com)
• Presnell Second At TA Tourney (thenews-gazette.com)

Broadway

• Rail Preservation Plan Puts Shenandoah Trail at Risk (thewinchestergazette.com)

Ok Harrisonburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I guess I’m out of time.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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