Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What Harrisonburg’s first unionized Starbucks means for local workers

Be sure to catch Christmas Eve Morning Double Feature with Santa Claus on the Harrisonburg Patch calendar

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Tuesday December 23rd Patch AM
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Hello Harrisonburg! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What Harrisonburg’s first unionized Starbucks means for local workers
  • How 250 Harrisonburg families got holiday meals from neighbors
  • Why Sentara RMH just ranked among America’s top hospitals

Also on today's calendar: Christmas Eve Morning Double Feature with Santa Claus and 2 more events.

Find out what's happening in Harrisonburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Harrisonburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Tuesday: Breezy this morning, with a high of 59 and low of 39 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 57, low: 38.
  • Thursday: Cloudy and warm with mist, with a high of 62 and low of 36 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Harrisonburg Starbucks baristas vote to unionize, join Starbucks Workers United (whsv.com) — Baristas at the Port Republic Road and I-81 Starbucks in Harrisonburg have voted 16-1 to unionize, making it the city’s first unionized Starbucks and the 23rd in Virginia. Workers say they’re pushing for better wages, consistent scheduling, proper staffing, and more respectful treatment from management as negotiations with the company move forward.
   

2. Sweet Joy's & Harrisonburg Gospel Assembly give back with community food bank (whsv.com) — A Harrisonburg bakery and the Harrisonburg Gospel Assembly joined forces to run a community food bank ahead of Christmas, serving turkey, pantry staples, and desserts to more than 250 local families. Organizers say they see the Friendly City as family and hope the event reminds neighbors that support is close by when times are tight.
   

3. 29 VA Hospitals Among Best In U.S. In New Forbes Ranking (patch.com) — Harrisonburg’s Sentara RMH Medical Center has earned a top five-star rating in Forbes’ new 2026 national hospital rankings, placing it among the best in the country. The list evaluated thousands of hospitals on outcomes, best practices, value, and patient experience, with 29 Virginia facilities recognized overall.
   

4. Staunton: Commonwealth Center employee arrested on child sex charges (augustafreepress.com) — A 20-year-old Harrisonburg resident working at the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents in Staunton has been arrested and is being held at Middle River Regional Jail on two felony charges involving alleged sexual offenses with a child. State police made the arrest, a bond hearing was scheduled Monday in Staunton Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, and a preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 2.
   

📸 Around Harrisonburg

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Harrisonburg

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📣 Harrisonburg Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Button batteries can kill a child or pet within hours of being swallowed.
    This time of year there are often batteries around more than usual. Please keep them away from children and pets. (Nextdoor Longview and Vine Street)
  • Crash cleared on EB VA-257 at 0.1 miles west of I-81 in Rockingham County.
    4:26PM on Dec 21: All eastbound travel lanes on VA-257 at 0.1 miles west of I-81 in Rockingham County are closed due to a crash. (Nextdoor )
  • James Madison University posted a job opening for UREC Graduate Assistant - Intramural Sports in Harrisonburg. Apply here.
  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Harrisonburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Harrisonburg here.

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 find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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