🌱 Shootings Feel "Routine" In The Area + Honoring Calour Fields

Hey, everybody! It's Monday in Harrisonburg and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny to partly cloudy. High: 58 Low: 29.

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Here are the top stories in Harrisonburg today:

1. Redpoint resident Abigail Chambers, who has grown up around guns, expressed her concerns about the misuse of guns after a shooting at the residential complex where she lives. In case you missed it, the shooting was the fourth off-campus shooting in six months in the Harrisonburg or Rockingham County residential complex where James Madison University students live. Multiple residents were shocked and saddened by the shooting, with some expressing acceptance that another shooting may occur in the future, making it feel routine. (The Breeze)
2. Community members gathered in Downtown Harrisonburg to honor recent victim Calour Fields and other victims of gun violence. Speakers urged attendees to find non-violent solutions to conflicts and to speak out against violence. Organizer Jayden Walker emphasized the need for a safer community and said that this event was the first of many to come. (WHSV)
3. The Rocktown Beer and Music Festival, a tradition since 2010, returned over the weekend despite the poor weather. Attendees had the opportunity to taste excellent craft beer, listen to incredible music, and enjoy local food. The festival has become a model for other large community festivals in the area. (WHSV)

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Today in Harrisonburg:

• Senior Strength – Group Fitness Class At Horizons Edge Sports Complex (10:30 AM)
• Jazz Night At Three Notch'd Valley Collab House (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Five new real estate listings in and around Harrisonburg are available. These listings offer a fresh alternative to the same old options that have been previously available. (Harrisonburg Patch)
• The weather did not stop James Madison's women's tennis team this weekend from a 4-3 victory over Marshall University, finishing their regular season with a 13-7 record. The match began at Hillside Courts but was moved indoors due to rain. The Dukes secured the No. 2 seed with their win, moving on to the quarterfinals on April 27. (JMU Sports)
• DMV Connect will be returning to the Harrisonburg City Hall this week on Thursday, Apr. 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcomed, and appointments are not required. (Harrisonburg)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. See you around!

— 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.