🌱 Federal Funding Plans + Third Annual Rocktown Author Festival

Good morning, everybody. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Harrisonburg Patch newsletter — here to explain all the most important things happening in our community today.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy and cooler. High: 56 Low: 40.

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Here are the top three stories today in Harrisonburg:

1. The City of Harrisonburg plans to allocate $23.8 million in federal funding by the end of 2024. The city received half of this grant through the American Rescue Plan Act in early 2023 and will receive the remainder in late spring and summer, according to Mike Parks, director of communications for Harrisonburg. The money is set to go toward enhancing community space, general government services, expanding affordable housing, improving neighborhoods, and more. (The Breeze)
2. Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market (HFM) is kicking off the spring season with several new vendors and more seasonal produce. Every Tuesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the community is invited to Turner Pavilion to shop for products from vendors all based in the Shenandoah Valley. Along with items for sale, the market also provides compost dropoff, and every Saturday the city’s Mobile Recycling Unit is on-site from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. HFM is partnering with Virginia Fresh Match, which will allow customers using EBT cards to get a discount on fruits and vegetables. (WHSV)
3. The Rocktown Author Festival is returning to the Massanutten Regional Library in downtown Harrisonburg on Saturday, Apr. 29 at 12 p.m. The third annual event is a chance for local authors to connect with the community. Authors are also able to share tips and advice for emerging authors. While the event is free, those interested are asked to register for the panel discussions so organizers know how many people to prepare for. (WHSV)

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Today in Harrisonburg:

• Women Talking At Court Square Theater (1:30 PM)
• Chocolate Walk At Turner Pavilion (4:00 PM)
• Comedy Improv At Court Square Theater (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Despite the increasing cost of homeowners insurance, home prices in the Harrisonburg-Rockingham area remain high and demand continues to soar. Local experts said while the market is not as chaotic as it’s been the last two years, most homes are still selling fast. (WHSV 3)
• A crash at the intersection of Stone Spring Road and Stone Port Boulevard in Rockingham County is highlighting safety concerns. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, 14 crashes were reported at the intersection from 2016 to the end of 2022. (WHSV 3)
• As a reminder, city offices are closed today (Apr. 7). City offices will reopen on Monday, Apr. 10 at 8 a.m. (Harrisonburg VA via Twitter)

As a heads up, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Easter holiday. You won’t be receiving a newsletter this Monday, but I’ll be back soon with your next update. In the meantime, have a great weekend!

— 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.