🌱 VTC Awarded Grant + Harrisonburg Police Shoot Man During Pursuit

Hello there, Harrisonburg. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: A couple of afternoon showers. High: 81 Low: 61.
• Saturday: Cloudy, a shower and t-storm. High: 78 Low: 53.

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Here are the top three stories today in Harrisonburg:

1. The Virginia Tourism Corporation has awarded a $20,000 grant to Harrisonburg Tourism. According to Jennifer Bell, the tourism manager, this grant will be used to support a marketing and advertising campaign highlighting Harrisonburg as Shenandoah Valley’s outdoor recreation capital. Bell stated that cycling and tourism in Harrisonburg have increased, and the company will market to outdoor recreation consumers who may not be aware of what the area has to offer. Bell claimed that Harrisonburg benefits from having a downtown that is close to the forest. (WHSV)
2. Rockingham County Public Schools (RCPS) has been honored by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) for its Strong Starts behavioral health program, which has been selected as a model for other school divisions across the United States. RCPS is one of 65 school districts chosen to participate in the AASA's Learning 2025 project. The Strong Starts program, implemented at Cub Run Elementary and Plains Elementary schools, focuses on assisting Pre-K through first-grade students with behavioral challenges related to self-regulation and socialization, and RCPS will be recognized for its success at the AASA's Learning 2025 National Summit in June. (WHSV)
3. The Harrisonburg Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance involving a gun, which escalated into an abduction and a pursuit through downtown Harrisonburg. A 30-year-old male suspect held a 52-year-old female hostage at gunpoint, but she managed to escape unharmed when officers demanded surrender. The suspect was subsequently subdued by officers after shots were fired, and he was flown to UVA Medical Center in critical condition. (The River 95.3)

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Today and tomorrow in Harrisonburg:

Friday, May 12

• Battle Of The Brands Tool Show At Rocking R Ace Hardware (7:00 AM)
• Pleasant View's 26th Annual Charity Golf Tournament At Lakewood Golf Course (8:30 AM)
• By The Fire Fridays At Brothers Craft Brewing (6:00 PM)

Saturday, May 13

• Harrisonburg Farmer’s Market At Turner Pavilion (8:00 AM)
• Shop Small Y'all Market At New Creation (10:00 AM)
• Flower Bouquet Design At Central Library (1:00 PM)
• Music In The Quill Lounge At Hotel Madison & Shenandoah Valley Conference Center (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Valley Program for Aging Services will host the "Confident Caregiver Dementia Conference," focused strictly on dementia care. The conference will be held on May 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Blue Ridge Community College’s Plecker Center and will support a growing number of dementia caregivers in the Shenandoah Valley. The event is free and lunch will be provided; registration is required. (WHSV)
• The Friendly City Safe Space provides resources and support for the LGBTQ+ community, aiming to address the lack of care and access to resources they often face. The organization offers a community center where LGBTQ+ individuals can connect with others who share their identity, recognizing the positive impact of community on mental health. Through outreach efforts, the center strives to reach those in need and create a sense of belonging within the LGBTQ+ community. (WHSV)
• The Harrisonburg Police Department will hold "P.A.T.C.H. Summer Camp," which is a free program providing young adults with exposure to the local police department and the role it plays in the community. The camp will begin with an orientation event on Jun. 23 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The remainder of the camp will run from Monday, Jun. 26 through Friday, Jun. 30, from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (HarrisonburgVA.gov)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you soon for 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.