Hey there, Harrisonburg! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: FREE Camino de Santiago Presentation and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Where do math teachers go on vacation? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. New rule to prohibit students from door-to-door fundraising (hburgcitizen.com) — Harrisonburg school leaders are moving to ban door‑to‑door fundraising for all grades, citing student safety concerns about approaching strangers' homes. The board also reviewed a new two‑year "Aspiring Principal" program, recent co‑principal arrangements at Rocktown High and Smithland Elementary, and ongoing suicide‑prevention efforts in Harrisonburg City Public Schools through the Sandy Hook Promise partnership.
2. JMU president's anniversary marked with big celebrations, huge plans (dnronline.com) — Downtown Harrisonburg just hosted a JMU block party that doubled as a first-anniversary celebration for President Jim Schmidt, whose ambitious plans could dramatically reshape the city's future. He's pushing for major enrollment growth, new housing, and an expanded entertainment district around Bridgeforth Stadium that could turn JMU into the urban center of a growing Harrisonburg–Staunton metro area.
3. JMU celebrates opening of Alger Hall, new home for civic engagement honoring former president (whsv.com) — Harrisonburg residents just gained a new civic hub with the opening of James Madison University's Alger Hall, dedicated to former president Jonathan Alger and focused on public service and civic engagement. The building will host programs connecting students, faculty, staff, and the wider community around tackling tough issues and encouraging active citizenship in the Valley and beyond.
4. HPD shares safety tips in wake of city's recent shootings, brandishing (whsv.com) — After two recent shootings and a gun brandishing incident in Harrisonburg, city police are urging residents and JMU students to share tips and follow safety advice during the Labor Day weekend. HPD stresses the cases are not believed connected, is increasing patrols around student housing, and asks the community to look out for one another and promptly report concerns.
5. Regional Animal Health Lab in Harrisonburg is expanding (rocktownnow.com) — Harrisonburg's Regional Animal Health Laboratory is getting a significant expansion as part of a $13.1 million statewide upgrade to Virginia's animal disease‑testing network. The project will add thousands of square feet, new PCR and flexible lab space, and aims to strengthen food safety, livestock health, and public health services that local producers and veterinarians rely on.
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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: Times Square (Thank you Jean K. for sending it in!)
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