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Friday, Aug. 21
– Local News:
More Harrisonburg street closings

Thursday, Aug. 20
– Local News:
Harrisonburg street work delays
– Local News: Harrisonburg-Rockingham chamber CEO steps down
– Elections ’09: Shannon gets business-group endorsements

Wednesday, Aug. 18
– Local News:
Waynesboro City Council work session agenda

Tuesday, Aug. 18
– State News:
Health department expands call-center operations to handle queries on swine flu
– Local News: Wintergreen planning women’s retreat in fall

Monday, Aug. 17
– Local News:
Free seminar on veterans benefits
– Local News: Recovery Month marking 20 years
– Local News: Get a taste of Downtown Harrisonburg this week
– Local News: VDOT road-work schedule

Friday, Aug. 21
Local News: More Harrisonburg street closings

A complete closure of Pear Street from Pleasant Hill Road to West Mosby Road and Erickson Avenue from High Street to Pear Street (at the railroad trestle) is necessary as a part of the Erickson Avenue/ Stone Spring Road Phase I Construction Project.

These sections of Pear Street and Erickson Avenue (the railroad trestle) will be closed to thru traffic beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24, and ending at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28. Properties that will be effected by these closures have been contacted by the City of Harrisonburg. Travelers in this area of the city are asked to use alternate routes during this time.

 

Thursday, Aug. 20
Local News: Harrisonburg street work delays

On Friday, Aug. 21, paving work will take place at the intersection of Port Republic Road, Neff Avenue, and Peach Grove Avenue from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists and bicyclists should expect delays and use alternative routes if possible.

Please also be advised that during the week of Aug. 24 paving work will take place on Port Republic Road from Neff Avenue to east city limits. An announcement of days and times will be forthcoming.

 

Local News: Harrisonburg-Rockingham chamber CEO steps down

Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce president and CEO James Berg is no longer working for the business organization, according to an e-mail sent out by the Chamber’s board of directors on Wednesday.

The e-mail noted that the board “plans to explore a full range of options as it considers Jim’s successor.”

There was no reason given for the reason for Berg’s departure.

 

Elections ’09: Shannon gets business-group endorsements

Steve Shannon made the following statement today thanking the Virginia Association of Realtors and the Virginia Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors for their endorsement of his campaign for Virginia Attorney General:

“I am proud to accept the endorsement of these two groups that play a key role in keeping Virginia’s economy moving forward. I am running for attorney general to make Virginia a safer place to live and do business by cracking down on drugs, gangs and Internet predators who target our children.

“In these challenging times we need an attorney general who will be a principled, independent ambassador for our state’s business climate, without using the position to pursue his personal political agenda.

“I want to thank the Virginia Association of Realtors and the Virginia Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors for choosing me as their candidate for Attorney General.”

The Virginia Association of Realtors announced their endorsement on Tuesday, with a statement by Association President John Powell:

“Since his election to the House of Delegates in 2003, we have watched Steve Shannon grow into the leader he has become. It is important for our industry that we elect a candidate who commits to work with our industry. There never has been a more important time for the real estate industry.

“We need leaders who can reach across the political aisle and work on solutions to our most pressing issues. We believe Steve Shannon is that leader, which is why we need Steve Shannon as our next attorney general.”
Pat Dean, the President of the Virginia Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors announced the group’s endorsement of Shannon on June 30th.

“Steve Shannon is the right candidate to keep Virginia the best state to do business in America,” said Dean. “We need an attorney general who we can trust to put politics aside and do the right thing for Virginians and Virginia businesses. Steve Shannon is that candidate.”

   

Wednesday, Aug. 18
Local News: Waynesboro City Council work session agenda

Waynesboro City Council is meeting for its monthly work session this evening at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at the Charles T. Yancey Municipal Building, 503 W. Main St.

The agenda for the meeting:
– Open Council Discussion.
– Discuss Boards and Commissions:
a. Stormwater and Flood Commission.
b. Disability Services Commission.
– Receive information from the City Manager concerning the Streetscape Project.

  

Tuesday, Aug. 18
State News: Health department expands call-center operations to handle queries on swine flu

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine on Monday announced that the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is expanding its call center to handle questions that Virginians may have about the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. The toll-free number is 1-877-275-8343 and will be answered during state business hours. The department will adjust hours as necessary to accommodate call volume. Virginians also are able to ask questions via e-mail through the VDH home page at www.vdh.virginia.gov. State Health Commissioner Karen Remley, M.D., MBA said the call center’s increased operations coincide with the opening of public schools across the state this month.

“As students return to school in the coming weeks, Virginia is preparing for increased public awareness of the novel H1N1 virus–and a greater focus by concerned parents on protecting our children from the potential dangers of the virus,” Gov. Kaine said. “Our Health Department has remained vigilant in following the impact of the virus and will continue to make information easily available.”

The novel H1N1 virus has differed significantly from the seasonal flu in its effect upon school children and young adults. This population has contracted the H1N1 virus in higher numbers than usually is seen with the seasonal flu.

An important message for parents of school children as well as faculty and school staff is to stay home if they have novel H1N1 symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat or fatigue. A person with such influenza-like illness should stay home until they have been without a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine. Infected adults and children still can be contagious even after they begin to feel better. Commissioner Remley also urged families to have an emergency care plan in the event a child is sent home from school due to illness while parents are at work.

The call center is part of a federally-funded program developed by the health department to prepare for and respond to the novel H1N1 virus. In addition to public education and outreach activities, other aspects of the state’s program involve disease surveillance and laboratory testing, community mitigation, antiviral distribution, vaccination (including expanded use of the state’s immunization information system) and enhanced coordination of the state’s health care delivery capabilities.

“Every Virginian has a role to play in protecting our population and containing the spread and impact of this disease,” Commissioner Remley said. As schools begin opening across the Commonwealth, the Commissioner urged parents to:
– Teach children good cough and hand hygiene etiquette. This includes covering coughs and sneezes with tissues, coughing and sneezing into the inside of the elbow and properly discarding used tissues. Hands should be washed frequently with soap and water and hand washing should last for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself. If hands are not visibly soiled, hand sanitizers containing at least 60 percent alcohol are also effective.
– Vaccinate children and yourself for seasonal flu early and be sure to also vaccinate you and your child against novel H1N1 once a separate novel H1N1 flu vaccine becomes available.
– Monitor yourself and your child for flu-like symptoms which include fever (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit), feverishness, cough, or sore throat. Some people also experience vomiting or diarrhea with novel H1N1 flu.
– If you suspect that you or your child is getting the flu, stay home from work and school and avoid contact with others so the virus does not spread.
– Plan now for your children’s care if you or they should become ill with the novel H1N1 virus. If this happens, you or your child might be asked to stay home from work or school for at least 24 hours after resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medicines. People who work in a healthcare setting may be asked to stay home a full week after symptoms start. Talk to other family members, friends or neighbors about helping with child care or possibly sharing care in such a situation. Consider now who might be able to pitch in and help you. Be sure to have a family plan that includes having adequate food and supplies on hand to decrease your need to be out in public should someone get sick.
– If symptoms worsen or cause concern, contact your doctor’s office by telephone for advice before arriving there in person.

– Stay informed. We encourage you to monitor the CDC Web site (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/) and that of the Virginia Department of Health (http://www.vdh.virginia.gov) and Virginia Department of Education (http://www.doe.virginia.gov) for additional resources and the most current recommendations.

 

Local News: Wintergreen planning women’s retreat in fall

Wintergreen Resort is now accepting reservations for “Inspirations – A Women’s Retreat,” a weekend focused on women’s wellness education, relaxation and culinary exploration.

The three-day retreat, to be held Friday, Oct. 30, through Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, will feature presentations from experienced health professionals from the University of Virginia Health System, yoga and hiking, and spa treatments at the Wintergarden Spa.

The weekend kicks off with a wellness reception on Friday night, including a tasting of Veritas wines paired with hors d’oeuvres and sparkling waters. Saturday offers morning yoga or a fall hike, followed by educational presentations, lunch, and a “Wellness Showcase” of merchandise and products available for sale or sampling. Topics to be covered by the professionals from UVA Health System include nutrition for bone health, practicing mindfulness, preventing breast and ovarian cancer, and women’s mid-life health issues.

During Saturday’s activities, Dr. Will Clower, author of The Fat Fallacy, will be presenting Interacting with Your Fork – A Contemporary Focus Group which will include a chocolate eating lesson. Clower has applied his knowledge of neuroscience to explain how people living the Mediterranean lifestyle – low weight, healthy hearts and longer lives – can savor healthy foods and still be thinner than Americans. “As a nation of consumers,” he says, “Americans believe that volume is value, and quantity is quality – this philosophy may be great for cleaning products, perhaps, but it becomes bad for our health. Other cultures don’t have this problem.”

The wellness weekend wraps up on Sunday, November 1, with a morning fitness session, breakfast presentation and spa treatments at the Wintergarden Spa.

“Inspirations – A Women’s Retreat” is priced at $475 (includes tax and gratuities) for two night’s accommodations, admittance to all presentations, fitness activities, meals as stated (reception, two breakfasts, lunch and dinner), goodie bag and a $50 Wintergarden Spa credit. The package is available without lodging for $300 and as a Saturday-only purchase for $250.

Wintergreen Resort has partnered with UVA Health System, Veritas Vineyards and Breathe Magazine to present this special event.

For more information, please visit www.wintergreenresort.com/inspirations or call 800.266.2444 for the “inspirations” weekend package. To register for day sessions only, please call 434.325.8218.

  

Monday, Aug. 17
Local News: Free seminar on veterans benefits

Are you a veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran? Are you unsure about whether or not you are eligible for the benefits provided by the VA? If so, join Bentley Commons, 1410-A N. Augusta St., Staunton, on Friday, Aug. 21, from noon to 2 p.m., for a complimentary informational seminar and luncheon.

The program will be presented by John Layman, Veterans’ Service Representative.

Space is limited. Please RSVP before Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 540.885.5454.

 

Local News: Recovery Month marking 20 years

This September is the 20th anniversary of Recovery Month for Alcoholism and Drug Addiction, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Learn, Together We Heal.”

A local Recovery Walk-A-Thon will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Augusta Health on the walking trail of the Fitness Center. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the Walk starts at 10 a.m.. This is a free walk, but donations are appreciated. Our walk highlights the following:
– Importance of substance-use-disorder treatment and the renewed outlook on life that a commitment to recovery can offer.
– Inspire people in need of treatment to take notice about community supports available and seek help.
– Hear personally from the stories of people who have journeyed through treatment and long-term recovery.

This event is being organized by a community coalition which includes Valley Community Services Board, Mental Health America-Augusta, the Shenandoah Chapter of the Virginia Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (VAADAC), Recovery Choice at Augusta Health, and Shenandoah Valley Teen Challenge.

 

Local News: Get a taste of Downtown Harrisonburg this week

Taste of Downtown, the biannual restaurant showcase, is here again. From Tuesday, Aug. 18, to Thursday, Aug. 20, downtown restaurants will create and offer multi-course meals that show off their culinary creativity; from Ethiopian spreads to Greek samplers to all-American cuisine. These menus offer a wide choice of budget-friendly dining options in every setting from fine dining to burger-bar.

“Originally we had nine participating restaurants, and in one year, the event has grown to twelve restaurants” says promotions manager, Alexis Morehouse. “With four new restaurants ready to open in the coming months, we expect to see Taste of Downtown become a significant regional event over the next few years”.

Encouraged by the success of Taste of Downtown, restaurant owners of downtown Harrisonburg united to form the Downtown Dining Alliance. This group, led by Dave Miller of Dave’s Downtown Taverna, Jeremiah Jenkins of Clementine and Sean Pugh of the Joshua Wilton House, plans to address common concerns and work together on advertising initiatives to support the dining industry within the historic downtown district. “We are encouraged that the restaurant owners work collaboratively to promote downtown as a dining destination” stated Eddie Bumbaugh, executive director of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, “This effort goes beyond common competitive thinking, and allows independent restaurant owners to benefit by working together”.

Menus and event details for Taste of Downtown can be found at www.downtownharrsionburg.org.

  

Local News: VDOT road-work schedule
An updated list of road-work projects from the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Rockbridge County
Interstate 64
* Mile marker 41 to 57, eastbound and westbound – Litter and debris removal. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
* (NEW) Various locations – Shoulder repair, ditch cleaning. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Interstate 81
* Mile marker 174 to 205, northbound and southbound – Litter and debris removal. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
* Mile marker 195, northbound and southbound – Roadway lighting construction. Work will resume with power supply connection from power company.
* Mile marker 200, northbound and southbound – Roadway lighting construction. Work will resume with power supply connection from power company.
* (NEW) Various locations – Shoulder repair, ditch cleaning, herbicidal spraying, litter and debris removal. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Primary Roads
* (NEW) Route 11 (Fancy Hill) – I-81 bridges. Bridge painting. Single-lane traffic, flagger traffic control.
* (NEW) Route 11, southbound – Mowing from Lexington City limits to Botetourt County line.
* (NEW) Route 60 (West Midland Trail) – Mowing from Route 850 to Lexington City limits.
* Route 11 – Roadway lighting construction. Work will resume with power supply connection from power company.
* Route 130 (Glasgow) – Bridge construction at Route 501. Periodic single-lane traffic with flagger traffic control, signs posted Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday, 7 a.m. to noon. Use extreme caution as motorists become acquainted with new traffic pattern. Completion is in September 13, 2010.
* Various roads – Mowing.

Secondary Roads
* (NEW) Route 608 – Tree trimming from Route 60 to Route 679, Monday.
* Route 710 – Roadway lighting construction. Work will resume with power supply connection from power company.
* Various roads – Brush cutting. Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Single-lane traffic, flagger traffic control.
* Various roads – Grading, mowing Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Augusta County
Interstate 64
No lane closures reported.

Interstate 81
* Mile marker 205 to 237, northbound and southbound – Litter and debris removal. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
* (NEW) Mile marker 205.56 to 207.43 – Sealing rumble strip. Single-lane traffic, Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mobile operations.
* Mile marker 210 to 229, northbound and southbound – Bridge deck maintenance. Possible single-lane traffic, Monday night to Friday morning, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.
* (NEW) Various locations – Ditch cleaning, litter and debris removal. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Primary Roads
* (NEW) Route 250 – Paving from east Monterey Town limits to one mile east of Monterey Town limits. Traffic controlled by flaggers, pilot truck, Monday to Friday.
* Route 250 – Shoulder reconditioning from Route 358 to Staunton City limits, westbound. Mobile operations, Monday to Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
* Route 250 – Mowing from Nelson County line to Waynesboro City limits. Mobile operations, Monday to Tuesday.
* Route 250 – Mowing from Waynesboro City limits to Staunton City limits. Mobile operations, Wednesday to Thursday.
* Route 262, westbound – Construction of acceleration lane extension from Middlebrook Avenue to Route 262. Single-lane traffic, flagger traffic control, Monday to Friday, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Estimated completion is October.
* Route 340 (Waynesboro) – Construction from Route 250 to Delphine Avenue for railroad bridge replacement and roadway widening, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Expect minor delays from Broad Street to Sixth Street for construction work. Seventh Street closed from Winchester Avenue to Commerce Street, June 1 to January 2010, and Sixth Street closed from Delphine Avenue to Commerce Street, July 6 to late January 2010, for retaining wall construction, bridge and utility work. Estimated completion is November 2011.
* Various roads – Mowing with tractors, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Signs posted.
* Various roads – Litter and debris removal.

Secondary Roads
* Route 612 – Bridge widening from Augusta County line to Route 250. Flagger traffic control, Monday to Friday.
* Route 646 – Mowing. Mobile operation, Monday to Friday.
* Route 690 – Patching from Route 11 to Route 646. Traffic control, Monday to Wednesday.
* Route 699 – Patching from Rockingham County line to Route 699. Traffic control, Wednesday to Friday.
* Route 696 – Patching from Route 690 to Rockingham County line. Traffic control, Friday.
* Route 774, northbound and southbound (Cline River Road, New Hope) – Bridge over Middle River. Bridge replacement activities from Route 608 (Battlefield Road) to Route 775 (Craig Shop Road). Road closed from Mar. 30 to Nov. 13. Suggested detour: Northbound traffic take Route 608 to Route 778 (Knightly Mill Road) to Route 775 to Route 774. Southbound traffic take reverse of northbound detour.
* Route 794 (Sangers Lane), eastbound and westbound – Bridge over Christians Creek, from Route 792 (Basley Road) to Route 642 (Barren Ridge Road). Bridge replacement. Road closed, 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week, April 27 to Dec. 16. Suggested detour: Westbound traffic, take Route 792 south to Route 250 (Jefferson Highway) east to Route 642 north to Route 794. Eastbound traffic, take reverse of westbound detour.
* Route 802 – Rural rustic from Route 252 to Route 693. Road closed to thru traffic. Flagger traffic control, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Estimated completion is Sept. 1.
* (NEW) Route 1103 (Church Street) – Bridge deck replacement from Route 1106 (Third Street) to Route 1101 (Kingsbury). Road closed 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week, Aug. 24 to 27. Signs posted.
* (NEW) Various roads – Mowing, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Signs posted.
* Various roads – Machining dirt roads. Mobile operations, Thursday to Friday.
* Various roads – Brush cutting, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Signs posted.
* Various roads (Swoope) – Pothole repair, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Signs posted.
* Various roads – Surface treatment. Expect minor delays.

Rockingham County
Interstate 81
* (NEW) Mile marker 237.51 to 263, northbound and southbound – Bridge cleaning. Lane closure, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
* Mile marker 237.51 to 263, northbound and southbound – Shoulder repair, litter and debris removal. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Primary Roads
* Route 42, northbound and southbound – Plant mix application from Route 1151 to 2.23 miles north of Route 778. Single-lane traffic, Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
* Route 211 (New Market Road) – Cable installation from Route 960 (Water Wheel Road) to Shenandoah City limits. Right shoulder closure, Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Route 253 (Port Republic Road) – Sewer line installation from Route 704 (Osceola Springs Road) to Route 276 (Cross Keys Road). Westbound lane shoulder closure. Occasional single-lane traffic with flagger traffic control. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Secondary Roads

* Route 641 (Cave Hill Road) – Road work from Route 843 (Cemetery Road) to Route 991 (Jacob Burner Road). Intermittent lane closures. Flagger traffic control. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Route 709 (Autumn Lane) – Sewer line installation from Route 704 (Osceola Springs Road) to Route 710 (Greendale Road). Westbound shoulder closure. Occasional single-lane traffic with flagger traffic control. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Route 724 (Trinity Church Road) – Road widening from 0.7 mile east of Buffalo Drive (Route 238) to 0.2 mile west of Route 717 (Indian Trail Road). Single-lane traffic, flagger traffic control, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Route 843 (Cemetery Road) – Road work at Route 641 (Cave Hill Road) and Route 650 (Power Dam Road). Intermittent single-lane traffic, flagger traffic control. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Route 867 (North River Road) – Construction entrance from Route 11 (Main Street) to Route 693 (Fairview Road). Right shoulder closure, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* (NEW) Route 924 (Briery Branch Road) – Pipe installation from Route 902 (Tilghman Road) to West Virginia State line. Road closed, Tuesday to Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
* Route 981 (Rockingham Pike) – Sewer and drainage work from Route 33 to Route 829 (Independent Road). Right shoulder closure, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Route 996 (McGaheysville Road) – Sewer line installation from Route 651 (Power Dam Road) to Route 842 (Slate Road). Single-lane traffic, flagger traffic control, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contributors

Contributors

Have a guest column, letter to the editor, story idea or a news tip? Email editor Chris Graham at [email protected]. Subscribe to AFP podcasts on Apple PodcastsSpotifyPandora and YouTube.