Get connected with your neighborhood

AFP

Story by Chris Graham [email protected] I like the “Friends” analogy the best. “Everyone on Facebook is ‘Friends’ age. They’re still in transition, haven’t put any roots down,” said Harrisonburg resident Mike Rodes, who with his cousin, Ronnie Rodes, is launching a next-generation social-networking website, NeighborhoodFriends.com, next week.

Helping hands

AFP

Item by Chris Graham [email protected] Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance needs … you. The downtown-development nonprofit is looking for volunteers for its Valley 4th celebration. About 80 volunteers are needed to staff the information booth, help with the parade, manage the crowd during the fireworks show and more. Those interested in helping out are asked to contact…

Funeral service sounds wakeup call

Jim Bishop

Column by Jim Bishop Attending a funeral isn’t all tears and sorrow. I came away from a funeral service for Kenneth Seitz, Sr., 91, of Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community in Harrisonburg, with a fresh sense of hope and resolve to seize the moment, recognizing that we won’t pass this way again. The service, held June…

Ah, Bach!

Jim Bishop

Item by Jim Bishop Among the gifts offered to those attending the 16th annual Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival were visible enthusiasm among participating musicians as they re-created and interpreted selections by some of the world’s most beloved composers. Guest guitar artist Michael Partington stated: “I’m able to play what I want to play, and I…

The importance of connection

AFP

Column by Philip Day Chauncey Strong will tell you that he is fortunate, extremely fortunate, to be where he is today. In his position as the director of community services for the Phillips Programs, a nonprofit, private organization (www.phillipsprograms.org) that serves individuals with emotional and behavioral problems located in Annandale, Chauncey is in contact with…

Be cautious – certain dreams might become reality

Jim Bishop

Column by Jim Bishop “Dreamin’ . . . I’m always dreamin’ … ’til my dreamin’ comes true …” – Johnny Burnette (1960) “The rest of your life begins today.” Another simple, yet profound statement on the sign in front of Weavers Mennonite Church along U.S. 33 grabbed my attention. I hadn’t thought of this truism…