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Hey Harrisonburg, hope your week’s off to a good start! JMU’s $2.72M civic discourse grant, Court Square Theater’s future, a carnivorous plant terrarium, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
National recognition for leadership: Harrisonburg’s JMU received a $2.72 million U.S. Department of Education grant to boost civic discourse and share its approach with other campuses, one of only 16 schools chosen — get all the details.
New support for pet families: Anicira received a $25,000 ASPCA grant to expand its Pit Fix program in Harrisonburg and Manassas, funding 350 free spay and neuter surgeries for qualifying Pit Bulls and mixes — get all the details.
A new chapter for arts: HRHA wants Court Square Theater to stay in Harrisonburg after planned 2025 closure, residents rallied to keep it open and the agency will hold community meetings on its future — get all the details.
Local students showcase innovation: Carroll County robotics teams competed at the Virginia/DC State LEGO Tournament at JMU, presenting energy solutions for archaeologists and earning 1st in Robot Presentation and 10th in Robot Game — get all the details.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Rally for neighbors in need: Open Doors will host its second Coldest Night of the Year 5K and 2K walk at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds on Saturday, February 28. The winter walk supports neighbors experiencing homelessness, with proceeds helping shelter and services across Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. See how to join a team.
Your neighbors are Googling you: It’s uncomfortable but true — employers, new friends, even other parents at school pickup search names all the time. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up first, it can shape opinions before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so your first impression actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s someone you care about, you can help them too.
Rising barista with big plans: Harrisonburg’s 19-year-old Jackeline Jacome is popping up with her latte business Shebrews at local spots, including Crucible Coffee Roasters. She created a signature blend and will feature a Valentine’s menu with Dulce Amor, a white chocolate mocha, and Biscoff latte. She hopes to upgrade equipment and buy a food truck. See what’s on her menu.
Gold is having a moment: Between inflation headlines, market swings, and growing global uncertainty, precious metals are (again) in the spotlight. American Hartford is currently offering up to $25,000 in free silver when you open a qualified account. They’ll also help you set up a penalty-free gold IRA with a lowest price guarantee, no buyback fees, and 7-day price protection.
Find your next riff: Whether your strings squeak more than sparkle or you’re finally chasing that pedal rabbit hole, Hometown Music makes it easy to try gear and get honest guidance from people who play. Expect fresh ideas, real opinions, and the spark to make some noise.
A second opinion never hurts: Not every financial advisor is the right fit, and it’s okay to explore your options. Unbiased matches you with an advisor based on your personal situation, giving you a chance to ask questions in a free, no-pressure conversation to see if the fit makes sense. No obligation — just helpful advice.
Pho fix this week: Harrisonburg’s Vietopia tames noodle cravings with steaming bowls of phở, bright broth, and portions that actually satisfy. When the week spins out, a quick slurp here feels like a reset: comforting, unfussy, reliably delicious, with clean flavors and fresh herbs.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🛠 Late Make @ Explore More Discovery Museum | Tuesday (2/10) at 4:00 PM – If your bright ideas keep dying in the group text, take them to Late Make at Explore More Discovery Museum’s Maker City. They supply the materials, tools, and patient supervisors, you bring curiosity, kids, and that half-baked sketch. Self-guided, low-pressure, surprisingly satisfying.
🎻 Old-Time Jam @ Restless Moons Brewing | Tuesday (2/10) at 6:00 PM – Tuesday night means the city’s biggest old-time jam, open to anyone who can strum, bow, or just clap politely. Bring your fiddle, banjo, or well-rested ears, and meet the pickers you nod to at the co-op. Play along, or enjoy the foot-tapping chaos.
🎉 Crucible x Agora One Year @ Shops At Agora | Wednesday (2/11) at 8:00 AM – Crucible x Agora is turning one, so swing by the downtown Harrisonburg café for Oatly happy hour with free oat milk drinks, seasonal sippers, cupcakes, and swag. You will even leave with a free baby coffee tree, the only houseguest that prefers benign neglect.
This weekend
👩 Mama and Mini Valentine’s Day | Saturday (2/14) at 8:00 AM – This Valentine’s Day, The Blue Daisy Play Cafe turns into a sugar-fueled truce between toddlers and sanity, with sweet treats, open play, and a permanent jewelry pop-up from Bonded PJ. Book a play slot, sip your coffee while it’s warm, then leave sparkly, not sticky.
🎿 Cupid on the Slopes @ Massanutten Ski Slopes | Saturday (2/14) at 9:00 AM – Valentine vibes meet fresh corduroy at the mountain, so pull on something red, pink, or shamelessly heart-covered. Cruise the runs, spot Cupid, and snag sweet surprises, bragging rights, and maybe a photo your kids will roast you for later.
🌿 Make & Take Carnivorous Plant Terrarium | Sunday (2/15) at 3:00 PM – Downtown at Friendly City Food Co-op’s café, build a take-home terrarium starring Venus flytraps and pitcher plants. Bonfire Botany covers habitats, care, and why they eat bugs, so yours thrives. All supplies included, $35 or $30 for Owners, limited spots, so register soon.
❤ Valentine’s 4-Course Paired Dinner @ Sage Bird | Sunday (2/15) at 5:30 PM – Valentine’s calls for real effort, not another grocery store bouquet, so Sage Bird teams with The Ridge Room for a seated, four-course dinner with cider and wine pairings as the taproom goes full fine dining. Charcuterie kickoff, gluten-free menu, vegetarian options, and reserved seating required.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Harrisonburg report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 58°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 2%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. West wind 3 to 9 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 46°F – Low: 23°F – Precip: 6%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. Northwest wind 5 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23.
This house is wild
Energy-efficient and quietly situated near JMU, public schools, and shopping, this spacious four-bedroom home sits on a cul-de-sac with a secluded, level rear yard. An open floor plan flows to a large deck for effortless entertaining. Natural light fills the interiors. A flexible lower-level bonus room adds office or play space, and the washer and dryer convey.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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