Shenandoah Living Blog 
UPDATES, HAPPENINGS AND MORE!
Shenandoah Valley Music Festival
Posted by Brad Jenkins on Jun 26, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Country music star Kathy Mattea will be the lead-off musician in this year's Shenandoah Valley Music Festival in Orkney Springs.
A schedule is available at www.musicfest.org.
Posted by Brad Jenkins on Jun 26, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Country music star Kathy Mattea will be the lead-off musician in this year's Shenandoah Valley Music Festival in Orkney Springs.
The annual festival will start at 8 p.m. July 18 with Mattea, who is touring as
part of her new project, "Coal."
After that, numerous other acts will play, offering what organizers hope is "something for everyone."
A schedule is available at www.musicfest.org.
Toy Story
Posted by Brad Jenkins on Jun 16, 2008 at 8:41 pm
The Harrisonburg Toys R Us went out of business around the time we needed them most, when we had our first daughter. And so now we buy toys on eBay, at yard sales and at some of the big box stores.
But recently we discovered a cool, little shop in downtown Staunton. With a name like Pufferbellies, who could resist going inside? They've got all kinds of specialty toys you wouldn't find in the big-box stores. And many of them are educational.
If you're interested in checking it out, Sunday may be a good day. From 12:30-4 p.m. they'll have a mini-excavator on display for children to explore. Now, my girls would probably only climb on it if Cinderella or one of the Wiggles were on board, but most kids do love big trucks. There will also be face-painting and balloons.
Posted by Brad Jenkins on Jun 16, 2008 at 8:41 pm
The Harrisonburg Toys R Us went out of business around the time we needed them most, when we had our first daughter. And so now we buy toys on eBay, at yard sales and at some of the big box stores.
But recently we discovered a cool, little shop in downtown Staunton. With a name like Pufferbellies, who could resist going inside? They've got all kinds of specialty toys you wouldn't find in the big-box stores. And many of them are educational.
If you're interested in checking it out, Sunday may be a good day. From 12:30-4 p.m. they'll have a mini-excavator on display for children to explore. Now, my girls would probably only climb on it if Cinderella or one of the Wiggles were on board, but most kids do love big trucks. There will also be face-painting and balloons.
The Beach Boys are Coming
Posted by Toni Mehling on Jun 9, 2008 at 8:04 am
In case you haven't heard, the Beach Boys will be at the Rockingham County Fair Aug. 12.
I'm not old enough to say I saw the Beach Boys when they were in their prime, but I did see them perform about 20 years ago. They weren't young then, but they put on a good show. My husband--boyfriend at the time--liked the beach boys and had a greatest hits CD. Whenever I hear "I Wish They All Could Be California Girls" it takes me back to a scene where we are riding in his 70-something Chevy Chevette on a hot summer day, windows rolled down, Beach Boys crooning that song. Some musicians never age.
What memories do the Beach Boys bring back for you? What's your favorite Beach Boys song?
I'm sure tickets will go fast as folks flock to see the greatest beach-band of all time. Reserved tickets are $30; Grandstand seats are $20.
Click here to buy your tickets online.
Posted by Toni Mehling on Jun 9, 2008 at 8:04 am
In case you haven't heard, the Beach Boys will be at the Rockingham County Fair Aug. 12.
I'm not old enough to say I saw the Beach Boys when they were in their prime, but I did see them perform about 20 years ago. They weren't young then, but they put on a good show. My husband--boyfriend at the time--liked the beach boys and had a greatest hits CD. Whenever I hear "I Wish They All Could Be California Girls" it takes me back to a scene where we are riding in his 70-something Chevy Chevette on a hot summer day, windows rolled down, Beach Boys crooning that song. Some musicians never age.
What memories do the Beach Boys bring back for you? What's your favorite Beach Boys song?
I'm sure tickets will go fast as folks flock to see the greatest beach-band of all time. Reserved tickets are $30; Grandstand seats are $20.
Click here to buy your tickets online.
Time Travel
Posted by Brad Jenkins on Jun 5, 2008 at 9:42 am
Valley residents can experience 1850s life this weekend at Harrisonburg's Court Days Festival.
The event, all day Saturday around Court Square, features medicine shows, cooking demonstrations, artisans, merchants, horses and wagons, and period music. Plus, look for Mr. and Mrs. Hardesty, the city's first mayor and his wife. They made a visit to my office last week; their act was impressive.
For more information, go the www.courtdaysfestival.com.
Posted by Brad Jenkins on Jun 5, 2008 at 9:42 am
Valley residents can experience 1850s life this weekend at Harrisonburg's Court Days Festival.
The event, all day Saturday around Court Square, features medicine shows, cooking demonstrations, artisans, merchants, horses and wagons, and period music. Plus, look for Mr. and Mrs. Hardesty, the city's first mayor and his wife. They made a visit to my office last week; their act was impressive.
For more information, go the www.courtdaysfestival.com.
Italian Restaurant has the Touch
Posted by Toni Mehling on May 30, 2008 at 11:32 pm
The town of Broadway, VA, located in Rockingham County, just a few miles off I-81, has had some difficulty hanging onto restaurants. Several have come and gone in the last few years.
But there's a new one downtown that my husband and I have decided to keep in business by eating there frequently. And based on the owners' track record, it may be around awhile.
Italian Touch opened about a month ago. The family has restaurants by the same name in Middletown, Strasburg, Woodstock, Mount Jackson, Harrisonburg, and now Broadway. I may have missed a location or two; and my waistline is thanking me.
I love a good lasagna and despise a bad one. Italian Touch has delicious pasta dishes and serves warm bread with butter (or margarine). Sometimes small restaurant owners have great recipes and not much business savvy. This family appears to have a healthy helping of both.
One note: the unsweet tea is fresh-brewed. the sweet tea comes from the drink fountain.
Posted by Toni Mehling on May 30, 2008 at 11:32 pm
The town of Broadway, VA, located in Rockingham County, just a few miles off I-81, has had some difficulty hanging onto restaurants. Several have come and gone in the last few years.
But there's a new one downtown that my husband and I have decided to keep in business by eating there frequently. And based on the owners' track record, it may be around awhile.
Italian Touch opened about a month ago. The family has restaurants by the same name in Middletown, Strasburg, Woodstock, Mount Jackson, Harrisonburg, and now Broadway. I may have missed a location or two; and my waistline is thanking me.
I love a good lasagna and despise a bad one. Italian Touch has delicious pasta dishes and serves warm bread with butter (or margarine). Sometimes small restaurant owners have great recipes and not much business savvy. This family appears to have a healthy helping of both.
One note: the unsweet tea is fresh-brewed. the sweet tea comes from the drink fountain.
Genome Director Stepping Down
Posted by Brad Jenkins on May 29, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Francis Collins, the Staunton native now internationally known for his work in genetics (including the Human Genome Project), is stepping down from his post at the National Institutes of Health.
Collins says he plans to write a book, something he did several years ago. That book discussed Collins' faith and his work as a scientist.
Collins won the Medal of Freedom in November.
Posted by Brad Jenkins on May 29, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Francis Collins, the Staunton native now internationally known for his work in genetics (including the Human Genome Project), is stepping down from his post at the National Institutes of Health.
Collins says he plans to write a book, something he did several years ago. That book discussed Collins' faith and his work as a scientist.
Collins won the Medal of Freedom in November.
Children's Playshop
Posted by Brad Jenkins on May 28, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Looking for something to entertain your children?
The James Madison University Children's Playshop willstage an adaptation of "Rumpelstiltskin" from June 12-22. The show runs Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. Shows are at Theater II at JMU.
The story unfolds in the kingdom of Wipple, a land without gold. When a miller claims his daughter can weave straw into gold, she isordered to weave or die. An odd little man is willing tohelp the miller's daughter, but he wants her first-born child. Withthe help of other characters, she escapes the bargain.
Call (540) 568-7836 for tickets, which are $5.50.
Posted by Brad Jenkins on May 28, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Looking for something to entertain your children?
The James Madison University Children's Playshop willstage an adaptation of "Rumpelstiltskin" from June 12-22. The show runs Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. Shows are at Theater II at JMU.
The story unfolds in the kingdom of Wipple, a land without gold. When a miller claims his daughter can weave straw into gold, she isordered to weave or die. An odd little man is willing tohelp the miller's daughter, but he wants her first-born child. Withthe help of other characters, she escapes the bargain.
Call (540) 568-7836 for tickets, which are $5.50.
Memorial Day 2008
Posted by Brad Jenkins on May 25, 2008 at 10:30 pm
An unfortunate run-in involving my lawn mower and a rock (not a good combination) had me shopping for a new mower at a big-box hardware store tonight. The clerk who helped me noted that they'd been busy, and I could see why: Memorial Day deals all over the place (including your patriotic assortment of red, white and blue decorations).
It reminded me of a column I read in the Washington Post on Saturday. Colbert I. King, the author, remembers when his family called Memorial Day "Decoration Day," a time set aside to remember fallen American heroes and family members, too. He laments the commercialization of holidays like the one we mark tomorrow.
In honor of the holiday we mark this weekend, I excerpt here just the gist of what Colbert King writes about:
Posted by Brad Jenkins on May 25, 2008 at 10:30 pm
An unfortunate run-in involving my lawn mower and a rock (not a good combination) had me shopping for a new mower at a big-box hardware store tonight. The clerk who helped me noted that they'd been busy, and I could see why: Memorial Day deals all over the place (including your patriotic assortment of red, white and blue decorations).
It reminded me of a column I read in the Washington Post on Saturday. Colbert I. King, the author, remembers when his family called Memorial Day "Decoration Day," a time set aside to remember fallen American heroes and family members, too. He laments the commercialization of holidays like the one we mark tomorrow.
In honor of the holiday we mark this weekend, I excerpt here just the gist of what Colbert King writes about:
"Here's a thought. How about turning our attention back to the reasonMemorial Day was created? In case some of you have forgotten -- ordon't know -- Memorial Day is set aside to honor the men and women inuniform who gave their lives in service to their country.
"As you lament the costs of vacationing, it's worth remembering the4,563 American servicemen and women who won't be able to take advantageof those weekend holiday sales. Or join in backyard cookouts. Or goanywhere fun. Those 4,000-plus souls were killed after answering theircountry's call to leave home for Iraq and Afghanistan."
Good words as we remember the reason we'll have those barbecues on Monday.
A Sunny Saturday
Posted by Toni Mehling on May 24, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Finally, a beautiful Saturday in the Valley. There weren't enough hours today to catch up on all the weekend activities foiled by recent rains.
Buy plants.
Plant plants.
Mulch.
Spray the pasture (weeds).
Mow the grass.
Exercise the horses.
Clean the barn.
I didn't do any of the above. I took my daughter to get highlights, cooked a big dinner, entertained company, and took a walk along the property to admire the view. One of our guests said, "I never want to get used to these mountains." And I was reminded of one of the reasons I love living in the Shenandoah Valley. Few sights rival the view of the sun painting the sky as it sets just over the mountains.
How was your Saturday?
Posted by Toni Mehling on May 24, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Finally, a beautiful Saturday in the Valley. There weren't enough hours today to catch up on all the weekend activities foiled by recent rains.
Buy plants.
Plant plants.
Mulch.
Spray the pasture (weeds).
Mow the grass.
Exercise the horses.
Clean the barn.
I didn't do any of the above. I took my daughter to get highlights, cooked a big dinner, entertained company, and took a walk along the property to admire the view. One of our guests said, "I never want to get used to these mountains." And I was reminded of one of the reasons I love living in the Shenandoah Valley. Few sights rival the view of the sun painting the sky as it sets just over the mountains.
How was your Saturday?
Staunton's 'American Idol' Competitor Returns to Local Stage
Posted by Brad Jenkins on May 21, 2008 at 6:06 pm
While two "American Idol" competitors duke it out tonight, a Valley musician who made a brief appearance on the show is preparing for his own performance closer to home.
Staunton's Colton Berry was in the competition for a bit in the beginning of the show. Now, just in time for this week's Idol mania, Berry is set to appear in the Stephen Soundheim musical "Company." The show is at Kate Collins Middle School in Augusta County, and it runs May 23-26.
Posted by Brad Jenkins on May 21, 2008 at 6:06 pm
While two "American Idol" competitors duke it out tonight, a Valley musician who made a brief appearance on the show is preparing for his own performance closer to home.
Staunton's Colton Berry was in the competition for a bit in the beginning of the show. Now, just in time for this week's Idol mania, Berry is set to appear in the Stephen Soundheim musical "Company." The show is at Kate Collins Middle School in Augusta County, and it runs May 23-26.
Hi Brad, This is a great blog and I would like to add it to my new fan site about American Idol - is that ok with you? Here is the site:
http://american-idol.topictastic.com/
Posted by bill watson on May 24, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Posted by bill watson on May 24, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Posted by Lee on Jun 29, 2008 at 9:29 am