Hello Harrisonburg! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Biggest-ever fireworks, world's largest swim lesson, and kitty time + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Summer celebration downtown: Harrisonburg's biggest-ever fireworks will light up downtown on July 2 at Turner Pavilion, part of the Levitt AMP Harrisonburg Series, with local openers, food vendors, and patriotic giveaways -- get the fireworks details.
Community reading on the move: Teachers from Lacey Springs Elementary are taking StoryDash into Rockingham County neighborhoods, reading aloud and leading literacy activities. Backed by REFI, turnout has surged and the program could expand countywide -- see the StoryDash route.
Major grid boost arrives: Elevate Renewables opened a $250 million battery storage facility in Rockingham County, touted as the PJM region’s largest standalone site, promising backbone power, lower costs, and 75 new local jobs -- explore the battery project.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
You've traveled abroad without being able to speak the local language. You can change that in just 10 minutes a day. Most people are holding real conversations within three weeks. In fact, 92% of users improved their proficiency in just two months, with 25 million subscriptions sold -- take 55% off.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Local reset button: Whether you want a quick trail walk, a fresh court to play on, or to finally sign the kids up for something that burns energy, Harrisonburg Parks & Rec Department keeps the city's green spaces and rec programs easy to find, easy to love, and reliably neighborly.
Backyard glow-up, anyone? Mistimorne Plants is that neighborhood greenhouse where wandering the aisles counts as therapy and you somehow leave with exactly what your beds needed. Healthy-looking greenery, thoughtful gardening supplies, plus real advice from plant people who get Shenandoah soil... consider this your nudge to go play in the dirt.
Game night, upgraded: Ruby's Arcade is your low-effort way to make weeknights actually fun, with family-friendly vibes, wood-fired pizza and BBQ, plus bowling, pool, ping pong and darts. Round up the crew, spark a friendly rivalry, then call your slice carb-loading for the rematch.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Need cash but can't take on another monthly payment? This gets you a lump sum from your home's equity with no monthly bill and no interest, because it isn't a loan. Use the funds for anything, whether that's home improvements, paying off debt, or a large purchase, and pay it back by the end of your 30-year term. Checking your offer is easy, fully online, and won't affect your credit score. *See your cash offer →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
📖 Story Time in the Understory @ Edith J. Carrier Arboretum | Wednesday (6/24) at 10:00 AM – Story Time in the Understory is setting up under the trees at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, with Mr. Randy reading in the Family Garden. The kids get stories and sticks, you get shade, birdsong, and ten minutes where no one asks for snacks.
🧒 Kids Lawn Party @ BBCOB Activity Building (Dayton) | Wednesday (6/24) at 6:00 PM – Got youngsters with spring-loaded knees? This free lawn party is for kids 18 and under, a blissful combo of open grass, supervised chaos, and community smiles. You get shade and small talk, they get grass stains and bragging rights, and everyone's sanity survives.
🏊 World's Largest Swim Lesson @ Massanutten Waterpark (McGaheysville) | Thursday (6/25) at 10:15 AM – Massanutten’s Outdoor WaterPark is joining the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, a free, 17th annual global event that actually makes summer safer. Bring the kids, grandkids, and your best sensible sandals. Expect real water skills, fewer nerves near the deep end, and bragging rights.
📚 Summer Library Tour @ Augusta County Library (Weyers Cave) | Thursday (6/25) at 1:00 PM – Wildlife Center folks are rolling into Weyers Cave Station with animal ambassadors, stories, and a wallet-friendly price, free and open to all. Expect close-up critter cameos that wow the kids, charm the grandparents, and outshine Netflix, best for ages 5 and up.
📚 Homeschool Happening! @ Edith J. Carrier Arboretum at JMU | Friday (6/26) at 12:00 AM – Multi-age homeschool playgroup where kids burn energy and parents trade intel, no curriculum required. Fridays year-round, earlier in summer, drop in or duck out as your day allows; think playground diplomacy, PE you actually enjoy, and adult conversation not pulled from a workbook.
🏠 Breneman-Turner Mill Open House @ Breneman-Turner Mill | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Whether you grew up hearing that old wheel creak or you’ve never watched corn turn into something useful, this open house serves up live grinding and guided lore. Toss in a five-dollar donation, soak up local history, and leave smelling faintly of cornbread.
🐱 Kitty Time @ Aristocat Cafe + Tea House | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Saturday mornings call for caffeine, coloring pages, and cats who actually tolerate tiny humans. A calmer meet and greet for kids under 7, with a free kid drink, while you sip something decent and pretend this absolutely counts as quality time.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Harrisonburg report Weather forecastToday — High: 80°F — Low: 58°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 80. North wind 3 to 9 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind 1 to 6 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 85°F — Low: 64°F — Precip: 3%
Sunny, with a high near 85. Southwest wind 2 to 13 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. This house is wildPerched on a scenic hilltop just north of Harrisonburg, this brick beauty pairs privacy with convenience on 4+ acres and sweeping countryside views. One-level living shines with hardwood floors, crown molding, a sunroom, office with built-ins, and a gourmet kitchen. The finished walkout basement adds a second kitchen, generous living space, and flexible guest or multi-generational options. Two silos bring extra personality.
Take a peek inside → |
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