Harrisonburg locals might notice an increase in runners tackling miles throughout the city streets this fall. Virginia Momentum is debuting its first-ever Harrisonburg Half Marathon on October 15, 2022. This premier event is causing a lot of buzz around town and a great number of participants have already signed up before the recent price increase. Many of our team members regularly participate in VA Momentum’s numerous community-oriented events (such as the Rocktown Turkey Trot) and we are excited to spotlight this organization whose mission is to energize the community for good. The course highlights the new Friendly City Trail which was officially completed this spring. We are excited to see wonderful opportunities such as these for our community to gather and enjoy our local attractions
Annie recently spoke with VA Momentum co-founder Kevin Gibson and asked him a few questions about this exciting event.
Kevin, what made you want to bring a half marathon to Harrisonburg?
“We’ve always wanted to host a half marathon and community members have desired one for years. Half marathons put you on the map in a different way than a 5K because there’s another level of commitment from participants. And if you do it right, these events will draw participants from outside the immediate community, which can be a great economic benefit to Harrisonburg. We want locals and out-of-towners to experience the best of Harrisonburg and a half marathon is a perfect way to do that.”
Aside from adding more miles, how will this race be different that other events?
“We’re thankful for more widespread support on the whole for this event. Sponsors are highly engaged, local youth teams will volunteer en mass at course aid stations, local businesses will host post-race celebrations and participant swag is on another level. We’re inviting homeowners in the local neighborhoods to come out and cheer for runners and we’ll host a packet pickup Expo with live music at Magpie Diner. Everything is amplified!”
What are you and your business partner Alan most excited about as the race draws near?
“We love watching people of all backgrounds and skillsets accomplish their goals. The race day environment at half marathons is special and we’re honored to help create that for participants in Harrisonburg. When they cross the finish line, we’ll be the first ones rooting for them!”
We love seeing community events such as this find a home here in the Shenandoah Valley. Annie is joining the volunteer crew for this event and will be cheering on runners as they tackle 13.1 miles!
First Fridays at the Depot are a special time to gather in celebration of the arts and have become a bit of a tradition around our office. We love opening our doors to celebrate the arts and artists who share their talents with our community. After far too many months in isolation over the pandemic, these past few First Fridays of the Valley gallery openings have reminded us how much joy can be found when we prioritize lifting up the diversity of our community’s artists. From authors to painters, photographers, musicians, and craftsmen; we are grateful for the creativity each artist shares.
We still have a few more spots available for artists this year and are making reservations for 2023. If you or someone you know is interested in showcasing their work at the Depot Gallery, don’t hesitate to reach out! We love having first-time exhibitors as well as seasoned pros. Artists can expect to leave the party planning up to our team as we are happy to tackle the details and provide food and refreshments.
Anyone interested can give our office a call or email Annie at annie@thegainesgroup.com. We look forward to continuing this tradition into the future and showcasing the talent held within our community!
Everyone who works closely with Charles knows of his heart for serving others and his mission to build a better community. His leadership and efforts were officially recognized by Rotary as he was the recipient of the 110% Award in 2022. This special designation is given to an individual who grows the mission of Rotary, carries out responsibilities exceptionally, and makes significant leadership contributions. He intentionally looks for ways to put #servicebeforeself and shares his intentions with others. He points out that his work is just a small part of what Rotary does for the community and a small part of what the Rotary Club of Rockingham County does in the community.
Charles being awarded the 110% Award.
Whether volunteering with fellow Rotarians or tackling pro-bono architecture projects, Charles is making a lasting impact in our community and we are so proud of him. His efforts are a small piece of the puzzle in creating a stronger, better community and he inspires many of us to do the same. As he says, the power of Rotary is the people you volunteer with and the difference you can make when you all come together.
You did it, you boosted us into the Best of the Valley – Top 5!! Voting has opened now to determine the Best of the Valley and two runners-up. Voting is open from June 25 – July 2 and you can vote daily to show us your support and help our chances. We greatly appreciate you taking the time to help our team.
Gaines Group Architects are included in three different categories:
The best home improvements start with a good plan, so a vote for us here is a vote for planning. We have saved clients countless dollars by designing the right solution, that is efficient to build rather than just guessing at the solution and figuring it out as the project unfolds. We also try to provide valuable information through our blog (here, here, here) so that even those that don’t hire us have the right information before starting their home improvement projects. We humbly ask for your vote in this category.
While many of you have not worked for us, you probably have seen how much fun we have working. We love what we do and have fun doing it. While there are 5 very deserving companies in this category we ask for your vote. There are 12 of use at Gaines Group Architects between the two offices with over 200 years of combined experience and an average tenure of over 15 years. We celebrate each other and try to find special ways to build our team while building our community (here, here, here). We humbly ask you to vote for us as the best company to work for each day through July 2.
There are 5 great gallery options included in this category, but we are in the coolest building. Since this nomination is for the best gallery, I think the choice is clear, vote for the gallery that is on the National Historic Register. Vote for the gallery that includes a display celebrating the history of the Chesapeake Western Railroad and brings life to this 1913 building that we almost lost. Vote for the gallery that has the best food and drink each first Friday of the month supporting a local artist and helping to build a better community. Vote The Depot for Best Gallery Space.
Service to my community is my why. It has shaped our business mission statement and it drives my decisions. How can I do the most good for others often allows me to decide what committee to give time to and what non-profit to support. The one organization that does it better than any other, the one that allows me to serve your community and mine and serve those around the world, is Rotary International. So I want to invite you to come to learn more about Rotary on June 7th from 5 pm – 7 pm at Beyond Restaurant.
Service to your community, with Rotary, starts with weekly meetings to build deep friendships while learning more about the community. Each week we have speakers join us to talk about a topic, often are area non-profit, that is also doing good. These weekly meetings are important to build the community among members so when it comes time to do a service project, such as hosting the Harrisonburg Soap Box Derby, we join together not just as Rotarians, but as friends.
I am proud to be a Rotarian and would be proud to invite you to our meeting to learn more. If our weekly Tuesday morning breakfast club is not the right fit for your schedule there are other incredible groups. We often join forces in the valley and team up with other Rotary Clubs to have an even bigger impact.
Our club has helped support some amazing efforts across the valley and around the world. From the Harrisonburg Soap Box Derby to PurMadi to supporting First Step to picking up trash along Rt 42, we work hard together to do good.
When the war started Rotarians immediately sprung into action and started feeding people. The train workers did not leave their posts for a full month as they volunteered to help evacuate and Rotarians provided hot meals to the workers. They also were delivering food and heaters to bomb shelters. They had to use small vans because large trucks could not navigate the broken roads. In Kyiv, they worked hard to distribute medicine and supplies to the elderly that could not leave their homes. Many Rotarians started taking in pets that were left behind to the point where their homes appeared to be small zoos. They also worked to set up shelters in schools for those displaced, setting up sleeping and eating areas. Rotarians also started setting up water filter systems as the public water distribution systems are destroyed and wells are contaminated.
The Rotary Clubs in Ukraine have added members since the war started as they continue to recruit others that want to put #serviceaboveself. Their Rotary Club committee members meet daily to be able to have a rapid response to needs. The clubs are purchasing medical vehicles, generators, and fire trucks using Rotary Grant funds.
There are 62 Rotary clubs in Ukraine and membership is growing.
You can sponsor a family relocating to the USA HERE.
