Hello Harrisonburg

Meet Jennifer Murch of JenniferMurch.com, and hear the motivation and lessons from writing almost 2,000 blog posts with insights, stories, recipes, and photography.  Jennifer captures being a mother, cooker, home school teacher, blogger, player, Big Sister-er, actor, and more here in the central Shenandoah Valley.  Head over to the blog to see her range of personal and deeper posts amidst fun and lighthearted posts that come together to show how Jennifer keeps it real.  And the recipe index is pretty impressive (I'm trying the Capt Morgan’s Rhubarb Sours). Posts from JenniferMurch.com mentioned on the episode: The College Conundrum Let's Revolutionize Youth Group Mission Trips! Please! Rise and Fall  (How high is too high for a fort?!) Links and Shout Outs Fresh Air Fund of the Shenandoah Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters FreeRangeKids.com T&E Meats Valley Play House - Harrisonburg's Community Theater Thy Hand Hath Provided - Another Local Blog Listener Thank You Gift Monste

Get positive by listening to Alysia Cockrell Davis speak about her goal of inspiring others to #doGoodery with her www.GoodandGraciousCo.com blog.  Hear her husband Mike's gift of 36 Random Acts of Kindness (and then read about it on the blog), and her other ideas for creating more positivity.  Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter! Links and Shout Outs Red Wing Roots Festival Helper’s High Fundfest National Days Calendar Friendly City Food Coop On the Road Collaborative United Way of Harrisonburg/Rockingham County Precious Gems Academy Smart Beginnings Big Brothers Big Sisters ILoveMyBurg.com & Harrisonburg Happynings First Fridays TEDx Talks (Harrisonburg TEDx coming soon to Court Square Theater!) 500 Awesomest Postive Psychology Pieces from The Positive Psychology Project

Full show notes at www.HelloHarrisonburg.rocks/lisaha Lisa Ha has been blogging for years and focuses in this interview on SpringhouseProject.tumblr.com, her latest project.  Hear Lisa share her goals of getting one level deeper in her profiles of local people - and hear how to be an extra in local video from the Friendly City Comedy Troop! Links and Shout Outs from the Episode SpringhouseProject.tumblr.com Check out Lisa Ha Edition crochet hats at Court Square Coffee. Eugene Stoltzfus, Local Architect and Artist, who is designing Lisa and Tim's modern home in Harrisonburg Friendly City Comedy - Comedy Troop Facebook and Youtube Brent Finnegan and HburgNews.com Book or Other Resource Google some resources about how to blog and launch the next local blog! 

Hear the voices behind photos and prose on the popular ILoveMyBurg.com and Harrisonburg Happynings event updates. Hear Brandy Somers and Katie Mitchell share their goals for their blog and get a behind the scenes look at the how the posts take shape. Tune in for a chance to win a ride along with this dynamic duo and listen for a "success" story about lost shorts, PBR baseball, and a possible concussion. Links and Shout Outs BrandySomersPhotography.com FriendlyCityLens.com IloveMyBurg.com Instagram ILoveMyBurg Facebook Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance Calendar  Arts Council of the Valley Calendar Court Square Theater DowntownHburg.tumblr.com Springhouseproject.tumblr.com (by Lisa Ha, a guest this week on Hello Harrisonburg) Worst Week Ever (monthly arts zine) Book or Other Resources Rocktown Food

Richi Yowell is the program director of Gemeinschaft Home, a "house of wholeness" that serves nonviolent felons that are transitioning back into society after serving a sentence jail.   Richi focuses on the therapeutic, coaching, and other programs available to participants in the 90-day experience.   Richi is also an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. Richi mentioned in 1997 there were only 250,000 incarcerated in the United State - and now we have upwards or $2.5 Million.   To reduce recidivism, Richi states we need a combination of community, systems and structures, support to get a job and housing, and also take a fresh look at the drug policies that contributed to such a high spike in incarceration rates. There are three legs to the program: employment, group sessions, and residence life. Help Out at Gemeinschaft! Give a donation, or volunteer as a mentor, or hire a participant. Resources from Richi's Episode: Gemeinschaft Home' 30 Year Anniversary Publication (PDF downl

Harvey Yoder is today's featured guest and   He is part of a community group called Building Better Communities that focuses on local justice issues in their weekly meetings.  Harvey is an ordained minister at a small house church, counselor at Family Life Resource Center, and frequent blogger at Harvspot. Hear Harvey discuss what it takes to support people coming out of jail in ways that lets them create a productive life on the outside.   Harvey highlights the real work and commitment it takes to be good neighbors and even friends with fellow community members who have been released from prison. Resources from Harvey's Show Building Better Communities (Website, Calendar, Weekly Meetings Monday Noon at Family Life Resource Center in Harrisonburg) Gemeinschaft Home Kingsway Prison and Family Outreach Save the Date: October 20th with Mark Early, location and time TBD Harrisonburg Summit on Reducing Recidivism Sept 5, 2015 Go to the Harrisonburg Summit on Redu

Charles "Cdub" Whitney is featured this episode.  Cdub has been out of prison for a few months after being in a couple years.  He's been in and out of jail dozens of times, and is making a good faith effort to integrate back into society.  Hear Cdub talk about his experience, shares his current needs, and even get creative in getting his own website. Resources mentioned in Cdub's interview include Gemeinschaft Home New Community Project Our Community Place Ron Copeland Various Churches offering food, shelter, and/or community And, introducing the brand new Cdub.Rocks website for Cdub's contact, work opportunities, speaking requests, and current needs.

Gene Hart is a defense attorney in Harrisonburg, with perhaps the best office on Court Square.  Hear his perspective and experience related to defending clients. Immediate Sanction Probation Program Richi Yowell, Gemeinschaft Home, former probation officer (he's on the podcast later this week) Debra Popotnik, District 39 Immediate Sanction Program District 39 Community Resources for Probation and Parole Virginia Code 18.2 Crimes and Offenses Generally 19.2 Criminal Procedure Call A. Gene Hart Jr. PC at 540-434-9595.   Go to the Harrisonburg Summit on Reducing Recidivism: Details and Registration

Mike Donovan, who grew up in the Briery Branch just outside of Harrisonburg, is now founder and President of NEXUS Services, a company focused on providing alternatives to incarceration, support after incarceration, and much more related to immigration and related justice issues.  His interview focuses on this week's theme, "Reducing Recidivism."  Hear success stories and what it takes to surround an individual with the support needed to rebuild a life after having been incarcerated.   And, here how NEXUS works to, "affirm the inherit worth and dignity of all people." Resources from Mike's Interview: NEXUShelps.com LIBREbynexus.com Various Restorative Justice links Zehr Institute for Restorative Justice Harrisonburg Police Department Restorative Justice Program Harvey Yoder (hear his show later this week, read his Harvspot blog) Book / Reading Recommendation Bishop T.D. Jakes  http://www.tdjakes.org/ Virginia Department of Corrections website - See the Offenders 

Full notes at www.HelloHarrisonburg.rocks/rosobrien Hear Ros O'Brien discuss her motivation and plans for inspiring individual contributions towards promoting sustainable lifestyles in Harrisonburg and elsewhere. Ros discusses www.SustainHburg.com, a website she created and maintains with other volunteers to share sustainability projects, ideas, and advocates.  Learn how to get involved by contacting her!  And, Ros announces plans to start a SustainHburg book club - check the SustainHburg website, Facebook page, and newsletter for updates. Also, Ros highlights the local implementation of (h)OUR Economy, an effort to allow people to trade hours of contribution to each other and build a local economy around the value of time.  Anyone can get involved, and volunteers to coordinate the overall project are welcome.

Full notes at http://www.helloharrisonburg.rocks/alleyn/   Alleyn Harned takes Sustainability Week on the road.  As Executive Director of Virginia Clean Cities, a nonprofit devoted to promoting alternative fuel vehicles and technologies in Virginia, Alleyn is working at the intersection of policy, markets, and technology.  He and his team partner with private companies and governmental entities to make fleet-level switches away from solely diesel and gasoline powered vehicles towards a range of alternate fuel options.  Hear about Virginia Clean Cities work to install the first electric vehicle charger in Harrisonburg, plus other alternative fuel success stories from around the Commonwealth. Links from Alleyn's Episode Virginia Clean Cities - www.vacleancities.org www.FuelEconomy.gov Harrisonburg Northend Greenway Shenandoah Bicycle Coalition Secure Futures: Resilient Solar Solutions       

Tom Domonoske was the first person in Harrisonburg to install photovoltaic solar arrays on a Harrisonburg residential property, be linked with the electric grid, and set up net-metering with the Harrisonburg Electric Commission.  Tom is an attorney focused on consumer credit work, involved in predatory lending, improper foreclosure, and other consumer protection cases.  He joins Hello Harrisonburg for Sustainability Week so share his perspective on sustainability actions being driven by saving dollars, increasing personal freedom, and waking up happy.

All links and notes at www.HelloHarrisonburg.rocks/stevecooke How did a political science and journalism student become a general manager at the Friendly City Food Coop and an advocate for sustainable food systems?  Tune in and find out!  This episode of Hello Harrisonburg features Steve Cooke, General Manager of the Friendly City Food Coop, who shares a ton great examples of how FCFC is contributing to making Harrisonburg a more sustainable place. Fun fact: 25% of the products sold at the Friendly City Food Coop comes from local growers and producers.  This is more sustainable that the major food system currently in that it reduces the food's travel miles, support local economies and jobs, and allows food to be fresh without unnecessary preservatives. Also, listen to hear how their building (even the floor!) is sustainable - and why it's so dang cool in their all the time (temperature-wise).  And, learn what you are voting for with your dollars when you spend them in this downtown gr

Full show notes and the Thank You Gift atwww.HelloHarrisonburg.rocks/charleshendricks Charles Hendricks of The Gaines Group kicks off this week's five-episode Sustainability Week with an information-rich interview focused on how his architectural services can make residential and commercial buildings energy efficient, durable, and healthy. Charles is a United States Green Building Council LEED Accredited Profession, and a National Home Builders Association Certified Green Professional and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. Tune in to hear how Charles designed a 4,000 square-foot Crossroads Farm home that has a $100/mo electric bill (half of which is for the jacuzzi!). Also, hear how Thomas Jefferson's plan for UVA's Academic Village inspired Charles' work. Charles shares a wide array of resources - be sure to tune in! Here are links to some of what he highlights: The American Lung Association has resources about healthy indoor air quality. Charles mentioned The Gaines Group builds with healthy indoor air q

Nicky Swayne, the CEO of the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council, shares the benefits of this regional networking organization. Successes Tech Nite:   This is the signature event each year for convening entrepreneurs and technology advocates in the Shenandoah Valley.  See all the winners since 2001 in the various categories that are recognized. Shenandoah Valley Innovation Coalition - SVIC.biz - stay tuned for Biz Blitz in September! Commonwealth STEM Industry Internship Program Shameless Plug Become a member of the Tech Council!  Information here. And participate - get out from behind the desk and meet people.  Here's the SVTC calendar - you can attend these events even if you aren't a Tech Council member, so see you there!  Start June 25th at BlueHub on Bruce St in Harrisonburg, the next "Tech on the Square." Listener Thank You Gift  SVTC Resource Guide and the SVIC Strategic Plan: This Week’s Sponsor for the “

Full Show Notes at www.HelloHarrisonburg.rocks/kennewbold Dr. Ken Newbold, JMU Associate Vice Provost of Research and Scholarship, gives an interview during his last month in his position with JMU's Office of Research and Scholarship.  Ken shares his motivation and successes in promoting innovation from within an academic institution. In July, he begins serving as Provost and Executive Vice President at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana. Congratulations, Ken!  (His house is on the market in case you're looking for a great 5 bedroom home - click here) Successes Ken highlights the regional effort to attract SRI International's Biotech Center of Excellence to the Harrisonburg Rockingham area.  Such a major company Richard Florida had a book at The Creative Class.... Talent, Tolerance, and Technology. Virginia Clean Cities, a statewide nonprofit housed at JMU, has coordinated electric car chargers. Ken discusses JMU's focus on applied learning, Applied learning opportunities Shameless Plug Che

Frank Tamberrino, Director of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, sets the context for this week's theme: Destination Innovation.  Frank talks about his career in economic development, the beginnings of the Shenandoah Valley Innovation Council, and overall business climate in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.  We focus on the recent history of a renewed collaborative focus on promoting innovation in this area, including recent Start-Up Weekends (3-day business plan competitions) that produced viable businesses such as Feed the Fire and Bid Wrangler.   The Frank Tamberrino Shameless Plug Support the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce by becoming a member! Hello Harrisonburg Listener Thank You Gift Join the Chamber as a NEW member, get a 16-month membership for the price of 12!  So, if you join as a new member, your renewal won't be due until 16 months from now.  Available only to the first FIVE new members that contact Frank and mention

Full Show Notes at www.HelloHarrisonburg.rocks/maryloubourne  Successful local entrepreneur Mary Lou Bourne of James Madison University's Center for Technology, Innovation, and Economic Development (formally Office of Technology Transfer) speaks about her office's roll in supporting start up businesses, assisting with resources for intellectual property property protection, licensing products, patenting, business plans, market research, customer discovery, and ultimately creating successful companies.  Her goal is to start technology-based businesses in Harrisonburg. Success Stories Mary Lou's office is a start up success story - it funds itself through an innovation and now focuses on supporting additional innovations inspired by faculty research and community members' ideas. Economic Development Venture Creation is a model currently beingimplemented locally to bring together local investors, patented technology, and an experienced CEO to give a new technology-based company the best chance to

Hear Shenandoah Valley native and new executive director of the Shenandoah Valley Partnership, Carrie Chenery, speak about her motivation for promoting economic development in the SVP footprint.  SVP is the regional economic development organization that interfaces with the Commonwealth of Virginia's state-level offices.  The Shenandoah Valley Partnership has 12 member jurisdictions and almost 150 private investors. Success Stories Workforce development and retraining is a regional focus.  SVP is launching the In Demand Jobs Campaign to focus on jobs within the Valley that require a little more than an associates degree and not quite a bachelors degree.  These are technical, in-demand, and well-paid jobs here in the Valley.  The workforce training is available in many places, including Blue Ridge Community College.  Learn more and see all the training partners at http://www.shenandoah-valley.biz/workforce/ Carrie highlights the natural partnerships and collaboratio

Tim Brady of Pale Fire Brewing Company packs this episode full of great information, not only about Harrisonburg's newest brewery and his thoughts our week's Downtown Revitalized theme, but also firsthand positive experiences with local and state government economic development assistance programs. Topics of Conversation Hear Tim talk about opening up Harrisonburg's newest brewery. Tim talks about how he and his partner, Jamie Long, grew up working in breweries and had a longterm focus on opening their own.  Tim gives nods to  our past brewery Calhoun's (then Cally's) and current Harrisonburg brewery Brothers Craft Brewing (formerly 3 Brothers Brewery). Also, hear Tim talk about being supporting by local and statewide economic development programs.  Local support came from Eddie Bumbaugh at Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance and Joyce Krech at the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center. Virginia state programs included the Governor's Small Business Development Grant F