Auctioneers, health emergencies, and a housing insecurity exhibit: THE DIGEST
Have an event or announcement you would like featured in THE DIGEST? It’s welcome! Please send an email to lbordelon@gannett.com. Time sensitive announcements should be sent a week ahead of time.
Stuarts Draft auctioneer wins Virginia Auctioneers Association calling championship
STUARTS DRAFT – Stuarts Draft auction professional Kervin Yoder won the title of 2024 Virginia Auctioneers Association Auctioneer Champion.
The competition took place in on Jan. 26 at the Virginia Auctioneers Conference & Show in Richmond.
The contestants were judged on presentation, chant, voice timbre, body language, and other performance elements. The top five were then interviewed, with their answers figuring in to the final results.
“Competing for the auctioneer championship in front of other auctioneers - many who have won the championship before - and being judged by some of the best auctioneers in the country really has helped me to become a better auction professional,” said Yoder. “Our industry has largely moved to online auctions, but the art of the live bid caller is still alive and it is an exciting way to sell assets.”
Kervin Yoder not only won the competition — he was also elected Vice President of the VAA.
Kervin is the auctioneer and owner of Enlisted Auctions in Stuarts Draft.
Housing insecurity photo exhibit in Waynesboro
WAYNESBORO — The Shenandoah Valley Art Center is displaying the "This is Home," interactive photo exhibit during February.
The exhibit, which explores local issues of housing insecurity, was created by The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge.
“We’re here to tell everybody’s story, and (photographer) Kate Simon and the Community Foundation have put together a storytelling project that is local and impactful,” said Piper Groves, executive director at The Shenandoah Valley Art Center on South Wayne Avenue in Waynesboro. “We’re happy to exhibit it. We have the space, and we have the place, and we get a lot of viewers in here. It’s important to amplify those voices.”
"This is Home" is a living exhibit, and new photos and stories are continually being added to the project. For the past 16 months, photographer Kate Simon has partnered with the Community Foundation to capture powerful images that tell the story of local housing insecurity and homelessness.
“I’ve been a big fan of Piper and the (Shenandoah Valley) Art Center for a long time,” Simon said. “I really love what she has created there. I’m just really honored to be part of that in some type of way. The space that she held for us, she mentioned that it was meant to be a community space. I thought that was really fitting.”
Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission Executive Director to retire
STAUNTON – In March, Bonnie Riedesel will retire from her position as Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission Executive Director.
Riedesel has been with the commission for 29 years, first as a regional planner in 1994, then becoming executive director in 2008.
According to the press release announcing her retirement, Riedesel worked on Fields of Gold, Virginia's first farm trail, and Project Impact, an education program focused on " ways to protect their families, homes, properties and businesses from the impact of severe weather, emergencies, and natural disasters." She also worked on the BRITE Bus system.
"In 2014, the CSPDC became the recipient of federal and state transit funds to operate a transit program – the only PDC in the state and one of just a few in the country that owns and operates a public transit system," reads the press release. "Under Bonnie’s leadership, the CSPDC branded BRITE Bus creating a robust and well-utilized bus system that helps citizens get to work, school, and medical services."
Her successor has not been announced.
Central Shenandoah Health District declared ready for public health emergencies
STAUNTON – Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) has been recognized for its ability to plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies.
CSHD met benchmarks for comprehensive preparedness, confirming the organization has a thorough and coordinated emergency response plan in place and that staff have the training to protect the health of the community during an emergency.
The benchmarks were set by project Public Health Ready (PPHR), a partnership between National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CSHD underwent a peer review process to confirm each standard, from federal government requirements to national best practices, had been met.
“We are proud to have been recognized by Project Public Health Ready for our high level of preparedness,” said Dr. Elaine Perry, Acting Health Director of Central Shenandoah Health District. “I believe that this honor is exceedingly well-deserved because it reflects tremendous effort, dedication, creativity, and cooperation on the part of our entire team of experts.”
For more information on Project Public Health Ready, including recognized sites, project tools, and resources, visit http://www.naccho.org/PPHR.
Virginia Department of Transportation Road Work for Feb. 12 to Feb. 16
STAUNTON – The following is a list of highway work that may affect traffic in the Staunton transportation district during the coming weeks. Scheduled work is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. When traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.
INTERSTATE 64
*NEW* Mile marker 98 to 97, westbound – Left lane closure for sign maintenance, 10 a.m. to 12 noon Thursday.
INTERSTATE 81
Mile Marker 206 to 205, southbound – Mobile right shoulder closures for survey work, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday.
*NEW* Exit 213A, southbound – Right shoulder closures for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
*UPDATE* Mile marker 221 to 227, northbound and southbound – Overnight alternating lane and shoulder closures for shoulder maintenance and moving equipment, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Thursday nights. Daytime left shoulder closures for clearing operations, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Work is related to I-81 widening project.
*NEW* Mile marker 236 to 235, southbound – Left shoulder closures for tree removal operations, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
PRIMARY ROADS
Route 262 (Woodrow Wilson Parkway) – Eastbound and westbound left shoulder closures due to widening project in the area of the Route 252 (Middlebrook Avenue) interchange, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. through April 30.
Route 256 (Weyers Cave Road) – Flagger traffic control near Rockingham line for maintenance to bridge over South River, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
SECONDARY ROADS
Route 624 (South Delphine Avenue, Waynesboro) – Shoulder closures between South Oak Lane and Chinquapin Drive for work related to construction of Waynesboro Southern Corridor, through May 30, 2025.
Route 635 (Barterbrook Road) – Closed between I-81 frontage roads (FR-217 and FR-218) for bridge replacement as part of I-81 southbound auxiliary lane project. Follow posted detour. Expected completion summer 2025.
Route 664 (Mount Torrey Road) – Shoulder closures and occasional flagger traffic control between Route 624 (Lyndhurst Road) and Route 894 (Mount Torrey Road) for water line installation, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 29. Estimated completion summer 2024.
Route 664 (Lyndhurst Road, Waynesboro) – Shoulder closures between Miami Avenue and Purdue Street for work related to construction of Waynesboro Southern Corridor, through June 30, 2025.
Various roads – Mobile traffic control for mowing operations. Flagger traffic control for drainage work, tree removal, shoulder repairs, pavement patching and brush cutting, 7:30 to 3 p.m. on weekdays.
Events!
Monday, Feb. 12
Mother Goose Time at Staunton Public Library, 10:30 a.m. “A short interactive program for ages 0-2 and their caregivers featuring songs, rhymes, puppets and board books.” A similar event for ages 3 to 5, Big Kid Books, will follow at 11 a.m.
Baby Storytime at Fishersville Library, 10:30 a.m.
Churchville Book Club for adults at Churchville Library, 2 p.m.
Yarns of Love at the Waynesboro Public Library, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. "Join for an hour or two every Monday that we are open for a knitting and crocheting session, or whatever your craft is!"
Winter Yin Yoga at the Shenandoah Valley Art Center, 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. "Yin Yoga targets the fascia and connective tissues including tendons, ligaments and bones, while creating suppleness, openness and health for our inner organs & muscles. 100% of all proceeds benefit SVAC and Valley Hope Counseling. $10 suggested drop-in rate or $150 tax deductible 16-week series pass to be purchased in advance thru SVAC."
The Woolpack: Yarncrafts Club at Staunton Public Library, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 13
Backyard Bird Count with the Augusta Bird Club at Staunton Public Library, 3:30 p.m. “Learn about local wildlife and build a birdhouse.”
Chess Club at Waynesboro Public Library, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Trivia Tuesdays at Basic City Beer Co. 7 p.m. "Trivia Hosted by the infamous Benjamin Gillespie."
Wednesday, Feb. 14
Geri-Fit: Exercise for Older Adults at the Staunton Public Library, 11 a.m.
Live Performance by Hunter Root at The Foundry, 1010 E Main St. in Waynesboro, 7 p.m. “From Indie Rock, Folk, Acoustic Pop to Americana and Country, the artist from Lancaster, Pennsylvania is someone we are betting our money and reputation on.” There is a $15 admission fee.
Thursday, Feb. 15
Memory Café at Staunton Public Library, 2 p.m. “A Memory Cafe is a fun-filled place for anyone with dementia or memory changes and their caregivers to help them remain socially engaged with others traveling the same journey. Enjoy conversation, activities, snacks, live music and more.”
The Bottles Show at Bottles, 100 Osage Ln, Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. "A variety show featuring a range of hilarious bits and plenty of crowd participation!" There is a $2 admission fee.
Friday, Feb. 16
Baby and Toddler Story Time at Waynesboro Public Library. Friday, Feb. 16, at 10 a.m.
All Together Now, a story time, at the Staunton Public Library, 10:30 a.m. “Children age 0-5 and their caregivers will have a blast with our giant-sized story books, cuddly puppets and silly songs!”
Staunton Centenarian Birthday Celebration at Brookdale Senior Living, 1900 Hillsmere Lane, 6 p.m.
A Warm Winter Nite at Barren Ridge Vineyards, 6 p.m. “Join us for live music. Join us for and evening of Hor d'uerves, live music with Little Walter & The Convictions, expresso coffee, and dessert.” There is a $50 admission fee, with proceeds going to Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry.
Open Mic at The French Press, 134 N. Wayne Ave in Waynesboro, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 17
Bird Illustrating Workshop with Virginia Greene at Staunton Public Library, 10 a.m.
Lumber Jack and Jill Winter Games at Stable Craft Brewing Company in Waynesboro. 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. “Gear up for a day of adrenaline-pumping Lumberjack Games that will have you chopping, tossing, and hoisting your way to victory!” Timber Jams DJ Dance Party will follow at 5:30 p.m.
Tayla Lynn and Tre Twitty at Wayne Theatre in Waynesboro, 3 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. “The grandchildren of famed duo Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, the two have taken to the road to honor their grandparents in an intimate evening of music and storytelling.” There is a $55 admission fee.
Sunday, Feb. 18
'Say Their Name', a Black history performance by The RISE Organization at Waynesboro High School. Sunday, Feb. 18, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Waynesboro High School. “There will be live music, singing and dance performances, storytelling, a fashion show, and more. Get your tickets now to support RISE and their young scholars.”
Redbeard's Readers Book Club, a 21 and up book club, at Redbeard Brewing Company, 120 S Lewis Street in Staunton, 3 p.m. “Monthly book club for adults at local brewery featuring a variety of fiction and nonfiction, in partnership with Augusta County Library.”
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Auctioneers, health emergencies, and a housing insecurity exhibit: THE DIGEST
