Where's the Editor?

I won't be wearing a Waldo hat, but I will be easier to find than Waldo on Tuesday, Aug. 8 at the old News Leader building, now known as the Staunton Innovation Hub.

Got an idea to pitch? Want to talk about a local issue that you think needs more coverage? During the free co-working day at the Staunton Innovation Hub at 11 N. Central — the old News Leader building — I'll be in the Lewis Conference Room on the second floor from noon to 3 p.m. From 3 until 4 I'll be hanging out in one of the open cubby holes on the third floor, or (weather permitting) on the roof.

For more on the Free Co-Working Day at the Hub, see the brief at the bottom of The Digest, below.

—Jeff Schwaner

Staunton Tree Stewards presents its first Tree Walk

STAUNTON — Led by Staunton City Horticulturist, Matt Sensabaugh, Staunton Tree Stewards are taking a stroll to learn about some of the trees in Gypsy Hill Park.

A little history, some tree identification, and getting to know our sylvan treasures better, the stewards carry on the tradition of citizen tree lovers of Staunton, who started planting trees at Gypsy Hill Park on Arbor Day 1889.

The public is invited to attend. Meet at the Gypsy HIll Park bandstand at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9. Bring water and a hat. RSVP to stauntontreesstewards@gmail.com.

Staunton Tree Stewards is an offshoot of the Staunton Legacy Tree Project and a current project of Shenandoah Green.

"Flock A Friend!" fundraiser for Arc of Augusta

AUGUSTA COUNTY — The Arc of Augusta is thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting summer fundraiser, "Flock A Friend!" The initiative aims to raise funding to provide advocacy, events and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the Augusta County, Staunton and Waynesboro community.

The Arc of Augusta has been a dedicated champion for people with IDD, working tirelessly to enhance their quality of life, advance inclusion, and create a more inclusive society. Through this unique and fun-filled fundraiser, the organization intends to raise funds that will directly benefit local individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Here's how "Flock A Friend!" works

Participants can donate to have a flock of adorable pink flamingos migrate to the yards of their friends, family, or colleagues. The flamingo migration will bring laughter and smiles to the recipients while supporting a great cause. (For legal issues, volunteers will need to get permission from the “Flockee” prior to placing the flamingos). The more generous the donation, the larger the flamingo flock will be.

The Arc of Augusta invites individuals, businesses, and organizations across the community to participate in "Flock A Friend!" and make a positive impact on the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Let's come together, spread joy, and raise vital funding for a more inclusive and supportive community.

To get involved, donate, or nominate a friend's yard to be "flocked" with pink flamingos, please visit https://thearcofaugusta.org/get-involved

The Arc of Augusta is a passionate and dedicated organization committed to advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through comprehensive support, advocacy, and awareness initiatives, The Arc of Augusta strives to create a more inclusive and accepting community for everyone.

Virginia Down Syndrome hosts 2nd annual Step Up in the Valley 1k, Family Festival & Community Resource Fair

HARRISONBURG — Join the Virginia Down Syndrome Association (VDSA) for its 2nd annual Step Up in the Valley 1K, Family Festival & Community Resource on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hillandale Park in Harrisonburg.

Step Up in the Valley is a family event and fundraiser that celebrates individuals with Down syndrome. The 1K advocacy walk will take place through the park and is accessible for all, including wheelchairs, strollers, and even well-mannered dogs. The festival will have music, food, a kids’ zone, family entertainment, silent auction and community resource fair.

“We are excited to come back for our second Step Up for Down syndrome event in Shenandoah Valley,” said Jennifer Case, executive director of the Virginia Down Syndrome Association. “We serve many families in the region, offering direct services through social and educational programs, support groups, and even help navigating medical care. It’s important to unite for a common cause and raise funds for individuals with Down syndrome because they are an integral part of our community.”

VDSA hosted its first Step Up for Down syndrome event in Richmond in 2006 and has now expanded to Charlottesville and the Shenandoah Valley. The organization serves more than 700 families in 52 counties throughout Central Virginia, Fredericksburg, Williamsburg, Charlottesville and the Shenandoah Valley — often acting as a lifeline to ensure families do not fall through the cracks in the systems of care for individuals with Down syndrome.

Step Up in the Valley is free to attend but registration is encouraged. Learn more and make a donation to show support at virginiadsa.org. To register: https://virginiadsa.networkforgood.com/events/58478-step-up-for-down-syndrome-in-the-valley-2023

Step Up in the Valley details:

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26

Hillandale Park, 801 Hillandale Ave., Harrisonburg

Free co-working day at Staunton Innovation Hub Tuesday Aug. 8

STAUNTON—The building at 11 N. Central Street used to be The News Leader building. For nearly a hundred years, the three floors bustled and bristled with reporters and editors, advertising and design professionals, and of course the printing press that took up half of the first floor just inside the loading dock on the building's N. Augusta St. side.

Now it's the Staunton Innovation Hub, and bustles with the energy of entrepreneurs, start-ups, non-profits, small businesses and freelance workers of every type. Entering through the loading dock one comes upon a spacious meeting spot for the Hub's denizens where coffee and chat punctuate comfortable silences of work getting done. People share ideas, scribble on the white-board walls of numerous conference rooms, and make connections with those in their community.

Yes, the News Leader office is gone, but the News Leader's editor (that's me) maintains an irregular presence in the building as a member. When I hit a third-floor cubby for a few hours of writing or work on the rooftop, I can't help but remember what it used to be like on that floor — a vast, dusty collection of old News Leader archives stretching back a hundred years. Even without an office, the Hub feels like a home for the type of work I continue to do with reporters and colleagues at Gannett.

Tuesday Aug. 8 the Innovation Hub opens up to everyone to "try out this co-working thing, get a bunch of free food, snoop around the building, and meet some cool people," according to Amy Lessley, the Hub's community manager. "When I say there are no sales pitches or gimmicks, I mean it. I'll be too busy hosting, I won't have time for that. We just want to give you the chance to see for yourself how great this community is. We will have free breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and a free class on how to use Canva to extend your brand," she wrote in a response to a News Leader email.

What's in store:

• free breakfast

• free lunch

• happy hour at 4:00

• free Canva design class

• incentives to members for bringing guests

"There's no doubt that times have changed, and that is also true of the way we work," wrote Amy. At the Hub, , she wrote, "distractions are removed, support is given, and connections are made."

Want to check out the fast internet and the meeting rooms that members can reserve for meeting clients or interviewing sources? Tuesday's the day to check the Hub out.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: DIGEST: Where's the Editor? Tree walk, Free Hub day, 'Flock a Friend'