Creative writing and political rallies: THE DIGEST

Shenandoah National Park calls for new services contractor

LURAY – The National Park Service is calling for contractors to run lodging, food and beverage sales, grocery, camper service, and operations in Shenandoah National Park.

The contract includes “all commercial operations at Big Meadows, Skyland, Elkwallow, Lewis Mountain, and Loft Mountain developed areas” and would begin at the start of 2026.

The contractor will complete “several major capital improvement projects to upgrade critical systems and restore historic structures.”

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“Among the improvements, visitors will notice expanded restroom facilities at Elkwallow Wayside and Loft Mountain Wayside,” reads the press release. “Guests at the historic Big Meadows Lodge and Lewis Mountain Cabins will dine and relax in restored facilities. Additionally, campers at Mathews Arm Campground will have access to fully electric campsites.”

The park will host site visits, facility tours, and an overview of concession operations on Aug. 13 and 14. Registration will be required by Aug. 9. The final proposal deadline is Nov. 7. Proposals should be submitted to NER_Concessions@nps.gov and include “Shenandoah National Park Prospectus” in the subject line. Other required information can be found online at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/concessions/prospectuses.htm and SAM.gov .

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Creative writing classes coming to Waynesboro

WAYNESBORO – A series of creative writing classes are coming to Stone Soup Books in Waynesboro.

The Writer’s Well and Stone Soup Books have partnered to offer writing workshops in “a relaxed, salon-style setting.”

“Our approach to feedback honors the vulnerability – and thus courage – it takes to share one’s work with others,” said Writer’s Well founder Bonner Odell. “When the process is facilitated by caring, knowledgeable instructors, it invites a depth of inquiry and discussion that builds trust among participants. This creates a sense of community that can serve as a source of inspiration and growth as writers develop their projects or embark on new ones.”

The summer session for classes will run from Aug. 5 to Aug. 30, including “When is a Poem Done?” with Poet Scott Price, “Playing with Perception to Improve Your Writing” with Washington and Lee Assistant Professor Ady Dewey, “Writing about Spirituality and Religion” with Harrisonburg Daily News-Record Columnist Luanne Austin, and “Read like a Writer” with JMU Instructor in Creative Writing Samar Fitzgerald. A fall session will run from Sept. 5 to Oct. 15.

The classes will take place at Stone Soup Books on Race Ave. Stone Soup Books owner Mary Katharine Froehlich, “This fits our mission of connecting people with story. It offers a place for writers in our community to tell and develop their stories in a structured and supportive environment. It also helps those who have been thinking about writing take that first creative leap.”

Registration for the Summer and Fall Sessions is now open. For more information, visit thewriterswellva.com. For questions, email hello@thewriterswell.com .

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Lessons and a tour through Virginia Tech’s agriculture research

As previously reported in The Digest , the Virginia Tech Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Extension Center 2024 Field Day will be held on August 7.

The tour will offer specific lessons on creep-grazing for fall calves, bale grazing, silvopasture, and native warm season grasses and wildflowers. More information, and a link to register for the event, is available online .

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Virginia Humanities award thousands to local historians

AUGUSTA COUNTY – Virginia Humanities announced over $43,000 in grants and sponsorships across the state.

“These awards provide vital support to organizations that are helping all Virginians understand the stories, histories, and cultures that make up our commonwealth,” says Virginia Humanities’ executive director Matthew Gibson. “We're honored to be part of each one of these projects.”

The grants were announced in early July , including several in Augusta County and the Shenandoah Valley:

• Voices from the Tunnel: When Men were Machines: Augusta County Historical Society ($5000) Staunton, Virginia. “When Men were Machines is an exhibit that sheds light on the human stories behind the construction of the Blue Ridge Tunnel, highlighting the contributions of enslaved African Americans and Irish immigrants.”
• Dunmore’s War: Diverse Perspectives in a Shenandoah Valley Conflict: American Frontier Culture Foundation ($2000) Staunton, Virginia. “Diverse Perspectives in a Shenandoah Valley Conflict is a series of lectures, activities, and living history demonstrations commemorating the 1774 war at the Frontier Culture Museum.”
• Inalienable Rights: Free and Enslaved Blacks Crafting a Life in the Shenandoah Valley : Clarke County Historical Association ($3000) Berryville, Virginia. “Free and Enslaved Blacks Crafting a Life in the Shenandoah Valley is an interactive, collaborative project between the Slave Dwelling Project and historic sites in Clarke County, VA highlighting the contributions of enslaved people to American history.”

Second political rally to be held in front of Augusta County Courthouse

STAUNTON – A second political rally will be held in front of the Augusta County Courthouse on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The rally is supporting public education and was organized by Randall Wolf.

“Supporting public education can mean a number of things to different people,” wrote Wolf. “Funding always matters and keeping public funds only for public education is critical. Expanding optional Pre-K that supports children and working families. Supporting student’s rights to free speech and self-expression. Supporting teachers and staff with fair pay and support to be the professionals they are. Not banning books or student artwork that a few might not agree with. Respecting that our public schools are not places of worship. Increase access to counselors and mental health care for students. Making sure that all our history is taught. Accepting people for who they are, making schools a safe space that actively prevents harassment or racist acts in our schools.”

The rally is the “second in a series of rallies on critical issues leading up to the Presidential, Senate, and Congressional elections this fall.” The first saw about 40 people calling for reproductive freedoms in late June . Wolf expects to hold a rally on worker’s rights in September and a “save our democracy” rally in October.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Creative writing and political rallies: THE DIGEST