Community Calendar

Visit Arts Council of the Valley's Smith House Galleries March 6-27 for the 10th annual "artVISION: Rockingham County Public Schools Youth Art Month Show"! Explore 100 works of art by students in RCPS (kindergarten to 12th grade) - and check out the newly renovated gallery spaces!

Don't miss the Opening Reception on First Friday (Mar 6), 5-7pm! The galleries are regularly open Mon-Fri, 11am-4pm, and Second Saturday (Mar 14), 10am-2pm.

Established by the Army Air Force in 1943, the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program opened to civilian women with a pilot’s license who could afford to pay for their own transportation, training, and uniforms. Despite rigorous training and often-dangerous work, the women of WASP were not granted military status until 1977. This program explores the history of WASP, the bonds these pilots formed, and the decades-long campaign for recognition and benefits.

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Attend in person: The event is free to the public, but reservations are required. To reserve a seat (or for more information), email Leigh McFaddin at mcfaddinlh@marshallfoundation.org or call 540.463.7103, ext. 138.
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Stream + Q&A: Livestreamed on the Marshall Foundation YouTube channel (https://bit.ly/4kwLZrr). During the livestream, submit questions in YouTube live chat (lower right of the video) or by email to librarian@marshallfoundation.org. Questions are moderated.
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After the lecture: Join us for a reception in the Camden R. Fine Lobby and a book signing in the Robert A. Lovett Reading Room.
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Event Link: https://www.marshallfoundation.org/events/earning-their-wings/
Spring 2026 Legacy Lectures: https://bit.ly/4rHViXR

Join us for a screening of In Search of Phillis Wheatley Peters, a film offering a new lens on the life of the first Black person to become a published poet in the United States. The screening will also feature a reading of Phillis Wheatley’s work and a Q&A with the directors and Furious Flower Founder, Dr. Joanne Gabbin, who also appears in the film. This event is offered in collaboration with CMSS, AAAD, WGSS, and JMU's Department of English. Light food and beverage provided. Free parking for the event available in Grace Street Parking Deck

Shenandoah Valley Art Center presents Stretch and Release Yoga with Paula Figgatt and Leslie Chisnell. Gather in the Heart of Downtown Waynesboro for a meditative experience that benefits the mind while increasing your range of flexibility and centeredness in the body. Stretch & Release Yoga targets the fascia and connective tissues including tendons, ligaments and bones while creating suppleness, openness and health for our inner organs and muscles. By stilling the mind, bring the awareness deeply inward to create peace and relaxation to restore and renew the Spirit! (Register: www.svacart.com or call 540-949-7662, Fee: $10 per session, Tuesday, February 3 – April 14, 6:05 - 7:00 p.m., 416 Gallery, 416 W Main St, Waynesboro, VA 22980)

Come learn the sport of rugby while getting fit and making great friends. All are welcome. No experience necessary.

Visit Arts Council of the Valley's Smith House Galleries March 6-27 for the 10th annual "artVISION: Rockingham County Public Schools Youth Art Month Show"! Explore 100 works of art by students in RCPS (kindergarten to 12th grade) - and check out the newly renovated gallery spaces!

Don't miss the Opening Reception on First Friday (Mar 6), 5-7pm! The galleries are regularly open Mon-Fri, 11am-4pm, and Second Saturday (Mar 14), 10am-2pm.

Shenandoah Valley Art Center presents Drawing and Sketching with Pen and Ink with John Hancock. Explore the power of Pen and ink in this 5 week class for making both bold and subtle drawings and sketches. We will discover how to best use both permanent inks as well as the less well known water-soluble inks in this studio class. Working with black inks and some very traditional and contemporary alternatives, we will learn to use several strategies for pen and ink. Designed for beginner to advanced students who have at least a little bit of experience drawing. For additional class information : HancockJohnA.Artist@gmail.com or 434-939-7445. Register online: https://johnahancock.com (Fee $325, Wednesday February 18 – March 18, 1:30- 4:00 p.m., 416 Classroom, 416 W. Main St., Waynesboro, V A 22980)

Multi-disciplinary poet India Lena González will serve as our March 2026 reader for Women’s History Month. A poet and award-winning choreographer, dancer, and actor, González brings a dynamic, embodied approach to the page and the stage. González will read from her work, followed by a book signing. A student workshop will take place immediately after this reading in SSC 1310.
This event is free and open to the public and free parking will be available in Grace Street Parking Deck.

*This event is a passport event

Shenandoah Valley Art Center presents Stretch and Release Yoga with Paula Figgatt and Leslie Chisnell. Gather in the Heart of Downtown Waynesboro for a meditative experience that benefits the mind while increasing your range of flexibility and centeredness in the body. Stretch & Release Yoga targets the fascia and connective tissues including tendons, ligaments and bones while creating suppleness, openness and health for our inner organs and muscles. By stilling the mind, bring the awareness deeply inward to create peace and relaxation to restore and renew the Spirit! (Register: www.svacart.com or call 540-949-7662, Fee: $10 per session, Tuesday, February 3 – April 14, 6:05 - 7:00 p.m., 416 Gallery, 416 W Main St, Waynesboro, VA 22980)

A farm-to-table experience that will fuel our growth: Chef Throwdown Benefiting Jones Gardens- September 7, 2026 @ 5:30pm (Location TBD)

Jones Gardens invites Virginia chefs to apply for a friendly Farm-to-Table Chef Throwdown, featured as part of a lively, ticketed fundraising dinner celebrating local food, farms, and community.

Each selected chef will be paired with a Virginia farm and challenged to create a dish that highlights the farm’s ingredients and a thoughtful farm-to-table approach. Guests will enjoy the event as both entertainment and dining, tasting inspired dishes while cheering on chef–farm teams.

All proceeds benefit Jones Gardens, and help fuel our operations, particularly a new and exciting venture that will break soon break ground, which will bring more programming and education to the community.

What Chefs Receive

Stipend for participation
Volunteer assistance during prep and service (if needed)
Exposure to a broad, food-loving community audience through our social media and website, as well as potential to be featured in local news broadcastings
Collaboration with a Virginia farm
A fun, high-energy competition for a meaningful cause

Chef Requirements (Seeking 2-3 chefs)

Must apply via the Jones Gardens website
Must Prepare at least one dish that contributes to the full course meal (either an appetizer, entree or desert)
Submit a short video clip showing yourself preparing a dish and explaining your process
Be genuinely passionate about Jones Gardens’ mission and local food systems

Chefs of all backgrounds and culinary styles are encouraged to apply.