Revitalizing National Alliance for the Mentally Ill -- WE CARE

Revitalizing National Alliance for the Mentally Ill -- WE CARE

The Augusta County Chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, known as WE CARE will meet on June 19, 2007, and every 3^rd Tuesday of the month. The organization will meet in Central United Methodist Church, corner of Lewis and Beverly Street in Staunton at 6:30 p.m. Guest Speaker: Teresa Wright-Conquy and Micahel Shanks will present their recent CELT (Conosumer Empowerment Leadership Training) experiences at the Airleigh 4-H Center in Wakefield, VA. Chris Owens, CELT Director will also speak. Parking is available in the rear of the church in the Wilson Lot, corner of Lewis and Frederick St. All consumers as well as concerned parents, siblings, spouses, and friends who care about the quality of life and the recovery of persons with a serious mental illness are invited. There is no charge.

WE CARE NAMI works to promote and provide support and advocacy by offering mutual encouragement through a sharing of problems and coping strategies and helping individuals overcome feelings of guilt, isolation, and frustration. Families, friends, and those who have a mental illness learn about the causes of mental illness, how to recognize acute and chronic symptoms, and current treatments. Education is key in the recovery process and for the public to help them overcome myths and fears and stigma. The more the public knows about mental illness, the more doors and opportunities become available for those who have a mental illness.

Mental Illness makes it difficult for people to cope with their emotions or to think clearly. It can cause them to behave in unusual or inappropriate ways and can bring tremendous stress and suffering to them and their families. If you or someone you know is suffering from mental illness, it is important to realize you are not alone.

Mental Illnesses can affect persons of any age—children, adolescents, adults and the elderly—and they can occur in ANY family. Mental illnesses afflict millions of people in the United States, yet continue to be medically under served, scientifically under researched and widely misunderstood.

Severe mental illness touches one in every five families. In Virginia, more than 260,000 adults and at least 75,000 children experience symptoms of serious emotional disturbances or brain disorders. Yet despite these statistics, there remains an unfortunate stigma surrounding mental illness.

When someone in a family has mental illness, most often it is family members who are the primary caregiver. In fact, more than 48% of all adults with serious and persistent mental illness in Virginia who receive services from the public mental health system live with their families. Therefore it is of vital importance to provide these families with accessible resources for leading-edge quality care and continued support.

At the national level, NAMI works to promote and provide research for new treatments and prevention, does advocacy at all levels of government ensuring funding for quality community and institutional services, and networks by sharing information through conferences and newsletters and promotes changes of common interest throughout the nation.

Third Fridays hosts royalty with arrival of The Boogie Kings

Third Fridays hosts royalty with arrival of The Boogie Kings

For immediate release – Third Fridays returns to Waynesboro on June 15 with the River City Radio Hour and musical guests The Boogie Kings from 6:30 – 8 p.m. The free concert series and event will take place at 329 W. Main St., in the heart of downtown.

The Boogie Kings will headline the evening with music of the decades – performing songs from 1899 through 1974. The trip back in time will feature some of the greatest from their era with songs of Scott Joplin, Glenn Miller, Elvis Presley, Little Richard and Ray Charles. The ensemble features Richard Adams on a number of instruments including the trumpet, saxophone, banjo, and tuba; William Hayes, a virtuoso on piano and accordion; and J.T. Fauber, known for his versatility on all percussion instruments.

The River City Radio Hour will bring additional local talent to the stage. Marsha Howard returns with a new comedy routine. Also, taking part in the radio hour are a local writer and student performers.

The Third Fridays concert series and music hour is presented by the Waynesboro Cultural Commission, Waynesboro Downtown Development Inc., and the Wayne Theatre Alliance.

For more information on the Third Fridays event, call (540) 943-9999.

WDDI Endorses the Waynesboro City Council's Decision

WDDI Endorses the Waynesboro City Council's Decision to Preserve City 's Legacy and Collaborate with Arts and Business Leaders to Revitalize Community

( Waynesboro , Virginia ) Waynesboro Downtown Development (WDDI) supports the recent decision by the Waynesboro City Council to preserve, rather than demolish, an historic landmark, the Wayne Theatre . This decision by the Council is a watershed event in the history of Waynesboro . We feel that it heralds a new era of economic collaboration and a cultural rebirth for our community.

In scores of cities across North America , communities are being revitalized by government, business and arts groups working together on similar projects to attract jobs, create new businesses, improve property values and increase government revenues. The track record for success is voluminous. When the private and public sectors work together, magic can happen.

WDDI endorses the City Council's conservative approach, which uses the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to facilitate the funding of the program and significantly reduces the risk to taxpayers. The EDA will also provide oversight using a performance-based incentive program that places the burden for success on the arts management team of the Wayne Theatre .

WDDI also heartily endorses the City Council's action which sends a message to our community that should be embraced universally- our cultural legacy is not disposable. The City Council has made a prudent decision to build a new, dynamic Waynesboro on one of the few remaining foundation stones of our City’s history.

WDDI is committed to actively fostering the long-term viability of the downtown Waynesboro area as a center of commerce, a source of civic activity and pride, and a resource to attract new businesses and residents. Critical to this effort is promoting small town quality of life, preserving historic and cultural resources, and capitalizing on the City’s unique and splendid natural setting. For more information, contact Kimberly Watters, Executive Director Waynesboro Downtown Development, Inc. at

942.6705; or visit www.waynesborodowntown.org on the web.

Allstate grant awarded to Wayne Theatre Alliance

Allstate grant awarded to Wayne Theatre Alliance

WAYNESBORO -- Leonard Lynch Allstate Insurance Agency recently presented an Allstate Foundation "Agency Hands in the Community" grant to the Wayne Theatre Alliance.

"The Wayne Theatre is part of the heritage of Waynesboro, of the Shenandoah Valley," said Leonard Lynch, who recently presented the financial contribution to the Alliance treasurer J.D. Robb. "We are such a growing older community, and I believe the project is important for the community as a whole."

"Companies and individuals like Lynch are the secret to the success of this project," Robb said. "People naturally think that it’s the six-figure gifts that make this project work, and yes, they do help. However, in truth, donations of every size, from $5 to $5,000 form the backbone of the campaign."

The Allstate Foundation is pleased to offer the "Agency Hands in the Community" grants to recognize the outstanding efforts of qualified agents who volunteer in their communities. For more information about the Allstate Foundation, please visit the Foundation’s website at www.allstate.com/Community.

For more information on the Wayne Theatre Alliance, call (540) 943-9999, or visit www.waynetheatre.org.

The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by the Allstate Insurance Company. Allstate and the Allstate Foundation sponsor community initiatives to promote "safe and vital communities"; "tolerance, inclusion and diversity", and "economic empowerment." In addition, the Foundation has two signature programs in promoting safe teen driving and preventing domestic violence. The Allstate Foundation believes in the financial potential of every individual and in helping America’s families achieve their American dream.

Photo caption: Wayne Theatre Alliance treasurer J.D. Robb (right) accepts a donation from Leonard Lynch (left) in front of Leonard Lynch Allstate Insurance Agency in Waynesboro May 22.

Something In A Song

A night of songs in Waynesboro high school auditorium. Performances by the Frestones, 8th Grad Chorus, and 7th Grade Chorus.

Third Fridays to feature jazz trio

Third Fridays to feature jazz trio

For immediate release – Third Fridays returns to downtown Waynesboro this month with the second of its monthly free concert series. The Vernon Fischer Trio will perform live jazz, classics, and contemporary music on May 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 329 W. Main St., in the heart of the downtown district.

Fischer has been performing for more than 30 years in Virginia, Maryland, DC, and North Carolina. He is the former house musician for Keswick Hall and the Farmington Country Club.

In addition to the concert, there will be a comedy routine by Marsha Howard, and there are plans to include a local writer and student performer. Lorie Strother, a member of the Waynesboro Cultural Commission, will serve as emcee of the event.

Approximately 60 people attended the April concert by Little Dark Town.

The Third Fridays concert series is presented by the Waynesboro Cultural Commission, Waynesboro Downtown Development Inc. and the Wayne Theatre Alliance.

For more information on the Third Fridays concert series, call (540) 943-9999.

Muscle Car Show Coming to Waynesboro

Contact Waynesboro Downtown Development, Inc.

Kimberly Watters, Executive Director

540-942-6705 or visit www.mainstmuscle.com

Muscle Car Show Coming to Waynesboro

Everyone who owns or enjoys muscle cars, street rods, or custom bikes should wend their way into downtown Waynesboro on Saturday, May 19^th. Over 100 vehicles are expected for the 2^nd annual Main Street Muscle car show, hosted by Waynesboro Downtown Development, Inc. (WDDI) and sponsored by Brown Dodge & Chrysler, Charlottesville. Vehicles will line Main Street in downtown Waynesboro, which will be closed to traffic during event hours.

Vehicle registration begins at 9am ($5.00 entry fee). The public is invited to inspect the vehicles from 11am until 3pm. Food, raffles, t-shirt and poster sales will be held. Those over age 21 with valid ID can visit the on-site beer garden. Live music will be provided throughout the event.

Additional sponsors of this show include Kevin Blackburn Photography, CBRE, Interstate Muffler, MAC Tools, Precision Auto Care, Lucky Duck, Terry Motorsports, LBP Enterprises, Inc, B2B, Crossroads Graphics & Design, McAllister Brothers Racing, Federated Auto Parts, Main Street Discount, E & E Auto Custom, Crutchfield, Team Hutchens, Mountain Air Gallery, Bellagio’s Ice Cream Parlor and Creperie, The Iris Inn, and Pilot Mountain Photography. Rain date for this event in May 20^th.

Awards will be given for pre-1978 Best of Show and an Open Class Award. For additional information, to pre-register or purchase posters and t-shirts in advance, call 540-942-6705 or visit www.mainstrmuscle.com.