Augusta Toastmasters Reboot: Informational Meeting

It’s time to reboot the Augusta Toastmasters for the Staunton, Waynesboro, Elkton, Fishersville Areas. At Augusta Toastmasters, we practice public speaking while helping each other learn and grow. We believe in providing feedback that is both useful and encouraging. If you would like to grow in your communication or leadership skills, we would love to help! Please come join us as our guest (for free) and see if Toastmasters is right for you. Informational meetings are scheduled weekly until the club charters. Members can determine meeting location, schedule and frequency at a later date. To recharter the club, 20 members are needed. Contact District 66, Div A Director Tanya at diva@tmdistrict66.org or (571)279-2724 for more information.

Tastes &Tunes: A Fundraiser for the Valley Children’s Advocacy Center

Excitement is in the air! The Staunton Augusta Junior Women’s Club is hosting “Tastes and Tunes”, a community event to benefit the Valley Children’s Advocacy Center. The event will be held on June 13th at Red August Farm from 11am to 4pm. There will be food trucks, live music, vendors, children’s activities and more! Bands scheduled include: John Paul Douglas & The Bitter Trades, Missy Raines Trio, Crystal Armentrout, Dustin Pence and Friends, Cynthia Clayton and The Creekside Harmonies. Come out to support the Valley Children’s Advocacy Center allowing them to continue their mission to help the children of Augusta County and surrounding areas. Tickets are $10 ahead of time, or $12 at the gate.

Spidey Drawing Contest and Raffle

Hey Staunton! Think you’ve got the skills to sketch the city’s favorite web-slinger? Or maybe you just want to skip the sketchpad and jump straight to the luck of the draw? Either way, the friendly neighborhood drawing contest and raffle is officially open. Here is the ultimate prize: Winners get to march alongside Staunton’s very own Wallcrawler in the 4th of July Parade! (Note: Sidekicks under 8 must bring a parent handler along for the ride). The “Draw Spidey” Contest No need to bring your own gear—use our pencils, markers, and paper right here at the shop. We’re looking for the best Spider-Man art in town. Entry is just $5 per submission, and we’ve broken the battlefield down into three age brackets: Ages 6–10 Ages 11–15 Ages 16 and up Our panel of judges will pick one grand prize winner from each category to join the parade lineup. The “With Great Power Comes Great Luck” Raffle Not an artist? No problem. You can still win a spot in the parade by letting fate do the work. One lucky raffle winner will walk with the Wallcrawler. Ticket Pricing: $2 for 1 ticket $8 for 10 tickets $50 for a Wingspan of tickets (The “Webshooter” Special) How to Enter Spidey himself will be posing live at Art Hive from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM! Drop in, draw him in action, turn in your masterpiece, and grab your raffle tickets. Crafting for a Cause: Every single dollar raised goes directly toward helping retire the debt for our gorgeous new West End mural and arts festival. Come support local community art and score a chance to march in style this 4th of July!

Memorial Day Weekend at the Frontier Culture Museum

While the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution has already begun across the former colonies, this Memorial Day, we’re hosting guest reenactors to showcase other periods of history that helped shape American history. We will be joined by the Hog Island Garrison recreating a 17th century militia muster and the civilian response, Hessian mercenaries sent to support British forces during the Revolution, Augusta County militia during the American Revolution, and Civil War groups including a cavalry unit and a hospital. Join the Frontier Culture Museum this Memorial Day weekend in commemorating the bravery of the many American patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice for our liberty.  This event is a general admission event and is included in the Annual Pass Program.

Virginia Declaration of Rights

The Virginia Declaration of Rights was the inspiration for part of the Declaration of Independence. Virginia’s Fifth Revolutionary Convention created a committee to produce a declaration of rights following a resolution passed on May 15, 1776 for Virginia to declare independence at the Second Continental Congress. Written largely by George Mason, the document was adopted unanimously by the Convention on June 12, 1776.   Join the Frontier Culture Museum as we discuss the documents that influenced, and were influenced by, the Virginia Declaration of Rights. Our talented tailors and seamstresses will be making the first Virginia flag of the Revolution. Try your hand at writing an important 18th century document with penmanship lessons.   This is a general admission event and is included in the annual pass.

Woodrow Willson Speaker Series – Hell Put To Shame: The 1921 Murder Farm Massacre and The Horror of America’s Second Slavery

Join us for a compelling book talk with author Earl Swift on his gripping work Hell Put to Shame, a powerful true account of one of the most brutal and largely forgotten episodes of racial violence in early 20th-century America. Set in rural Georgia in 1921, the book uncovers the murder of eleven Black farmhands held in conditions of debt slavery, exposing the harsh realities of peonage long after the Civil War. Blending investigative narrative, courtroom drama, and historical insight, Swift brings to life the courageous efforts of figures such as James Weldon Johnson, Walter F. White, and Hugh M. Dorsey, whose pursuit of justice challenged the norms of the Jim Crow South. This thought-provoking program offers a sobering look at a hidden chapter of American history and its enduring relevance today. Mr. Swift’s Book will be on sale the night of the event. About The Speaker Journalist Earl Swift has written seven books and hundreds of major features for newspapers and magazines, all distinguished by evocative language and deeply immersive reporting. Since 2012, he has been a fellow of Virginia Humanities at the University of Virginia.

The Art Hive is Hosting Their Monthly Resin Workshop

From mastering the basics to learning expert tips & tricks of working with resin, you’ll leave with skills and a unique piece of functional art! There will be a variety of molds and extras to choose from. Space is Limited to 8, so sign up now! Instructor: Tanya Keigley of Fleur de Luna

Experience Living History at Shenandoah Valley Airport!

As part of the America 250 celebration, the Capital Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is bringing a WWII Warbird Expo and Fly-In to Shenandoah Valley Airport for two days only! Get up close to iconic World War II aircraft, including the TBM Avenger torpedo bomber, PT-17 Stearman biplane, Fairchild UC-61 Forwarder, and the rare Stinson OY-1. Visitors will also have the chance to see the Japanese Fuji LM-1 static display — one of only five still airworthy worldwide — and a locally owned ERCO Ercoupe. Want to take it to the next level? Warbird rides will be available for purchase, giving you the rare opportunity to fly in a piece of aviation history! Advance booking is strongly encouraged due to limited availability. In addition to the aircraft, families can explore interactive displays including a B-26 machine-gun turret and a T-33 jet ejection seat photo opportunity. The Capital Wing PX trailer will also be on-site, featuring aviation- and military-themed merchandise, and food trucks will be available for lunch.

The Foundry is hosting a fundraiser for the River City Bread Basket.

SAVE THE DATE!! It’s a party ya’ll!! Join us at The Foundry for an afternoon of music, community, and purpose as we come together to support River City Bread Basket, a vital initiative of The Lifeworks Project dedicated to helping fight food insecurity in our region. This special event, Make Room at the Table, is built around a simple but powerful idea — there’s always room for one more, and together we can make sure no one goes without. Enjoy live performances from: Kai Crowe-Getty – 4 PM Jen Tal Band – 5:15 PM SKANK – 6:30 PM Donation-Based Admission This is a give-what-you-can event — every contribution makes a difference. QR codes will be placed throughout the venue for easy digital giving A cash donation box will be available for those who prefer the old-school way Whether you can give a little or a lot, your presence and support help provide meals and resources to those who need it most in our community. Come out, enjoy incredible local music, and be part of something bigger.

Art on the Town

One of our favorite weekends of the year is almost here. Art on the Town returns to Gypsy Hill Park Bandstand — and this year it’s bigger than ever! Come browse original work from local and regional artists, soak up the park, and support the creative community that makes Staunton what it is.