Pride Month, art shows, and traffic alerts: THE DIGEST (2024)

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Staunton declares June Pride Month

On May 23, the Staunton City Council proclaimed the entire month of June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, celebrating the city's LGBTQ+ community and the work of the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center.

"Staunton has a diverse LGBTQ+ community and is committed to uplifting the voices and dignity for all people in the community," reads the proclamation. "Everyone should be able to live without fear of prejudice, discrimination, violence, and hatred based on race, ethnicity, religion, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, mental, or physical disability; and ... the fabric of our community is strengthened when we center the values of equity, justice, diversity, acceptance, inclusion, and kindness, not only during this month of recognition, but throughout the year."

Just after Mayor Stephen Claffey read the proclamation, Shenandoah LGBTQ Center Executive Director AnhThu Nguyen spoke to the council.

"We believe the core of our work is connection, to connect our community to one another and to all of the resources and supports that they might need," said Nguyen. "Social supports, housing, access to affirming and quality healthcare, or sometimes just to connect with someone that says, 'Hey, you're not alone. We're here to walk alongside you.' To witness and be a part of someone's journey towards authenticity and towards thriving is something that we hold so sacred at the center. We'll continue to advocate and uplift the stories of our LGBTQ community because they are so important. Thank you. Pride month is so important. Thank you for the opportunity that the city has provided for continued visibility and especially of the opportunity for education."

The proclamation is available in the Staunton City Council agenda packet on page 23.

Vaughn's retirement celebrated by Staunton City Council

STAUNTON - Staunton City Council thanked the retiring Staunton Director of Economic Development during the May 23 meeting.

Billy Vaughn announced his retirement in January, ending his10-year term as director.

"We're going to miss him, that's for sure," said Mayor Stephen Claffey.

Vaughn's voice cracked as he thanked his family, coworkers, and neighbors for the past ten years as economic development director.

"I appreciate the ability and the opportunity to retire working for a wonderful city and wonderful folks," said Vaughn. "So many of the city employees have just been great to work with. They've always been so eager to help make whatever we were working on a success. I never had any issues with anyone. I applaud all the city employees. I want to thank my work family, those that I engage with daily."

He also thanked the organizations that work on economic development for the city, "None of the city's success and economy development would have been possible without the staff, city council, EDA, and the citizens and their support."

Augusta supervisors draw attention to tick-borne diseases

On May 22, the Augusta County Board of Supervisors proclaimed May 2024 as Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Awareness month.

According to the proclamation, Lyme disease is the most common, but not only, disease that can emerge from a tick bite. If it is not treated or diagnosed quickly, it can result in severe illness, disability, or death. Most of these illnesses can be treated by antibiotics in the first few weeks.

Some steps someone can take to protect themselves include "using tick repellent, removing ticks promptly and properly, applying pesticides on the landscape and reducing tick habitat, every community has the responsibility to educate the public about the symptoms, the importance of seeking prompt medical treatment, and how to prevent tick-borne diseases."

The full proclamation, unanimously passed by the board, is available online.

Supervisors approve Augusta Christain Academy request

VERONA – The Augusta County Board of Supervisors took up a request from the Augusta Christian Academy during the May 22 meeting.

"This is a request to add a public use overlay over an existing church in order for Augusta Christain Academy to add high school grades," explained Augusta County planner Julia Hensley.

The academy currently operates K through eighth grade classes on TinklingSpringsRoad. According to its website, the academy "is a ministry of Crossroads Baptist Church and follows the beliefs and practices of the church." The new property in the request is at 31 Crossroads Lane.

Harold Munson, a board member of Augusta Christain Academy, gave a general update on the school, "We opened last August with no reputation, barely a place, a new staff, and had 81 children. We are now on pace to more than double that next fall."

He also explained the request, "Space is getting to be an issue. We think we're going to be able to handle everybody, including a new ninth grade class, in our current space, but we are asking for this public use overlay. I guess it's like buy an insurance policy for your house. We kind of hope we don't need it because our preference is to stay in the same building."

The Augusta County Planning Commission previously recommended the project for approval. The board unanimously approved the request after a public hearing with no comment.

Exhibits and arts in the valley

STAUNTON – Each week the Staunton Downtown Development Organization sends out a newsletter, ending with a list of temporary exhibits, shows, and events in the local arts scene. Here’s the breakdown:

• Camera Heritage Museum Tours, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., https://www.cameraheritagemuseum.com
• Artisans Loft, Eclectic art and fine craft, Open Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Live music with Lou Boden (Native American Flute) Saturday Afternoons at 1:30 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/stauntonartisansloft
• “Little Words” by Laura Thompson and “When I am Among the Trees” by Jane Skafte, Staunton Augusta Art Center, https://www.facebook.com/events/1803500400137429/
• Co-Art Gallery’s Featured Artist for May: Karen Rosasco, “Shaping the Space”, https://www.facebook.com/CoArtGallery
• Art Hive Collective’s Featured Artist for May: Autumn Nolen, “Portents & Parallel Realms”, https://www.facebook.com/arthivellc
• BSSS Student Exhibition: Process before Product, April 26 through May 26, Beverley Street Studio School Gallery, https://www.bssschool.org/
• Staunton's Smallest Art Gallery @ Staunton Books, Friday to Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., 16 W Beverley, Come see our exhibit of original handmade Art Trading Cards, featuring small works from around the world! https://www.instagram.com/stauntonbooks
• “Waynesboro’s Ray Abraham Yoder: Art Educator with a Mission, The Augusta County Historical Society (R.R. Smith Center), February Through Memorial Day, https://www.facebook.com/augustacountyhs

VDOT traffic alerts for May 27 to May 31

STAUNTON – The following is a list of highway work that may affect traffic in the Staunton transportation district during the coming weeks. Scheduled work is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. When traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.

INTERSTATE 64

• *NEW* Exit 87, westbound – Right shoulder closures along ramp to northbound I-81 for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• *NEW* Mile marker 87 to 100, eastbound – Mowing operations from 6 a.m. May 28 through 6 a.m. June 8. Right shoulder closures during daytime, left shoulder closures at night.
• *UPDATE* Mile marker 95 to 98, eastbound and westbound – Overnight single lane and shoulder closures for sign installation work, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday nights.

INTERSTATE 81

• *NEW* Mile marker 206 to 215, northbound – Overnight right lane closures for paving operations, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. nights May 29 – June 13.
• Mile marker 214 to 210, southbound – Alternating lane closures for milling and paving operations, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. nights through July 25. Exit 213 traffic will be detoured during ramp paving.
• *NEW* Mile marker 218 to 220, northbound and southbound – Overnight right lane closures for inspection of bridges over Folly Mills Creek, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Tuesday night.
• Mile marker 220 to 222, northbound and southbound – Left and right shoulder closures for median access related to bridge work, 24/7 through September 30.
• *NEW* Mile marker 221 to 223, northbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for paving operations on bridges over I-81 ramp and railway, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. nights May 28 – June 20.
• *NEW* Mile marker 221 to 225, northbound and southbound – Right shoulder closures including along Exit 222 off-ramp for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• *UPDATE* Mile marker 221 to 227, northbound and southbound – Overnight single-lane closures including along southbound Exit 221 to eastbound I-64 for installation of concrete barriers, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. nights through May 30. Following barrier placement, shoulder closures remain in place 24/7 through spring 2026. Work is related to I-81 widening project.
• *NEW* Mile marker 225 to 227, northbound and southbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for bridge maintenance, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. nights May 28 – June 27.
• Mile marker 236 to 228, southbound – Overnight right lane closures for paving operations, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. nights through Thursday.

PRIMARY ROADS

• *NEW* Route 250 (Jefferson Highway/Richmond Avenue) – Eastbound and westbound overnight alternating lane closures between Frontier Drive and Route 1427 (Rowe Road) for installation of concrete barriers, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Wednesday through Friday nights.
• Route 256 (Weyers Cave Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 772 (Sulfur Pump Road) and Route 865 (Rockfish Road) for maintenance to bridge over Middle River, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through June 14.

SECONDARY ROADS

• Route 610 (Howardsville Turnpike) – Flagger traffic control between Route 855 (Mill Creek Lane) and Route 623 (Back Creek Lane) for utility work, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Thursday.
• Route 612 (Laurel Hill Road) – Westbound right lane and shoulder closures between Route 818 (Dunsmore Road) and Route 1906 (Lodge Lane) for milling at various entrances, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through May 27. Work related to Verona pedestrian improvement project.
• *NEW* Route 619 (Purple Cow Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 340 (East Side Highway) and Route 611 (Calf Mountain Road/Dooms Crossing Road) for utility pole installation, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 27 – June 6.
• Route 623 (Back Creek Lane) – Flagger traffic control between Route 610 (Howardsville Turnpike) and dead end for utility work, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through Thursday.
• Route 624 (South Delphine Avenue, Waynesboro) – Shoulder closures between South Oak Lane and Chinquapin Drive for work related to construction of Waynesboro Southern Corridor, through May 2025.
• Route 635 (Barterbrook Road) – Closed between I-81 frontage roads (FR-217 and FR-218) for bridge replacement as part of I-81 southbound auxiliary lane project. Follow posted detour. Expected completion summer 2025.
• Route 664 (Lyndhurst Road, Waynesboro) – Shoulder closures between Miami Avenue and Purdue Street for work related to construction of Waynesboro Southern Corridor, through June 30, 2025.
• *NEW* Route 675/670/604 (Broadhead School Road/McClures Mill Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 919 (Old Providence Road) and Route 675 (Callison Mill Road) for utility work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 28 – June 27.
• Route 675 (Broadhead School Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 11 (Lee Jackson Highway) and Route 604 (McClures Mill Road) for utility work, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through Thursday.
• Various roads– Mobile traffic control for mowing operations. Flagger traffic control for drainage work, tree removal, shoulder repairs, pavement patching and brush cutting, 7:30 to 3 p.m. on weekdays.