Our second artist we are excited to feature in September is Saloma Furlong. To learn more about the First Friday art gallery opening, visit the event page here.
Saloma Furlong was born and raised in an Amish community in northeastern Ohio. With the eighth-grade education of her childhood, she acquired her GED, enrolled in community college courses, and became an Ada Comstock Scholar at Smith College. She studied at the University of Hamburg in Germany for a semester. At fifty, she graduated with a major in German Studies and a minor in Philosophy. Furlong is the author of three books, and her story has been featured in two PBS American Experience films, “The Amish” and “The Amish: Shunned.” She is the mother of two grown sons and lives in Virginia with her husband, David.
Saloma will share her book, Liberating Lomie at the gallery opening. In this personal and moving memoir, Saloma (Lomie) traces the genesis of her desire for freedom and education and chronicles her conflicted quest for independence. She recalls her painful childhood in a family defined by her father’s mental illness, her brother’s brutality, her mother’s severe punishments, and the austere traditions of the Amish—traditions she struggled to accept for years before making the difficult decision to leave the community. Eloquently told, Liberating Lomie is a revealing portrait of life within—and without—this frequently misunderstood community.
Also available at the gallery opening will be her book, Bonnet Strings: an Amish Woman’s ties to Two Worlds. In this poignant coming-of-age memoir, Saloma’s freedom allows her to thrive in her new life in Vermont. Then late one night, her freedom comes to an abrupt end when members of her Amish community arrive to take her back into the fold. Thus begins a years-long struggle of feeling torn between two worlds. Bonnet Strings offers a universal story of overcoming adversity and a rare look inside an Amish community. Readers will find a story of competing desires between freedom and belonging.
Aside from writing books, Saloma is also the creator of handmade rugs. These beautiful works of art will be available at the gallery opening.
First Fridays at the Depot are a special time to gather in celebration of the arts and have become a bit of a tradition around our office. We love opening our doors to celebrate the arts and artists who share their talents with our community. After far too many months in isolation over the pandemic, these past few First Fridays of the Valley gallery openings have reminded us how much joy can be found when we prioritize lifting up the diversity of our community’s artists. From authors to painters, photographers, musicians, and craftsmen; we are grateful for the creativity each artist shares.
We still have a few more spots available for artists this year and are making reservations for 2023. If you or someone you know is interested in showcasing their work at the Depot Gallery, don’t hesitate to reach out! We love having first-time exhibitors as well as seasoned pros. Artists can expect to leave the party planning up to our team as we are happy to tackle the details and provide food and refreshments.
Anyone interested can give our office a call or email Annie at [email protected]. We look forward to continuing this tradition into the future and showcasing the talent held within our community!
Aaron Zook will feature “Method in Madness” during this month’s First Friday gallery opening.
Mark your calendars for another First Friday art gallery opening at the Depot! This month’s show “Method in Madness” is presented by local artist, Aaron Zook. He is a self-taught photographer, born and raised in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
The Method in Madness show focuses on the small, quiet moments that punctuate our daily grind. Moments of professionalism, thought, care, routine, and wisdom gained from years of experience are what continually inspire Aaron. In his words, “the world is madness, held together by the fascinating methods of the human mind. This one is for the craftsmen.”
This free event will be held from 5:00-7:00pm on August 5th and is open to everyone. The Gaines Group will provide snacks and refreshments and encourage everyone to RSVP on the event page here.
Everyone who works closely with Charles knows of his heart for serving others and his mission to build a better community. His leadership and efforts were officially recognized by Rotary as he was the recipient of the 110% Award in 2022. This special designation is given to an individual who grows the mission of Rotary, carries out responsibilities exceptionally, and makes significant leadership contributions. He intentionally looks for ways to put #servicebeforeself and shares his intentions with others. He points out that his work is just a small part of what Rotary does for the community and a small part of what the Rotary Club of Rockingham County does in the community.
Charles being awarded the 110% Award.
Whether volunteering with fellow Rotarians or tackling pro-bono architecture projects, Charles is making a lasting impact in our community and we are so proud of him. His efforts are a small piece of the puzzle in creating a stronger, better community and he inspires many of us to do the same. As he says, the power of Rotary is the people you volunteer with and the difference you can make when you all come together.
Deborah receiving her certificate upon completion of the program.
Gaines Group Architects has a graduate to celebrate! Congratulations to Deborah on her recent graduation from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber Leadership Program! This ten-month leadership program is designed for participants to learn about our community’s past, present, and future all while building valuable relationships. Deborah was accepted into this program in the summer of 2021. She attended monthly community-based meetings that educated her on our community’s strengths and future growth opportunities.
Deborah is a self-proclaimed introvert, and we are proud of her willingness to step out of her comfort zone and participate in this program that required her to regularly engage in a large group setting. She reflected on her experience and greatly appreciates the opportunity to participate in this program saying it has been “a wonderful experience.” She believes the program did a great job of going beyond typical speed networking events (which tend to be difficult for an introvert). Deborah appreciated the opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level during each session while simultaneously learning more about our community. She specifically enjoyed being able to hear from the community, non-profit, educational, public safety, and local government leaders who gave her a new understanding of what it takes for a community to sustain itself and evolve with the times.
In addition to the monthly leadership sessions, Deborah’s cohort worked together on a community service project of their choosing. Her group opened a “pop-up” shop called First Impressions that provided an opportunity for the public to pick out professional clothes for an interview or job transition. Their group collected professional clothes and welcomed anyone to shop, free of charge. It was a valuable experience for Deborah and her colleagues to work collaboratively on an impactful community event after spending significant time together.
Overall, this program is a wonderful experience to engage with our community and build relationships. Gaines Group Architects’ team member Annie Frazier also participated in the same program and is a graduate of the 2017 cohort. If you are interested in learning more about our community and building new relationships, we encourage you to check out the program here.
Join us on the patio of the Depot for live music on July 1st, 2022.
This will be a First Friday event you won’t want to miss! On July 1st, from 5:00-7:00pm, we will host musician Lucas Schrock-Hurst for an evening of music on the patio in front of the Depot.
Lucas, also known as “Lightning Lucas”, has been writing catch, poignant, and spontaneous songs since 2008. His work is often called Dylan-esque and falls within the folk category. On July 21st, 2013, he was directly struck by a freak lightning bolt. He lived to appreciate the stage name. Check out his music here and be sure to stop by the Depot to hear him live!
Refreshments and pre-packaged food will be provided. Weather permitting, Lucas plans to play on the patio but will relocate to the covered loading dock by the Gaines Group entrance on the side of the building. We look forward to seeing many of you there!
