Lunch Together
Presented by Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance
Calling all 60+ residents who would like to do something new and meet new people. During Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance’s Taste of Downtown Month in March, we are matching up 10 activities with 10 lunch outings to facilitate new friendships and do our part in combating the loneliness epidemic in the U.S. We invite you to try out a few activities and enjoy some Dutch-treat lunches while making new acquaintances. This idea came out of our conversations with Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS). Each day features a morning activity followed by lunch around downtown. While the activities are free, space is limited so we encourage you to sign up right away. We will hold a waitlist if spaces fill up, so please let us know if you signed up and can no longer attend.
Please share your thoughts about this program with us – do you have ideas for activities and programming for future sessions? Did you enjoy the sessions and lunches that you attended? Would you like to volunteer with a small group to keep these going? Email us at downtownharrisonburg@gmail.com.
Just want to meet for lunch? Please show up and look for the group at each lunch venue.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Class Information
During this class we will explore gentle movements from Taiji and Qigong that increase vitality and longevity. Participants often notice improvements in balance, circulation, and sleep as well as decreased stress and anxiety. Participants will wear loose, comfortable clothing and practice from a standing position with an option for seated practice based on comfort and preference. Show up with a willingness to try new things, or perhaps a desire to continue arts you’ve already explored. No experience necessary. Join your fellow classmates for lunch immediately after class.
Instructor Information
Amara Franko is a licensed acupuncturist and certified instructor of Chinese Martial Arts who has been teaching and practicing Chinese Medicine and Martial Arts for over 20 years. After dabbling in martial arts throughout her youth, she began serious practice with North American Tang Shou Tao Association in 1998 and currently serves on the board of directors of this non-profit organization. She enjoys empowering people of all ages and capabilities to improve their lives through safe and attainable movement practices.
Location & Parking
The Center Fitness and Wellness Studios at the Ice House – 217 S Liberty Street Harrisonburg VA 22801. The studio is on the second floor. Use either sets of doors between Pale Fire Brewing and Drifters Cafe – one door leads to the stairs, the other leads to the elevators. Head on up to the second floor and find us at the Center at the end of the long hallway in suite 201.
To get to The Center, look for parking in the free Turner Pavilion lot directly across the street from the Ice House and make sure you choose a 4-hour parking spot since there are permitted spaces in the same lot. You can also park in the roundabout in front of the Ice House or along Liberty Street starting at the DNR building next to the Ice House.
Accessible Entrance
Use the elevators between Drifters Cafe and Pale Fire.
Lunch
Drifters Cafe. Enjoy sandwiches, wraps, and smoothies along with other coffee shop fare. Tell the cashier that you are with Lunch Together and get 10% off. Drifters Cafe is located at 217 S Liberty St #104 on the lower level of the Ice House. Exit the building as you came in and turn left. Drifters is the cafe on the left across from Hugo Kohl.
View the menu here https://www.driftourway.com/s/order?location=11edfb10a119857fb81fac1f6bbba82c#most-popular
CANCELED – Monday, March 3 from 10:30-11:30am
Taiji Qigong with The Center
Followed by lunch at Drifters Cafe.
To register click on the button below to go to The Center’s registration platform. Click on the date of the class and click the green “book now” button. You will need to create an account and register and pay in advance. Class size is limited so please register early to ensure your enrollment.
Class Information
Attend this small group/one-on-one clinic with JMU students who will help you download social media apps, set up accounts, and learn how to use them to connect better with your children and grandchildren. Feel free to ask questions for tips about using your smart phone, too!
Instructor Information
JMU’s Phi Chi Theta business fraternity student volunteers
Location & Parking
Friendly City Food Co-op Cafe – 150 E Wolfe St, Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Park in the Friendly City Food Co-op parking lot. Accessible spaces are located near the entrance.
Accessible Entrance
The main entrance is accessible and the doors open electronically.
Lunch
Friendly City Food Co-op hot bar. Enjoy the hot bar, salad bar, and freshly prepared soups inside the grocery store. The cost is $10.99 per pound for made-from-scratch dishes using fresh, local, and organic ingredients. There are often vegetarian and vegan options daily.
Wednesday, March 5 from 10:30-11:30am
Connect with Kids and Grandkids Using TikTok & Instagram
Followed by lunch at the Friendly City Food Co-op.
Class Information
During this class we will explore gentle movements from Taiji and Qigong that increase vitality and longevity. Participants often notice improvements in balance, circulation, and sleep as well as decreased stress and anxiety. Participants will wear loose, comfortable clothing and practice from a standing position with an option for seated practice based on comfort and preference. Show up with a willingness to try new things, or perhaps a desire to continue arts you’ve already explored. No experience necessary. Join your fellow classmates for lunch immediately after class.
Instructor Information
Amara Franko is a licensed acupuncturist and certified instructor of Chinese Martial Arts who has been teaching and practicing Chinese Medicine and Martial Arts for over 20 years. After dabbling in martial arts throughout her youth, she began serious practice with North American Tang Shou Tao Association in 1998 and currently serves on the board of directors of this non-profit organization. She enjoys empowering people of all ages and capabilities to improve their lives through safe and attainable movement practices.
Location & Parking
The Center Fitness and Wellness Studios at the Ice House – 217 S Liberty Street Harrisonburg VA 22801. The studio is on the second floor. Use either sets of doors between Pale Fire Brewing and Drifters Cafe – one door leads to the stairs, the other leads to the elevators. Head on up to the second floor and find us at the Center at the end of the long hallway in suite 201.
To get to The Center, look for parking in the free Turner Pavilion lot directly across the street from the Ice House and make sure you choose a 4-hour parking spot since there are permitted spaces in the same lot. You can also park in the roundabout in front of the Ice House or along Liberty Street starting at the DNR building next to the Ice House.
Accessible Entrance
Use the elevators between Drifters Cafe and Pale Fire.
Lunch
Drifters Cafe. Enjoy sandwiches, wraps, and smoothies along with other coffee shop fare. Tell the cashier that you are with Lunch Together and get 10% off. Drifters Cafe is located at 217 S Liberty St #104 on the lower level of the Ice House. Exit the building as you came in and turn left. Drifters is the cafe on the left across from Hugo Kohl.
View the menu here https://www.driftourway.com/s/order?location=11edfb10a119857fb81fac1f6bbba82c#most-popular
Monday, March 10 from 10:30-11:30am
Taiji Qigong with The Center
Followed by lunch at Drifters Cafe.
To register click on the button below to go to The Center’s registration platform. Click on the date of the class and click the green “book now” button. You will need to create an account and register and pay in advance. Class size is limited so please register early to ensure your enrollment.
Class Information
Get an overview of common scams as well as how to identify them and avoid falling victim to them. Bring your questions, including those about cybersecurity – how do you recognize phishing attacks, what makes an email suspicious, and more!
Instructor Information
Juliana McGrath, Harrisonburg Police Dept Outreach and Communications Specialist, and Bud Ritchie, City of Harrisonburg’s Cybersecurity & Compliance Specialist
Location & Parking
City Hall – 409 S Main Street, Harrisonburg VA 22801 Room 011
Street parking on S Main Street and S Liberty Street, and 4-hour parking spaces in the Municipal Lot behind city hall by Turner Pavilion (there are accessible spaces in this lot. Do not park in permit parking spaces.)
Accessible Entrance
City Hall’s main entrance doors are accessible and there are elevators in the lobby to go to the lower level. The Ice House has an accessible ramp at the front of the building. Pale Fire is located on the ground floor and no steps are required.
Lunch
Pale Fire Brewing at the Ice House (217 S Liberty Street Harrisonburg VA 22801). Pale Fire offers Detroit-style pizza and sandwiches at the brew pub. View the menu here –https://www.palefirebrewing.com/harrisonburg
Wednesday, March 12 from 10:30-11:30am
Protecting Yourself from Scams and Fraud
Followed by lunch at Pale Fire Brewing Co.
Class Information
During this class we will explore gentle movements from Taiji and Qigong that increase vitality and longevity. Participants often notice improvements in balance, circulation, and sleep as well as decreased stress and anxiety. Participants will wear loose, comfortable clothing and practice from a standing position with an option for seated practice based on comfort and preference. Show up with a willingness to try new things, or perhaps a desire to continue arts you’ve already explored. No experience necessary. Join your fellow classmates for lunch immediately after class.
Instructor Information
Amara Franko is a licensed acupuncturist and certified instructor of Chinese Martial Arts who has been teaching and practicing Chinese Medicine and Martial Arts for over 20 years. After dabbling in martial arts throughout her youth, she began serious practice with North American Tang Shou Tao Association in 1998 and currently serves on the board of directors of this non-profit organization. She enjoys empowering people of all ages and capabilities to improve their lives through safe and attainable movement practices.
Location & Parking
The Center Fitness and Wellness Studios at the Ice House – 217 S Liberty Street Harrisonburg VA 22801. The studio is on the second floor. Use either sets of doors between Pale Fire Brewing and Drifters Cafe – one door leads to the stairs, the other leads to the elevators. Head on up to the second floor and find us at the Center at the end of the long hallway in suite 201.
To get to The Center, look for parking in the free Turner Pavilion lot directly across the street from the Ice House and make sure you choose a 4-hour parking spot since there are permitted spaces in the same lot. You can also park in the roundabout in front of the Ice House or along Liberty Street starting at the DNR building next to the Ice House.
Accessible Entrance
Use the elevators between Drifters Cafe and Pale Fire.
Lunch
Drifters Cafe. Enjoy sandwiches, wraps, and smoothies along with other coffee shop fare. Tell the cashier that you are with Lunch Together and get 10% off. Drifters Cafe is located at 217 S Liberty St #104 on the lower level of the Ice House. Exit the building as you came in and turn left. Drifters is the cafe on the left across from Hugo Kohl.
View the menu here https://www.driftourway.com/s/order?location=11edfb10a119857fb81fac1f6bbba82c#most-popular
Monday, March 17 from 10:30-11:30am
Taiji Qigong with The Center
Followed by lunch at Drifters Cafe.
To register click on the button below to go to The Center’s registration platform. Click on the date of the class and click the green “book now” button. You will need to create an account and register and pay in advance. Class size is limited so please register early to ensure your enrollment.
Activity Information
Join this group for a cup of coffee, meet other community members, and share your input in a casual discussion circle before enjoying lunch together downtown. Do you use the Massanutten Regional Library? Whether you are there all the time or seldomly at all, meet with the library’s team for hot coffee and a community conversation about what you would like to see at the Library. Meet Library Director Zach Elder and Director of Advancement Megan Medeiros and learn about what is new at MRL and offer your feedback on how they can make your public library serve your lifelong learning and entertainment needs even better. If you are not a current user, they‘d love to know more about why, and how they could gain or regain you as a part of this library community.
Location & Parking
Massanutten Regional Library – 174 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Hardesty Higgins House parking lot (212 S Main St), the Water Street Parking Deck, or the Newman Avenue parking lots. See our parking map for locations. These parking lots and the deck have accessible spaces and will be between a 3- to 8-minute walk to the library from these locations.
Accessible Entrance
Enter through the main entrance of the library and walk to the right to the meeting rooms. The Main Meeting Room is the first room on your right.
Lunch
Beyond at 50 W Water Street. Enjoy an Asian Fusion lunch or sushi. Beyond is located two blocks from MRL. Click here for the menu https://www.restaurantbeyond.com/menu
Class Information
Join Virginia Public Media’s Tassie Pippert from “Un-Wine’d” to hear about what it is like to explore, plan, and film this TV show that features food and beverage from throughout Virginia and our Commonwealth’s beautiful wineries. Hear what it is like to produce this exciting culinary show and how Tassie select her locations, wine, and recipes for her shows. Bring your questions for a Q&A session following the talk before lunch!
Location & Parking
The Dolley Madison Room at Monty’s in Hotel Madison – 710 S Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Hotel Madison’s parking garage. Follow signs for hotel parking. Accessible spaces available in the parking garage.
Accessible Entrance
If you are getting dropped off in front of the hotel, there is a side door to Monty’s. Hotel entrances open electronically.
Lunch
Lunch will be at Monty’s where the lecture will take place. Click this link for the menu.
Wednesday, March 19 from 10:30-11:30am
Lunch (and Learn) Together with un-Wine’d Tassie Pippert
Followed by lunch at Monty’s in Hotel Madison.
Class Information
During this class we will explore gentle movements from Taiji and Qigong that increase vitality and longevity. Participants often notice improvements in balance, circulation, and sleep as well as decreased stress and anxiety. Participants will wear loose, comfortable clothing and practice from a standing position with an option for seated practice based on comfort and preference. Show up with a willingness to try new things, or perhaps a desire to continue arts you’ve already explored. No experience necessary. Join your fellow classmates for lunch immediately after class.
Instructor Information
Amara Franko is a licensed acupuncturist and certified instructor of Chinese Martial Arts who has been teaching and practicing Chinese Medicine and Martial Arts for over 20 years. After dabbling in martial arts throughout her youth, she began serious practice with North American Tang Shou Tao Association in 1998 and currently serves on the board of directors of this non-profit organization. She enjoys empowering people of all ages and capabilities to improve their lives through safe and attainable movement practices.
Location & Parking
The Center Fitness and Wellness Studios at the Ice House – 217 S Liberty Street Harrisonburg VA 22801. The studio is on the second floor. Use either sets of doors between Pale Fire Brewing and Drifters Cafe – one door leads to the stairs, the other leads to the elevators. Head on up to the second floor and find us at the Center at the end of the long hallway in suite 201.
To get to The Center, look for parking in the free Turner Pavilion lot directly across the street from the Ice House and make sure you choose a 4-hour parking spot since there are permitted spaces in the same lot. You can also park in the roundabout in front of the Ice House or along Liberty Street starting at the DNR building next to the Ice House.
Accessible Entrance
Use the elevators between Drifters Cafe and Pale Fire.
Lunch
Drifters Cafe. Enjoy sandwiches, wraps, and smoothies along with other coffee shop fare. Tell the cashier that you are with Lunch Together and get 10% off. Drifters Cafe is located at 217 S Liberty St #104 on the lower level of the Ice House. Exit the building as you came in and turn left. Drifters is the cafe on the left across from Hugo Kohl.
View the menu here https://www.driftourway.com/s/order?location=11edfb10a119857fb81fac1f6bbba82c#most-popular
Monday, March 24 from 10:30-11:30am
Taiji Qigong with The Center
Followed by lunch at Drifters Cafe.
To register click on the button below to go to The Center’s registration platform. Click on the date of the class and click the green “book now” button. You will need to create an account and register and pay in advance. Class size is limited so please register early to ensure your enrollment.
Class Information
A survey conducted by the PEW Research Center found that half of American adults have stopped talking to someone about difficult, political issues. This prevents the learning of key skills for dialoguing with people who hold different views, values, and beliefs. In this interactive workshop, Dr. Kara Dillard, Executive Director and Democracy Fellows from the Madison Center for Civic Engagement will lead participants through a series of brief facilitated conversations focusing on learning how to ask curious questions, getting out of the conversational panic zone, sharing stories to illustrate personal values, and communicating across difference to build better interpersonal relationships.
Instructor Information
Dr. Kara Dillard from the JMU Madison Center for Civic Engagement
Location & Parking
JMU Side of the Ice House, Room 107- 127 W. Bruce Street, Harrisonburg, VA
The Water Street Parking Deck is about a block away from the Ice House. There are also visitor spaces in the Ice House Parking Lot that you can access between W Water and W Bruce Streets. There are also accessible parking spaces in that parking lot as well as limited accessible spaces in the roundabout of the Ice House (these are near Pale Fire access from Liberty Street) and behind the Ice House near Drifters Cafe.
Accessible Entrance
The main entrance is accessible. Room 107 is on the ground floor.
Lunch
Bella Luna at 80 W Water Street, which is 3 blocks from the Ice House. Tell the host that you are with Lunch Together to be seated in the back room where the music will be turned down to facilitate lunchtime conversations. Enjoy wood-fired pizza, salads, and sandwiches in this cozy downtown establishment. http://www.bellalunawoodfired.com/menu
Wednesday, March 26 from 10:30-11:30am
“Oh! I never thought about it that way!: How to have better conversations together across divides” with JMU’s Lifelong Learning Institute
Followed by lunch at Bella Luna.
Class Information
During this class we will explore gentle movements from Taiji and Qigong that increase vitality and longevity. Participants often notice improvements in balance, circulation, and sleep as well as decreased stress and anxiety. Participants will wear loose, comfortable clothing and practice from a standing position with an option for seated practice based on comfort and preference. Show up with a willingness to try new things, or perhaps a desire to continue arts you’ve already explored. No experience necessary. Join your fellow classmates for lunch immediately after class.
Instructor Information
Amara Franko is a licensed acupuncturist and certified instructor of Chinese Martial Arts who has been teaching and practicing Chinese Medicine and Martial Arts for over 20 years. After dabbling in martial arts throughout her youth, she began serious practice with North American Tang Shou Tao Association in 1998 and currently serves on the board of directors of this non-profit organization. She enjoys empowering people of all ages and capabilities to improve their lives through safe and attainable movement practices.
Location & Parking
The Center Fitness and Wellness Studios at the Ice House – 217 S Liberty Street Harrisonburg VA 22801. The studio is on the second floor. Use either sets of doors between Pale Fire Brewing and Drifters Cafe – one door leads to the stairs, the other leads to the elevators. Head on up to the second floor and find us at the Center at the end of the long hallway in suite 201.
To get to The Center, look for parking in the free Turner Pavilion lot directly across the street from the Ice House and make sure you choose a 4-hour parking spot since there are permitted spaces in the same lot. You can also park in the roundabout in front of the Ice House or along Liberty Street starting at the DNR building next to the Ice House.
Accessible Entrance
Use the elevators between Drifters Cafe and Pale Fire.
Lunch
Drifters Cafe. Enjoy sandwiches, wraps, and smoothies along with other coffee shop fare. Tell the cashier that you are with Lunch Together and get 10% off. Drifters Cafe is located at 217 S Liberty St #104 on the lower level of the Ice House. Exit the building as you came in and turn left. Drifters is the cafe on the left across from Hugo Kohl.
View the menu here https://www.driftourway.com/s/order?location=11edfb10a119857fb81fac1f6bbba82c#most-popular
Monday, March 31 from 10:30-11:30am
Taiji Qigong with The Center
Followed by lunch at Drifters Cafe.
To register click on the button below to go to The Center’s registration platform. Click on the date of the class and click the green “book now” button. You will need to create an account and register and pay in advance. Class size is limited so please register early to ensure your enrollment.