Open Doors

Presenter: Nate Riddle

Open Doors is our community’s only low-barrier shelter and support provider for those experiencing homelessness. Nate Riddle, the Executive Director of Open Doors, will discuss the issue of homelessness as it impacts our community, the services Open Doors provides, our community’s collective efforts and the future of homelessness services in our area. The exciting news is Open Doors has been selected as the service provider for Harrisonburg’s new permanent shelter. 

Nate Riddle is a valley native, and graduate of Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Public Administration. He is working toward his Doctor of Public Administration at California Baptist University. 

Living Well in Your Lifetime Home

Presenter: Charles Hendricks

Our homes typically don’t change much day to day and year to year, but we do. Life happens and having a comfortable and healthy home that can adapt to our current situation is Life Changing. Let’s talk about how to create a space where we can thrive as life throws us curveballs. 

Charles Hendricks is a father, architect, and Rotarian. His firm, Gaines Group Architects, focuses on using design to build a better community, enhance livability, reduce construction and operation costs, and protect the environment. As a certified aging in place specialist, certified green professional, and LEED accredited professional he designs projects over a wide array of types from a small kitchen renovation or deck addition to a custom home or a new commercial building. With 37 years serving our community and over 130 years of combined experience in the firm, Gaines Group architects has probably seen every design challenge and offered a sustainable solution in the past.   

Charles is a member of the Rotary Club of Rockingham County, Park View Mennonite Church, Shenandoah Valley Partnership, Massanutten Technical Center Foundation, Harrisonburg City School Business Advisory Council, Shenandoah Valley Builders Association, Explore More Discovery Museum Board, and the Harrisonburg Rockingham Chamber of Commerce. 

Come Learn About the World of Tatoos

Presenters: James Warsing

Come meet diversified artist James Warsing and have the unique opportunity to learn about all the things you have always wanted to know about tattoos --- without getting one! Mr. Warsing will share his experience, having a record of over 48,000 clients that he has tattooed in the US and around the world.  

Brief Biography of the Speaker –  

James Warsing is a US Veteran and has tattooed in the US and worldwide. His knowledge of the craft of the tattoo artist has been published in Tattoo Magazine, Tattoo Review and JMU’s Breeze! Articles have been published about his work in removing unwanted tattoos without scaring and destroying the skin. His artistic artwork has also appeared in rock, marble, wood, metal, granite and hand etching urns for loved ones. 

Life in Cuba

Presenter:  Roberto de Jesus Quinones Haces

Learn about life in Cuba including survival in a Cuban prison. 

Roberto de Jesus Quiñones Haces was born in Cuba.  He was an attorney there for 18 years and was incarcerated in a Cuban prison between 1999-2003 and again from 2019-2020.  He received asylum in the United States in 2021.  He lives in Harrisonburg with his wife and youngest son. 

Genealogy 101

Presenter:  Kristen Noell Evans

Learn how to start building your family tree with a professional librarian.  There are many resources available freely from your local public library to get started and even more avenues to explore. 

Kristen Noell Evans grew up in Charlottesville.  She got her undergraduate degree in History, Technology, and Society from Georgia Tech and her Master's of Library Science from Indiana University. She has worked at Massanutten Regional Library since 2014.