Gene Marrano
Waynette Anderson (L) in studio C Palmer photo
The season at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges is already underway. Waynette Anderson, the President of Dr. Pepper Park, joined us live in studio this morning to talk about the rest of the schedule for 2024. Hear the complete conversation below or watch it on Facebook.
From the WFIR News room this is your Culture Calendar – With a look at some of the local events coming up this weekend and in the near future. Sponsored by the Roanoke Cultural Endowment.
Veterans Isaiah Hugger, Laurie Clay and Bill Dwyer (L-R) G Marrano photo
Assisting military veterans with eligibility questions, claim submissions and checking on their status. This Saturday VFW Post 1264 and the Virginia Service Department will offer a “Veterans helping Veterans Outreach,” event at the edge of Wasena Park, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
City of Roanoke Parks Manager Cindy McFall will move into the role of Director of Parks and Recreation on April 30—bringing 27 years of experience, nearly 20 of those with the City of Roanoke. McFall was selected out of an original pool of more than 50 candidates from across the country.
“Cindy’s deep and comprehensive experience in parks and recreation, her can-do attitude, and her strong sense of teamwork made her clearly standout among the other candidates interviewed,” City Manager Bob Cowell said. “I look forward to our continued work with Cindy and hold great anticipation of where she and her team will take the Roanoke Parks and Recreation Department.” In her current role as Parks Manager, McFall is responsible for the daily operation and upkeep of the City’s parks, greenways, plazas, paved and natural surface trails, and urban forest.
McFall succeeds Michael Clark, who abruptly resigned several months ago, alleging ‘toxic” work conditions within the city government hierarchy.
MGN
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Carilion Clinic invites the public to “Go Green for Mental Health,” with a series of wellness workshops, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
Roanoke College – the smallish, liberal arts school based in Salem, looks to become a bigger player in the STEM arena. A groundbreaking last weekend signifies that intention, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
What was once “Roanoke Valley Gives,” became “Give Roanoke” two years ago, but the goal remains the same – local non-profits looking to raise funds and gain more exposure in a 24 hour period that begins at midnight tonight. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has the story:
Virginia State Police is investigating a two-vehicle crash late Saturday night which resulted in two fatalities, on Route 24 at its intersection with Goodview Road in Bedford County. A stolen 2013 Harley Davidson being pursued by police in a high speed chase struck a 2016 Subaru Legacy turning on to Goodview Road. The driver and the passenger of the Harley Davidson were ejected from the motorcycle. 46 year old Travis Perdue of Thaxton and 35 year old Michael Bishop both died later at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. The driver of the Subaru was also transported to the hospital for injuries received in the crash.