Arts, Leisure and Sports
The Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia has named The Grandin Theatre the recipient of a grant totaling more than $100,000. Theatre officials say the money will help them expand their services beyond films. WFIR’s Emma Thomas with details:
The Drumstick Dash 5K on Thanksgiving morning that benefits the Rescue Mission of Roanoke will be back downtown this year. The revised course will start and end at Elmwood Park and will include fewer turns. Registration is open now for the Drumstick Dash; Pinnacle Bank was announced this morning as the new title sponsor. It was moved to the greenway three days before the race last November due to a lack of police personnel to work traffic at busy intersections. Chief Sam Roman says they’ve been addressing that issue since.
Two Blues legends and one up-and-comer will take the stage at Elmwood Park this Saturday – one of them describes his musical influences. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has details:
Cindy Petersen -courtesy Taubman Museum
A grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services will allow the Taubman to expand their Happy HeARTs program, and make it a prototype for future programs of its kind. The program makes art creation accessible and sensory-friendly to those with differing abilities including – those with low vision, neurodivergence, and intellectual or developmental disabilities. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has details:
Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine has nominated Roanoke as a top adventure town. To vote for Roanoke, click HERE.
Joy Sylvester Johnson (L) and Marian McConnell
The former CEO of the Roanoke Rescue Mission has written her first book – its aimed at children but Joy Sylvester Johnson says there’s a message for parents as well. There’s a book launch on Saturday, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
Roanoke’s GO Fest will be Downtown this October, and organizers are proud to announce a new partnership that aims to connect more people with Roanoke’s outdoor spaces. Organizers say that this year’s festival will mix new attractions with old favorites. WFIR’s Emma Thomas with more:
