NRCC offering handgun safety class June 15
New River Community College will offer a handgun safety class on Tuesday, June 13, and Thursday, June 15.
Both class meetings will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at 206 Edwards Hall in Dublin. Range time will be offered on the Saturday following the class.
The cost of the course is $60.
The six-hour classroom portion of the course, instructed by Joey Williams, is required. However, range time is optional. The class is intended for individuals who are applying for a handgun permit through the courts, and will cover topics such as the nomenclature of revolvers and/or semi-automatic handguns and safety issues related to handgun ownership. Participants will also learn how to care for, maintain and store their handguns.
To register for this course, visit http://bit.ly/handgunsafety062017.
United Way’s 3rd Annual Drive-thru Breakfast Friday
United Way will hold their 3rd annual drive-thru breakfast on Fri., June 9 from 6:30-9:30 a.m. For a $10 donation, United Way will give a full, delicious breakfast bag stuffed with a hot breakfast biscuit, a freshly baked good from a variety of local bakeries, fruit, a freshly brewed Starbucks coffee, and a copy of The News Messenger. With each $10 contribution a donor makes to purchase a breakfast bag, 100% of that contribution will go directly to United Ways work, providing for critical human and health needs in our community! Come on out to this fun event!
Antique appraisal at the Alexander Black House & Cultural Center June 15
Have you ever wanted to go on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow? This is the next best thing. Bring your family heirlooms for an appraisal by local experts, and check out other treasures that have been hiding in the attics of other Blacksburg resident on June 15 from 7-9 p.m.. Appraisers include Katie Heiskell from Heirloom Originals, Larry Linkous from Linkous Auctioneers, and Robert Miller from Miller Off Main Street Galleries.
The cost is $5 per item (limit of three per person), or $5 entry for spectators. Space is limited, so sign up by June 13 and tell what you are bringing, or if you’re just coming to watch.
Contact the Alexander Black House & Cultural Center at info@blacksburghistory.org or 540-558-0746. Wine and beer cash bar will be available. Proceeds will benefit the restoration of the second floor of the Alexander Black House & Cultural Center.
Dance Center of SW Virginia Sold
Sandra Smeltzer, owner and director of The Dance Centre of Southwest Virginia, has sold the school to Mark Shepherd and Pedro Szalay, effective in August of 2017. Ms. Smeltzer will continue to teach children’s classes under the new ownership. More information regarding the school and plans for the future will be forthcoming from the new owners.
10th Annual Summer Solstice Festival June 17
Downtown Blacksburg Inc. is hosting the 10th annual summer solstice festival on June 17, from 1-11 p.m. in Downtown Blacksburg. The event will host the Solstice Fest Craft Market with over 20 local vendors as well as Community Connections, a local non-profit group that provides fun, family activities. Other activities include Alberti’s Flea Circus, Water Wars, moon bounces, doggie costume contest, Circus Stella, live music, a beer and wine garden, festival foods, yoga on the lawn, and sand beach.
Blacksburg Transit earns two 2017 VTA Awards
Blacksburg Transit was recognized last week with two awards from the Virginia Transit Association at their annual conference.
Blacksburg Transit’s Operations Manager, Harland Brown, earned Virginia Transit Association’s inaugural Transit Employee Unsung Hero Award for his dedication to Blacksburg Transit during the organization’s driver shortage in 2015-2016.
With supply of drivers at an all-time low and the demand for increased service at an all-time high, someone had to manage the situation. Harland Brown and his team of supervisors sacrificed family time and normal work duties to keep bus service on the road. In the end, it was Harland’s leadership, compassion and integrity that kept his team and Blacksburg Transit together during this tough time.
Blacksburg Transit also earned the 2017 Outstanding Public Transportation Marketing Award for their “Drive for BT” advertising campaign. In the submitted campaign, Blacksburg Transit highlighted their unique social media advertising efforts that helped to solve their driver shortage issue. By adding social media to their advertising mix and strategically targeting three age groups with intriguing creative, Blacksburg Transit increased staffing by 22 percent. Blacksburg Transit’s goal was to bring in 200 applications over a 12-month period; they met and exceeded this goal with these ads in just five months.
Blacksburg Community Strings Summer Music Splash 2017
Sign up now for Blacksburg Community Strings Summer Music Splash 2017.
Violinists, violists, and cellists who play at Suzuki book level 4+, come play in an ensemble led by Ake-Eric Renqvist, conductor Blacksburg Community Strings. Bring instrument and music stand. Location: Blacksburg Community Center.
For more information contact Marta Brinberg at martabrinberg@hotmail.com or 540-552-7209. To register, call 540-443-1100.
Get on the water with Blacksburg Parks and Recreation
June 10, Journey on the James Kayak Tour
Enjoy a sit-a-top kayak experience down the James River this Saturday from 9-5 p.m. at the Blacksburg Community Center. Take in the sights and sounds of summer and potentially see osprey, hawks, otters and bald eagles on this relatively easy section with the occasional riffle. Ages 11 & up. Register today by 5 p.m.
June 9, Sunset Kayak Paddle
Relax and let the stress of the week float away as you take in the peace and tranquility of the New River this Friday at the Dudley’s River Landing from 6-8:30 p.m. Guides will provide you with equipment, safety talk, lesson on paddling fundamentals, and shuttle. Ages 11 & up. Register today by 5 p.m.
Camps for preschoolers
Busy Beaver Camp
June 5-9, ages 3-4, 9-12 p.m., $84/$94
June 12-16, ages 4-5, 9-12 p.m., $84/$94
This camp will include arts and crafts, movement exercise with songs, activities and special guest. Instructor: Maria Rossi
Sporty Shorties
June 5-9, ages 4-5, 1-3 p.m., $77/$87
This camp will provide a fun recreational experience for children with basic instruction in the fundamentals for soccer, t-ball, and volleyball. Instructor: Maria Rossi
Inflatable Fun Water Camp
June 12-16, ages 3-4, 1-3 p.m., $68/$78
This camp will provide a fun recreational experience for children provided by kidercizeparties.com under the direction of Maria Rossi. Bring bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, snack (no peanut products) and change of clothes.
To register, call 540-443-1100 or visit www.blacksburg.gov/recreation.
Mount Tabor Ruritan fish fry Saturday
Mount Tabor Ruritan Club will hold its June Fish Fry Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Slusser’s Chapel Picnic Shelter, 1543 Mount Tabor Rd, Blacksburg. All-you-can-eat fish, fries and slaw; Homemade desserts; and beverages. Adults-$8, children under 12-$4, (under 3)-free, carry-outs-$8. The Happy Hollow Stringband will be playing. Held rain or shine. Call 449-6178 for further information, or visit Facebook at MtTaborRuritan.
