Registration open for Citizens Police Academy
The Christiansburg Police Department is accepting applications for this year’s Citizens Police Academy, a free 12-week class providing residents with an overview of the department and its operations.
The academy is scheduled to begin mid-September and will meet each Thursday from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Christiansburg Police Department, 10 East Main Street in Christiansburg.
During the academy, participants have a chance to ride along with Christiansburg police officers, visit the firing range and fire the weapons they carry, and tour the Cardinal Police Academy where they train. In addition to hands-on training and experiences, participants will take part in classroom instruction, learning how radar works, how DUI stops are made, techniques for defensive tactics and more.
To sign up for the Citizens Police Academy or for more information, please contact Stephanie Turner at 382-3131, ext. 310.
Moss Arts Center artists of Appalachia
The Moss Arts Center’s current art exhibition highlights the outstanding artistry and skill of artists in Appalachia. Featuring the work of 17 regional artists using a variety of techniques, “From These Woods” draws attention to the potential of the arts for creating an ecologically and economically sustainable future in the region. The exhibition showcases a variety of different art forms and features pieces made by woodturning and carving, as well as woven baskets, sculpture, and furniture. 190 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg. For more information call 231-5300.
Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group
Build a support system with people who understand. Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support groups, conducted by trained facilitators, are a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia to develop a support system, exchange practical information on caregiving challenges and possible solutions. Talk through issues and ways of coping. Share feelings, needs and concerns. Learn about community resources. The group meets the first and third Friday of the month at 3 p.m. at the Warm Hearth Village Center Woodland Studio, located at 2387 Warm Hearth Drive in Blacksburg. For more information contact Heather Gearhart at 443-3488.
Micah’s Backpack
During the summer months, Micah’s Backpack is seeking volunteers to help pack bags, load cars, restock shelves, and break down packaging on Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. Set-up begins at 5:30 p.m.
When school resumes, they go back to packing on Thursday nights at 6 pm. Volunteers meet at Saint Michael Lutheran Church, 2308 Merrimac Road, Blacksburg.
Call Micah’s Backpack at 951-8951 for more details.
Humane Society food drive, today
The Humane Society of Montgomery County is holding a supply drive at the Christiansburg Kroger today from 11-4 p.m. Donations of dry cat and dog food, clay litter, treats, bleach, toys, paper towels, and other cleaning supplies are needed. Your participation will help keep our animals healthy and well fed while awaiting their forever homes. For more information call 382-1166.
Blacksburg Regional Art Association, Gelli Plates, today
Registration now open for members-only play date on printing with Gelli plates today from 9-4 p.m. at Warm Hearth Village located at 2387 Warm Hearth Drive in Blacksburg. Visit blacksburgart.org for full information.
ReNew the New, today
ReNew the New will take place today from 8-12 p.m. at 375 Berkley Williams Drive in Radford. Each fall, volunteers take to the New River in canoes, rafts and kayaks to clean the debris from the river bottom, banks, and surrounding areas. Join these efforts to help keep the New River clean and healthy by going to the registration page and signing up for the Radford clean-up at renewthenew.org. For more information call 639-9313.
Heritage Day, today
The Montgomery Museum is seeking volunteers for Heritage Day today. The event will feature food, live entertainment, craft activities, a pie cook-off and much more. Volunteers are needed to donate baked goods, help with set-up from 8-10 a.m., help with the silent auction, serve hot dogs and other food items at the food tent during the event, and cleanup from 3-4 p.m. 300 Pepper St S, Christiansburg, VA 24073
Dialogue on race, today
Come out to the Dialogue on Race Summer Summit with Sides. Bring a friend. Bring a side dish. Fried chicken will be provided. Catch-up with friends and colleagues on our work: to combat racism in our community. The event will be at 5 p.m. at the Summer Picnic Summit, at Nellie’s Cave Park, 1900 Grissom Lane in Blacksburg. For more information visit dialogueonrace.info.
NAACP meeting, tomorrow
The August General Body meeting of the Montgomery County-Radford City-Floyd County NAACP will be held on Sunday, Aug. 27, at First Baptist Church, 555 West Rock Road in Radford. The CREDO speaker will be Donna Fern of Radford Fairlawn Daily Bread. The meeting will begin at 3:30 and end at 5 p.m. For more information call 382-6751.
Autism Symposium Sep.15
The 3rd annual Autism Research Symposium will be held on Friday, Spt. 15 from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Virginia Tech, The Virginia Tech Center for Autism Research, and The Washington Group Special Care Planning Team, presents the event. RSVP will be required due to space limitations. The symposium will be at the Fairview Park Marriott located at 3111 Fairview Park Dr, Falls Church. For more information please contact: (703) 865-6502 or calford@financialguide.com
HPV clinic Aug. 11
The Health Dept and RaCPS is holding immunization clinic Aug.11 at Blacksburg High School from 11-2 p.m. There will be a Flu clinic in Oct. and the 2nd HPV vaccine will be offered. The 3rd HPV clinic will be held in April at the HS for those over age 15. In most instances, children who do not have their Tdap booster will not be allowed to attend school until proof of immunization is offered. The Flu and HPV clinics are strictly optional. For more information please contact 585-3300.
Public Input Meeting for Christiansburg Community Aug. 15
The town council wants to know what you think about the proposed plans for schools in Christiansburg – upgraded athletic facilities, a renovated Christiansburg High School and the possibility of a new elementary school in Christiansburg. Location is at Christiansburg High School, 100 Independence Blvd, Christiansburg. For more information please contact 382-6128.
Raise The Roof BBQ & Craft Fair, today
Slusser’s Chapel, located at 1543 Mt. Tabor Road in Blacksburg will hold its Raise The Roof BBQ and Craft Fair on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 4-7 p.m. Menu includes all-you-can-eat pulled pork BBQ, burgers, hot dogs, and chicken. Sides are homemade slaw, potato and macaroni salads, baked beans, desserts and drinks. Take out available. Adults $10 Children 5-12 $5 under 5 free. Craft fair includes 18 vendors from around the area. Profits will go toward roof repairs. For more information call 552-8737.
Blacksburg Museum & Cultural Center Masquerade Gala, today
Dine & dance in the elegant atmosphere of the beautifully restored Alexander Black House & Cultural Center. The evening will include a champagne reception, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, live music, dancing, a silent auction, and of course great company. Tickets are $95 per person and can be purchased online or by calling 558-0746. Proceeds will benefit the continuing restoration of the Alexander Black House at 204 Draper Rd SW, Blacksburg.
ShelterFest, today
ShelterFest 2017 is coming back to Sinkland Farms in Riner on Saturday, Aug. 26. This year’s event features local headliners Badunkafunk and Black Wax Rebellion, with special guests West End and Cole Massey. Gates will open at 5:30 pm, with music beginning at 6 p.m.
Till & Grill is returning as a food vendor, and Hethwood Market will be at the event, who will also be providing food. Adult beverages will also be available for purchase.
All proceeds will benefit To Our House and United Way of Montgomery, Radford & Floyd and our efforts to shelter homeless individuals in our community.
Democrats dinner, today
Join the Montgomery County Democratic Committee on Aug. 26 at the German Club on 711 Southgate Drive in Blacksburg for our Annual Dinner. Reception is at 5:30 p.m., buffet-style dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $60. For more information please visit, mcdemocrats.org/events/annual-dinner/.
Beliveau Estate Winery dog festival, tomorrow
Beliveau Estate’s 5th Annual Dog Festival will be held on Aug. 27 from 12-6 p.m. The festival will feature a variety of local vendors selling unique items and treats. Enjoy a variety of fun activities with your four-legged family members. For more information call 961-0505.
Hunter Safety Course, tomorrow
Virginia has implemented a new, shorter hunter education course. Instead of 10 hours or more, the new course will be 6-8 hours. Students will be required to complete several hours of self-study prior to the class. Some material on the final test will be covered in the self-study material, but not during actual class time. Students must complete the self-study to prepare themselves for the final test. Study manuals will be available for pick-up at the Recreation Dept. Participants must be pre-registered, NO walk-in registrations at the class. Register online at: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/hunting/education/new/
Child fingerprinting, Monday
Come by the Recreation Department and have your child fingerprinted for your files in case of an emergency. 615 Patrick Henry Dr, Blacksburg, VA 24060. For more information call 961-1135.
Step-by-step home buyers class, Tuesday
Join Rachel at the Christiansburg Recreation Center, located at 1600 North Franklin Street, as she gives you helpful tips to be aware of when purchasing a home. Those interested must pre-register. For more information please call 382-2349.
Safe Kids NRV Coalition-Car Seat Safety Checks Aug. 31
Come by the Fire Department at 110 Depot Street NW in Christiansburg from 4-6 p.m. to make sure you have your car seat installed properly. For more information please call 382-4388.
North Main Street at Route 460 Intersection improvements design public hearing Aug. 31
Find out about a project to improve safety at the intersection where North Main Street connects with Route 460 and Farmingdale Lane in Blacksburg at the public hearing on Thursday, Aug. 31 from 5-7 p.m. at the Blacksburg Community center located at 725 Patrick Henry Drive. The project will modify the intersection to add and lengthen turn lanes and restrict left turns from North Main Street and Farmingdale Lane onto Route 460. The project also includes improvements to facilitate U-turns on Route 460. Closing the connection of Bishop Road to Route 460 also is being considered.
The hearing will be held in an open house format and VDOT representatives will be present to answer questions.
Review the project information and the National Environmental Policy Act document in the form of a Categorical Exclusion at the public hearing or after the hearing at VDOT’s Salem District Office located at 731 Harrison Ave., Salem, 540-387-5353, 800-367-7623, TTY/TDD 711. Please call ahead to ensure the availability of appropriate personnel to answer your questions. Inclement Weather Date: Tuesday, Sept. 5, 5-7 p.m.
Property impact information, relocation assistance policies and tentative construction schedules are available for your review at the above address and will be available at the public hearing.
6th Annual Fall & Holliday Craft/Vendor Show & Fundraiser
Come out to the Holy Spirit Catholic Churuch at 355 Independence Boulevard in Christiansburg from 9-2 p.m. for the 6th annual Fall and Holiday Craft/Vendor Show & Fundraiser. There will be a crafters, party consultants, door prizes, baked sale items & refreshments. Proceeds benefit our Youth Ministry. Please join us. For more information contact Terry Mattox, tmattox845@verizon.net, (540) 381-0845
Learn to Square Dance Sept. 11
Come enjoy an Open House and free Western square dance lesson offered by the New River Squares on Friday, Sept. 11, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Memorial Baptist Church, 995 Peppers Ferry Rd. Pulaski. You can also sign up for a series of classes that officially begin on Sept.18 and continue for 14 Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. at the Church. There is a small fee for the classes. Come for the Square Dance Open House on Sept. 11 and try this great fun exercise for free. If you have questions or wish more information contact Martin and Mary Jane McMillion at 382-3640 or martinandmaryjane@gmail.com or Susan and Phil Daniels at 268-0489 or spdan7@gmail.com.
Junior Master Gardner Program
Hahn Horticulture Garden and Montgomery County 4-H invites you to join our Junior Master Gardener (JMG) program. The JMG program is a fun youth gardening program modeled after the highly successful adult Master Gardener program. It offers horticultural and environmental science education through creative gardening activities. The program includes 26 classes over fall and spring. Classes will be led by trained Master Gardener volunteers with support from Hahn Horticulture Garden and Extension staff (generally three or more adults for each class). Hahn Horticulture Garden will provide garden space for some of the gardening projects. Participants in this program will have the opportunity to become certified Junior Master Gardeners through hands-on learning, community service, and leadership projects. Youth will be encouraged to work towards JMG certification, though this is not required. Details about certification will be explained at the first meeting. To register, complete a 4-H health history form. You can download the form at: http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/388/388-906/388-906-PDF.pdf
Return the form with your payment to Stephanie Huckestein, Hahn Horticulture Garden located at 200 Garden Lane in Blacksburg. For more information please call 231-5970.
Blacksburg Newcomers Club, Sept. 12
Come hear Mayor Rordam recount his experiences as Mayor, review the transformations he has seen in Blacksburg, relate Blacksburg’s successes as well as its struggles, and share his views on its future. The meeting will be held on Tuesdey, Sept. 12 from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Luther Memorial Luutheran Church on 600 Prices Fork Road in Backsburg. For more information email blacksburgnewcomers@gmail.com. No matter how long you have lived in the area, since birth or you’ve just moved in, the Blacksburg Newcomers’ Club welcomes all residents of the New River Valley.