Saturday, Oct. 19:
Pancake Breakfast
The Kiwanis Club of Montgomery County- Blacksburg is sponsoring a pancake breakfast, 8- 11 a.m. in the Blacksburg United Methodist Church’s Whisner Building. BUMC has a parking lot on the corner of Penn and Lee Streets. Cost is $8 per person and tickets can be purchased at the door. The motto of Kiwanis is serving the children of the world one child one community at a time. Montgomery Co-Blacksburg Kiwanis meets every Thursday for lunch (11:45 a.m. -1 p.m.) at Warm Hearth Village, Blacksburg, with a program speaker most days.
Red Cross blood drive
St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 103 E. Main St., Christiansburg, will host a Red Cross Blood Drive, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Appointments: https://www.redcrossblood.org
Volunteer Montgomery’s Chili Cook-Off cancelled
The Volunteer Montgomery chili cook-off fundraiser scheduled for Oct. 19 in Christiansburg has been cancelled.
Fall leaf mulch distribution
Leaf mulch is available for pick up at Glade Road Growing 8 a.m. – noon. Loose and bagged leaves collected by the town are composted into leaf mulch. This mulch can be used as a soil additive for composting. This is an important service as composted leaf mulch keeps leaves out of landfills. Leaves can take up valuable landfill space and produce harmful greenhouse gases. To arrange pickup, residents must register and follow these guidelines: Register for a 30-minute time slot. Time slots are in 30-minute intervals starting at 8 a.m. Limit two cubic yards per truck or trailer. The town will load your truck or trailer. The process of loading leaves may cause scratches or dents to your truck or trailer as well as possible suspension damage due to the weight. By participating in this program, you assume the risk inherent with loading leaves in your truck or trailer. No dogs are permitted outside of their owner’s vehicle during the event for the safety of the farm’s livestock.
Blacksburg Farmers Market
At Market Square Park, 100 Draper Rd SW, Blacksburg; 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Blacksburg Farmers Market is a local, family-friendly gathering place in downtown Blacksburg featuring farmers of locally grown produce and meats, alongside artisans of baked goods and handmade crafts. For more information, visit http://blacksburgfarmersmarket.com.
Fall Dance Festival
Radford University Fall Dance Festival, 2 p.m. in the Main Stage Theatre, Artis Center. The concert incorporates a wide spectrum of movement styles featuring original choreography. Adults $10; Children $6; RU ID Free. Visit www.radfordactivities.com or call 540-831-5420.
Sunday, Oct. 20:
Vintage Market
At Market Square Park, 100 Draper Rd SW, Blacksburg; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The market is made up of a carefully chosen group of vendors selling a wide selection of quality vintage items, upcycled crafts, and occasional antiques. For more information, visit blacksburgfarmersmarket.com/vintage-market/.
Tuesday, Oct. 22:
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia Workshop
Join Blacksburg Parks and Recreation at 2 p.m. for an informative program on “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia”. This workshop is for anyone who would like to know more about how Alzheimer’s affects the brain, detection, cases and risk factors, stages of the disease, treatment, and much more. This program is free, but registration is appreciated. To learn more, and to register, call 540-443-1142.
October TRIAD- Shred-a-Thon
TRIAD/S.A.L.T. is a cooperative effort of law enforcement agencies (police/sheriffs), senior citizens, and senior organization, focused on reducing crimes against our most vulnerable citizens: our seniors. A Fall Shred-A-Thon sponsored by TRIAD and Christiansburg Recreation Department will be held 3-6 p.m. at Christiansburg Recreation Center parking lot. Please bring your documents in a box or plastic tote (no larger than 22.5” x 18”x11.5”) – limit of three totes/boxes per vehicle. Items that cannot be shredded include metal, three-ring binders, composition notebooks, hanging file folders, paint brushes, padlocks, hardback books, keys, eyeglasses, bungee cords, etc. Please note that the Shred-A-Thon is a drive-thru event; please remain in your vehicle when approaching the collection site. No walk-ups will be allowed.
Wednesday, Oct. 23:
Our Bodies Our Choice presents Reproductive Justice: An Urgent Conversation
Women tell their stories and share facts at a public discussion on reproductive healthcare, 7 – 9:30 p.m. at the Lyric Theater in Blacksburg. Our Bodies Our Choice, a grassroots, non-partisan group supporting reproductive justice, is hosting a forum on reproductive healthcare and the status of reproductive rights across the country. Hear from a healthcare provider and her patients about reproductive health experiences. Learn where reproductive healthcare is available and where it has been banned, and the consequences for women and their families. Leave with suggestions on how we can take action to preserve or restore reproductive rights. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Please come early to visit with event co-sponsors in the lobby and learn more about their efforts. Admission is free.
Toms Creek Basin Community Meeting
The Toms Creek Basin Planning team will host a community meeting from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Blacksburg Community Center to discuss the Toms Creek Basin Planning Study. Citizens are invited to join to be a part of the next big conversation about this unique area. Participants will have the opportunity to view a presentation about some of the scenarios and big ideas the team is exploring for the future of the Basin, to be followed by small group discussion. Kids are welcome. Can’t make it, but want to follow along? Visit letstalkblacksburg.org/tcb to learn more.
Blacksburg Farmers Market
At Market Square Park, 100 Draper Rd SW, Blacksburg; 2 – 6 p.m. The market is a local, family-friendly gathering place in downtown Blacksburg featuring farmers of locally grown produce and meats, alongside artisans of baked goods and handmade crafts. For more information, visit http://blacksburgfarmersmarket.com.
Free GED Prep Classes with NRCC
At the Radford Public Library, 9 a.m. – noon. Join NRCC in the community room for free GED prep classes! For more info call 540-674-3682.
Thursday, Oct. 24:
Halloween Spooktacular 5
Invasion of the Student Body Snatchers: The 5th annual Halloween Spooktacular takes place at Radford University in the Covington Center (corner of Jefferson and East Main St). This free event combines music, dance, art, design, video, trivia and is a fun show for the Halloween season. This year, the theme is alien invasion. Parking is free too. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and the main show starts at 7:30 p.m. Please note, the event features loud music and horror movie clips, so it may not be suitable for youngsters or sensitive audience members.
Monday, Oct. 28:
Radford City Council meeting
The Radford City Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. in council chambers at the Radford Municipal Building, 10 Robertson St., Radford. Citizens are invited to attend and allowed to speak at each meeting. See the agenda at www.radfordva.gov.
Montgomery County Board of Supervisors meeting
Public meetings are normally held the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Montgomery County Government Center, 755 Roanoke St. in Christiansburg. Closed sessions begin at 6 p.m. if needed. Open sessions begin at 7:15 p.m. Citizens are invited to attend and allowed to speak at each meeting. All regular meetings of the Board of Supervisors are rebroadcast on Montgomery County Comcast and Shentel Channels 190 daily.
Free GED Prep Classes with NRCC
At the Radford Public Library, 9 a.m. – noon. Join NRCC in the community room for free GED prep classes! For more info call 540-674-3682.
Tuesday, Oct. 30:
Radford Trick or Treat Trail
Downtown Radford, 4- 6 p.m. Trick or treating at downtown Radford businesses.
Blacksburg Town Council meeting
The council meets in regular session the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building, 300 S. Main St. These meetings are open to the public and televised live on WTOB Channel 2.
Christiansburg Town Council meeting
Regular town council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month beginning at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall (100 E. Main St.). The public is welcome and encouraged to attend, with a citizen hearing time reserved at each meeting for residents to bring any matter they desire before the entire council.
FamilyREADS with Literacy NRV
At the Radford Public Library, 5:30 – 7:45 p.m. If you are a parent with low to intermediate English language skills, sign up for Family Reads in partnership with LiteracyNRV. Registration required. LiteracyNRV will host seven weeks of learning each Tuesday from Oct. 1 – Nov. 19. We’ll have fun activities for kids aged 3-8 so you can focus on your language studies (siblings are welcome, and homework help is available). A story time, educational activities, and games will be provided for all children. Families will receive free dinner! For more information, call (540) 382-7262, test (540) 585-1672, or email Anne Abbott at aabbott@lvnrv.org.
Virginia HEAR program
Do you want to learn about how to stay safe from scams, and other forms of mistreatment? If yes, the Virginia HEAR program is for you. You will learn how to recognize, address and prevent elder abuse and financial exploitation. You will also learn how to access local supports and resources that will help keep you safe in your home and community. Virginia HEAR is working to end elder mistreatment and ageism in Virginia, through a positive, community approach to elder justice. Tammy Caldwell, Supervisor of Senior & Special Populations, Christiansburg Parks and Recreation and Janet Brennend, Long-Term Care Ombudsman and Elder Abuse Prevention Specialist, are leading this program locally in partnership with the Elder Justice Learning and Research Hub at the Virginia Center on Aging & Department of Gerontology, at Virginia Commonwealth University. At the Christiansburg Recreation Center, 9- 11 a.m.
Saturday, Nov. 2:
Children’s clothing consignment sale
The semi-annual Blacksburg United Methodist Church children’s consignment sale will be held on 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Blacksburg United Methodist Church, 111 Church St. (parking at 202 Lee St.). Families can get great deals on seasonal kids’ clothes and shoes, toys, books, baby gear, sports equipment, maternity clothing and more. Many items are like-new (some even brand-new). Some items will be half-price between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. but you will want to shop early for the best selection. Cash or checks only; no card or electronic payments. Proceeds benefit local charities. There is space for new consignors. For more information, email bumckidsale@aol.com.
Thursday, Nov. 7:
Radford Army Ammunition Plant community meeting
The Radford Army Ammunition Plant (RFAAP) will hold the next Commander’s Community Meeting at 6:30 p.m. The event will take place at the Christiansburg Library at 125 Sheltman St., Christiansburg. Additionally, the event will be broadcast on Facebook Live from the Radford Army Ammunition Plant Facebook page. These meetings are open to the public and are an opportunity to learn about RFAAP Modernization and Environmental Projects. Our commitment to responding to your questions extends beyond the Community Meeting. You can reach out to us for questions or to conduct research on your own through several resources, including Facebook: www.facebook.com/RadfordArmyAmmunitionPlant; Homepage: www.jmc.army.mil/Radford/RadfordDefault.aspx; and Email: usarmy.ria.jmc.mbx.amsjm-pa@army.mil.
Ongoing:
Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival
The festival runs until Nov. 3, 2024, Friday- Sunday. Start your journey by selecting the perfect pumpkin from a vast array of sizes and colors, ideal for fall decorations or carving your Halloween masterpiece. Then, hop on a hayride to the picturesque pumpkin patch, navigate the challenging five-acre corn maze, and indulge in a variety of fun-filled activities designed to delight the whole family. Live music, vendors and more. Open Fridays 4- 8 p.m. with limited offerings and Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, log on to sinklandfarms.com.
Now through Oct. 21:
Downtown, Parks and Recreation priorities input survey
The Town of Blacksburg is working to develop priorities to enhance downtown, parks, open space, and recreational facilities and amenities. Identifying the most important and necessary projects is critical to addressing budget constraints and competing needs.
As part of this project, the Town has designed a survey to gather citizen input to help set the town’s priorities for the next 5 – 10 years. This survey’s availability has been extended to provide more opportunities for citizens to submit their feedback. The survey will be available until Monday, Oct. 21, and can be found here:
https://letstalkblacksburg.org/tob-facilitiesandamenities.
Now through Nov. 20:
Faculty Showcase Exhibition
The Radford University Faculty Showcase Exhibition is open in the Radford University Tyler Gallery, Tyler Avenue, Radford. Come see artwork from faculty across the campus through Nov. 20. The closing reception will be Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. and includes refreshments.
