Food Lion has donated $3000 worth of shelf-stable foods and another $6000 towards physical improvements at the Manna Food Pantry operated by the Roanoke Rescue Mission. Local Food Lion employees were on hand to sort that donated food this morning.  Feeding Southwest Virginia, a partner agency with the Manna Food Pantry, nominated Food Lion for this Hunger Action Month activity. Lisa Thompson is director of development and communication for the Rescue Mission:

Opera Roanoke opens its 50th season on September 21.  That performance not only marks the organization’s anniversary it also is the swan song for long time artistic director Steven White.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

Steven White has been with Opera Roanoke for more than half of its existence.  When Opera Roanoke starts its 50th season, White will be ending his tenure as artistic director.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports.

Opera Roanoke

The season starts in just over a month and some familiar faces will return to the ice. The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs are gearing up for season ten at the Berglund Center – as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:

The Palliative Care Partnership of the Roanoke Valley is presenting an evening with Dr. Aditi Sethi-Brown…“Bringing Death Back into Life.” As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports death can teach us a lot about life.

The end-of-life conversation is a daily one for the Palliative Care Partnership of the Roanoke Valley. The conversation is also one Dr. Aditi Sethi-Brown promotes through her Asheville based Center for Conscious Living and Dying.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

Palliative Care Partnership of the Roanoke Valley

Center for Conscious Living and Dying

Aditi Music

An area gym is hosting a memorial stair climb honoring first responders who died during the 911 terrorist attacks. More from WFIR’s Clark Palmer.

Worries about hurricane Helene’s impact here and rumors that the entire blue ridge parkway was shut down due to roadway damage not withstanding, 2024 was a very good year for Virginia’s Blue Ridge when it comes to tourism. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

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.

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Go Cross is back at Fallon Park in southeast Roanoke this Saturday and Sunday, bringing some of the best pro and amateur cross country cyclists with it – while also welcoming local bikers at all skill levels. The story from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

A festival in Roanoke that has seen growing popularity within the last few years is kicking off again later this month, however a few changes will take place. WFIR’s Conner Arthur has that story:

State government leaders including Governor Youngkin like to talk about strong job growth in the Commonwealth, but in recent weeks the economy seems to be pumping the brakes a bit, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports: