Out of the Office

Outdoor Services Manager Greg Martin and Long-Range Planner Sarah Gilmore join the podcast to talk about the Roanoke River Blueway. From piggy dipping at Green Hill Park to battling the rapids in Explore Park, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the river.

Find more information about the Roanoke River Blueway at RoanokeRiverBlueway.org

Looking to embrace those 90’s Summer vibes? Em Poertner and Caitlin Gills check in on their Roanoke County Bingo cards. Focusing on free events and everything you get with your library card, there’s a lot of ways to get out in Roanoke Countyfor a screen free summer.

LIBRARY BINGO CARD

https://www.roanokecountyva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/33182/Podcast-BINGO-Card?bidId=

ROANOKE COUNTY BINGO CARD

https://www.roanokecountyva.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/6016

Check out the Hollins Library Construction Project: https://youtu.be/vRdahBulE9k?si=MP5n4cxv-nD5cya2

Kathryn Lucas and Grace Needham from Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, as well as Kelley Brammer from Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism join us on Out of the Office to discuss how tourism efforts help shape our economy in the Roanoke region. Plus, discover some great events happening this spring!

If you don’t already follow Visit VBR on social media, checkout their pages to hear about all the happenings around the region!

https://www.facebook.com/visitvbr

https://www.instagram.com/visitvbr/

Recreation Coordinator Anna Jones joins us on Out of the Office to discuss classes happening this winter at the Brambleton Center. From crafts to wellness programs, there’s something for everyone. Devon Burnette from Therapeutic Recreation also joins  the podcast to talk about the 40th Annual Valentine’s Dinner Dance.

 Devon was recently recognized by the board for receiving Virginia Recreation and Parks Society's "Best New Program Award" for the Therapeutic Recreation Night Club program. Programs and Registration: https://www.roanokecountyparks.com/209/Brambleton-Recreation-Center

Are you ready to get into the Winter Wonderland spirit? Listen to the most recent episode of Out of the Office! Em and Alex were ON SITE at the Grand Illumination giving you the inside scoop from this year’s Winter Walk of Lights. From the trail to the market and all the Santa and hot chocolate between, there’s plenty to explore at Illuminights.

Destination Explore Park video: https://youtu.be/4GwL_iXxYBg?si=HvBN4JjImtFO9EwR

From Spooktacular to Trunk-Or-Treat there are greatactivities around Roanoke County to celebrate Halloween.

Alex North, from Parks and Rec, and Officer Caleb Forehand, from the Roanoke County Police Department, join the podcast to talk about these events and how to stay safe during spookyseason.

SPOOKTACULAR

October 25, 12- 5 p.m., Explore Park

More Information: https://www.roanokecountyparks.com/673/Spooktacular-Saturday

TRUNK-OR-TREAT

October 31, 5- 7 p.m., Northside Middle SchoolMore Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/810853201488915

It’s (almost) fall y’all! Alex North and Anna Jones from Parks and Recreation join the podcast to talk fall events and programming. Get all the info you need on the Bent Mountain Fall Festival, GO Fest at Explore Park and Food Truck Thursdays. Plus learn about the activities the Brambleton Center is offering this fall including Zombie Prom.

We’re wrapping up season two with the RoCo Pros on Out ofthe Office! RoCo Pros is an employee resource group for the County’s emerging professionals. Get to know some of Roanoke County’s employees from different departments and find out what their favorite activity is in the region!

Interested in working for the County? You can find our openpositions here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/roanokeva

On this month’s episode we’re joined by Roanoke-based cyclist Gordon Wadsworth and John Oney from Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge to talk about the upcoming USA Cycling events in the Roanoke Region. This July, there will be three national championship events in the area: short track, marathon and cross country.

July 14, 2025: Marathon Championships at Carvins Cove

July 16-17, 2025: Short Track Championships at Elmwood Park

July 18-20, 2025: Cross Country Championships at Explore Park

This month’s episode is a crossover with If You Noke You Know to plan our summer bucket lists! Kathryn Lucan and Grace Needham join us from Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge to share the insider knowledge of everything in the Roanoke region.

From events to trails and restaurants, there’s something for everyone. So, get out your notepad – or notes app – and create your summer bucket list with us!