by S. Rotan Hale

It was a grand night Saturday, Nov. 29 as family and friends celebrated Pat Curtis’ 60th birthday in style. The Kazim Temple hall in downtown Roanoke was filled with many who came out to support and party with the wife of Duke Curtis of Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home. For the past several years, Pat has been understood by many to be the first lady of the dual family-owned business that has been a tradition in the African American community for over 60 years.  Continue reading A birthday fit for a queen →

US Cellular delivered exciting news to six area Roanoke teachers that their classroom projects had been funded through the company’s Calling All Teachers program. This is the company’s fourth time working with philanthropic website DonorsChoose.org and this year funded $1-million in impactful and engaging classroom projects submitted by public school teachers. The local donation of $30,077.65 supports 62 teachers, benefiting more than 4,156 students in Virginia. Continue reading US Cellular rewards 62 Virginia Teachers →

There were plenty of good wishes and encouragement to go around at the Silver Celebration of Praise held for Dr. judi Love Bowman on Friday, Nov. 28 at the Ramada Inn. judi entered the gala to the theme from “Preachers of LA”: “They call me a hero, but I can’t fly,” looking radiant and spreading joy and love. She later signed books and CDs while others enjoyed the catered reception from LaCove which, along with tasty hors d’oeuvres, featured a beautiful cake which depicted the book cover.  Continue reading Silver Anniversary Celebration of Praise →

BLACKSBURG – Pamela D. White has been named the executive director of equity and access in the Department of Human Resources at Virginia Tech.

White previously served as the department’s director of compliance and conflict resolution and Title IX coordinator for two years and will retain her Title IX responsibilities in her new role. Continue reading Named executive director of equity and access at Virginia Tech →

The Roanoke Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity recently donated 6 full Thanksgiving baskets to children and families in the Roanoke Community. Al Elliott and Al Meeks coordinated the annual initiative this year. Chapter members worked with several local churches to identify deserving families. Continue reading Kappas Donate Thanksgiving Baskets →