Douglas Martin sat at a wooden podium just inside the automatic doors of Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for close to 64 years. Everyone knew him as Mr. Martin the greeter who directed patients, helped them out of their cars and pushed patient gurneys.

On Thursday afternoon, Mr. Martin’s chair sat empty, and the usual larger-than-life man had been replaced with a bouquet of roses, his favorite flower that often adorned the lapel of his uniform. Continue reading Dedicated Carilion employee passes →

by Neesey Payne

PULASKI, VA – It’s fall, y’all. The leaves are changing, the temperatures are getting cooler and it’s proving to be a busy time for Adaire Theatre.

The theatre kicked off the fall season with its production of “Quiet Courage,” a show that tells the story of Chauncey Harmon, Sr., a man born in Pulaski who fought for equal educational opportunities for African American students and equal pay for African American teachers. Continue reading Adaire Theatre celebrating fall with show about love and mini camp for kids →

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys is harnessing clean energy from the sun to save on their electricity bill, allowing them to put those savings directly into the work they do ensuring every individual can acquire the skills and support needed to earn a good job and advance into a sustainable career.

The new rooftop solar array is located on the Goodwill Roanoke Jobs Campus building in Roanoke, Virginia. This is one of several solar projects that RER Energy Group has been honored to develop for organizations in the Goodwill movement, and the first of these acquired by Standard Solar Inc., a nationally recognized leader in the development, funding, ownership, and operation of commercial and community solar assets. Continue reading Goodwill Industries® of the Valleys Leverages a Second Solar Array →

Roanoke Parks and Recreation is excited to host the Eureka Fall Festival, a free community event open to all. This event will be held at Eureka Park on Friday, Oct. 29, from 2 – 9 p.m., to encourage community members to engage with their neighbors, experience their local parks, and enjoy fun, safe activities in the City.

This festival is a part of Star City Safe, an initiative focused on expanded services and access to public facilities to keep our youth and neighborhoods safe. The initiative also includes a variety of in-person and virtual formats to keep a two-way dialogue going between the City and the community. Star City Safe was initiated internally by the City, working across departments from a whole-of-government perspective. Continue reading Roanoke Parks/Recreation to host Free Community Festival →

by Shawn Nowlin

Mac & Bob’s has ascended to the top restaurant in the state, according to the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association.

Each year, the VRLTA Ordinary Awards recognizes the best in the hospitality and tourism industries throughout the Commonwealth. On October 4, during an award ceremony in Richmond, Mac & Bob’s won the 2021 “Ordinary Award for Best Restaurant.” The trophy acquired during the formality is now displayed in the restaurant, something that co-owners Joe Dishaw and Bob Rotanz as well as General Manager Keith Griswold all hold near and dear to their hearts. Continue reading Mac & Bob’s named “Best Eatery in State” by Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association →