Good morning, Roanoke.

A gym in Troutville is hosting 'Hands for Audrey' on Saturday at the Botetourt Training Center to raise funds for a 2-year-old girl battling brain cancer.

The event features a heavy bag competition for ages 6 and up (entry is $60 per team of three with $100 sponsorships available).

Joe Russell worked nearly 40 years at Texas Tavern where he built lasting bonds with regular customers.

His warm humor and kind service left a legacy that will be remembered by our community.

Roanoke Symphony Orchestra will present the Heart of Sibelius this weekend at Jefferson Center ahead of Valentine’s Day.

A new community theatre group focused on African American participation debuts its gospel musical Crowns at the Dumas Theatre on Friday, Feb. 20 — a show featuring church Sunday hats.

Franklin County Public Schools are considering a proposal to switch to a four-day school week, a change introduced Monday to address staffing+budget challenges and boost student engagement in the district.

Franklin County school leaders proposed a four-day school week and parents and teachers reacted at a recent meeting (some shared both support and concerns).

Officials will review the feedback before finalizing any changes.

On Wednesday, VMI Superintendent Lt. General David Furness said he supports the amended House Bill 1374 at a House Committee of Education hearing.

The revised bill keeps the board structure—capping alumni at eight and requiring six senior military members + balanced civilian oversight—and now heads to a full House vote.

Carilion Taubman Cancer Center—adjacent to the medical school—received a $500,000 donation from Cox Communications today as part of its over $100 million project.

The new facility will open next year to offer state-of-the-art cancer treatments in the region.

For last-minute Valentine’s Day plans, locals can pick up fresher roses at George’s Flowers (half dozen starting at $39) and secure reservations at 419 West, which advises early booking to enjoy its special dining deals.

Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons Concert

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Taubman Museum of Art — Ticketed event — Experience a magical evening featuring the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons illuminated by candlelight.

Valentine's Day DIY Workshop

3-6 p.m. — Board & Brush Creative Studio — Pre-registration required — Create your own unique wood sign with paint and wood stain while enjoying complimentary beverages.

Browse & Bid Auction

Browse in house Feb. 12th-14th, then bid on over 1800 items, on line. Everything pictured on web site.

Public Ice Bumper Cars

12:30-6:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — $11 + fees — Enjoy a fun-filled family activity with ice bumper cars for all ages.

Rend Collective Concert

7 PM - 1 AM — Jefferson Center — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience an energetic performance from an eclectic collective of multi-instrumentalists from Northern Ireland.

Perpetual Groove Concert

7-10 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets required — Experience an electrifying blend of rock, indie electronica, and metal from PGroove with an impressive light show.

Toubab Krewe Live Performance

8-10 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Ticket prices vary — Experience unique music that transcends conventional genres and resonates deeply with the spirit of community.

Public Ice Bumper Cars

12:30-6:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — $11 + fees — Experience the thrill of bumper cars on ice for children aged 2 and up.

Riverdance 30 - New Generation

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Tickets required — Celebrate 30 years of Irish dance magic with innovative performances and a new generation of dancers.

Tuba Skinny Performance

9 PM – 1 AM — Jefferson Center — Cost info not provided — Experience the vibrant sounds of traditional New Orleans music with Tuba Skinny.

The Shark is Broken

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Showtimers Community Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Dive into a comedic perspective of the behind-the-scenes antics during the filming of Jaws.