Good morning, Roanoke.

Downtown Roanoke Inc. launched its GIVE Roanoke campaign today to raise funds for its Ambassador and Beautification programs that include hanging baskets, planters, and tree lighting in Market Square.

The Ambassador team provides nearly 300 hours of weekly cleaning, hospitality, and outreach services, and donations are being accepted through April 23 at 11:59 p.m.

Integer, a global manufacturer of medical device components, has announced plans to expand in Salem by leasing a 13,000-square-foot facility to boost catheter production.

The expansion will create 83 new jobs over the next five years (with a $350,000 Opportunity Fund grant supporting the project) and will receive additional funds from a $500,000 performance-based grant (aiding workforce training).

John Wyatt was a barrel-maker from Botetourt County who traded a barrel of rum for his freedom and then used forged papers to pose as a British officer in order to uncover Tory plans to attack lead mines in modern-day Wythe County.

His quick report led local military leaders to raise the militia and arrest about 75 conspirators — a move that stopped the planned attack during the American Revolution.

Roanoke College dedicated the Authors and Architects memorial sculpture on April 4 at 226 Maxey Way to honor 829 enslaved laborers whose work helped build the college.

The memorial, designed by Richmond artist Sandy Williams IV in partnership with Creative Time, follows over a decade of research including student work on the Genealogy of Slavery project.

Longtime prosecutor John McNeil is running for commonwealth’s attorney as Don Caldwell, the longest serving officeholder, plans to retire—Caldwell will back McNeil and independent candidates may still join the race until the June 17 deadline.

Researchers at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute have improved a freeze-drying process that keeps small medicine-carrying exosomes from cow’s milk stable at room temperature for up to one year—so they can be stored and shipped in capsules without a cold chain.

The work, backed by a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute grant, may lead to better drug delivery and treatment options for radiation exposure and cancer therapy—paving the way for new biomedical applications.

A local nonprofit in Roanoke is opening The Grove on Patterson, a 7-bedroom treatment house for pregnant women with substance use disorder; up to 16 women will be able to live there and receive group therapy, counseling and other support plus community-designed amenities.

The home will begin serving patients the week of May 5th.

Carilion Clinic is expanding its emergency department at Crystal Springs Tower with a $500 million investment that will add five trauma bays—one of which is the first Level I pediatric trauma bay—and upgraded facilities including 125 beds, a second helipad and a new parking garage. Staff have begun orientation and the new department is expected to open later this spring to serve more patients from southwestern Virginia.

Roanoke College is hosting a bone marrow registry drive today at Wortmann Ballroom, Colket Center to find a match for sophomore Eddie Kaufman, who was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lost weight and hair from chemotherapy.

The drive will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is open to anyone 18 to 40 to join the National Marrow Donor Program — a simple check swab is all it takes.

Ashes & Arrows Concert

7 PM – 1 AM — The Grandin Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience captivating vocals and thoughtful lyrics from this talented musical group.

Spafford Live at 5 Points Music Sanctuary

6:30-11:00 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets required — Experience an evening of astonishing improvisational jams with one of the most creative bands on the contemporary jam scene.

Longshot Comic & Toy Show

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — $5.00 admission, kids free — Explore comics, toys, collectibles, and enjoy some cosplay fun.

Star City Circlesongs

3:30-5 p.m. — Historic Fishburn Mansion — Free entry — Experience a spontaneous community singing event that invites everyone to express their inner voice.

The Great Gatsby Ballet

7 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the glitz and glamour of the 1920s in this dazzling ballet adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic tale.

Amos Lee Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Cost info not provided — Experience emotionally raw music with a magical quality from Amos Lee.

CoComelon Live! in Roanoke

6-7:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling live sing-along adventure with CoComelon's JJ and friends on stage.

Afro-Cuban Dance Party with Jstop Latin Soul

9:30-11:30 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — $10 Cover — Roanoke, get ready to move with vibrant Afro-Cuban rhythms and a lively dance floor atmosphere.

Music Road Co

5:45-7:15 p.m. — Black Dog Salvage — Ticket info available online — Enjoy a local music experience in a vibrant setting.

April Speed Dating Event

5-8 p.m. — Bubba's 33 — $20 cash at the door — Enjoy a fun evening of quick conversations and the chance to meet potential matches.