Good morning, Roanoke.

The Autism Acceptance Month Festival was held on April 11 at Melrose Plaza with free panel discussions, resource booths, and entertainment.

Autism Awareness Ambassador Guy Isaiah Smith led local efforts to promote understanding while Ashley Drayton and Morgan Janay participated (helping families learn about autism).

United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge moved into its new modern office at 3800 Electric Road, Suite 406 on Tuesday, Apr.

14 — hosting an open house and ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. to welcome community partners.

The city and Carilion Clinic approved a memorandum of understanding to launch RoVa Labs, a new biotechnology incubator at the clinic, while ApCo proposed an 18-mile power line to boost local energy service.

Bank of Botetourt promoted Jenny Tofano to branch manager of its Melrose Plaza office while she continues serving as vice president and mortgage loan officer at Virginia Mountain Mortgage.

In her new role, she will lead branch operations and customer service for communities (Melrose, Peters Creek, Cave Spring, and Salem).

Kim T. Preston, the Fashion Week director for the Next Generation Children's Fashion Show, shared her story of growing up in a tight-knit Roanoke neighborhood and now mentoring young models with care and community spirit.

She emphasized family as her foundation and praised the local support that shaped her journey.

Roanoke hosted its seventh annual traffic safety event at Westside Elementary School, where students practiced crossing streets and received helmet fittings (preparing them for Walk and Roll to School Day on May 6).

William Fleming High will honor its Athletic Hall of Fame inductees (including Mijuan Curtis, Troy Daniels, Coach Ronald 'Champ' Hubbard, Maurice Kitchens and Ti'Asia McGeorge) in a December ceremony.

Inductees will give speeches thanking former coaches, teammates, and family members for their support.

Dr. Jessaca Charite opened Positiviteeth Pediatric Dentistry on April 11 at 65 Shenandoah Avenue, Suite 100 in Daleville.

The clinic provides prevention, restoration, emergency care, infant, and sedation dentistry for children in the Roanoke Valley (she aims to inspire young patients by showing that hard work makes dreams come true).

Restoration Housing finished converting the former Trinity United Methodist Church into Trinity Commons with 15 affordable rental apartments for seniors on April 8 in Old Southwest.

The project took over a year, with city assistance (covering purchase and grants) making the adaptive reuse possible.

Runners of all levels completed the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon, including a full, half, and 10K race that tested them on steep hills (with Elmwood Park hosting the post-race festivities).

Participants and supporters cheered the finish along local greenways and up Mill Mountain.

Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs won Game 2 of the SPHL Semifinals today.

The win sets up the team for the next playoff game & boosts their momentum in the series.

Leonard Blush and the Camelcals

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Parkway Brewing Company — Not specified — Experience a vibrant rock and roll performance by a versatile live band from Roanoke, Virginia.

Roanoke Valley Holistic Expo

10 AM – 5 PM — Salem Civic Center — Free admission — Experience a day of holistic discovery with inspiring vendors and wellness activities.

Swan Lake

7-10 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the world’s most iconic ballet brought to life by a cast of international dancers in a stunning performance.

2026 Community School Strawberry Festival

11 a.m. - 7 p.m. & 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Free entry — Enjoy delicious strawberry shortcakes and local music amidst artisan vendors.

Explore & Pour Festival

11 AM – 4 PM — Explore Park — $25 for wine tastings — Enjoy a full day of wine, live music from Latin Heat, and local artisan shopping in a scenic setting.

Coppélia Performance

3-6 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the whimsical ballet where toys come to life in a magical toyshop.

The Shoobies Live

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Parkway Brewing Company — Free entry — Experience live music in a vibrant brewery setting with rotating food trucks.

The Darkside Experience - Pink Floyd Tribute

6:00 – 9:30 PM — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Cost info not provided — Experience an authentic tribute to classic Pink Floyd that feels just like being there.

Black Label Society Concert

7-10:30 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets from $33.75 — Experience the electrifying heavy metal sounds of Black Label Society alongside Zakk Sabbath and Dark Chapel.

Hands-On Process Improvement Workshop for Spanish Speakers

8 AM – 12 PM — Virginia Western Community College — $275 — Engage in a hands-on workshop to learn effective process improvement techniques through interactive simulations.