Good morning, Roanoke.

Donna Davis is the director of community engagement at Goodwill Industries of the Valleys and was born in Roanoke—she learned early lessons from family and community role models.

She now organizes events at Melrose Plaza and serves on the Arts Commission to keep local culture vibrant.

The Roanoke Economic Development Authority has committed $250,000 to the new Business Equipment Incentive Program that will match funds for local manufacturing and commercial purchases.

Eligible local businesses that have been operating for at least one year and meet city requirements can apply—applications open October 1 at 8:00 a.m.

Downtown Roanoke, Inc. and the Roanoke Arts Commission said today they added a new mural by artist Christina Wing Chow at 27 Church Avenue Southeast near the Hampton Inn and Suites— the colorful art honors Karen Shreeman and is part of an Art in Place project.

Buddha Mountain Center in Roanoke held a groundbreaking ceremony on August 24 at 4904 Buddha Mountain Road to start building the first full-scale Buddhist temple, which is now 40% complete and must raise an additional $1.7 million to finish.

Senior monk Thich Chuc Do led the event while community members including Mayor Joe Cobb joined in ceremonies where monks created a sand mandala—highlighting the center’s growing cultural presence.

Virginia lawmakers face pressure to fix SNAP benefit errors caused by paperwork delays at the Department of Social Services—experts warn that the error rate exceeding 11% could cost nearly $200 million this biennium and up to $530 million in the future.

Next year, lawmakers will consider policy changes such as increased training and higher salaries for caseworkers to reduce these mistakes.

The Roanoke NAACP held its annual drive-thru voter registration event on Melrose Avenue outside Mt. Zion AME Church on Sept.

6, where NAACP President Brenda Hale and volunteers answered voter questions and sold baked goods to raise funds. The event offered a safe way for residents to register ahead of the Nov. 4 elections — ensuring they received essential information on early voting and registration deadlines.

Good Samaritan Hospice announced that Tina McGeorge received the 2025 Kibler Cares Hospice Caregiver’s Award—honoring her exceptional compassion as noted by the Coyne family—and was named a 2025 Good Sam Hero.

She earned her CHPNA certification in July and continues to provide dedicated care.

Older drivers are invited to join the free CARFiT event on Tuesday September 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at North Roanoke Baptist Church at 6402 Peters Creek Road—trained volunteers will provide safety checks to help ensure drivers and their vehicles are a good fit.

Virginia Tech fired head football coach Brent Pry Sunday afternoon after a loss to Old Dominion on Saturday night, marking the team's third straight defeat this season.

Interim coach Philip Montgomery will lead the team as officials work to develop a new plan to improve the program—officials said the plan will be presented to the Board of Visitors later this month.

Members of Roanoke Elk’s Lodge Number 197 paused community work to compete in a Bocce Ball tournament—determining the club champions.

KALEO Concert

7-9 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience KALEO live with their chart-topping hits and electrifying performance.

Bug & Bat Night

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Mill Mountain Discovery Center — $15/individual, $45/family — Enjoy s’mores and learn about nocturnal wildlife and bats using UV lights and microphones.

Urban Rodeo with 803 Fresh

4-10 p.m. — Amphitheater at Elmwood Park — No Refunds — Enjoy a lively urban rodeo with music by DJs Adam T and Showtime, welcoming all step teams.

Alison Krauss Concert

7-9 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets from $35 — Experience the legendary Alison Krauss & Union Station on their Arcadia 2025 Tour.

Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Check venue for ticket prices — Celebrate 20 years of Avatar: The Last Airbender with an unforgettable concert experience.

The Fab Four: Beatles Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — Berglund Center — Tickets available — Experience the Emmy Award Winning Fab Four in a night dedicated to the Beatles' 'Help!' and their greatest hits.

Martin's 20th Anniversary Street Party

4-7 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — Free entry — Celebrate two decades of community with live music from Big Something and a vibrant street atmosphere.

Classic Golf Tournament

12:30 p.m. — Roanoke Country Club — Cost varies — Enjoy a round of golf with meals, prizes, and camaraderie at a beautiful course.

Béla Fleck Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Cost information not provided — Experience the virtuosic banjo skills of one of the world's premier players.

Sugaray Rayford Live

8 PM – 2 AM — Jefferson Center — Tickets available — Experience a night of electrifying blues and soul with the commanding voice of Sugaray Rayford.