Tag Archive

How did Glenvar really get its name?

Glenvar: The name is affixed to the well-known West Roanoke County community; it’s seen on signs for businesses and the library now under construction; it’s worn by teenagers on green and yellow hoodies. But where, one might ask, did the name Glenvar originate? A recently discovered mention in an ancient newspaper sheds new light... »

Nature’s April Fool joke: Snow one day, 80s the next week

CRAIG COUNTY – It was Mother Nature’s April Fool’s joke on Craig County and the Roanoke and New River valleys. Just before afternoon commute time on April 4, the skies dumped between 4 and 7 inches of sleet and fluffy, wet snow. Snow covered daffodils and other blooming bulbs and created winter sculptures on... »

Surprise April snow catches forecasters – and flowers – off guard

SALEM – In another of Mother Nature’s April Fool’s jokes this season, just before afternoon commute time on April 4, skies dumped between 4 and 7 inches of sleet and fluffy, wet snow on the Roanoke and New River Valley. Numerous accidents happened in the Christiansburg area by mid-afternoon, with several drivers flipping or... »

Air Force cancels Roanoke-area jazz concert due to budget cuts

ROANOKE COUNTY – The free concert by the Air Force Jazz Ensemble has been cancelled, due to federal budget cuts related to the “sequester.” The concert was scheduled for Sunday, March 17, at Cave Spring High School. The local cancellation was announced March 7, by Wendi Schultz, who is Roanoke County Parks & Recreation’s... »

More snow?

SALEM – Forecasters say there could be more snow this Friday, Jan. 25. Salem , the Roanoke Valley and the New River Valley had their first snowstorm of the winter last week that moved in right on the forecasters’ schedule. The wet snow topped two days of heavy rains with anywhere from 4 to... »

Teen, dad build therapy room for Nicaraguan child

SALEM – A 5-year-old Nicaraguan girl may learn how to walk because a Salem pre-teen cared. Jake Johnson, who is almost 13, and his dad, Mark, went to Nicaragua to build a 12-by-12-foot therapy room that doubled the size of the tiny house where Naling and her mother live. They went because Jake convinced... »

Lendy’s was joy

People are always saying, “Remember where…was?” and I don’t. This week’s Vanished Salem historic photo feature from the Salem Museum in our Aug. 9 issue places another long-gone landmark in my mind. It was Lendy’s Big Boy. The building is still there, known most recently as the old Bastian’s Barbecue, I guess, on Apperson... »

Mongolian Phi Beta Kappa’s goal is to help her country’s economy

When she arrived four years ago, Mongolian student Nomin spoke little English. Now she is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate from Roanoke College, with honors, and is looking forward to learning more in environmental studies so she can go back home to help her country use its resources wisely. “We have a great deal... »

Service club members read to hundreds of kids in valley

ROANOKE VALLEY – All over the valley, adults put on funny hats, bright blue hair, duck feet and tried to wrap their tongues around such unfamiliar words and rhyming nonsense phrases as “yuzz-a-ma-tuzz” and “humpf-humpf-a-dumpfer.” More than 125 adults and teen members of area service clubs sat in kid-size seats and rocking chairs, reading... »

East Salem guidance counselor named Salem Teacher of Year

SALEM – East Salem Elementary Guidance Counselor Sarah Cocowitch has been selected as Salem Teacher of the Year for 2012. Her honor was announced today, only a couple of weeks after she learned she was named Virginia School and Youth Programs Statewide Volunteer of the Year. Cocowitch received that honor after heading up East... »