It’s shaping up to be a beautiful Spring Mother’s Day  weekend – a dry one, too! 

FRIDAY, MAY 11TH

16TH ANNUAL TUG FOR TOTS  sponsored by CHIP of Roanoke Valley is an old-fashioned tug og of war fundraiser.  It starts at noon at Spartan Field at Salem High School located at 400 Spartan Drive  Three weight divisions and a lot of fun!

SATURDAY, MAY 12TH

MOTHER’S DAY TEA PARTY    from 11Am until 12:30 PM at Smith Mountain Lake State Park at the Discovery Center.

MONSTER FLEA MARKET  from 7AM until 3PM at the Roanoke Civic Center.  This is a free event for shoppers!

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST  at 2PM at the Jefferson Center is the ballet production of  The Dance Centre of Southwest Virginia, featuring a cast of 100 dancers.  Tickets are $20. 

ROANOKE RAIL FEST  will be held at the Virginia Museum of Transportation starting at 8AM.  There will  be music, food, tours children’s activities and rides o the O-40T Vulcan Iron Works Steam Locomotive steam train.  The museum is located at 303 Norfolk Avenue.

SUNDAY, MOTHER’S DAY

MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH  at AmRhein’s Winery.  Treat Mom to a special buffet lunch, enjoy music by Jordan Harman, and sample some wonderful wines.  Moms enjoy a complimentary galss of wine, rain or shine. 

MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND AT PEAKS OF OTTER WINERY  from noon until  5PM.

A TRIBUTE: A DAY FOR MOTHER’S  “America’s Beloved Tenor”, Daniel Rodriguez and his wife Marla Kavanaugh will perform at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre at the Roanoke Civic Center at 2PM.  Tickets are priced from $27 – $57.

CHATEAU MORROSETTE MOTHER’S DAY  from 11AM until 3PM with a lavish buffet with tastings and tours scheduled at noon, 2 and 4PM.  Reservations are recommended.

                                                                                       I think we have just got to be the coolest place in Southwest Virginia!  When I look at what our area has to offer, it just blows me away.  How lucky we are to have the best in music, the best in art, the best in dining, and the best in outdoor activities!  Roanoke has got it going on.  Here  are some of the cool things going on this weekend in the ‘Noke!

FRIDAY, MAY 4TH

FIRST & THIRD ON FRANKLIN  starts this evening at 5PM and goes until 8:30 in Downtown Roanoke.

DANCING UNDER THE STARS  Dance from 8PM until 11 at the beautiful Valhalla Vineyards.  Admission is $12.50 per person.  No outside alcohol and 21+.

ART BY NIGHT  Visit 10 art galleries, enjoy live entertainment, refreshments, and chat with the artists from 5 until 9PM.

32nd ANNUAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL is the annual fundraiser for Community School held at Elmwood Park from 10AM until 5:30PM, with kid’s activities, live entertainment, and strawberries in a gazillion ways.

SATURDAY, MAY 5TH 

16 HANDS SPRING STUDIO TOUR  going on today and Sunday at various locations in Floyd .  Hours are from 10AM until 5PM, and this is a free vent.  Visit four studios and meet the artists and check out their hand-crafted pottery, jewelry, woodworking and sculpture.

32nd ANNUAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL is the annual fundraiser for Community School held at Elmwood Park from 10AM until 4PM, with kid’s activities, live entertainment, and strawberries in a gazillion ways.

GREENVALE SCHOOL CHILI COOK-OFF happening today from 11AM until 5PM. Chili tasting, the competition, a Best Salsa contest, live entertainment and more with proceeds benefitting the Greenvale School tuition fee scholarship fund. Tickets are $4 in advance and $5 at the gate.

24TH ANNUAL MUSTAND AND FORD POWERED ROUND-UP  from 8AM until 4PM at the Salem Civic Center.  The free event will benefit the St. Francis Service Dogs and Children’s Miracle Network.  There will be arts and crafts, food, the Red Sox Kids Zone, andof course, the Car Show!

SUNDAY, MAY 6TH

RIVERDANCE  at 7PM at the Salem Civic Center.  This is the final tour in the U.S. for the Irish Stepdance performance.  Tickets are priced from $37.50 – $57.50.

SPRING BLING FUNDRAISER  is a fundraiser for the West End Center for Youth which will be held at the Hotel Roanoke from 12:30 until 4PM.  Enjoy a champagne and coffee brunch with a silent auction, and a fashion show featuring the West End students.    Adult tickets are $55 and children’s tickets are $25.

16 HANDS SPRING STUDIO TOUR going on today at various locations in Floyd . Hours are from 10AM until 5PM, and this is a free vent. Visit four studios and meet the artists and check out their hand-crafted pottery, jewelry, woodworking and sculpture.

There are all kinds of great things going on this weekend.  The weather looks like it will be a little drier than the last few days, so it should be a super weekend for getting out and making some fun!

THURSDAY, APRIL 27TH

CARMEN  One of the greatest operas will be performed tonight at the Shaftman Performance Hall at the Jefferson Center at 8PM.  Opera Insights pre-curtain talk will start at 7PM.  Tickets start at $21.50.

57TH ANNUAL VINTON DOGWOOD FESTIVAL  begins today and runs through Sunday.  Food, live music, craft shows, kid’s activities, and a parade are just a few of the fun things going on in Downtown Vinton.  Check the website for events, schedules and all the pertinent information.

BLUE MAN GROUP  This is the last night for their stay in Roanoke.  The show starts at 7:30 at the Roanoke Civic Center.

BILLY CURRINGTON , singer/songwriter will perform tonight with David Nail and Kip Moore at the Salem Civic Center at 7:30PM.  Tickets are $27.50 or $35.

FRIDAY, APRIL 28TH

11TH ANNUAL PUPPY LOVE BALL  “Wish Upon a Paw” at the Hotel Roanoke will begin at 6:30PM  and feature dining, dancing, and a silent auction to raise funds to support the SPCA and community outreach programs.  Tickets are $75 and the event is black tie. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 29TH

CARMEN One of the greatest operas will be performed tonight at the Shaftman Performance Hall at the Jefferson Center at 2;30PM. Opera Insights pre-curtain talk will start at 1:30PM. Tickets start at $21.50.

OPEN STUDIOS OF ROANOKE  Join the 12th annual tour of local artists’ studios in 4 neighborhoods.  You can start this self-guided tour at any location from 10AM until 5PM.  It’s free and you can download the map on the website.

BLACKSBURG FORK & CORK  Enjoy it all here, with food, wine and art.  Sample wines from 20 Virginia wineries and art from 20+ local artists, and food from local restaurants.  Live music, a chef’s competition, and food sculptures are just a few of the fun things going on at the First and Main Shopping District in Blacksburg.  Check the website for more information and admission prices.

PETEX  with speakers, over 100 exhibitors, loads of pet products and services and a microchip clinic, will be going on today and Sunday at the Roanoke Civic Center.  Today’s hours will be from 10AM until 5PM.  Admission is $5 – $7.  Check the website for the events and schedules.

SUNDAY, APRIL 30TH

OPEN STUDIOS OF ROANOKE  Join the 12th annual tour of local artists’ studios in 4 neighborhoods. You can start this self-guided tour at any location from noon until 5PM. It’s free and you can download the map on the website.

PETEX with speakers, over 100 exhibitors, loads of pet products and services and a microclip clinic, will be going on today  at the Roanoke Civic Center. Today’s hours will be from 11AM until 5PM. Admission is $5 – $7. Check the website for the events and schedules.

Looks like it might be a little soggy this weekend, but  not to worry.  There’s plenty to do inside or out.  Saturday is EARTH DAY, and there are lots of celebrations going on.  Whatever you put on your weekend agenda, make it fun and make it safe.

THURDAY, APRIL 19TH

DOWNXDOWNTOWN    with 4 days, eight venues, and 50+ bands.  This is an extraordinary line up of local musical talent.  Check the website for times, locations, and bands.  Going on now through Sunday!

FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH

IMAGO THEATRE: ZOOZOO      Check out this really cool show starting at 7PM at the Jefferson Center.  Here is the link to the video!

SATURDAY, APRIL 21ST

CITY MARKET SATURDAYS  happening every Saturday on the Historic City Market from 11AM until 2:30 PM.  Enjoy the sights and sounds of the market with a Food Preservation demo and music this Saturday by After Jack.

E-SCRAP RECYCLING EVENT  hosted by Cycle Systems will be held at the Roanoke Civic Center from 9AM until 3PM.  Take advantage of this eco-friendly way to dispose of electronics, kitchen appliances, tools and more.  Televisions are monitors are $5, but everything else is free.

4TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY ONE-STOP RE-SHOP  going on today and Sunday at Tanglewood Mall.  This yard sale by the Girl Scouts will feature items that have been donated and proceeds will provide scholarships for the programs offered by the Girl Scouts for girls ages 5 to 18.  Stop by today from 10AM until 9PM.

14TH ANNUAL BLUE RIDGE KITE FESTIVAL starts this morning at 10AM at Greenhill Park. This is the perfect event for the entire family with free admission, free kites, free t-shirts for kids, entertainment, food, and more. Rain or shine, the show will go on!

EARTH DAY ROANOKE Celebrate the earth from 10AM until 4PM at Grandin Village. This free event is not to be missed. Individuals and organizations showcase their projects and share their knowledge.

KIWANIS PANCAKE & AUCTION DAY  from 7AM until 1PM will be benefitting local charities that serve youth and seniors.  Come out and enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, and beverages.  Tickets are $5 in advance and $6 at the door and children under eat free at the Roanoke Civic Center Special Events Center.

SPRING OPEN HOUSE AT CHATEAU MORRISETTE  will be happening today at the winery from 11AM until 4PM with tastings, food, and fun.

SUNDAY, APRIL 22ND

SPRING OPEN HOUSE AT CHATEAU MORRISETTE will be happening today at the winery from 11AM until 4PM with tastings, food, and fun.

ROANOKE COLLEGE CHILDREN’S CHOIR: A LITTLE SPRING MUSIC  is today at the Jefferson Center beginning at 3PM.  This event may be sold out, so you might want to  check with the Jefferson Center.

4TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY ONE-STOP RE-SHOP going on today and Sunday at Tanglewood Mall. This yard sale by the Girl Scouts will feature items that have been donated and proceeds will provide scholarships for the programs offered by the Girl Scouts for girls ages 5 to 18. Stop by today from noon until 4PM.

By Jamie Press

Social Security Manager in Roanoke

EARTH DAY OR ANY DAY, SAVE A TREE BY GOING ONLINE

April 22 is Earth Day. More than one billion people will celebrate Earth Day in one way or another.

You could plant a tree, and recycle your plastic, glass, and paper, or use the back side of printer paper before tossing it.  But what’s even better than recycling your paper is not having any paper to begin with.  By doing business with Social Security over the Internet, you’ll be doing your part to help us in our environment-friendly practices. 

Whether you want to get an estimate of your future retirement benefits, apply for Social Security benefits or Medicare, request a replacement Medicare card, report a change of address or direct deposit (if you are currently receiving benefits), or take charge of your retirement planning, you can use our secure website.

Going online saves you a trip, as well as the gas and carbon emissions that go along with it.  Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices to get started.

 Doing business with Social Security online is fast, easy, and secure.   It’s also environmentally the cleanest, greenest way to do your Social Security business.

 Many of our online services are available as automated phone services too. Just call 1-800-772-1213.

 On Earth Day, not everyone can give their home or office an environmental makeover, or purchase an electric car but anyone can use our online services or automated phone services.

It’s shaping up to be the perfect Easter weekend with all sorts of fun stuff going on.  Hope you have a great one and find all of your eggs!

THURSDAY,  APRIL 5TH

SALEM ARBOR DAY CEREMONY  is free at Longwood Park in Salem, beginnning at 10:30AM.

FRIDAY, APRIL 6TH

BEER 101  will take place at Blue 5 at 7PM.  Square Society members get in for $20 and nonmembers are $30.  This is the 1st of 3 classes to take place in preparation for the Microfestivus.

ART BY NIGHT  is from 5-9 this evening in downtown Roanoke.

EGGSTRAVAGANZA  will be held at Highland Park with family activities and an egg hunt from 10 AM until noon and it’s free.

SATURDAY, APRIL 7TH

EASTER EGG HUNT  free at the Craig Center, located at 900 Chestnut Road in Vinton at 4PM.

CITY OF SALEM EASTER EGG HUNT  from 1 until 3 at Longwood Park will feature an appearance by the Easter Bunny, lots of activities, food samples and an egg hunt.  Bring your own container for the eggs!

SOX FEST  with activites for both children and adults, an egg hunt, a visit by the Easter Bunny, face painting, free hot dogs, ice cream and  more.  It’s free at the LewisGale Field in Salem from 10AM until 2PM.

SUNDAY, APRIL 8TH

It’s felt like Spring all winter, but it really IS the first weekend of Spring and it looks to be a rather soggy one, but there’s lots of great indoor things going on.  Make it a great one!

FRIDAY, MARCH 23RD

THE SPRING HOME SHOW will be going on today through Sunday at the Salem Civic Center.  Today’s hours are from 3 until 8PM.  Tickets are $8.

FATHER-SON & FAMILY BANQUET  all are invited to the Roanoke Civic Center Exhibition Hall for dinner and family entertainment with magicians, clowns, ballon artists and more. Va Tech football chaplain Johnny Shelton with be guest speaker.  Starts at 5PM and tickets are $16.

LANDAU EUGENE MURPHY, JR  will be performing at the Roanoke Civic Center at 7:30. Tickets start at $37.

SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA BALLET  presents: Firebird & 3 World Premiers at 3PM and 7PM at the Jefferson Center.  Tap-dancing nuns, audience participation, and a howl of a show you are sure to enjoy!

THE SPRING HOME SHOW   will be going on today through Sunday at the Salem Civic Center. Today’s hours are from 10AM until 8PM. Tickets are $8.

SPRING COCKTAIL CRAWL  will include 6 downtown restaurants and dinner from 2PM until 9PM.  Each stop will feature specials and door prizes.  The event is presented by the Square Society.  Members, $10 and non-members, $12.  Check the website for the stops and more information.  

ROANOKE VALLEY FINANCIAL FITNESS FAIR  will be held at the Roanoke Civic Center Exhibit.  This free event will show you how to get your finances in shape with seminars, resources, activities for children and adults from 11AM until 5PM.

SUNDAY, MARCH 25TH

ANGELIQUE KIDJO, the Grammy award winner, who has collaborated with Dave Matthews, Joss Stone, and Alicia Keys will perform at the Jefferson Center at 7:30PM.

THE SPRING HOME SHOW will be going on today  at the Salem Civic Center. Today’s hours are from 12 until 5PM. Tickets are $8.

Get your green on and get out and about this weekend!  There’s lots of fun stuff to do, so you shouldn’t have any problem stirring up your fun.

FRIDAY, MARCH 16TH

CELTIC CROSSROADS “WORLD FUSION TOUR”  tonight at 8PM at the Jefferson Center.  Enjoy your Irish music from Ireland, which has been acclaimed at exhilerating and authentic.  Check the website for more info and ticket prices.

SATURDAY, ST. PATRICK’S DAY

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE & CELTIC FESTIVAL  starting at 11AM in Downtown Roanoke.  The festivities are going on from 10AM until 5PM with the parade and all the related festivities.

CARNIVALE at the Hotel Roanoke to benefit Feeding America will be held from 6:30 until 11PM  with steel drum orchestras, food, fun, music, dancing, a cash bar and more.  The Hotel Roanoke is offering a sepcial $99  Carnivale Room Rate.  Bring your non-perishable items and get entered in a drawing for a free overnight stay with breakfast!

SUNDAY, MARCH 17TH

BRIDAL SHOW BY VAUGHAN DESIGNS  will be held at the Roanoke Civic Center from 1PM until 4PM.  Admission is $8 and there will be samples, food, giveaways, discounts and more.

March is going to be some kind of happening month.  From the Globetrotters to Elton John to The Moody Blues,  Roanoke is going to be THE place to be.  I guess we can call the winter of 2012 the Non-winter.  You warm weather lovers got to bask, and we snow-lovers are feeling a little cheated.

THURSDAY, MARCH 1ST

GLOBETROTTERS 2012 WORLD TOUR  at 7:30PM at the Roanoke Civic Center.  See your favorite Globetrotters and a host of new ones, too!

FRIDAY, MARCH 2ND

MDA CAR SHOW  This annual fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association runs today through Sunday at the Roanoke Civic Center with 2 floors of cars, vendors, and model car contests.  Not to mention the raffle drawings and silent auctions.  Admission is $10 for  for adults and $5 for kids.  Check the website for hours and more info.

ART BY NIGHT  Enjoy exhibits, live music, refreshments, and chat with the artists as you tour 10 downtown galleries from 5 – 9PM.

SATURDAY, MARCH 3RD

DANCE YOUR HEART OUT  is a super way to get some exercise and benefit the American Heart Association.  The Just Dance Roanoke Team will lead a 90-minute cardio dance at the Green Ridge Recreation Center at 9:30AM.  Admission is $10.

SUNDAY, MARCH3RD

sami.the.great   is Sami Akbari and she’s playing in an unknown location in Roanoke on Sunday at 7:30PM.  It is jazz and funk and a mysterious location.  To get tickets and find out the location, email the show’s promoters at compassandloft@gamil.com.  Tickets are $20 and refreshments will be provided.

Winter one day, Spring the next.  I’ve been telling folks, if they don’t like the weather today, hang around,  you just might get what you want tomorrow.  Snow lovers (that would be me) got their wish last weekend, but that might be a one-shot deal.  Here’s a look at what’s happening in the ‘Noke thIs weekend.  Get out and have some fun!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD

 EVENING OF MUSIC & DISCUSSION WITH JOHN LEGEND  at 7:30 this evening at Burruss Auditorium at Va. Tech.  Admission is $20 for this celebration of Black History Month with the Grammy Award winning song writer.

‘HILLSVILLE 1912: A SHOOTING IN THE COURT”   is a documentary about the “Hillsville Massacre”, which was a courthoust shootout between the Alllen clan and the Carroll County law.  Dinner will be available, along with a short perfomance at the Scottish Rite Theatre, located at 622 W. Campbell Avenue.  Check the website for ticket and more infomation.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY, 24TH

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA DEALERS ASSOCIATION BOAT SHOW  is perfect timing for the annual show, in light of the weather, we’ve been having.  Check out the boats and personal watercraft at the Roanoke Civic Center today from 1 until 7.  The show will be going on today through Sunday and admission is FREE TODAY only.  Saturday and Sunday is free from kids and $7.50 for adults.

MYSTICON  is the annual weekend-long sci-fi, fantasy, and pop culture convention held at the Holiday Inn Tanglewood.  Best selling author Sherrilyn Kenyon, and “Battlestar Gallactica star Nicki Clyne will be among the many featured guests today through Sunday.  Ticket prices and times vary, so check the website before you head over.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY, 25TH

DISNEY LIVE! PHINEAS & FERB  is a live show based on the Disney series showing at 1PM, 4PM, and 7PM at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre at the Roanoke Civic Center.  Tickets are priced from $17 to $43.

MYSTICON is the annual weekend-long sci-fi, fantasy, and pop culture convention held at the Holiday Inn Tanglewood. Best selling author Sherrilyn Kenyon, and “Battlestar Gallactica star Nicki Clyne will be among the many featured guests today through Sunday. Ticket prices and times vary, so check the website before you head over.

“A NIGHT TO REMEMBER”  is a celebration of Black History Month with the William Fleming High School Class of ’87 at the Dumas Center at 8pm.  Tickets for this musical event are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY, 26TH

MYSTICON  is the annual weekend-long sci-fi, fantasy, and pop culture convention held at the Holiday Inn Tanglewood. Best selling author Sherrilyn Kenyon, and “Battlestar Gallactica star Nicki Clyne will be among the many featured guests today through Sunday. Ticket prices and times vary, so check the website before you head over.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT  Roanoke Center of Performing Arts at 6:30 is a night of inspirational music featuring  Mandissa, Britt Nicole, and Laura Story.  Tickets are formed at $23 and $32.50.