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Tuition Funding Available Through REV Initiative at Virginia Western Community College
The Commonwealth of Virginia has allocated $30 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars to help Virginians whose employment has been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis pursue workforce training in a high-demand field. The Re-Employing Virginians (REV) initiative will provide scholarships at Virginia Western Community College to eligible individuals, to enroll in a workforce or community college program in five essential industries including health care, information technology, skilled trades, public safety, and early childhood education. The deadline to claim this tuition funding is Dec. 14, 2020. Read more here. To see if you are eligible and schedule to meet an enrollment specialist, visit Virginia Western's website.
Brandon Avenue Paving Project Scheduled for 2021
Brandon Avenue, between Franklin Road and Brambleton Avenue, is scheduled for paving in the spring of 2021. In an effort to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities, the Transportation Division is considering making modifications to the travel lanes along the section between Colonial Avenue and Main Street. Staff is seeking public input to understand how the community feels about these potential changes. Please complete and share this survey (available through Dec. 31). All the information about the project is posted on this webpage. If you have questions or comments about this project, please contact Andrea Garland in the City’s Transportation Division, at 540-853-5887 or by email. Information also will be shared on the division’s Facebook page.
Families May Drop Off Santa Letters at Library Drop Boxes
One book drop at each City library branch, except the Gainsboro Branch (closed for renovation), has been specially decorated for the holidays. In addition to serving as book drops, they also serve as mailboxes for the North Pole! Families may drop off their letters to Santa at any of these book drops between now and Christmas Eve. Families may also stop by library branches to pick up a special gift bag from Santa. The bag contains a book, some activities, and a template for writing those letters!
Investiture Ceremonies Held for New City Council Members
Investiture ceremonies for Roanoke’s new City Council members were held this week at the Oliver W. Hill Justice Center. While the ceremonies were closed to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions, they were shown live on the City of Roanoke’s Facebook Page and can be viewed by using this link. In addition, Roanoke Valley Television recorded the ceremonies for playback on Cox Channel 3.
Mayor Sherman P. Lea and Council Member-Elect Stephanie Moon Reynolds were sworn in on Thursday, Dec. 3. Council Member-Elect Robert L. Jeffrey, Jr. and Vice-Mayor-Elect Patricia White-Boyd will be sworn in on Friday, Dec. 4, 3-4 p.m.
Roanoke 100 Miler Returns
Celebrate the New Year by accepting the Roanoke 100 Miler challenge. Participants commit to complete 100 miles in 100 days. This is one of Roanoke’s favorite fitness traditions, and a great way to learn more about the parks, trails, and greenways in our area. Register today to kick-start or supplement your fitness routine, win prizes, and get inspired by a community of motivated folks.