4 from region among recent JMU graduates

Several residents from the New River and Roanoke valleys graduated from James Madison University during the December 2012 commencement exercises:

• Ashleigh Shepherd of Blacksburg earned a master of arts degree in teaching.

• Andrew Duncan of Roanoke earned a bachelor of music degree.

• Jasmine Fleenor of Roanoke earned a bachelor of social work degree.

• Scott Cook of Roanoke graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in integrated science and technology.

* * *

A Little Black Dress night of networking and fun was snowed out in January, but New York Life Insurance Company has rescheduled it for March 21.

In addition to patrons learning how slip from the office to that special event in a little black dress, clients at the Salvation Army's Turning Point will benefit.

The event, from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m., will be held at the Sheraton Hotel, 2801 Hershberger Road N.W.

Tammy Theoharis, owner of Punch Boutique, and Catherine Grainger, store manager, will share their expertise on looking chic whether you are going to the grocery store or a black-tie event.

Patrons are encouraged to bring new or gently worn business-appropriate attire to donate to Turning Point, a shelter for survivors of domestic violence.

Business suits, jackets, pants, skirts, blouses, sweater, shoes, scarves, belts, jewelry, handbags, attache cases and unopened hosiery will be accepted.

For more information or to reserve a space, call 983-0112.

* * *

For the second year in a row, Virginia Heights Elementary School is the beneficiary of a Towers Shopping Center holiday shopping spree promotion.

The school will use the $1,000 donation to buy math teaching tools and new headphones and microphones, according to Linda Butts , principal.

"All of our students will benefit from this donation," Butts said in an email news release. "We are especially excited to be able to buy new tools to teach math."

Towers' promotion included a $1,000 shopping spree drawing and a donation to a local school.

Janet Freese of Roanoke won the shopping outing and chose Virginia Heights for the school donation.

This is the 12th year the merchants of Towers Shopping Center on Colonial Avenue Southwest have donated funds to local schools.

Last year's winner was the mother of a Virginia Heights student, who also selected the school.

Previous winning schools include: Wasena Elementary School, Woodrow Wilson Middle School, William Fleming High School, Patrick Henry High School, James Madison Middle School, Highland Park Learning Center, Clearbrook Elementary School and William Byrd Middle School.

* * *

The Roanoke Valley SPCA is recruiting individuals who are willing to "put your paws on the pavement and run" for the lives of their four-legged friends.

The no-kill, limited admission adoption and education center is holding its first Tail Chaser 5K and 1 Mile Dog Walk in Wasena Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 30.

The 5K run route is from Wasena Park through Smith Park to River's Edge and back, and the one-mile Black Dog Salvage dog walk route is along Wasena Park to Vic Thomas Park and back.

All dogs must be on leashes, and owners must provide proof of current rabies vaccination, either tag or certificate.

Registration is required for both events.

The pre-registration fee for the Tail Chaser 5K is $20 for runners and $5 for canine companions. The pre-registration fee for the one mile Black Dog Salvage Dog Walk is $20 for walkers and $5 for canine companions.

Registration on March 30 increases to $30 for runners and $30 for walkers.

Online pre-registration closes at 6 p.m. on March 27; visit Firstgiving.com and search for Tail Chaser 5K to register. Race day registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

For additional information, call 339-9502 or visit www.rvspca.org.

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