Related

Index

• Discover the Roanoke Valley
• Roanoke
• Roanoke County
• Salem
• Botetourt County
• Franklin County
• Bedford County
• Bedford
• Craig County
• Arts groups
• Civic organizations
• Clubs
• Higher education
• Health car facilities
• Human service agencies
• Government officals
• Museums
• Neighborhood organizations
• Radio
• Transportation
• Shopping

Think there's nothing to do in Roanoke? You’re wrong. Tired of hearing others complain about it? Show them this list so they, too, can enjoy some of the free things Roanoke has to offer.

Festivals

Roanoke is arguably the prime location in the valley for festivals and parades. Most of them are free.

- March: The St. Patrick's Day parade one of the largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the Mid-Atlantic region.

- May: The Local Colors Festival, a celebration of Roanoke’s ethnic and cultural diversity, is held every year in May. It includes a parade featuring more than 70 countries, arts and crafts, authentic food, live music and dancing.

- May: Festival in the Park, a nationally recognized - July: The Roanoke Times Music for Americans, an alcohol-free Fourth of July celebration, is complete with live music and fireworks.

Live music

Through the end of September, Ukrops and 104.9 FM will host Music on the Market with live shows every Saturday and Sunday. Musical groups include Beggar’s Circus, Celtic; Curley Ennis, folk and bluegrass; and Wild Turkey, old-time string.
Music on the Market shows are held Saturdays and Sundays  through Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Market Square. www.downtownroanoke.org/music.htm

Museums

Center in the Square is home to both museums and performing arts groups. While these all require admission fees, two museums — history and science — host “Free Fridays,” when visitors can enjoy the exhibits for a few hours at no cost. The History Museum of Western Virginia houses exhibits tracing human history through the Roanoke Valley. The Science Museum has both permanent and changing exhibits that explore the ever-changing world of science.
For a celebration of Black history and culture, visit the Harrison Museum of African American Culture. It features art, exhibits, photographs and oral stories. The collection includes artifacts and objects from several African countries. Current exhibits include “From Slavery to Freedom,” a history exhibit. Wanda Alston, museum manager, said, “We’ve pulled things from the archives and permanent collections to illustrate things that might have been happening in this area from slavery to freedom.” The theme, she said, is based on the book “From Slavery to Freedom” by John Hope Franklin. The exhibit will be on display through December. Guided tours and mini-lectures are available for groups of 10 or more. Call in advance.
Admission to the history and science museums are free the second Friday of each month from January to November at Center in the Square. It is located in downtown at 1 Market St. Visit the history museum on the third floor from 1-4 p.m. (540) 342-5770. Visit the science museum on the fourth floor from 3:30-6 p.m. Admission fees still apply during these times for the fifth floor MegaDome and planetarium. (540) 342-5710. www.centerinthesquare.org
The Harrison Museum of African American Culture is located off U.S. 460 at 523 Harrison Ave.; take Gainsboro Road to Harrison Avenue. While the museum is free, donations are welcome. (540) 345-4818. www.harrisonmuseum.com

Art

The Art Museum of Western Virginia celebrated its 49th annual Sidewalk Art Show this year in June. The show featured several dozen artists from along the East coast who displayed and sold their works. The event also included hands-on crafts for children.
The Sidewalk Art Show is held in the market area of downtown. (540) 342-5760. www.artmuseumroanoke.org

Mill Mountain Star

No guide to Roanoke would be complete without a mention of the Mill Mountain Star. You’ve no doubt viewed it while driving along U.S. 220, but have you driven up the mountain to see it up close? Mill Mountain Park offers not just an intimate viewing of the
881/2-foot-tall star, but also a breathtaking view of downtown Roanoke. The star was first illuminated in 1949. Its constant presence earned Roanoke the moniker “Star City of the South.”

Mill Mountain Park closes at 9 p.m. The star is turned off at midnight. It is located off I-581; turn right off the Elm Avenue exit, left onto Jefferson Street, left onto Walnut Avenue, which becomes Parkway Spur Road, follow signs. (540) 853-1133.

TOP EMPLOYERS:

Carilion Roanoke Memorial
City of Roanoke
Roanoke City Schools
Advance Auto Parts
Carilion Services
Wal-Mart
Anthem
United Parcel Service, Inc.
U.S. Postal Service
Kroger

• Utilities
• American Electric Power: (800) 956-4237, 40 Franklin Road S.W.
• Western Virginia Water Authority: 853-2456, 601 S. Jefferson St.
• Natural gas
• Highland Propane Co.: 777-7928
• Roanoke Gas Co.: 777-4427
• Southwestern Virginia Gas Service Corp. (propane only): 639-1611
• Telephone
• Cox Communications Roanoke: 776-3848
• Verizon: 954-6222 or (800) 826-2355
• Cable
• Cox Communications Roanoke: 776-3848

• Local officials
• Mayor: Nelson Harris: 853-2541
• Vice Mayor: David Trinkle: 853-2541
• City Council, 853-2541
• Alfred Dowe Jr.
• Bev Fitzpatrick
• Sherman Lea
• Gwen Mason
• Brian Wishneff 
• City Manager: Darlene Burcham: 853-2333
• City Attorney: William Hackworth: 853-2431
• City Treasurer: Evelyn Powers: 853-2561
• Commissioner of Revenue: Sherman Holland: 853-2521
• Police Chief: A. L. “Joe” Gaskins: 853-2203
• Sheriff: Octavia Johnson: 853-2941
• Commonwealth’s Attorney: Donald Caldwell: 853-2626
• Clerk of Circuit Court: Brenda Hamilton: 853-6702
• Government services
• General Information: 853-2000 
• Building, Permits and Zoning: 853-1090
• City Clerk’s Office: 853-2541
• Civic Center: 853-2241; box office: 853-5483
• Code Enforcement: 853-2344
• Development Assistance Center: 853-1090
• Engineering: 853-2731
• Finance Department: 853-2821
• Health Department: 857-7600
• Human Resources: 853-2231
• Magistrate: 853-2247
• Marriage Licenses: 853-6702
• Neighborhood Services: 853-5210
• Parks and Recreation: 853-2236
• Planning and Building Development: 853-1730
• Registrar: 853-2281
• Schools: 853-2816
• Sewer: 853-2513
• Social Services: 853-2591
• Va. Cooperative Extension: 772-7524
• Valley Metro: 982-2222
• Water: 853-2456

• Retirement, assisted living, nursing facilities
• Following is a list of some retirement and nursing facilities in Roanoke.
• Avante at Roanoke: 324 King George Ave. S.W., Roanoke, 345-8139
• Brandon Oaks: 3804 Brandon Ave., Roanoke, 776-2600
• The Court at Roanoke: 1127 Persinger Road S.W., Roanoke, 343-4900
• Fairington Apartments: 4922 Grandin Road S.W., Roanoke, 989-7731
• Magnolia Ridge: 1007 Amherst St. S.W., Roanoke, 342-8861
• Morningside Manor: 1020 13th St. S.E., Roanoke, 983-9223 and 983-9226
• Our Lady of the Valley: 650 N. Jefferson St., Roanoke, 345-5111
• The Park-Oak Grove: 4920 Woodmar Drive S.W., Roanoke, 989-9501
• Pheasant Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center: 4355 Pheasant Ridge Road, Roanoke, 725-8210
• Raleigh Court Health Care Center: 1527 Grandin Road S.W., Roanoke, 342-9525
• Roanoke United Methodist Home: 1009 Old Country Club Road N.W., Roanoke, 344-6248
• South Roanoke Nursing Home: 3823 Franklin Road S.W., Roanoke, 344-4325
• Valley Retirement Home: 1418 10th St. N.W., Roanoke, 563-9153
• Virginia Veterans Care Center: 4550 Shenandoah Ave. N.W., Roanoke, 982-2860
• Recycling
• The city of Roanoke offers weekly curbside recycling collection. Two or more free recycling bins are issued to households, businesses and places of worship. Recycling is collected on the same day and in the same location as refuse. Recycling bins should be set out for collection no earlier than 7 p.m. on the day before collection and no later than 7 a.m. on the day of collection. One week is “Bottle and Can Week.” The city collects clear glass bottles, aluminum and steel (“tin”) cans, and #1 and #2 plastic bottles. Rinse all items and discard lids before placing bottles and cans in the bins. The next week is “Paper Week.” The city collects office paper, junk mail, magazines, catalogs, newspapers, chipboard boxes (cereal, pasta, etc.), shredded paper, phone books and collapsed corrugated boxes. Refer to the city’s Municipal Calendar. 853-2000.
• Advance Auto Parts: 11 Roanoke Valley locations. Open seven days a week. Accepts used automotive batteries and motor oil.
• Allied Waste Services: 341 24th St. N.W. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Commercial containers for cardboard available. 982-5710.
• Cycle Systems: 2580 Broadway St. S.W. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Accepts all types of metal and paper. 981-1211.
• Roanoke Valley Resource Authority: Tinker Creek Transfer Station, 1020 Hollins Road. Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Drop-off containers for tires, newspapers, aluminum cans, scrap metal, appliances and wood. 857-5050.
• Child care
• Following are some of the child-care centers available in Roanoke:
• Church Court Day Nursery: 5125 Hildebrand Road N.W., 362-5300
• Downtown Learning Center: 502 Second Street S.W., 224-4400
• First Baptist Church Child Development Center: 515 Third St. S.W., 224-3357
• First Presbyterian Preschool: 2101 S. Jefferson St., 344-9538.
• Greenvale School: 627 Westwood Blvd. N.W., 342-4716
• HoneyTree Early Learning Centers: 1824 Jefferson St. Other locations in Roanoke County, Salem and Vinton. 344-4543.
• Little People Learning Center: 317 Kimball Ave., 982-5437
• Northwest Child Development Center: 1523 Melrose Ave. N.W., 342-0233
• Raleigh Court United Methodist Church Preschool: 1706 Grandin Road S.W., 344-6011
• Roanoke Catholic Preschool: 621 North Jefferson St., 982-3532
• Second Presbyterian Preschool: 214 Mountain Ave. S.W., 343-3659
• Shepherd’s Care Day School: 728 Highland Ave. S.E., 342-4003
• Total Action Against Poverty Head Start Centers: Head Start centers in Roanoke and Salem. 345-6781.
• YMCA Magic Place: Before and after-school care available at a number of Roanoke and Salem schools. 342-2332.

• Public schools
• High schools
• Patrick Henry High School: 2102 Grandin Road S.W., Roanoke, 853-2255. Principal: to be announced.
• William Fleming High School: 3649 Ferncliff Ave. N.W., Roanoke, 853-2781. Principal: Susan Willis.
• Middle schools
• Lucy Addison Middle School: 1220 Fifth St. N.W., Roanoke, 853-2681. Principal: Robert Johnson.
• James Breckinridge Middle School: 3901 Williamson Road, N.W. Roanoke, 853-2251. Principal: Asia Jones.
• Jackson Middle School: 1004 Montrose Ave., S.E. Roanoke, 853-6040. Principal: Stephanie Hogan.
• James Madison Middle School: 1160 Overland Road, S.W. Roanoke, 853-2351. Principal: Debra Deitrich.
• William Ruffner Middle School: 3601 Ferncliff Ave. N.W., Roanoke, 853-2605. Principal: Mark Hairston.
• Woodrow Wilson Middle School: 1813 Carter Road, S.W. Roanoke, 853-2358. Principal: Connie Ratcliffe.
• Elementary schools
• Crystal Spring Elementary School: 2620 Carolina Ave. S.W., Roanoke, 853-2976. Principal: David Merritt.
• Fairview Elementary School: 648 Westwood Blvd. N.W., Roanoke, 853-2978. Principal: Dr. Julie Bush.
• Fallon Park Elementary School: 502 19th St. S.E., Roanoke, 853-2535. Principal: Cynthia Delp.
• Fishburn ParkElementary School: 3057 Colonial Ave. S.W., Roanoke, 853-2931. Principal: David Amos.
• Forest Park Elementary School: 2730 Melrose Ave. N.W., Roanoke, 853-2923. Principal: Gloria Randolph King.
• Garden City Elementary School: 3718 Garden City Blvd. S.E., Roanoke, 853-2971. Principal: Rebecca Smith.
• Grandin Court Elementary School: 2815 Spessard Ave. S.W., Roanoke, 853-2867. Principal: Theresa Pritchard.
• Highland Park Learning Center: 1212 Fifth St. S.W., Roanoke, 853-2963. Principal: Debra Doss.
• Huff Lane MicroVillage: 4412 Huff Lane N.W., Roanoke, 853-2973. Principal: Dayl Graves.
• Hurt Park Elementary School: 1525 Salem Ave. S.W., Roanoke, 853-2986. Principal: Carlton Bell.
• Lincoln Terrace Elementary School: 1802 Liberty Road N.W., Roanoke, 853-2994. Principal: Freida Hines.
• Monterey Elementary School: 4501 Oliver Road, N.E. Roanoke, 853-2933. Acting principal: Ann Kreft.
• Morningside Elementary School: 1716 Wilson St. S.E., Roanoke, 853-2991. Principal: April Holmes.
• Oakland Intermediate School: 3229 Williamson Road N.W., Roanoke, 853-6391. Principal: Greg Johnston.
• Preston Park Primary School: 3142 Preston Ave. N.W., Roanoke, 853-2996. Principal: Karen McClung.
• Raleigh Court Elementary School: 2202 Grandin Road S.W., Roanoke, 853-2655. Principal: Babette Cribbs.
• Roanoke Academy For Mathematics and Science: 1616 19th St. N.W., Roanoke, 853-2751. Principal: Toni Belton.
• Round Hill Montessori Primary School: 2020 Oakland Blvd. N.W., Roanoke, 853-2756. Principal: Kathleen Tate.
• Virginia Heights Elementary School: 1210 Amherst St. S.W., Roanoke, 853-2937. Principal: Sybil Taylor.
• Wasena Elementary School: 1125 Sherwood Ave. S.W., Roanoke, 853-2914. Principal: Eric Fisher.
• Westside School for Performing and Visual Arts: 1441 Westside Blvd. N.W., Roanoke, 853-2967. Principal: Dr. Melva Belcher.
• Church schools
• Roanoke Adventist Prepatory School: 1716 Oxford Ave. S.W., 342-1133. Grades K-8. Member Association of Seventh Day Adventist Church. Call for tuition. Principal: James Beldin.
• Roanoke Catholic School: 621 N. Jefferson St., 982-3532. College preparatory curriculum and Christian education for grades pre-kindergarten-12. Call for tuition. President: Ray-Eric Correia. Lower-school principal: Susan Thompson. Upper-school principal: John Finnerty.
• Private schools
• Achievement Center: 312 Whitwell Drive, 366-7399. For children ages 5 to 10th grade with learning disabilities. Call for tuition. Director: Rebecca Clendenin.
• Community High School: 302 2nd St. S.W., 345-1688. Independent high school that emphasizes an integrated curriculum where students learn from experience-based internships, roundtable discussions, projects, extensive reading, writing and oral presentations. Call for tuition. Director: Linda Thornton.
• New Vista Montessori School: 2005 Langdon Road S.W., 342-1173. Ages 3-9. Before- and after-school care available. Call for tuition. Director: Susan Key.
• Other
• CITY School: 107 Church Ave. S.W., 853-2001. Principal: Ginger Weckstein.
• Governor’s School: 2104 Grandin Road, S.W., 853-2116. Interim director: Scott Watson.
• Taylor Academy: 3601 Thirlane Road, N.W., 853-1461. Principal: Rickie Sykes.
• School officials
• Clerk of School Board: Cindy Poulton: 853-2381.
• Superintendent: Rita Willis: 853-2381
• School Board, 853-2381, until June 30
• Chairman: David Carson
• Vice Chairman: Alvin Nash
• Jason Bingham
• Mae Huff
• William Lindsey
• Courtney Penn
• Todd Putney
• School calendar
• SEPT. 4: First day of school
• OCT. 29: Schools closed
• NOV. 6: Schools closed, parent/teacher conferences
• NOV. 21: Two-hour early dismissal
• NOV. 22-23: Schools closed, holiday
• DEC. 21: Early dismissal
• DEC. 22-JAN. 2: Schools closed, winter break
• JAN. 3: Schools reopen
• JAN. 21: Schools closed, holiday
• JAN. 28: Schools closed
• FEB. 18: Schools closed
• FEB. 27: Two-hour early dismissal
• MARCH 21: Two-hour early dismissal
• MARCH 24-28: Schools closed, spring break
• APRIL 11: Schools closed
• MARCH 23: Two-hour early dismissal
• MAY 26: Schools closed, holiday
• JUNE 12: Last day of school; two-hour early dismissal
• JUNE 13: Graduation
• Libraries
• Public libraries
• Main Library: 706 S. Jefferson St., 853-2473. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 1-5 (weekend after Labor Day to weekend before Memorial Day).
• Gainsboro Branch: 15 Patton Ave. N.W., 853-2540. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday noon-9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Jackson Park Branch: 1101 Morningside Ave. S.E., 853-2640. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, noon-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Melrose Branch: 2607 Salem Turnpike, 853-2648. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, noon-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. -5 p.m.
• Raleigh Court Branch: 2112 Grandin Road S.W., 853-2240. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday, noon-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Williamson Road Branch: 3837 Williamson Road N.W., 853-2340. Monday, Wednesday, noon-9 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• College libraries
• Jefferson College of Health Sciences: Room 611, 920 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke. Health-related information available. Call for hours, 985-8273.
• Virginia Western Community College: Brown Library, 3095 Colonial Ave., Roanoke 857-7303. Open to the public. Fall and Spring semesters: Monday-Thursday 7:45 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Friday 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Summer semester: Monday-Thursday 7:45 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Law libraries
• Roanoke Law Library: 315 Church Ave. S.W, 853-2268. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Computerized legal research, reference collection open to the public. Some materials can be checked out.

• Parks and recreation
• The following is a partial list of activities offered by the City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation department. 853-2236. http://roanokegov.com/play
• All ages: Outdoor programs include biking, caving and canoeing. There are also adult hikes, children’s nature programs and astronomy. Sports and fitness classes include aerobics, yoga, kickboxing, karate, weight training and senior water aerobics.
• Youth: Toddler programs include Music-N-Motion, Tiny Chefs, Kinder Dance, tennis lessons and arts and crafts.
• Teens: Seven recreation centers throughout the city offer after-school drop-in, teen club, arts and crafts, double dutch rope jumping, table games, tennis lessons and drama club.
• Seniors: Activities include bridge and canasta, ballroom dance, water aerobics, movie time, birthday club, special lectures, Joy of Painting and day trips.
• Recreation league sports
• The following is a list of recreation league sports the City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation Department offers. 853-2236. www.roanokegov.co/athletics
• Basketball: Youth basketball (boys and girls, ages 6-18). Adult basketball.
• Football: Youth football (ages 6-14) and cheerleading (ages 6-14). Adult touch football.
• Frisbee: Adult ultimate frisbee.
• Soccer: Youth outdoor soccer (ages 6-18). Youth indoor soccer (boys, girls and coed, ages 6-12). Adult outdoor soccer.
• Softball and baseball: Youth baseball (ages 6-18). Youth softball (ages 6-18). Adult men, women and coed softball. Adult plastic bat and ball.
• Swimming pools
• Public pools
• Gator Aquatic Center: 1130 Overland Road, 982-7665
• Private pools
• Countryside Golf Club: 1 Countryside Road N.W., 563-0391
• Elks Lodge: 1147 Persinger Road S.W., 982-9074
• Hollow Creek Swim Club: 217 Hershberger Road, 366-7665
• Kirk Family YMCA: 520 Church Ave. S.W., 342-9622
• Roanoke Country Club: 3360 Country Club Drive, 345-2838
• Golf courses
• Public courses
• Blue Hills: Semiprivate. 2002 Blue Hills Circle, 344-7848
• Countryside Golf Club: 1 Countryside Road N.W., 563-0391
• Ole Monterey: 1112 Tinker Creek Lane, 563-0400
• Private courses
• Roanoke Country Club: 3360 Country Club Drive, 345-1508
• Health clubs
• Curves for Women: 3505 Franklin Road S.W., 344-1040
• Downtown Sports Club: 16 W. Church Ave., 345-7001
• Family Center YMCA: 108 Orange Ave. N.W., 344-9622
• Kirk Family YMCA: 520 Church Ave. S.W., 342-9622
• Zoom: 215 S. Jefferson St., 224-5678  
• Tennis courts
• In this list, the first figure indicates the number of courts at a site; the second is the number of lighted courts. 
• Crystal Spring: 6-0
• Eureka: 5-5
• Fallon: 2-0
• Fishburn: 2-2
• Garden City: 2
• Golden: 2-2
• Highland Park: 3-3
• Huff Lane: 4-4
• Jackson: 2-2
• Melrose: 1-0
• Morningside: 2-0
• Perry Park: 1-0
• Preston: 4-4
• Raleigh Court: 2-2
• River’s Edge: 6-6
• Shrine Hill: 3-3
• Strauss: 2-0
• Sunrise: 1
• Thrasher: 2-0
• Wasena: 4-4
• Washington: 6
• William Fleming High School: 4-0