Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How you can help fight child hunger at Blacksburg’s Empty Bowls event

Be sure to catch Improv Class Graduation Show on the Blacksburg Patch calendar

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Saturday September 19th Patch AM
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Cheers Blacksburg! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How you can help fight child hunger at Blacksburg's Empty Bowls event
  • What the new Prices Fork–Peppers Ferry construction means for your commute
  • How NIL-fueled demand is driving Blacksburg home prices sharply higher

Also on today's calendar: FREE WEBINAR | "Under a Golden Sky: The Mosaics of Florence Baptistry" and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call cows dancing in the dark 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 77 and low of 64 degrees.
  • Sunday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, temps: high: 82, low: 62.
  • Monday: A shower and thunderstorm, with a high of 77 and low of 60 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Empty Bowls fundraiser set for Oct. 13 in Blacksburg (wdbj7.com) — An Empty Bowls fundraiser is coming to the YMCA at Virginia Tech Center on North Main Street in Blacksburg on October 13, raising money for Meals On Main to feed food-insecure children in the New River Valley. Local spots like Avellinos, Bull & Bones, Next Door Bake Shop and the YMCA food truck will provide soup, with ticket options ranging from bowl-only keepsakes to couple packages.
   

2. Construction begins 9/28 on Prices Fork/Peppers Ferry Road (nrvnews.com) — Drivers around Blacksburg should prepare for long-term construction starting September 28 at the intersection of Prices Fork Road and Peppers Ferry Road in Montgomery County. The $8.3 million project will add turn lanes, sidewalks, drainage upgrades and a new signal, with periodic lane closures and flagging expected through late 2027 during off-peak hours.
   

3. NIL era brings new buyers to college housing markets (housingwire.com) — Home prices in Blacksburg have surged 47% since the NIL era began, with median values jumping from about $242,000 to $356,000 while local housing inventory has dropped 35%. Analysts say student‑athletes using new name‑image‑likeness income to buy homes are one factor reshaping college‑town markets, raising both opportunities and affordability concerns for residents near Virginia Tech.
   

4. Virginia Tech band reviews heat safety after Iowa musician's death (wdbj7.com) — Virginia Tech's Marching Virginians in Blacksburg are reexamining their heat safety protocols after a University of Iowa band member died following a hot-weather performance. Leaders are considering lighter uniform use, more water access, and additional breaks so local student musicians stay safer during games and practices in intense conditions.
   

📸 Around Blacksburg

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Found: Tuxedo with perfect little mustache.
    Socialized and with an injured back paw. If you can tell me the timeline you've been missing him, the general area he frequents, as well as his name… (Nextdoor Ridgewood)
  • Panda Express posted a job opening for Assistant Manager (P1-1364745-2) in Blacksburg. Apply here.
  • Goodwill Industries of the Valleys posted a job opening for Hanger - Part Time in Blacksburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Blacksburg here.

Ok Blacksburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Night Moo-s (Thank you John S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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