🌱 VT Gets $500K For Semiconductor Research + Yoga On The Lawn Series

Hi, Blacksburg! Like many of you, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Fourth of July. I’ll be back in your inbox after the holiday, but until then, here’s what’s happening in town today.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: A thundershower in spots; humid. High: 83 Low: 62.
• Tuesday: A stray afternoon thundershower. High: 83 Low: 64.
• Wednesday: A thunderstorm around in the p.m. High: 85 Low: 66.

Here are the top three stories in Blacksburg:

1. The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) have partnered, resulting in a $6 million investment for six joint research projects on advanced semiconductor chip design and fabrication. Virginia Tech is among the recipients of this funding. The collaboration aims to foster future research collaborations between the two countries, leveraging Taiwan's state-of-the-art semiconductor foundries to advance knowledge and prepare the workforce for semiconductor chip development. (WSET)
2. The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors is seeking individuals to fill vacancies on various boards and commissions, including the Adjustment and Appeals Board and the New River Valley Regional Commission. Interested citizens who are registered voters and in good tax standing can submit a letter of intent, along with a brief resume, either by mail to County Administrator F. Craig Meadows or by email to swinneyvl@montgomerycountyva.gov. (Mongtomery County Virginia)
3. The Saturday Yoga on the Lawn series kicked off this weekend at Blacksburg Museum. Every Saturday in July at 9:30 a.m., an instructor will lead a free easy-flow yoga class on the lawn of the museum. This series is presented by Virginia Tech and the Town of Blacksburg as part of the 2023 Summer Arts Festival. (Virginia Tech Performing Arts)

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Coming up in and around Blacksburg:

Monday, July 3

• Independence Day Celebration At Claytor Lake State Park, Dublin (10:00 AM)

Tuesday, July 4

• 4th Of July Parade And Fireworks In Downtown Blacksburg (2:00 PM)

Wednesday, July 5

• Blacksburg Farmers Market At Market Square Park (2:00 PM)
• Market Square Jam At Market Square Park (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Town of Blacksburg has announced the following schedule for Independence Day: administrative offices, Blacksburg Transit, the Community Center, and the Aquatic Center will be closed. Trash and recycling pickup in the NW Quadrant will be postponed to Jul. 5. The Blacksburg Town Council work session is rescheduled for Jul. 5, and the Planning Commission meeting will take place on Jul. 6. (Town of Blacksburg)
• Consider adopting a pet from local shelters in Blacksburg and nearby areas to add a furry friend to your family while making a positive impact. Animals of all kinds, like Ginger the Cat at Montgomery County Animal Shelter, are waiting for loving homes, and fostering opportunities are also available if you're unsure about long-term commitment. (Blacksburg Patch)

That's it for today. I'll see you soon! Have a happy Fourth.

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.